'H  ill!  i   i      II 
.j!  Will  J  ' 


i   SHla 


.;««- 


alb 

Jili 


MAY  2fi  '9^- 


j«i.  li.?:: 


•k  .IB(b| 

V.2 


■ 


I 


< 


THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 

MATTHEW.* 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  GOSPELS. 

In  the  four  gospels  the  wisdom  of  God  has  given  us  four  separate  narratives  of  the  life  and  ministry 
of  our  Lord.  Betvreen  the  first  three  of  these  every  reader  notices  a  remarkable  agreement  in  the  general 
plan,  style,  and  manner  of  execution.  They  contain,  moreover,  many  sections  common  either  to  two  of 
them,  or  to  all  three ;  showing  that  the  writers,  besides  what  any  of  them  relate  as  eye-witnesses,  made 
use  of  common  sources  of  information.  At  the  same  time  each  of  them  has  striking  differences,  consisting 
partly  in  the  omission  of  what  the  others  liave  given,  partly  in  the  insertion  of  matter  pecuhar  to  himself ; 
so  as  to  make  it  plain  that  all  three  of  them  wrote  in  a  free  and  independent  spirit,  each  recording,  under 
the  -vida.  (  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  incidents  of  our  Lord's  life  and  teachings  best  adapted  to  the  end 
whi.'h  b.  '.;  I  in  view.  The  gospel  of  John  is  peculiar  in  its  style,  and  has  comparatively  little  matter 
CO,  i.iou  to  the  other  three  evangelists.  See  further  the  introduction  to  that  gospel.  The  general  end  of 
all  the  g.^spsls  was  that  stated  by  John,  chap.  20:31:  "These  are  written  that  ye  might  believe  that 
Jesus  is  tl  >.  Christ,  the  Son  of  God;  and  that  believing,  ye  might  have  life  through  his  name."  'Wliatever 
special  en  each  of  the  four  may  have  proposed — about  whicli  commentators  are  not  agreed — it  is  certain 
that  u  d  he  control  of  inspiration,  the  four  narratives  taken  together  furnish  precisely  that  portion  of 
our  Lord's   ife  and  teachings  which  is  needful  for  the  faith  and  practice  of  his  church  in  all  ages. 

Learned  men  have  devoted  much  time  and  labor  to  the  preparation  of  harmonies  of  the  four  gospels, 
th    I '  f  which  is  to  assign  to  each  incident  its  proper  place  as  respects  time,  and  to  reconcile  the 

ap;)  1  •  'screpancies  between  the  different  writers.  To  accomplish  such  a  work  to  any  purpose  would 
requn-L  more  extended  commentary  than  the  present.  One  general  remark  only  will  here  be  made, 
namely,  that  a  full  knowledge  of  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  events  recorded  by  the  evan- 
gc'iits  V.  dd  undoubtedly  show  their  agreement  with  each  other;  whereas  now,  for  want  of  this  know- 
Ici  J  e,  w  are  sometimes  unable  to  determine  confidently  the  true  mode  of  reconciliation.  This,  however, 
is  no  -oa  injury  to  the  candid  reader,  since  the  apparent  discrepancies  of  the  evangelists  always  relate 
o  .'■■crm^tantial  matters,  while  the  great  facts  and  doctrines  of  the  gospel  shine  forth  the  same  in  all 

I  IC    1. 


INTRODUCTION  TO  MATTHEW. 

Matit.hw,  also  called  Levi,  was  one  of  our  Lord's  apostles,  having  been  called  from  "the  receipt  of 
custom"  to  the  work  of  preaching  the  gospel,  chap.  10  : 3  ;  Mark  2:14;  Luke  5  :  27.  It  is  generally  agreed 
that  his  spel  was  written  before  the  otlicr  three,  and  also,  as  well  as  tiiose  of  Mark  and  Luke,  before  the 
destrucf  i  of  Jerusalem.  But  how  long  after  our  Lord's  ascension  cannot  be  determined.  Matthew's 
design  s  ms  to  have  been  simply  to  furnish  the  Christian  community,  then  consisting  largely  of  Hebrew 
converts,  /ith  an  authentic  account  of  our  Lord's  life  and  teachings.  It  is  an  old  tradition  that  he  wrote 
his  gospi  I  originally  in  Hebrew,  and  afterwards  put  it  into  its  present  Greek  form.  But  tliis  is  uncertain. 
Matthew  is  distinguished  from  Mark  and  Luke  by  his  extended  and  orderly  accounts  of  our  Lord's  dis- 
courses :  as,  for  example,  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  chaps.  5-7  ;  the  series  of  i)arabl(^s  from  tlie  ship, 
chap.  13  ;  the  denunciation  of  the  scribes  and  I'iiarisees,  cliap.  23  ;  and  the  remarkable  series  in  chap.  25. 

*  The  brevity  of  these  notes  precludes  tlie  possibility  of  noticing,  for  each  particular  passage,  the  help  derived  from. the  many  v.aluable  com- 
mentaries that  have  been  consulted.     This  general  acknowledgment  will  supersede  the  necessity  of  such  particular  references. 

100^5 


Thi  genealogy,  birth, 


MATTHEW  I. 


and  name  of  Christ, 


CHAPTER  I. 


1  The  Ken 
ceivea  b' 
espoused  to  Josepl 


ilogy  of  Christ  from  Abraham  to  Joseph.     18  He  was  ron- 
t»y  the  Holy  Ghost,  anJ  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  when  she  was 
:d  to  Joseph.     19  The  angel  satisficth  the  misdeeming  thouglits 
of  Joseph,  anii  interpreteth  the  names  of  Christ. 

THE  book  of  the  generation  of  Jcsu.s  Christ," 
the  son  of  David,''  the  son  of  Abraliam." 

2  Abraham  begat  Isaac;''  and  Isaac  begat  Ja- 
cob;'' and  .Jacob  begat  Judas  and  his  brethren;' 

3  And  Judas  begat  Pharcs  and  Zara  of  Tha- 
mar;*''  and  Pliarcs  begat  Esrom;"  and  Esrom  be- 
gat Aram;' 

4  And  Aram  begat  Aminadab;  and  Aminadab 
begat  Naasson  ;^  and  Naasson  begat  Sahnon;'' 

5  And  Salmon  begat  Booz  of  Raciial) ;'  and  Booz 
begat  Obed  of  Ruth;'"  and  Obed  begat  Jesse; 

6  And  Jesse  begat  David  the  king:"  and  Daviil 
tlic  king  begat  Solomon  of  her  that  had  been  the 
xoife  of  Urias;" 

7  And  Solomon  begat  Roboam;''  and  Roboam 
begat  Abia ;  and  Abia  begat  Asa ; 

8  And  Asa  begat  Josaphat ;  and  Josaphat  begat 
Joram  ;  and  Joraiu  begat  Ozias; 

9  And  Ozias  l)egat  .loatham  ;  and  Joatham  begat 
Achaz  ;  and  Aciiaz  begat  Ezekias  ; 

10  And  Ezekias  begat  Manasscs;''  and  Manas- 
ses  begat  Anion;  and  Anion  begat  Josias; 

11  And  Josias  begat  Jechonias  and  his  brethren,* 
about  tlie  time  they  were  carried  away  to  Babylon : 

12  And  after  they  were  brought  <o  Babylon, 
Jechonias  begat  Salathiel;''  and  Salalhicl  licgat 
Zoroliabel ;' 

13  And  Zorobalie]  begat  Abiud  ;  and  Abiud  be- 
gat Eliakim;  and  Eliakim  begat  Azor; 

•  Lake  3:23,  etc.  b  Pm.  132:11;  ch.  2->:45;  Acts  2:30.  c  Gon.  22:18; 
Gal.  3:10.  J  Gon.  21:*-.'!.  e  Gen.  21:20.  f  Gen.a0:35,  etc.  S  Gen.  3-:29, 
30.  h  Gen.  411:12.  i  Ruth  4:10.  J  I  Chr.  2:  lU;  Num.  1:7.  k  Ruth  4:20. 
>  Joril.  6:23;  Ruth  4:21.  >nRuih4:13.  ■>  I  .Sam.  17:12.  o  2  Sam.  12:21. 
Pi  Chi.  3: lU,  etc.    q  2  Kin|;<  20:21  ;   1  Chr.  3:13.     *  Some  read,  Jonas  ir^at 


\ 


CHAPTER  T. 

I.  Generation;  a  record  of  the  per.soiis  from  whom,  as  a 
man,  Jcbuh  ChriKt  descended.  Records  like  this,  and  thiit 
in  the  third  cha]>ter  of  biikp,  were  carefully  kejit  by  tlio 
.lews,  and  sliowed  that  Jesus  Clirlst  was  of  the  seed  of 
Abraham,  of  the  tribe  of  .liiihih,  and  of  tlie  family  of  David, 
uccording  to  the  predicticins  of  the  jiro]ihetH  and  tlic  jironi- 
ises  of  Ofjd  in  tlie  Old  Testament;  and  thus  they  e.\hil)it 
evidence  tliat  he  is  the  true  .Messiah,  tlie  >S;ivioiir  of  men. 

8.  Joram  hcf^nl  ():m.i ;  between  .bmim  aii<l  Ozias — the 
Uzziah  of  the  Hebrew — three  kinj^s  iire  oinilterl,  namely, 
Ahaziah,  Joash,  and  Aniaziah.     See  note  on  ver.  17. 

II.  Jnfifi.i  hrc'nl  Jcclionui.i;  jiere  Kh;ikiin,  son  of  .loslali 
and  father  of  Jechonias,  is  omitted.     Sec  note  on  ver.  17. 

16.  ChriHl ;  the  ineaniuf;  of  the  word  Christ  is.  Anointed. 
Persons  who  were  set  apart  and  consecraled  to  a  imblic 
office  under  the  Old  Testament  were,  In  many  cases,  anoint- 
ed with  oil,  in  toki'ii  of  their  beinp  endued  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  fit  them  for  their  duties.  So  Christ  having  been 
appointeil  and  consecraleil  i)f  the  Father  to  \S\v  oflice  of 
Uedeeriier,  is  calle<l  in  Hebrew,  the  ori(;lnal  laiiKuaKe  of 
the  Olil  Testament,  llie  .Messiah;  in  Creek,  the  oriciiiiil 
language  of  the  .\ew  Testament, the  Clirist;  and  in  Kn^jlish, 
the  Anointed;  all  meaning  the  same  thing:  one  s.-t  ai)art 
of  God  to  the  office  of  Redeemer,  and  divinely  qualified  for 
its  fulfilment. 

17.  Fourteen  grnernt ion-t ;  the  equality  of  (he  numbers— 
fourteen  generations  thrice  repeated — is  made  out  by  cer- 
tain oniigsions.  .Sec  notes  on  ver.  S,  11.  This  scpiaring  of 
numbers  in  the  construction  of  genealogical  tables  seems 
to  have  been  a  common  expedient  for  tJio  asBlHtaiicc  of  the 

106G 


14  And  Azor  begat  Sadoc;  and  Sadoc  .'i.  m. looo. 
begat  Achini ;  and  Achim  begat  Eliud ; 

15  And  Eliud  begat  Eleazar;  and  Eleazar  begat 
Matthan ;  and  ^latthan  begat  Jacob ; 

IC  And  Jacob  begat  Joseph  the  husband  of 
Mary,  of  wlioni  was  born  Jesus,  who  is  called 
Christ. 

IT  So  all  the  generations  from  vVbraham  to  Da- 
vid an-  fourteen  generations ;  and  from  David  until 
the  carrying  away  into  Babylon  are  fourteen  gen- 
erations; and  from  the  cari'ying  away  into  Baby- 
lon unto  Christ  are  fourteen  generations. 

IS  1  Now  the  birth  of  Jesus  Christ  was  on  this 
wise:'  When  as  his  mother  Mary  was  es]ioused  to 
Joseph,  before  they  came  together,  she  was  found 
with  child  of  the  Holy  Gliost.+ 

1'.)  Then  .Joseph  her  husband,  being  a  just  man,  ■ 
anil  not  willing  to  make  her  a  public  example,  was 
minded  to  put  her  away  privily." 

20  But  while  he  thought  on  these  things,  behold, 
the  angel  of  the  Lord  ajipcarcd  unto  him  in  a 
dream,^  saying,  Jose])h,  thou  son  of  David,  i'ear  not 
to  take  unto  thee  Mary  thy  wife :  for  that  which  is 
conceived'  in  her  is  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

21  And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou 
shalt  call  his  name  JESUS  :*  for  he  shall  save  his 
people  from  their  sins.''' 

22  Now  all  this  was  done,  that  it  might  be  ful- 
filled which  was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  proph- 
et,'' saying, 

23  Beliokl,  a  virgin  shall  be  with  chiUl.and  shall 
bring  forth  a  son,  and  they  shall  call  his  name'  Em- 
manuel, which  being  inter])reted  is,  God  with  us.*' 

24  Then  Joseph  being  raised  from  sleep,  did  as 


Jalcim,  and  Jakim  besat  Jechonias.  r  i  Chr.  3:17,  etc.  •  Nch.  12:1. 
t  Luke  1:27,  etc.  t  Fifth  year  before  the  account  callpil  .4«ho  Domini. 
uDcut.  24:1.  V  ver.  10.  I  Or.  bmotlcH.  ♦  That  is,  .S'a^vnllr.  "'Acts5:31j 
13:23,3S.     ilsa.7:14.     I  Or,  his  iiamt  shall  be  called.     yJohiil:14. 


memory.  In  determining,  however,  the  names  to  bo  omit- 
ted, the  framers  of  these  tables  were  doubtless  gtiiiled  by 
particular  reasons.  Thus  some  supjiose  that  the  three 
kings,  Ahaziidi,  Joash,  and  Amaziah,  were  left  out  of  tho 
Jewish  tables  on  account  of  their  connection,  through 
Atliidiah,  with  the  accursed  house  of  Ahab. 

Is.  Uii  Ihi.'i  wi.tc;  after  this  manner.  Expouficd  lo  Joseph ; 
engaged  to  be  marrie<l  to  him.  licfore;  before  they  were 
actually  married.  Uj' the  Hvlij  G/inst ;  the  conception  of 
Jesus  Christ  was  miraculous,  and  etTected  by  the  i)Ower  of 
C.od,  according  to  his  ileclaration,  lleb.  10:.'),  "A  body  hast 
thou  prepared  me." 

l!l.  A  piil/lic  crumple;  not  willing  to  have  her  jiuiiished 
according  to  the  law.  Dent.  22:21.  Put  her  away  priviJy; 
by  writing  a  bill  of  divnrccmcnt,  according  to  Ueut.  24:1. 

20.  .SVdi;  descendant  of  Ilavid. 

21.  Je.im;  Jesus  is  the  same  name  as  Joshua,  or,  as  it  is 
written  by  some  of  the  later  Hebrew  writers,  Jesliua.  It 
signifies  the  .salmtion  nfjehnvnii.  Siive ;  deliver  riimi  llie  pol- 
lution, power,  guilt,  coudeniiiiition,  and  punihlinic  iit  of  sin. 

22.  Fulfilled;  the  birth  of  Jesus  was  in  fullilnicnt  of  a 
(iromise  of  (iod,  by  the  prophet  Isaiah,  iitlcnd  more  than 
seven  hundred  years  befiirc.     Isa.  7:11. 

2.'t.  Emmnnwl;  a  jirojier  title  for  Jesus  Christ,  because 
he  was  (Jod  as  well  as  man,  and  dwelt  iimong  tho  sons  of 
men. 

IN.STHfCTIONS. 

18.  Though  the  fullilmclit  of  the  promises  of  (iod  niiiy  bo 
long  ileliiyed,  in  clue  time  they  will  be  accom]ilislii'd. 

Implicit  faith  in  (lod's  word,  and  jiatient  waiting  lor  its 
fulliliiient,  are  wise ;  for  though  heaven  and  earth  pass 
away,  his  word  will  not  pass  away. 


The  wue  men  visit  Christ. 


MATTHEW  II. 


Massacre  of  the  infants. 


v»r'  bS  the  augel  of  the  Lord  had  bidden  him, 
';    AcCaMTr  and  took  unto  him  his  wile : 

edAnnouom-     ^^  And kucw hcv Bot till shc had Ijrought 
forth  her  first-born  son:''  and  he  called  his  name 

I;  JESUS." 

CHAPTER   II. 

1  The  wise  men  out  of  the  east  are  directed  to  Clirist  by  a  star.  11 
They  worship  him,  and  offer  their  presents.  14  Joseph  fleeth  into 
Egypt,  wilh  Jesus  and  his  mother.  16  Herod  slayeth  the  children: 
20"  himself  dieth.  23  Christ  is  brought  back  again  into  Galilee  to 
Nazareth. 

N'OW  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of 
Judea  in  the  days  of  Herod  the  king,*  be- 
hold, there  came  wise  men  from  the  east  to  Jeru- 
salem, 

2  Saying,  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the 
Jews?''  for  we  have  seen  his  star  in  the  east,*^  and 
are  come  to  worship  him." 

3  When  Horod  the  king  had  heard  these  things, 
he  was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem  witli  him. 

4  And  when  he  had  gathered  all  the  chief  priests 
and  scribes  of  the  people  together,''  he  demanded 
of  them  where  Christ  should  be  born. 

.5  And  they  said  unto  him.  In  Bethlehem  of  Ju- 
dea :  for  thus  it  is  written  by  the  prophet,'^ 

6  And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of  Juda,  art 
not  the  least  among  the  princes  of  Juda :  for  out 
of  thee  shall  come  a  Governor,  that  shall  rule*  my 
people  Israel.'' 

7  Then  Herod,  when  he  had  privily  called  the 
wise  men,  inquired  of  them  diligently  what  time 
the  star  appeared. 

5  And  he  sent  them  to  Bethlehem,  and  said.  Go 
and  search  diligently  for  the  young  child ;  and 
when  ye  have  found  him,  bring  me  word  again, 
that  I  may  come  and  worship  him  also.' 

9  When  they  had  heard  the  king,  they  departed ; 
aud  lo,  the  star,  which  they  saw  in  the  east,J  went 


*  Exod.  13:2.  b  Luke  2:'21.  '  Fourth  year  before  the  account  called  Anno 
Domini.  »  Zech.  9:9.  d  Num.  24:17;  Isa.  00:3.  e  John  5:-Z>.  t  Psa. 
2:2.      s   Micah   5:-';   John   7:42.      t   Or, /frf;    Isa.  40:11.      h   Rev.  2:27. 


20.  Kindness,  conscientiousness,  and  a  disposition  to  do 
right,  with  a  cahn,  attentive  consideration  of  the  whole 
subject,  in  a  case  of  difflculty,  are  a  good  preparation  for 
learning  tlie  will  of  God  concerning  it. 

22.  God  in  the  Old  Testament  spoke  by  his  prophets, 
and  wliat  they  then  uttered  was  the  testimony  of  God. 
So  when  tliey  wrote  what  lie  directed  them,  it  was  the 
testimony  of  God;  lience,  their  writings  are  called  by  the 
Holy  Gliost,  "the  oracles  of  God."     Rom.  3:2;  1  Pet.  4:2. 

24.  To  follow  the  directions  of  God  is  safe,  usefid,  and 
blessed. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  Of  Judea ;  to  distinguish  it  from  another  Bethlehem, 
in  Galilee.  Herod;  this  Herod  was  an  Edomite.  lie  had 
been  proselyted  to  the  Jewish  religion,  but  was  a  very 
deceitful,  wicked,  and  cruel  man. 

2.  Born  Kiu^  of  the  Jews;  there  was  at  this  time,  as  we 
learn  from  lieatlien  writens,  a  general  expectation  through- 
out the  cast,  that  one  would  be  born  in  Judea  who  shotilil 
possess  universal  dominion.  Among  the  Gentiles,  tliis 
expectation  was  ])robablv  founded  on  sume  imperfect  ac- 
qiuiintonce  with  the  ]ir(]pheries  of  the  Old  TcstamiMit.  In 
the  cast;  in  tlieir  own  country,  whirli  lay  east  of  Juilea. 
The  natijre  of  tliis  sUir  we  have  no  means  of  determining. 
It  is  snlfieient  for  us  to  know  tliat  God  in  some  way  made 
known  to  these  Magi  its  meaning,  and  influenced  t'hem  to 
take  this  journey,  to  find  and  pay  their  homage  to  the  new- 
born King. 


before  them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the 
young  child  was. 

10  When  they  saw  the  star,  they  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  great  joy.'' 

11  1  And  when  they  were  come  into  the  house, 
they  saw  the  young  child  with  Mary  his  mother, 
and  fell  down,  and  worshipped  him :  and  when 
they  had  opened  their  treasures,  they  presented' 
unto  him  gifts;'  gold,  and  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 

12  And  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream  that 
they  should  not  return  to  Herod,'"  they  departed 
into  their  own  country  another  way. 

13  And  when  they  were  departed,  behold,  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a  dream, 
saying.  Arise,  and  take  the  young  child  and  his 
mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt,  and  be  thou  there 
until  I  bring  thee  word :  for  Herod  will  seek  the 
young  child  to  destroy  him." 

14  When  he  arose,  he  took  the  young  child  and 
his  mother  by  night  and  departed  into  Egypt : 

15  And  was  there  until  the  death  of  Herod :  that 
it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  of  the  Lord 
by  the  prophet,  saying.  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called 
my  Son." 

16  1^  Then  Herod,  when  he  saw  that  he  was 
mocked  of  the  wise  men,  was  exceeding  wroth, 
and  sent  forth,  and  slew  all  the  children  that 
were  in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the  coasts  thereof, 
from  two  years  old  and  under,  according  to  the 
time  which  he  had  diligently  inquired  of  the  wise 
mcn.P 

17  Then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was  spoken  by 
Jeremy  the  propliet,i  saying, 

18  In  Rama  was  there  a  voice  heard,  lamenta- 
tion, and  weeping,  aud  great  mourning,  Rachel 
weeping  ybr  her  children,  and  would  not  be  com- 
forted, because  they  are  not. 

19  1  But  when  Herod»was  dead,  behold,  an  an- 


i  Prov.  26:24.      J  ver.  2.     k  I'sa  07:4.     1  Or,  offend.     1  Psa.  72:10;  Isa 
eO:fi.     oich.  1:20.     n  J„b  33:15,  17.     oHos.  11:1.     P  ver.  7.     qjer.31:15. 


3.  Troubled;  Herod  feared  a  rival, and  his  trouble  caused 
the  peo]ile  to  be  troubled. 

4.  C/iief  priests  ;  the  principal  ministers  of  religion  among 
the  Jews  at  that  time.  Scribes;  writers  and  expountlers  of 
the  divine  law. 

5.  Tlie  projihet;  Micah  5:2.  Matthew  does  not  quote  the 
exact  words  of  the  prophet  Micah,  but  the  sense. 

9.  Went  before  them ;  in  their  journey  from  Jerusalem  to 
Bethlehem.  Stood  over  iclicre  the  i/niiiia;  c/ntd  was;  so  that 
they  were  guided  by  it  to  the  exact  spot. 

15.  Out  of  Eirypt  have  I  called  mi/  Son;  originally  spoken 
by  the  prophet  Hosea,  11:1.  of  the  Israelitish  nation  as 
God's  Son.  But  it  was  the  ap])ointment  of  (fod  that  in  this, 
as  in  so  many  otlier  things,  the  history  of  Christ's  body 
tlie  church  should  forcsluatlow  his  own  personal  history. 

16.  Had  diligentli/  inquired;  Heroil.  supposing  that  the 
time  of  the  appearance  of  the  star,  which  he  had  accurately 
learned  from  the  Magi,  must  agree  with  tlie  age  of  Jesus, 
dctcrniined  to  destroy  all  the  children  in  Bethlehem  whose 
age  could  possibly  come  within  that  of  the  young  child 
whose  life  he  sought. 

17.  Fiilfdled;  the  scene  in  Judea  was  like  that  depicted 
by  the  ]irophet,  Jer.  31:15,  so  that  his  words  most  fitly 
describe  it. 

18.  la  Rama;  north  of  Jerusalem,  in  the  tribe  of  Benja- 
min, of  which  tribe  Rachel  was  the  mother.  There  is 
probably  an  allusion  to  Rachel's  sejiulchre,  near  to  Beth- 
lehem, where  .she  is  poetically  rejircsented  as  weeping 
for  her  slain  children. 

1007 


k 


Jesus  of  Nazareth. 


MATTHEW  III. 


The  preacftiiig  of  Jo/,  n. 


gel  of  the  Lord  appcaretli  in  a  dream  to  Joseph  in 
Ejrvpt, 

20  flaying,  Arise,  and  take  the  younir  cliild  and 
liis  mother,  and  go  into  the  huul  of  Ir^racl :  for  they 
are  dead  which  sought  tlic  young  ciiild's  life." 

21  And  he  arose,  and  took  the  young  child  and 
liis  mother,  and  came  into  tiie  land  of  Israel. 

22  But  when  he  heard  that  Arehelaus  did  reign 
in  .Tudea  in  tlie  room  of  his  father  llerod,  he  was 
afraid  togo  thither:  notwitlistanding.  licing warn- 
ed of  God  in  a  dream,  he  turned  aside  into  tiie 
pai-ts  of  (ialilee:'' 

23  And  lie  came  and  dwelt  in  a  city  called  Naz- 
areth:"  tiiat  it  might  be  fullilled  whicii  was  sj)oken 
by  the  prophets,  lie  shall  be  called  a  Nazarene.** 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  John  preathcth:  his  office:  life,  and  baptism.     7  He  reprehendeth 
the  IMiarisees,  13  and  baptizeth  Christ  in  Jordan. 

IN  tliose  days  came  John  the  Baptist,  preaching 
in  tlic  wilderness  of  Judea,'' 

2  And  saying,  Repent  ye:  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  Iiand. 

3  For  tiiis  is  he  tliat  was  spoken  of  Ity  the  propli- 
et  Esaias,  saying,  Tlie  voice  of  one  crying  in  the 
wilderness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
his  paths  straight.'^ 

»ExoJ.4:19.  bch.  .1:13;  Luko  2:39.  c  John  1:4.'!.  J  Num.  0:13;  Judg. 
1.3:5;  1  Sim.  1:11;  Amos  ■2:IU-ia;  Acts  'J4:5.  «  Luke  3:i;  John  1:11. 
'  In.  40::j.     «  i  Kings  1:8;  ch.  U  :8.      hLev.  11:M.      i  Acts  1 :3;  2::!ri; 


k 


23.  Nazareth;  a  place  very  much  despised.  A  Nazarene; 
one  exceedingly  (lespiscd,  a.s  the  prophets  foretold  that 
Jesus  Christ  would  be.     Isa.  5'i:2,  3. 

IN'STUUCTIONS. 

1.  Friends  of  the  Saviour  are  sometimes  found  where 
we  should  least  expect  them. 

8.  Decciition  and  hypocrisy  are  often  united  with  great 
cruelty,  and  end  in  iiii.sery. 

13.  TlioHC  who  conscientioftsly  follow  the  light  which 
tliey  have,  will  receive,  in  the  use  of  proper  means,  all  the 
light  tlicy  need. 

IG.  The  effort-s  of  men  to  prevent  the  fulfilment  of  the 
word  of  liwl  arc  unavailing. 

18.  Children  as  well  as  parents  are  exposed  to  sudden 
and  unexpected  death ;  therefore  no  present  duty  should 
be  put  off  tn  a  future  time. 

23.  The  fulfilment  of  jirophccy  in  the  person  of  Christ 
proves  him  to  be  tlie  true  .Messiah. 

CILM'TMR   III. 

1.  linpti.st;  the  baptizer,  a  title  given  to  John  because  he 
baptizi'l.  The  wililertieti  of  Jnilca;  bordering  on  the  J  or- 
d;in  and  the  Dead  sea.  It  was  a  rough  and  thinly  settled 
region,  occupied  chiefly  as  a  place  for  p;iHtiirage. 

2.  Repent;  repentance  is  a  change  of  mind  with  regard 
to  sin,  especially  as  cotiimitted  against  (Jod,  which  leads 
a  person  U>  hate,  confcHH,  and  forsake  it. 

Kin<;lnm  nf  heaven;  the  .Messiah's  reign  as  predicted  by 
the  prnphet.'t,  or  the  sway  of  Christ's  gospel  and  dispen- 
sation civer  the  hearts,  lives,  and  destinies  r)f  men,  botli  in 
this  world  and  in  the  next.  This  kingdom  is  spoken  of 
in  the  .Scriptures  variously,  in  reference  to  its  sevenil  as- 
pects: first,  in  this  world,  ,as  alfei:tiiig  the  individii.-il  dis- 
ciple in  whose  heart  it  is  set  iip,!iH  aftVcijng  the  churches 
whom  it  gathers,  and  as  induencing  hiuii;in  society  gener- 
ally, even  when  not  brought  into  the  Christian  church; 
and  next,  as  extending  from  this  world,  through  the  judg- 
mcnt-d;iy,  when  it  will  be  universally  acknowledged,  into 
the  heavenly  world,  where  itwillre;ieh  its  crowning  glory. 
John  the  Haptist  was  its  herald.  Christ. aflcr  his  resurrec- 
tion and  just  before  bis  ascension,  declared  his  induction 
IOCS 


4  And  the  same  Jolin  had  his  raiment  of  a.  d.  a; 
camel's  hair."  and  a  leathern  girdle  about  his  loins  ; 
and  his  meat  was  locusts  and  wild  honey." 

5  Then  went  out  to  him  Jerusalem,  and  all  Ju- 
dea, and  all  the  region  round  about  Jordan, 

0  And  were  baptized  of  him  iu  Jordan,  confess- 
ing their  sins.' 

7  1  But  when  he  saw  many  of  the  Pharisees  and 
Sadducees  come  to  his  baptism,  he  said  unto  them, 
()  generation  of  vipcrs,J  who  hath  warned  you  to 
llee  from  the  wrath  to  come?'' 

8  Bring  forth  therefore  fruits  meet  I'or  repent- 
ance : ' 

9  And  think  not  to  say  within  yourselves,  We 
have  Abraham  to  our  fatlier:  for  I  say  unto  you, 
that  God  is  able  of  these  stones  to  raise  up  chil- 
dren unto  Abraham. 

10  And  now  also  the  axe  is  laid  unto  the  root  of 
the  trees:  therefore  every  tree  which  bringeth  not 
forth  good  fruit  is  hewn  down,  and  cast  into  the 
fire.' 

11  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water  unto  repent- 
ance:'" but  he  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier 
than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  bear:  lie 
shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghnsl,"  and  with 
fire : 

12  Whose  fan  is  in  his  hand,  and  he  will  thor- 


1(1:4, S,  18.  i  Isi  .'>'J:5;  ch.  I2:.14;  8.3:33;  Luke  3:7.  k  Jer.  51:8;  Bom. 
1 :  18.  '  Or,  ant^werabte  to  amtndment  of  lift,  '  John  15:0.  m  Luke  3:10; 
Acts  19:4.     n  Acts  1:5. 


into  it.  Matt.  28:18.  The  niillcniiiinn  and  (ho  judgment 
are  stages  in  its  continuous  progress;  and  the  consum- 
mation of  tlie  mediatorial  kiiigdoiii  is  described,  1  Cor. 
lj:24,  28.  Home  texts  in  which  tlie  ]ihr;ise  is  used  refer 
mainly  to  one  stage,  ;ind  ollieis  to  ;iii(>lln  r,  of  its  onward 
course. 

3.  Of  the  Lord;  in  the  original  it  is,  "rrcpare  ye  the 
way  oi' Jehovah."  Isa.  t0:3.  Christ  was  coming  :  "Make 
slritiglit  ill  the  desert  a  highway  for  our  (iod."  ^V■llellevcr 
the  word  Loud  in  the  (llil  Testament  is  printed  in  caiiil;ils 
ill  ourcoiiiiMoii  Eiiglisli  Bible,  it  is  Jkiiov.mi  in  the  original 
Hebrew;  and  tlie  appliciitioii  by  the  Holy  Sjiirit  of  what 
is  said  of  Jeliovali  in  the  Old  teslainciil  lo  Jesus  Christ 
in  the  New,  is  evidence  that  he  is  Uoil.  .\hil.  3:1;  John 
1:1. 

5.  All  Judea;  people  from  all  jiarts  of  the  country. 

fi.  Cotfrssnin  their  .sins;  the  bajitism  of  Jolm  was  adapted 
to  impri'SK  the  minds  of  the  jieople  willi  a  conviction  of 
their  iiolhitioii  by  sin,  and  of  the  necessity,  llnough  repent- 
ance, of  spirited  cleansing  by  the  llolv  (iliost,  in  order 
to  a  right  reception  of  the  c(miing  Saviour. 

7.  Pharisee);  n  sect  among  the  Jews  who  \\  iic  very  strict 
in  their  outward  forms  of  religion,  but  were  iii\v;irdly  cor- 
rupt, proud,  and  hypocritical.  Sadducrrs ;  they  denied  a 
resurrection  and  tlie  existence  of  angels  ;umI  K|iiritB,  and 
generiilly  were  sceptical,  and  loose  in  their  JKiliits.  Vipers; 
men  who  were  malignant  ami  bitter  in  their  ojiposition  to 
the  character  itnd  will  of  Christ. 

8.  Fruit:! ;  show  the  reality  of  your  repenl;Lnce  by  for- 
saking your  sins  ;iii(l  obeying  the  commands  of  tiod. 

!l.  Vi'iidcnnl;  (Icjieiid  not  on  the  iiietyofyoiir  ancestors, 
but  become  ]>ious  yourselves. 

10.  Jleint  r/owii ,-"  those  who  continue  to  neglect  known 
duly  will  be  destroyed. 

11.  Jlc;  Jesus  Christ.  Not  vorlliij;  though  among  all 
who  were  born  of  women  none  were  greater  in  cdndilion 
and  honor  than  John,  Matt.  11:11,  yet  so  niuili  grc;iler 
was  Jesus  Christ,  even  in  his  dee]iest  humiliation,  Ihiit 
John  was  not  worthy  to  untie,  or  c;irry  his  shoe,  llolij 
Oliost ;  by  his  Spirit  he  will  purify  all  who  believe  in  him, 
as  gold  is  ])Urified  by  the  fire, 

12.  Wlieat;  the  good.     Cliaff;  the  bad. 


L'hrist  is  baptized,  and 


MATTHEW  IV. 


tempted  of  the  dei-il. 


\  D  27,  ouc'hly  purge  his  floor,'*  and  gather  his 
wheat  into  tlie  garner;  but  he  will  burn  up  the 
chaff  with  unquenchable  fire.'' 

13  1  Tlicn  coiueth  Jesus  from  Galilee  to  Jordan 
unto  John,  to  be  baptized  of  him.'' 

14  But  John  forbade  him,  saying,  I  have  need  to 
bi3  baptized  of  thee,  and  comcst  thou  to  me? 

1.5  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  him.  Suffer  it 
to  be  so  now:  for  thus  it  bccometh  us  to  fulfil  all 
righteousness.     Then  he  suffered  him. 

16  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  l>aptizcd,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water  :  and  lo,  the  heavens 
were  opened  unto  him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of 
(rod  descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon 
iiini:" 

17  And  lo  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying.  This  is 
my  beloved  Son,"  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Christ  fasteth,  and  is  tempted.     11  The  angels  minister  unto  him. 
13  He  dwelleth  in  Capernaum,  17  beginneth  to  preach,   18  calleth 
Pettr,  and  Andrew,  21  James,  and  John,  23  and  healeth  all  the  dis- 
ased. 

'HEN'  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit''  into  the 

wilderness  to  be  tempted  of  the  devil.= 
And  when  he  had  fasted  forty  days  and  forty 
its,  he  was  afterwards  a  hungered. 
And  when  the  tempter  came  to  him,  he  said,  If 
thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  command  that  these  stones 
be  made  bread. 
4  But  he  answered  and  said.  It  is  written,  Man 


T 

2 
nig 


i.Mil.  .3:2,3.  bPsa.l:4;  Mal.4:l;  MarkO:14.  c  Mark  1:0;  Luke  3:21. 
•1  lai.  11:2;  4'2:1;  01:1;  John  3:34.  e  Psa.  2:7;  Luke  0:35;  Eph.  1:6; 
•2Pet.  1:17.      '  1  Kings  lS:ia;  Ezek.  11:1,  54;  Acts  8:30.     E  Mark  1:12; 


11.  I  have  need  to  be  baptized  of  thee;  John,  being  a  sin- 
ner, needed  that  spiritual  renovation  the  neces.sity  and 
practicability  of  whieli  were  taught  by  baptism  ;  but  Josus 
Christ,  being  perfectly  holy,  did  not  need  it.  John  there- 
fore did  not  know  why  he  should  come  to  hira  to  be  bap- 
tized. But  Christ  showed  him  that  under  the  circum- 
stances in  which  they  were  placed,  it  was  proper.  Then 
•Tolin  baptized  hira. 

15.  To  fulfil  all  righteousness ;  all  the  requirements  of 
(x(id.  Since  Christ  hacl  taken  upon  himself  the  natui-e  of 
>fiufnl  men,  and  put  himself  in  their  stead,  it  was  proper 
tliiitlie  sliould  submit  himself  to  every  ordinance  of  God's 
:ippointment. 

\i>.  Lighting  upon  Inm ;  in  token  of  his  being  endowed 
with  the  Holy  Spirit  for  his  work.     Compare  John  3:34. 

17.  A  voice;  the  voice  of  God  the  Father,  acknowledging 
i  lirist  as  his  beloved  Sou,  and  expressing  his  approbation 
'if  liis  character,  office,  and  work. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Men  must  hate  and  forsake  their  sins  in  order  to  be 
prepared  for  the  kingdom  of  God.     Prov.  28:13. 

8.  In  order  that  repentance  may  be  shown  to  be  sincere, 
It  imist  produce  good  works. 

II.  I'ioty  is  not  hereditary,  and  none  can  safely  depend 
'  'I  (be  goodness  of  others  ;  Ijnt  in  order  to  bo  saved, each 
■  '  :  '■  must  become  pious  liimsclf. 

11.  The  greatest  and  most  honorable  among  men  itre  so 
iiiuch  less  honorable  tliaii  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  they 
;ii  c  not  worthy  to  perform  f(jr  him  tlie  most  lowly  service. 

12.  lie  will  make  an  endl<iss  separation  between  the 
righteons  and  the  wicked.  Matt.  2"):4(i.  A  knowledge  of 
I  his  should  lead  all  to  break  off  their  sins  by  righteousness, 
and  their  inirpiities  by  turning  unto  tlie  Lord. 

Ifi,  17.  At  the  opening  of  tlie  Saviour's  ministry  we 
1.  ive  a  inaidfestatioti  -'  the  Trinity:  the  Father,  the  Son, 
■^'I'l  •'"■  "  ■  cooperating  in  tlie  great  work  of 


shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word 
that  proceedcth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God.'' 

5  Then  the  devil  taketli  him  up  into  the  holy 
city,'  and  setteth  him  on  a  pinnacle  of  the  temple, 

6  And  saith  unto  him.  If  tliou  be  the  Son  of  God, 
cast  thyself  down :  for  it  is  written,  He  shall  give 
his  angels  charge  concerning  thee:  and  in  their 
hands  they  shall  bear  thee  up,  lest  at  any  time 
thou  dash  tliy  foot  against  a  stone.^ 

7  Jesus  said  unto  him.  It  is  written  again, Thou 
shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God.'' 

8  Again,  the  devil  taketh  him  up  into  an  exceed- 
ing high  mountain,  and  showeth  him  all  the  king- 
doms of  the  world,  and  the  glory  of  them; 

9  And  saith  unto  him.  All  these  things  will  I 
give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  Avorship  me. 

10  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence, 
Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt  worship  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.' 

11  Then  the  devil  Icaveth  him,  and  behold,  an- 
gels came  and  ministered  unto  him."' 

12  T  Now  when  Jesus  had  heard  that  John  was 
cast*  into  prison,  he  departed  into  Galileo; 

1.3  And  leaving  Nazareth,  he  came  and  dwelt  in 
Capernaum,  which  is  u])on  the  sea-coast,  in  the 
borders  of  Zabulon  and  Nephthalim  : 

14  That  it  might  lie  fulfilled  wliicli  was  spoken 
by  Esaias  the  prophet,"  saying, 

15  The  land  of  Zabulon.  and  the  land  of  Neph- 
thalim, by  the  way  of  the  sea,  beyond  Jordan, 
Galilee  of  the  Gentiles ; 

Luke  4:1;  Heb.  2:18.  h  Deut,  8:3.  i  Neh.  11 :1  ;  ch.  27:53.  j  Psa.  91:11. 
12.  k  Dent.  6:16.  1  Deut.  6: 13;  1  Sam.  7:3.  m  Heb.  1  :S,  14.  •  Or,  rff/if- 
tred  up.     n  Tsa.  0: 1,  2. 

CHAPTER   IV. 

1.  The  Spint ;  the  Holy  Spirit.  Tempted  of  the  devU ;  as 
were  our  first  parents  in  Eden,  and  as  are  all  their  children. 
Christ  must  qualify  himself  for  his  office  of  Redeemer  liy 
successfully  witlistandiug  that  temptation  under  which 
Adam  and  his  children  fell.  See  note  on  chap.  3:1.5.  At 
the  same  time  he  'gave  an  example  of  the  way  to  resist 
temptation,  1^  baffle  the  tempter,  and  to  overcome  when 
tempted. 

3.  Tempter ;  Satan,  the  adversary  of  God  and  man,  who 
solicits  to  evil,  and  suggests  motives  to  induce  men  to 
commit  it. 

4.  /(  is  pntten;  Deut.  8:3.  By  every  word  that  proeeedetli 
out  of  the  mouth  of  God;  every  appointment  of  God  for  this 
purpose.  Matthew  does  not  here  quote  the  exact  words, 
but  the  sense. 

6.  If  thou  be  the  Son  nf  God,  cast  thyself  down ;  Satan  wonid 
have  Jesus  tempt  God  by  a  needless  exposure  of  his  life. 
It  is  written;  Psalm  91:11,  12.  The  phrase,  "in  all  thy 
ways,"  which  is  in  the  text  <pitjted,  meaning  in  the  patli 
of  duty,  Satan  omitted,  as  if  God  would  preserve  a  person 
from  harm  when  out  of  the  jiath  of  duty.  This  was  a  gross 
perversion  of  Scripture. 

7.  It  is  written  ;  Deut.  (i:  Ifi.  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord ; 
try  his  power,  truth,  and  faitlifulncss  in  opposition  to  his 
revealed  will. 

10.  It  is  written  ;  Dent,  fi :  1 3. 

12.  Cast  into  prison;  Luke  3:20.  Galdcc;  the  norlhcni 
part  of  Palestine. 

13.  Cnpernaum  ;  a  town  on  the  north-west  shore  of  the 
sea  of  Galilee. 

14.  Fulfilled;  Isaiah  0:1,2.  Esaias  in  Greek  is  the  same 
as  Isai:di  in  Hebri'w. 

15.  Galdee  of  the  Gentiles;  Galileo  bordering  on  the  gen- 
tile nations,  who  seem  also  to  have  been  more  or  less  in- 
termixed with  its  inhabitants. 

lor.n 


Calling  of  disciples. 


MATTHEW  V. 


The  sermon  on  the  mouiil . 


16  The  people  whieli  sat  in  darkness  saw  great 
light;  and  to  them  which  sat  in  tlie  region  and 
shadow  of  death  liglit  is  spruiin:  up." 

17  *'.  From  tliat  tinic  Jesus  heu'an  to  prcacli,  and 
to  sav,  Repent:  lor  tlie  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at 
hand." 

18  T  And  Jesus,  walking  by  the  sea  of  Galilee, 
saw  two  brethren,  Simon  called  Peter,'  and  An- 
drew his  brotlier,  casting  a  net  into  the  sea:  for 
they  were  fishers. 

I'J  And  he  saith  inito  them.  Follow  me,  and  I 
will  make  you  fisliers  of  men.'' 

20  And  they  straightway  left  their  nets,  and  fol- 
lowed liini.'^ 

21  And  going  on  from  thence,  he  saw  other  two 
brethren,  James  the  son  of  Zcbedee,  and  John  his 
brother,  in  a  ship  with  Zebedec  Iheir  father,  mend- 
ing their  nets;   and  lie  called  them.' 

22  And  tliey  immediately  left  the  sliip  and  their 
father,  and  followed  him. 

23  1i  And  Jesus  went  about  all  Galileo,  teacliing 
in  their  synagogues,*-'  and  ]n-eaching  the  gospel  of 
the  kingdom,''  and  healing  all  manner  of  sickness 
and  all  manner  of  disease  among  tiie  people.' 

24  And  his  fiime  went  throughout  all  Syria:  and 
they  brought  unto  liim  all  sick  ]ieoplc  that  were 
taken  witli  divers  diseases  and  torments,  and  those 
whicii  were  possessed  with  devils,  and  tliose  whicli 
wore  lunatic,  and  those  th'at  had  the  palsy;  and  lie 
healed  them. 


»  I.«a.  4i:G,  7;  T.nke  2:32.  b  ch.  3:2;  10:7.  c  Jnlm  1 :4a.  li  Luke  .'i:10; 
1  Cor.  9:20-22;  2  Cor.  12:16.  e  Mark  10:2^31.  (  Mark  1:19,  20.  B  ch. 
»:3o;  Luke  4:15,  44.     hch.  24:14;  Mark  1:14.    ■  Psa.  10.1:3;  ch.  8:1(>,  17. 

16.  Saw  great  light;  the  light  of  Clirisfs  presence  aud 
te;ic1iiiig.     Compare  Jolin  S:12. 

15.  Sea  of  Galilee;  called  also  the  sea  of  Tiberias  and  tlio 
l;ikc  of  Gcnncsareth ;  about  tliirtccti  miles  long  :md  from 
six  to  nine  miles  wide :  IlirouKli  it  runs  the  .lordan. 

19.  Fisliers  rf  men;  the  means  of  taking  them  out  of  the 
kingdom  of  Satan,  and  bringing  them  into  the  kingdom  of 
Clirist. 

23.  Si/nagogues ;  the  Jewish  places 'of  public  wor.ship. 

24.  f^ijnn;  a  country  north  and  east  of  l^ilcstine.  Vos- 
sesseil  with  tlcvils ;  devils  at  that  time  were  jicrmitted  to 
have  special  influence  over  some  men;  and  this  gave  .Je- 
sus Clirist  opportunity  to  show  his  controlling  power  over 
them,  and  his  mercy  in  expelling  them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  fJod  often  leads  his  servants  into  great  trials  prepara- 
tory to  the  discharge  of  great  ami  momentous  duties. 

C>.  Those  who  wrongly  quote  the  ISiblc,  and  thus  pervert 
its  mc;iiiing,  imitate  the  devil. 

II.  If  we  ste;idf'astly  resist  his  temptations  by  refusing 
to  coMiidy  with  them,  and  follow  the  directions  of  Serij)- 
fure,  the  tempter  will  llee  from  us,  James  4  :7,  and  we  shall 
secure  the  assistance  of  good  angels,  who  arc  sent  forth 
to  minister  to  them  who  arc  lieirs  of  ssdvation.    Heb.  1:11. 

16.  Men  who  are  without  the  gospel  are  in  gre;it  diirk- 
ness,  but  the  rccei)tion  of  it  will  giv(!  them  great  light. 

1«.  Those  who  are  diligent  in  a]i))ro|)ri!ite  business  are 
preparing  for  increased  usefulness.  I'Vom  tliem  Christ 
often  selects  his  ministers;  and  lie  can  so  influence  them, 
that  they  will  for.sakc  all  and  follow  liim. 

2.'i.  No  diseases  of  body  or  soul  are  so  complicited  or 
stubborn  that  Jesus  cannot  heal  them.  All  the  diseased 
should  therefore  apply  to  him.  that  nf  his  fulness  they  may 
receive  aicording  to  their  w:iiiIh. 

CHAI'IKI;    V. 

3.  Pnor  in  sj)irit;  the  humble,  who  feel  their  dependence 
1070 


25  And  tliere  followed  him  groat  niul-  a.  n  :;i 
titud(;s  of  people  from  Galiloo.  and  fnnn  Decapo- 
lis,  and  />o»i  Jerusalem,  i\\\t\from  Jiulea,  nn^Xfiom 
beyond  Jortlan.' 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Christ  beginneth  his  sermon  on  the  mount :  3  ilecl.-iring  who  are  bless*  . 
ed,  13  who  are  the  salt  of  liic  earth,  \\  t!ie  lij^ht  ol'  tlie  world,  tli* 
city  on  a  hill,  l.'i  the  candle:  17  that  he  came  to  fullii  the  law.  'J| 
Wh;it  it  is  to  kill.  'J7  to  commit  adultery.  33  to  swear:  3S  exhortetli 
to  sniTer  wronfr,  tt  to  love  even  our  enemies,  tS  and  to  labor  aftef 
perfectness. 

AND  seeing  the  multitudes,  he  went  up  into  it 
mountain :  and  when  he  was  set,  his  disci^ 
pies  came  unto  him : 

2  And  he  opened  his  mouth,  and  taught  thein.'^ 
saying, 

3  Dlessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit:'  for  theirs  is] 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.'"  a 

4  Blessed  are  llicy  that  mourn:"  for  they  shall''_ 
be  comforted." 

.5  Blessed  arc  tlie  meek ;  for  tliey  siiall  inherit  the 
earth.i' 

G  Blessed  arc  they  which  do  hunger  and  lliirstt.j 
after  righteousness:  for  they  siiall  be  fillod.'' 

7  Blessed  are  the  merciful:  for  they  siuill  obtain 
mercy  ."■ 

8  Blessed  arc  the  pure  in  heart:'  for  they  shall; 
see  God. 

y  Blessed  are  the  peacemakers:'  for  they  shalb 
be  called  the  children  of  God. 

JLuke6:l7.19.  kLuke(i:20,elc.  I  Isa.  57:15;  fl(i:2.  mja.i.2:.').  nIsa.Gl::); 
E7.ck.7:10.'  0  John  1(>:2U;  2Cor.  1:7.  Pl'sa.  37:11.  q  Psa.  145:19:  l*:i 
05:13.   rPsa.4l:l,2.    •  rsi.24:3,  4  ;  Heb.  12:14;  lJohn3:2,  3.    tp.a. 31:11. 

on  God  in  all  tilings,  temporal  and  spiritu:il,  and  look  t<« 
him  for  the  sup]ily  of  every  want;  more  especially  those 
who  feel  their  need,  as  sinners,  of  spiritiuil  blessings,  am! 
look  to  Jesus  Christ  to  grant  them.  Isa.  (il>:2.  Kingilimi 
nf  heaven;  the  blessings  of  Messiah's  reign  in  this  world 
and  the  next.     ('h;ip.  3:2. 

4.  Ttici/  that  mourn  ;  over  their  spirituid  wants,  and  over 
sin  as  tlie  guilty  cause  of  them;  who  long  for  siiirilii:il 
blessings,  ami  enme  to  Jesus  Christ  for  them,  according 
to  his  directions.  Uev.  3:18  This  be:ilitude  includes 
;ilso  all  the  mourning  to  which  (!od's  children  are  sub- 
jecteil  by  the  eliastening  through  which  (iod  iire))iires 
them  for  the  everlasting  joy  of  heaven.  Comjiare  lleb. 
12:, '5-1 2. 

G.  The  meek;  those  who  are  gentle  and  forgiving,  Bub- 
inissivo  and  teachable,  jiatient  under  injuries,  disiiosed 
not  to  render  evil  for  evil,  but  to  overcome  evil  with 
good.  Inherit  the  earth;  receive  and  enjoy  every  etirthly 
and  spiritual  blessing  that  is  for  their  best  good  here, and 
reign  with  Christ  for  ever  hereafter. 

6.  Hanger  iind  thirst  after  rightcniisness ;  ardently  desire.. 
to  be  iuiil  do  right,  beciiiise  it  is  right;  trusting,  not  in 
their  own  righteousness,  but  in  the  righleousness  of  <  'lirist, 
which  by  thciipostle  is  eidled  the  righteousness  of  (Iod  by 
Hiilh  of  Jesus  Christ  which  is  unto  all  anil  upon  till  tliciii 
that  believe.  Itom.  3:22.  Ik  filled ;  receive  what  they 
desire,  and  be  satisfied.     Psa.  IT:!."!. 

7.  The  merciful ;  those  who  feel  for  the  sufferings  of 
others,  and  are  dispose<l  to  relieve  Ihiin.  Merri/;  from 
God.     Compare  chap.  2.'i :  34-4.1. 

8.  Pure  Ml  heart ;  freed  from  the  dominion  ;ind  pollnlion 
of  sill.  See  (jiul;  have  right  views  of  liini,  tind  enjoy  his 
presence  liirre  and  hereafter. 

9.  Pcaremakers;  those  who  desire  and  seek  to  have  all 
men  at  jieace  with  (ioil,  with  their  own  consciences,  ami 
with  one  another.     Chililnn  if  God ;  those   who  imifjite 
him. and  whom  he  will  ni;ike  heirs  according  to  his  prom-  , 
isc.     Itom.  K:  17. 


Christ's  sermon 


MATTHEW  V. 


011  the  mount. 


AD.  31.  10  Blessed  are  they  whicli  are  persecuted 
for  righteousness'  sake :"  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom 
of  heaven. 

11  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  revile  you,  and 
persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil 
against  ^ou  falsely,*  for  my  t^ake. 

12  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad:  for  great  is 
your  reward  in  heaven:''  for  so  persecuted  they 
the  projilicts  which  were  before  you. 

13  1  Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  :'^^  but  if  the 
salt  have  lost  his  savor,  wherewith  shall  it  be 
salted?  it  is  thenceforth  good  for  nothing,  but  to 
be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of  men. 

1-1  Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.'^  A  city  that 
is  set  on  a  hill  cannot  be  hid. 

15  Neither  do  men  light  a  candle,  and  jnit  it  un- 
der a  busliel,^  but  on  a  candlestick ;  and  it  giveth 
light  unto  all  that  are  in  the  house. 

16  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Fa- 
ther which  is  in  heaven.*^ 

17  IT  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the 
law,'"  or  the  prophets:"  I  am  not  come  to  destroy, 
but  to  fulfil." 

18  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and 
earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise 
pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled.' 

19  Whosoever  therefore  shall  break  one  of  these 
least  commandments,  and  shall  teach  men  so,  he 
shall  1)0  called  the  least  in  tlie  kingdom  of  lieaven : 
but  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach  them,  the  same 
shall  be  called  great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.^ 


»  I  Pet.  3:13,  14.  •  dr.  hjing.  b  2  Cor.  4:17.  »  Mark  9:. TO.  d  Phil. 
2:15.  t  The  word,  in  the  original,  signifieth  a  measure  contaiinng  about  a 
pint  less  tkan  a  peei.  «  1  Pet.  •i:l'J.  fch.3:15.  s  Isa.  4a:'21.  Ii  Psa.  40:0- 
B.     i  Luke  10:17.     J  1  Sam.  a;.30.    k  ch.  2:J:a3-aa;  Phil.  3:9.     I  Or,  to  them. 


10.  Righteovsness'  sake;  on  account  of  their  being  and 
doing  right. 

11.  Falsely;  when  the  evil  which  is  said  of  you  is  false. 
For  my  sake;  on  account  of  your  attachment  and  Ukoness 
to  me. 

12.  So  persecuted ;  Heb.  11:35-38. 

13.  Salt  of  the  earth;  means  of  its  preservation,  by  your 
holy  doctrine,  prayers,  and  example.  Lost  his  savor;  be- 
come wortliless.  Some  tliink  there  is  here  an  allusion  to 
the  fact  tliat  tlie  sah  in  that  country  was  mixed  with 
earthy  sub.stances,  whicli  remained  after  it  had  lost  its 
saltness,  and  were  thrown  like  gravel  upon  the  walks,  and 
trodden  down. 

14.  Light;  that  wliich  shows  things  as  they  are,  and 
gives  to  men  riglit  views  of  them. 

10.  S.kine;  let  the  goodness  of  your  principles  be  seen 
in  your  conduct,  that  men  may  be  led  to  lienor  God,  the 
author  of  all  good. 

17.  Destroy  the  taw;  set  aside  either  the  principles  or  the 
moral  precepts  of  the  Old  Testament.  To  fulfil;  rightly  to 
explain  the  nature  and  perfectly  to  enforce  the  precepts  of 
the  moral  law,  as  well  as  perfectly  to  obey  them  in  his 
own  person,  bear  the  curse  which  was  lU'efigured  in  the 
coremDiiial  law,  and  thus  fulfil  the  predictions  of  the 
projihets  concerning  the  Messiah. 

_  18.  One  jilt;  no  ])art  of  the  moral  law  or  of  the  obliga- 
tions to  obey  it  shall  be  done  away;  nor  shall  any  part 
of  the  ceremonial  law,  fill  its  eml  is  aecomidished. 

^19.  Least  commandmcats;  least,  as  compared  with  others. 
No  precept  of  (Wid's  law  may  be  set  aside  on  the  ground 
of  its  comparative  niiimportanco  :  for  the  least  disi)l)e<li- 
cnce  to  any  command  of  Uod  is  liiglily  offensive  to  him, 
while  obedience  in  all  thhigs  is  his  delight.  Tlie  least;  of 
the  least  repute  as  a  teacher,  because  both  by  his  exam- 
ple and    his  doctrine   he  dishonors   Ijlod's   law.     Great; 


20  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  except  your  right- 
eousness shall  exceed  the  rirrhteousncss  of  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees,''  ye  shall  in  no  case  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

21  1  Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said  by  them' 
of  old  time.  Thou  shalt  not  kill;'  and  whosoever 
shall  kill,  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment: 

22  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever  is  angry 
with  his  brother  without  a  cause  shall  be  in  danger 
of  the  judgment : "'  and  whosoever  shall  say  to  his 
brother,  Raca,*  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  council : 
but  whosoever  shall  say,  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in 
danger  of  hell-fire. 

23  Therefore  if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar," 
and  there  rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath 
aught  against  thee, 

24  Leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar,  and  go 
thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and 
then  come  and  offer  thy  gift. 

25  Agree  with  thine  adversary  quickly,  while 
thou  art  in  the  way  with  him ;  lest  at  any  time 
the  adversary  deliver  thee  to  the  judge,  and  the 
judge  deliver  thee  to  the  officer  and  thou  be  cast 
into  prison." 

26  Verily  I  say  unto  thee.  Thou  shalt  by  no 
means  come  out  thence,  till  thou  hast  paid  the 
uttermost  farthing. 

27  1[  Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said  by  them  of 
old  time.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery  : 

28  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  looked i 
on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her,''  hath  committed 
adultery  with  her  already  in  his  heart. 

1  Exod.  20:13;  Deut.5:17.  ml.Tohn3:15.  5  That  is,  Vain  fellow;  2  Sam. 
6:20.  n  Dent.  16:16, 17.  o  Prov.  25:8]  Luke  12:SS,  o9.  P  Job  31 : 1 ;  Prov. 
0:25. 

worthy  of  honor  as  a  teacher,  because  lie  honors  the  law 
by  obeying  it  and  teaching  others  to  obey  it. 

20.  Except  your  righteousness  shall  exceed — scribes  and  Phar- 
isees; their  righteousness  was  selfish,  and  consisted  in 
externals ;  while  the  righteousness  which  God  requires 
is  internal  as  well  as  external,  and  consists  in  conformity 
of  heart  and  life  to  his  revealed  will. 

21.  By  tliem  of  old  time;  rather,  as  the  margin,  "to  tlieiTi 
of  old  time ;"  and  so  below,  verses  27,  33.  The  judgment ; 
here  the  sentence  of  death  from  the  lower  court  established 
by  Moses  in  all  the  cities  of  Israel;  Deut.  1(J:18. 

22.  Angry  with  his  brother;  in  his  heart,  to  which  God 
looks.  Without  a  cause;  not  merely  without  an  occasion, 
but  rather,  in  an  unreasonable  degree,  or  with  any  mixture 
of  malice.  The  judgment ;  tlic  judgment  of  tlod.  The  Sav- 
iour's meaning  is  tliia:  by  the  law  of  Moses  literal  murder 
is  punished  with  death  by  the  common  court ;  but  in  my 
kingdom  anger  in  the  heart  will  be  regarded  and  treated 
as  murder.  Raca;  vain  fellow  ;  blockhead.  The  Saviour 
puts  a  case  where  anger  vents  itself  in  railing.  Tlie  coun- 
cil;  the  sanhedrim,  which  was  the  highest  Jewish  court: 
but  here  it  seems  to  represent  the  court  of  Christ,  wlui 
will  treat  all  railing  accusations  of  one  lirotlier  against  an- 
other as  offences  of  the  gravest  kind.  Fool;  vile  wretch  : 
the  highest  form  of  rejiroach  in  the  month  of  a  .lew. 

23.  Gift;  religious  iitfering.  Altar;  place  where  the  of- 
fering was  made.     ,'(»g/i/;  any  cause  of  complaint. 

2r>.  Adver.iary;  thy  fellow-man  who  has  just  el;tiiiis  against 
thee.  But  the'iu'ecept  also  looks  beyond  all  huiii:ui  adver- 
saries to  IJdd,  with  whom,  under  an  ex;imple  taken  from 
earthly  matters,  it  warns  us  to  Ije  reconcileil  while  wo  are 
yet  on  the  way  to  his  judgment-seat. 

28.  hi  his  heart;  the  laws  of  God  extend  to  the  tlionghts; 
and  men  may  violate  them  in  their  hearts  without  mani- 
festing their  feelings  in  outward  conduct. 

1(171 


Of  swearing,  revenge, 


MATTHEW  V. 


and  love  of  enemies. 


29  And  if  tby  right  eye  offend  tlicc,*  ]duek  it 
out,  and  oast  (7  from  thee:  for  it  ii^  proiitable  for 
thee  that  one  of  tliy  nicinbcrs  siioukl  peri.-^h.  and  not 
that  tliy  wlidlo  body  should  1)C  cast  into  hell." 

30  And  if  thy  right  hand  offend  thee,  out  it  off. 
and  cast  it  from  thee:  for  it  is  ]>ro(itablc  for  thee 
that  one  of  thy  member.s  should  perish,  and  not 
//lat  thy  whole  body  should  be  cast  into  hell. 

31  It  hath  been  said,  Whosoever  shall  put  away 
liis  wife,  let  him  give  her  a  writing  of  divorce- 
ment:'' 

32  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause  of  fornication, 
causetli  her  to  commit  adultery :  and  whosoever 
shall  marry  her  that  is  divorced  committeth  adul- 
tery ."= 

313  ^  Again,  ye  hare  heard  that  it  hath  been  said 
by  them  of  old  time.  Thou  slialt  not  forswear  th.v- 
self,  but  slialt  ]icrf'orm  unto  the  Loril  thine  oaths:'' 

34  But  ]  say  unto  you,  Swear  not  at  all :"  neither 
by  heaven;  for  it  is  God's  throne: 

35  Nor  by  the  earth ;  for  it  is  his  footstool : 
neither  by  Jerusalem ;  for  it  is  the  city  of  the 
great  King."^ 

3(i  Neither  shalt  thou  swear  l)y  thy  head,  because 
thou  canst  not  make  one  hair  white  or  black. 

37  But  let  your  communication  be.  Yea,  yea; 
Nay,  nay :  for  whatsoever  is  more  than  these 
comcth  of  evil.K 


•  Or.domuK  thte  to  offend.  '  Rom.  S:13;  1  Cor.  !l:27.  b  Deut.  34:1; 
l.r.  3:1:  Mark  10:2-0.  c  ch.  19:9;  1  Cor.  7:10,  II.  d  I,cv.  19:13;  Nnm! 
i-l:a;  Deut.  23:2.3.    o  ch.  23:10-22;  Jas.  3:12.    '  Rev.  21 :2,  10.    Bjas.5;12. 

29.  Offend  thee;  cause  theo  to  Bin.  Profitable  for  thee;  it 
i.s  better  to  put  away  the  causes  of  sin  than  to  suffer  its 
lonsequcnces. 

31.  Writinir  of  divorcement ;  a  certificate  that  their  mar- 
riage relation  was  dissolved  by  liis  own  act.  8ce  Deut.  24  : 1. 

32.  Cuuscth  her ;  cxposctli  her  to  commit  adiiltcrj';  be- 
cause, according  to  the  law  of  Christ's  kinf;ilom.  her  mar- 
riage to  anotlier  man  will  l)e  regarded  as  adulter}'. 

33.  Forsvmr  tliijsrlf;  commit  j^erjury,  or  swear  to  that 
whicli  is  false.  Perform  vtitn  tlic  Lord;  the  I'liarisees 
l:iiij;ht  lli:it  religious  oiitlis  in  wliiuh  (lod's  name  was  used 
were  binding  and  shfulil  be  filllillerl,  whiU'  they  were  less 
Hcrupiilous  about  oaths  by  created  thiiifrs.  and  in  cfimnion 
irmversation.  But  our  Lord  tanglit.  th;it  oiitlis  of  tlie  lat- 
li-r  kind  proceed  from  evil,  and  sliould  never  be  taken. 

3fi.  Cdiisl  not  make  onn  hnir  vhite  or  lilitrk ;  thy  liead  is  a 
rreatiire  of  (iod,  over  which  thou  liast  no  control:  so  that 
in  swearing  liy  it,  tliou  swearcst  l>y  him  that  made  it  and 
has  it  in  liis  power. 

,"(7.  r'ommwn/caff'on;  conversation  and  discourse.  Yea — 
niiij;  simple  declarations,  without  pnifaneness  of  any  kind. 

:j!i.  He.sixl  not  evil ;  by  rendering  like  fr)r  like.  It  is  the 
spirit  of  kindness  and  forgiveness  towards  those  who  in- 
jure us  which  our  Lord  here  inculcates. 

40.  Coat — clntik;  the  coat  among  the  .lews  was  an  inner 
garment,  callecl  a  tunic,  extending  from  the  neck  to  the 
knee.  Over  this  was  a  cloak  or  mantle,  wliirh  was  a  large, 
liose  garment,  and  when  (hey  travelled  was  girt  tight 
round  the  body  with  a  girdle.  Hence,  "  to  gird  up  one's 
loins"  implied  readiness  fur  labor  or  ajourney.  The  girille 
•  •r  sash  answered  also  the  purpose  of  a  purse  for  money. 
1^  him  have  thy  cinak;  sutler  losses,  so  far  as  duty  will 
permit,  rather  than  contend  :ibout  them. 

41.  Compel  Ihcf  to  po  n  miln ;  the  original  word  here  reii- 
diTcd  compel,  denotes  a  compulsion  by  the  imblic  aiithor- 
ilies  and  for  public  service.  When  tlius  e;dled  upon  by 
n^hiriil  authority  to  travel  or  do  jiublie  Hervi<'e,  be  ready 
lo  go  farther  or  do  even  more  than  is  reipijred.  rather  than 
resist  the  eovemment. 

1072 


38  IT  Ye  have  hoard  that  it  hath  been  a.d.  31 
said.  An  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth :'' 

31t  But  1  say  unto  you.  That  ye  resist  not  evil:' 
but  whosoever  shall  smite  thee  on  thy  right  cheek, 
turn  ti>  him  the  other  also.^ 

40  And  if  any  man  will  sue  thee  at  the  law,  and 
take  away  thy  coat,  let  him  have  thy  cloak  also. 

41  And  whosoever  shall  compel  thee  to  go  a 
mile,  go  with  him  twain. 

42  Give  to  him  that  asketh  the<>.  and  from  hira 
that  would  borrow  of  theo.  turn  not  thou  away.'' 

43  "1  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  boon  said,  Thou 
shalt  love  thy  neighbor,  and  hate  thine  ononiy:' 

44  But  I  say  unto  you.  Love  your  onemios,  bless   "i^ 
them  that  curse  you,"'  do  good  to  them  that  hate  "^ 
yon,  and  pray  for  them  which  desj)ilofully  use  you, 
and  persecute  you ;" 

45  That  ye  maybe  the  ohildron  of  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven:  for  he  makotli  his  sun  to  rise 
on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,"  and  sondcth  rain  on 
the  just  and  on  the  unjust. 

4(j  For  if  ye  love  them  which  love  you,  what 
reward  have  ye?  do  not  even  the  ])ublicans  the   , 
.same? 

47  And  if  ye  salute  your  brethren  only,  what  do 
ye  more  than  others?  do  not  even  the  publicans 
so? 

48  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,''  even  as  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect. 

tiExod.  21:24.  i  Prov.  20:22;  21:29;  Rom.  12:17-19.  J  Isa.  60:0.  k  Deal. 
15:7,11.  lDciit.23:G.  m  Rom.  12: 14,  20,  n  Luke  U-3:.34  ;  Acls  7:00.  o  Job 
25:3.     P  Gen.  17:1;  Deut.  IS:  13;  Luke  0:30,  40;  Col,  1:28.  ^ 


42.  Give — turn  not  away ;  when  the  person  who  asks  or 
would  borrow  is  needy,  accommodate  him,  if  consistent!}' 
with  duty  you  can  do  it. 

41.  Lore  your  enemicn;  not  their  character  or  their  con- 
duet,  but  their  souls.    Pray  for  Iheiii  and  seek  their  good.    ^ 

4(i.  //"  i/e  Aiw //(CHI  ,■  them  only.  i-'»W;c««,s',- t;ix -gatherers.  Jt 
who  were  considered  as  very  wicked,  and  were  often  cruel  ^ 
and  oi)prcs8ive. 

48.  As  your  Father;  imitjite  him  in  all  his  imitable  per-     - 
fcctions. 

INSTIWCTIONS. 

3,  True  happiness  does  not  consist  in  external  condition, 
but  in  the  state  of  the  mind. 

,'■>.  The  sinful  and  lost  condition  of  men  need  not  hinder 
them  from  being  truly  and  for  ever  blessed. 

7.  fiod  requires  us  to  exercise  the  compassion  towards 
others  which  we  need  to  have  exercised  low:irds  us. 

10.  (.ircat  opposition  to  men  is  no  certain  evidence  that 
they  arc  wrong. 

Ifi.  Consistent  Christian  example  is  a  means  of  leading 
men  to  honor  God,  and  of  greatly  promoting  their  highest 
good. 

17.  Christ  came  not  to  make  void  the  mor.al  law  as  a  rule 
of  action,  but  to  est;;blisli  it,  and  give  it  pnieticid  efficacy 
over  the  he;irts  and  lives  of  men,  by  leading  them  to  love 
and  obey  it, 

22,  A  disposition  rightly  to  treat  men  is  essential  to  ac- 
ceptance witii  (!od. 

2,1,  Opportunity  to  perform  present  duty  should  not  be 
negleeled,  lest  il  be  for  ever  lost, 

2!l.  The  avoidance  of  sin  by  self-denial,  inid,  if  need  be, 
by  great  sacrifices,  will  in  the  end  be  great  gain. 

34.  The  practice  of  swearing  in  common  conversation, 
or  of  swearing  to  a  falsehood,  shows  great  wickedness  of 
heart. 

3;».  The  forgiveness  of  injuries,  and  not  the  avenging  of 
them,  is  an  exhibition  of  true  greatness  and  goocltuMs. 

44.  Love  to  enemies,  and  a  disposition  to  do  them  the  j 
greatest  good  ■whieh  duty  will  permit,  likens  men  to  f!od 


Of  alms-giving,  and  grayer. 


MATTHEW  VI. 


Against  worldly  cure. 


A.D.  31. 


CHAPTER  VL 


1  Christ  continiieth  his  sermon  on  the  mount,  speaking  of  alms,  5  prayer. 
14  for'avin-T  our  brethren,  16  fastinj^,  19  where  our  treasure  is  to  be 
laid  up.  '2i  of  serving  God  and  mammon  :  '2o  exhorteth  not  to  be 
cjreful  for  worldly  things:  33  but  to  seek  Gods  kingdom. 

TAKE  heed  that  ye  do  not  your  alms'  before 
men,  to  be  seen  of  them:  otlierwise  ye  liave 
no  reward  of*  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

^  Therefore  when  thou  doest  thine  ahns,  do  not 
sound  a  trumpet*  before  thee,  as  the  liypocrites 
do  in  the  synagogues  and  in  the  streets,  that  they 
may  have  glory  of  men.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
They  have  their  reward. 

3  But  when  thou  doest  alms,  let  not  thy  left 
hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  doeth: 

4  That  thine  alms  may  be  in  secret:  and  thy 
Father  which  sceth  in  secret,  himself  shall  reward 
thee  openly." 

5  1  And  when  thou  prayest,  thou  shalt  not  be  as 
the  hypocrites  fl?-f.-  for  they  love  to  pray  standing 
».i  the  synagogues  and  in  the  corners  of  tiie  streets, 
tnat  they  may  be  seen  of  men.  Verily  I  say  unto 
you.  They  have  their  reward." 

3  But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy 
closet,  and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to 
thy  Father  which  is  in  secret;  and  thy  Father 
wliich  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly. ° 

7  But  when  ye  praj',  use  not  vain  repetitions,'' 
as  the  heathen  do:  for  they  think  that  they  shall 
be  heanl  for  their  much  speaking." 

8  Be  not  ye  therefore  like  unto  them :  for  your 
Father  knoweth  what  things  ye  have  need  of,  be- 
fore ye  ask  him.*^ 

9  After  this  manner  therefore  pray  ye :  Our  Fa- 
thcr"-'  wliich  art  in  heaven,''  Hallowed  be  thy  name.' 

10  Thy  kingdom  comcJ  Thy  will  be  done  in 
earth,  as  it  w  in  heaven.'' 

11  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.' 

12  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors.™ 

13  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,"  but  deliver 


•  Or. 

ne- 

hteou.^ness 

;   I'sa 

112:9. 

t  Or.  with. 

I  Or.  cavse 

not  a  trumpet  to 

be  soundu 

.     a  Luke 

«:17 

11:14. 

b  Prov.   10 

Cy 

.las. 

4:l> 

<:  Psa. 

34:15; 

Isa   6S 

•il. 

d  Eccl.  5 

2.    e 

:  Kings 

S:2G,eto. 

Luke  1' 

::)ll 

John  le 

2.3-27. 

f  Rom 

8: 

.5.    h  Psa. 

11.5::; 

.     i  P.,a 

111:9:  139 

2(1. 

Jnh 

If) 

2^:  Rev 

11:15. 

tPsi. 

lai 

■iU.ii.     1 

Prov. 

30:M;  Isa.  .3:5:16.     m 

ch 

lrt:2 

-3.i 

:  Luke  7 

40-48. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  To  be  seen  of  them;  to  gain  their  applause. 

2.  They  have  their  reward;  tlicy  liiu'c  it  all  in  the  applause 
of  men,  :iiicl  receive  no  reward  from  Uod. 

3.  Thy  left  hand;  let  yonr  good  deeds  be  done  without 
ostentation,  and  without  seeking  human  praise. 

6.  Prayest;  as  an  individual.  Closet;  a  private  room  or 
retired  place. 

7.  Vain  repetitions;  words  without  meaning,  or  often 
rciieatcd  without  corresponding  thonghts  and  feelings. 
Heathen;  persons  not  Jews,  nnr  enlightened  as  to  the 
character  and  will  of  Rod.  Mitch  speaking;  many  words, 
or  words  often  and  thoughtlessly  repeated.    1  Kings  18: 2G. 

9.  After  this  manner;  this  modid,  as  to  spirit,  sinijilicity, 
and  comprehensiveness.  Our  Fatlier;  Creator,  Preserver, 
Guardian,  and  Friend.  Hallourd  he  th  1/  name ;  let  all  the  mani- 
festatinns  of  thyself  be  treated  with  reverence  and  love. 

1().  Thii  kingdom  come;  reign  tliou  in  all  he;irts,  and  lead 
them  to  do  thy  will  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven. 

12.  Debts;  sins.  Debtors;  those  who  have  trespassed 
against  us. 

13.  Lead  us  not  into  temptation;  keep  iis  from  being 
tempted,  or  if  tempted,  deliver  us  from  the  temptation, 

G8 


us  from  evil :"  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,'  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen.'' 

14  For  if  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your 
heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive  you: 

15  But  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses, 
neither  will  your  Fatlicr  forgive  your  trespasses.'^ 

16  IT  Moreover  when  ye  fast,  be  not,  as  the  liypo- 
crites, of  a  sad  countenance:  for  they  disfigure 
their  faces,  that  they  may  appear  unto  men  to 
fast.'  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  They  have  their  re- 
ward. 

17  But  thou,  when  thou  fastest,  anoint  thy  head, 
and  wash  thy  face ; 

IS  That  thou  appear  not  unto  men  to  fast,  but 
unto  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret  :'and  thy  Father, 
whicii  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly. 

19  IT  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon 
earth,'  where  moth  and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and 
where  thieves  break  through  and  steal : 

20  But  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven," 
where  neitlier  moth  nor  ru.-it  doth  corrupt,  and 
where  thieves  do  not  break  througli  nor  steal : 

21  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your 
heart  be  also. 

22  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye :  if  therefore 
thine  eye  be  single,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full 
of  light. 

23  But  if  thine  eye  be  evil,  thy  whole  body  shall 
be  full  of  darkness.  If  therefore  the  ligiit  tiiat  is 
in  thee  be  darkness,  how  great  is  that  darkness! 

24  T  No  man  can  serve  two  masters :"'  for  either 
he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other;  or  else 
he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and  despise  the  other.  Ye 
cannot  serve  God  and  mammon." 

25  Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  Take  no  thought 
for  your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  siiall 
drink ;  nor  yet  for  your  body,  what  ye  shall  put 
on.^'  Is  not  the  life  more  than  meat,  and  the  body 
than  raiment? 

26  Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air:  for  they  sow 
not,  neither  do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns ; 


noh. 

26:41; 

Luke  22:411, 

46. 

0  John  17:15. 

p  Rev.  . 

:12 

13.     q  Luk 

e  11:2, 

etc. 

r  Eph 

4 

31 : 

.las.  2 

:13. 

•  Isa.  58:3,5 

1  Prov. 

23:4;  Luke  Is: 

J4,  25; 

Heh 

13:5. 

u 

Isa 

:!3:6 

Luke  12:33,34; 

;  T:m.  C: 

19. 

V  Luke  11: 

34,  36. 

>•   L 
4:6. 

ike  lU: 

13. 

X 

Gal.  1 

:1U 

2  Tim.  4:10 

Jas.  4:4 

y 

ICor.  7:32 

;  Phil. 

and  from  all  evil.  Thine  is  the  kingdom  ;  the  reign,  for  the- 
coming  of  which  we  pray,  is  thine ;  the  power  to  accom- 
plish it  is  thine ;  and  the  glory  of  its  accomplishment  will 
be  thine  for  ever.     Amen;  so  be  it. 

KJ.  Disfigure  their  faces ;  by  leaving  their  face  unwashed, 
and  their  hair  and  beard  undressed. 

17.  Anoint  thy  head;  that  is,  dress  and  appear  as  usual. 

Ifl.  Treasures;  those  things  which  men  most  love,  and 
which  they  regard  as  their  chief  good. 

22.  Single;  healthy  and  clear,  to  discern  objects  aright. 

23.  Evil;  diseased,  and  so  not  seeing  things  as  they  arc. 
If  therefore  the  light  that  is  in  thee  he  darkness;  the  Saviour 
now  applies  to  the  human  mind  the  figure  of  the  eye  which 
he  has  just  used.  If  the  eye  of  thy  soul  be  diseased,  so 
that  earthly  treasures  appear  to  it  better  than  heavenly, 
"how  great  is  that  darkness!" 

24.  Serve;  yield  to  or  regard  supremely  two  opposite 
objects,  as  arc  God  and  this  world.  Mammon;  wealth, 
all  eartlily  possessions. 

2.').  Take  no  thought ;  no  anxious  thought,  as  the  original 
word  imiilics.  More;  more  v;ilnalile.  Meat;  any  kiml  of 
food  for  the  support  of  the  body.  The  argument  is,  tliat  he 
who  has  given  the  greater  gift,  will  not  witliliold  the  less. 

•Hj.  Better;  more  valuable. 

1073 


Seeking  the  lingdom  of  God. 


MATTHEW  VII. 


Of  rash  judgment,  and  prayer. 


yet  your  heavenly  Father  fcedeth  them."     Are  ye 
not  much  better  than  they? 

27  Which  of  you  by  taking  thought  can  add  one 
culiit  unto  his  stature? 

28  And  wliy  take  ye  thought  for  raiment  ?  Con- 
sider the  lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  grow;  they 
toil  not,  neither  do  tiiey  spiu : 

29  And  yet  I  say  uuto  you,  That  even  Solomon 
in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these. 

30  Wherefore,  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the 
field,  which  to-day  is,  and  to-uiorrow  is  cast  into 
the  oven,  shall  he  not  niucli  more  clothe  you,  0  ye 
of  little  faitii? 

31  Therefore  take  no  thought,  saying.  What  shall 
we  eat?"  or.  What  shall  we  drink?  or,  Where- 
withal shall  we  be  clothed  ? 

32  (For  after  all  these  things  do  the  Gentiles 
seek  :)  for  your  heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye 
have  need  of  all  these  things. 

33  But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and 
his  righteousness,''  and  all  these  tilings  shall  be 
added  unto  you.'' 

34  Take  thereforo  no  thought  for  the  morrow : 
for  the  morrow  shall  take  thought  for  the  things  of 
itself"     Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Christ  ending  his  Bermon  on  the  mount,  reproveth  rash  judgment,  6 
forbiddetli  to  cast  holy  ihings  to  doj^s,  7  exhorteth  to  prayer,  \\i  to 
enter  in  at  tlie  straif  gate,  I-')  to  beware  of  false  prophets,  21  not  to 
be  hearers,  but  doers  of  the  word:  'J4  like  hriuses  builded  on  a  rock, 
26  and  not.  on  the  sand. 

JUDGE  not,'  that  ye  be  not  judged. 
2  For  with  what  judgment  ye  judge,  ye  shall 

•  Job3-J:41;  l.uke  ia:-Jl,  etc.  I>  I'si.  .17:3;  65:22;  1  Pel.  5:7.  »  1  Tim. 
1:a.  <1  L-v.  iry.-SK  21:  1  Kings  .•}:13;  P»a.  37:2.5;  Mirk  lU:.^.  '  Deul. 
33:*>;  Heb.  13:5.  0.  '  Luko  U:37;  Rom.  2:1;  1  Cor.  4:5.  f  Judg.  1:7. 
*  Oil.  0:1.     i  Prov.  0:7,  8;  4:1:U.     I  l»a.  50:0;  Luke  1S:1.     t  Psi.  81:10, 


27.  Unto  his  stature;  better,  to  his  age  ;  that  is,  by  all  his 
anxiety  prolong  his  life  a  moment  beyond  his  appointed 
time.     For  measure  as  ajiplied  to  time,  eompare  I'sa.  39:  I. 

30.  Cast  into  tlie  oven;  cut  <iown  for  fuel,  and  burnt. 
Little  faitli ;  little  confidence  in  God. 

32.  Gentiles;  those  who  know  not  God.  Knoweth;  he  is 
acquainted  with  your  wants,  and,  in  the  proper  use  of 
means,  without  your  anxiety,  he  will  supply  them. 

33.  Seek  ye  first;  seek  lirstan  interest  in  the  blessings  of 
Christ's  righteousness  and  reign.  Chap.  3:2.  All  these 
thingi;  sill  needed  good  he  will  liestow. 

31.  Sluiil  take  thouglU;  the  future  will  bring  its  supply. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  character  of  external  actions  is  determined  by 
the  feelings  and  motives. 

6.  Everyone  is  bound  to  pray  in  secret.  "Thou"  enter 
into  "thy"  closet,  and  pray  to  "thy"  Father. 

9.  -Men  are  bound  to  unite  with  others  in  prayer,  and 
when  praying  alone  to  remenibi-r  and  pray  for  them. 
^'Pray  ye,"  and  say,  "Our  Father,"  a  form  suited  to  a 
number  of  persons.  Accefrfable  prayer  is  the  offering  up 
of  our  desires  for  things  agreeable  to  the  will  of  (jod,  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  with  confession  of  sing,  and 
thankful  acknowledgment  of  his  mercies. 

10.  Kvery  person  is  bouml  to  desire  and  daily  to  pray 
that  liod  should  reign  in  and  over  him  and  all  peojde,  as 
he  reigns  in  heaven. 

15.  An  unforgiving  temper,  if  continued,  will  shut  a  man 
out  of  heaven,  and  shut  him  up  in  hell. 

16.  In  religious  duties,  all  should  be  especially  careful  to 
avoid  ostentation,  and  the  seeking  of  the  praises  of  men. 

21.  What  a  man  regards  suprenn  ly  is  his  treasure,  or 
his  God.     If  it  be  any  created  thing,  he  has  anotlier  god 
before  Jehovah,  and  is.  in  this  sense,  an  idolater. 
1074 


be  judged :  and  with  what  measure  ye  mete,  a.  d.  3i. 
it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again. ^ 

3  And  why  beholdcst  thou  the  mote  that  is  in 
thy  brother's  eye,  but  considerest  not  the  beam 
that  is  ill  tiiinc  own  eye? 

■i  Or  how  wilt  thou  say  to  thy  brother.  Let  me 
pull  out  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye;  and  behold,  a 
beam  M  in  thine  own  eye? 

5  Thou  hypocrite,  first  cast  out  the  beam  out  of 
thine  own  eye;''  and  then  shalt  thou  see  clearly  to 
cast  out  the  mote  out  of  thy  brother's  eye. 

C)  1  Give  not  that  whicli  is  holy  unto  the  dogs, 
neither  cast  ye  your  jiearls  before  swine,'  lest  they 
trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and 
rend  you. 

7  T  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you ;  seek,  and  yo 
shall  find  ;^  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you : 

8  For  every  one  that  askcth,  receiveth  ;''  and  he 
that  seeketh,  findeth ; '  and  to  him  that  knocketh, 
it  shall  bo  opened. 

9  Or  what  man  is  tlicre  of  you,  whom  if  his  son 
ask  liread,  will  he  give  him  a  stone? 

10  Or  if  he  ask  a  iish,  will  he  give  him  a  serpent?,  <• 

11  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall 
your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  give  good  things 
to  tticm  tliat  ask  him  ?'" 

V2  Therefore  all  tilings  whatsoever  ye  would 
that  men  siiould  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them: 
for  this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets." 

13  1  Enter  yc  in  at  the  strait  gate  ;"  for  wide  is 
the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way,  that  leadctii  to  dc 
struction,  and  many  there  be  which  go  in  thereat: 

10;  John  U:13,  14;  10:2.1,  24;  1  John  3:22;  5:14,  15,  I  Prov.  8:17;  Jer. 
29:12,  13.  m  Luke  11:11,  etc.  n  Lev.  19:18;  Rom.  13:8-10;  Gal.  5:14. 
o  Luke  13:24. 


25.  Anxiety  about  future  support  and  comfort  in  this 
world  is  needless,  hurtful,  iind  wicked;  for  present  obe- 
dience to  God  will  insure  all  needed  good. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1.  Judge  not ;  rashly,  censoriously,  or  unjustly,  tlic  char- 
acter or  conduct  of  others. 

2.  Be  judged — measured;  you  may  expect  to  be  treated 
as  you  treat  otliers.     Luke  6:37. 

6.  That  which  is  holy;  the  holy  flesh  of  the  sacrifices. 
Trample  them ;  »»  things  to  them  valueless.  Turn — and 
rend  i/nu;  turn  from  the  pearls  in  rage  to  attack  the  giver, 
lici-iuKc  he  has  olTered  tliein  what  they  cannot  eat.  Dogs 
and  BW'ine  reiirescnt  selfmh,  iiuarrelsome,  rapacious,  and 
sensual  men,  whom  it  is  often  liest  to  leave  to  themselves, 
lest  r)ur  indiscreet  labors  be  not  only  thrown  away  as 
regards  them,  but  turn  to  our  own  injury. 

7.  Ask;  ill  every  tiling  liy  juayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  rci|iu'«ls  be  m;ide  known  luilo  (Jod. 
Seek;  continue  to  ask  of  (!od  the  blessings  which  you  need. 
Knock;  at  the  cloor  of  his  mercy  and  grace,  with  sincerity 
and  earnestness,  in  the  way  of  his  appointment,  and  you 
slnill  be  a<lmitted  to  communion  withliini:  in  his  light  you 
will  see  light,  and  of  his  fulness  receive  according  to  all 
your  wants. 

H.  Every  one;  all  who  rightly  ask,  receive  either  what 
they  ask  or  something  better  in  its  place. 

11.  Good  gifts;  things  which  are  needed  and  truly  bene- 
ficial. 

12.  So;  do  to  others  as,  under  like  circumstances,  you 
ought  to  wish  others  to  do  to  you.  Tliit  is  the  law  and  the 
prophets;  what  is  rcipiired  in  the  Old  TcKtament. 

1.3.  Sirait  gate;  stniil  here  means  narrow  and  difKcult, 
and  rcprcBents  the  difTiculty  of  entering  on  a  religious  life, 


The  tree  and  its  fruit. 


MATTHEW  VIII. 


The  house  on  a  rode. 


A.  D.  31.  14  Because'  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow 
is  the  way,  whicli  leadetli  unto  life,  and  few  there 
be  that  find  it." 

15  1  Beware  of  false  prophets,"  which  come  to 
you  in  sheep's  clothing,  but  inwardly  they  are 
ravening  wolves.'^ 

16  Ye  shall  know  them  by  their  fruits.''  Do  men 
gatlier  grapes  of  thorns,  or  figs  of  thistles? 

17  Even  so  every  good  tree  bringetli  forth  good 
fruit ;  but  a  corrupt  tree  bringeth  forth  evil  fruit." 

IS  A  good  tree  cannot  bring  forth  evil  fruit, 
neitlier  can  a  corrupt  tree  bring  fortli  good  fruit. 

19  Every  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit 
is  hewn  down,  and  cast  into  tlie  firc.*^  ■ 

20  Wherefore  by  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them. 

21  1  Not  every  one  tliat  saith  unto  nic.  Lord, 
Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;« 
but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is 
in  heaven. 

22  Many  will  say  to  me  in  that  day,  Lord,  Lord, 
have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name?"  and  in  thy 
name  have  cast  out  devils  ?  and  in  thy  name  done 
many  wonderful  works? 

23  And  tlien  will  I  profess  unto  tliem,  I  never 
knew  you :  depart  from  me,  ye  that  work  iniquity.' 

24  i  Therefore  whosoever  heareth  these  sayings 
of  mine,  and  doeth  them,J  I  will  liken  him  unto  a 
wise  man,"  which  built  his  house  upon  a  rock : 


•Or, 

Hoio.     »  oh. 

21). 

10 

;  •i';:l-l- 

! ;  Rom.  9 

■a,  tM 

b 

Deut.  13:1-3; 

Ter. 

23:13-11); 

.Fohn  4: 

1. 

c 

Acts  all: 

«K)I . 

d 

ch.   1- 

::)3 

e  Luke  6:43, 

45. 

f  ch.3 

IIJ; 

John  15: 

■-',  f! 

S  Isa.  4^ 

:1,  -i; 

ch. 

25:11, 

I-; 

Luke  (i:40;   13 

25; 

Rom.  - 

:13. 

I-  Num 

■u 

4 

1  Kings 

■i'M 

etc 

;  Jer. 

23: 

3,  etc.;  Acts  19 

13- 

or  beginning  heartily  to  obey  God.  Wide;  easy  to  enter, 
requiring  one  only  to  follow  his  own  depraved  inclina- 
tions. 

14.  Few;  that  find  or  go  in  the  way  of  life.  This  truth 
is  contrary  to  what  many  teach.     Therefore, 

15.  Beware;  avoid  false  teachers.  Sheep's  clothing;  ap- 
pearing in  the  character  of  true  teachers.  Wolves;  selfish, 
greedy  of  gain,  and  disposed  to  plunder. 

Ifi.  Fruits;  the  natiue  and  efi'ects  of  their  doctrines  and 
conduct. 

21.  Not  every  one;  men  are  to  be  judged  of,  not  by  their 
words  only,  but  by  their  principles  and  conduct.  They 
must  obey  the  revealed  will  of  God,  and  to  be  accepted  of 
hini,  must  do  it  with  the  heart. 

23.  Never  knew  you;  as  my  disciples. 

24.  A  wise  man;  one  who  selects  good  ends, and  uses  the 
right  means  to  attain  them. 

28.  Ended;  finished  his  sermon  on  the  mount, as  record- 
ed in  the  last  three  chapters.  Astonished ;  no  wonder,  for 
this  is  a  most  astonishing  sermon.  It  fills  up,  in  its  expla- 
nations, the  law  of  God  to  its  divine  fulness.  It  shows  to 
men  the  way  of  excellence,  usefulness,  and  happiness.  It 
points  out  their  dangers,  and  the  way  to  escape  them ; 
their  duties,  and  the  way  to  i>erform  them.  It  sets  before 
them  the  motives  best  adapted  to  lead  them  to  avoid  the 
one  and  perform  the  other  ;  and  it  does  this  with  a  brevity 
and  clearness,  a  pertinency  and  fulness,  a  simplicity  and 
directness,  a  beauty,  comprehensiveness,  and  force  which 
arc  truly  divine. 

29.  T(i ur^ht — as  one  hn  ving authority ;  the  Pliarisees  quoted 
what  the  fathers  had  said ;  Christ  spoke  in  his  own  right. 
lie  had  authority  over  the  winds  and  the  waves,  over  dis- 
eases and  devils,  and  over  all  creatures  in  heaven,  earth, 
and  hell.  Such  was  his  chiiracter,  dominion,  and  work, 
that  even  in  his  deepest  humiliation  it  w:is  (lie  duty,  not 
only  of  men  but  of  angels,  to  worship  him.     llcb.  1 :  C. 

iNSTiiucrnoNS. 

1.  Harsh  judgments  will  provoke  retaliation. 
3.  Men  wlio  are  exceedingly  blind  to  their  own  faults, 
arc  often  exceedingly  quicksighted  to  the  faults  of  others. 


25  And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came, 
and  the  winds  blew,  and  beat  upon  that  house; 
and  it  fell  not:  for  it  was  founded  upon  a  rock.' 

2G  And  every  one  that  heareth  these  sayings  of 
mine,  and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be  likened  unto  a 
foolisli  man,™  whicli  built  his  liouse  upon  the  sand : 

27  And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came, 
and  the  winds  blew,"  and  beat  upon  that  house ; 
and  it  fell :  and  great  was  the  fall  of  it." 

28  And  it  came  to  pass,w]ien  Jesus  had  ended  these 
sayings,  the  people  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine : " 

29  For  he  taught  tiiem  as  mie  having  authority, 
and  not  as  the  scribes. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

2  Christ  cleansetK  the  leper,  5  healeth  the  centurion's  servant,  14  Peter's 
niother-in-law,  16  and  many  otlier  tiiseaseil:  IS  showeth  how  he  is 
to  be  followed :  23  stilleth  the  tempest  on  the  sea,  2H  driveth  the 
devils  out  of  two  men  possessed,  31  and  sufTereth  them  to  go  into 
the  swme. 

WHEN  he  was  come  down  from  the  moun- 
tain, great  multitudes  followed  liiin. 

2  And  behold,  there  came  a  leper  and  worship- 
ped him,  saying.  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst 
make  me  clean.'' 

3  And  Jesus  put  forth  his  hand,  and  touched  him, 
saying,  I  will ;  be  thou  clean.  And  immediately 
his  leprosy  was  cleansed. 


15;  1  Cor.   13:2.      i  Psa,  5:5;    ch.  25:41;    Rev. 

22:15.      J  Luke  6:47,  etc. 

k  Psa.   111:10;  11<I:99,  130.      1   Psa.  92:13-15. 

m  1  Sam.  2:30;  Jer.  8:9. 

n  1  Cor.  3:13.     o  Heb.   10:20,27.     p  Jer.  23:29; 

Mark  6:2.     1  Mark  1:40, 

etc.;  Luke  5:12.  etc. 

5.  Those  who  labor  most  successfully  in  advancing  their 
own  spiritual  welfare,  are  the  best  fitted  to  be  useful  to 
others. 

6.  Scorners  and  scoffers  should  sometimes  be  let  alone, 
lest,  on  being  reproved,  they  become  more  injurious  than 
they  otherwise  would  be,  to  themselves  and  to  others. 
Prov.  9:7,  8. 

7.  Men,  in  order  to  judge  and  act  rightly  with  regard 
to  their  duty  to  themselves  and  their  fellow-men,  need 
wisdom  and  strength  from  above :  they  should  therefore 
habitually  ask  them  of  God ;  and  those  who  do  this,  in 
dependence  on  Jesus  Christ,  may  expect,  for  his  sake,  to 
receive  them. 

11.  The  readiness  of  a  kind,  affectionate  parent  to  give 
necessary  food  to  a  famishing  child,  is  but  a  faint  emblem 
of  the  readiness  of  God  to  give  all  needed  good  to  those 
who  rightly  ask  him. 

13.  The  difliculties  which  stand  in  the  way  of  beginning 
from  the  heart  to  obey  God,  need  not  and  ought  not  to  hin- 
der any  from  doing  it. 

15.  False  teachers  may,  at  first,  appear  very  interesting ; 
but  they  should  be  judged  of,  not  by  their  appearance 
merely,  but  by  the  character  and  efiects  of  their  princi- 
ples and  conduct. 

21.  The  onlj'  sure  test  of  true  religion,  is  the  doing  of 
the  known  will  of  God. 

25.  The  hopes  of  those  who  believe  in  Christ  as  the 
Lord  their  righteousness,  and  do  his  will,  can  never  be 
disappointed. 

27.  Those  hopes  which  are  not  founded  on  .Icsus  Christ, 
but  upon  human  merit,  or  on  the  mercy  of  (iod  without 
faith  in  Christ  and  obedience  to  him,  will  jicrish  at  the 
giving  up  of  the  ghost.     Prov.  11:7. 

CHAPTER  Vin. 

2  Leper;  lejiro-sy  was  one  of  the  most  filthy,  loathsome, 
and  iiRur;ililc  of  diseases.  Thou  canst;  an  expression  of 
taith  in  his  almighty  power. 

3.  I  will ;  in  this  Jesus  showed  that  he  is  almighty,  ac- 
cording to  his  declaration,  Rev.  1 : 8. 

10T5 


Centurion's  servant  healed. 


MATTHEW  YIII. 


Christ  stilkth  the  tempest. 


4  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  See  thou  tell  no 
man;"  but  so  thy  way,  show  thyself  to  the  priest, 
aud  offer  the  gift  that  Moses  coiiinuinded,''  for  a 
testimony  unto  them. 

5  1^  And  when  Jesus  was  entered  into  Capernaum, 
there  came  unto  him  a  centurion,'^  beseeching  him, 

6  And  saying.  Lord,  my  servant  lieth  at  home 
sick  of  the  palsy,  grievously  tormented. 

7  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  will  come  and  heal 
him. 

8  The  centurion  answered  and  said,  Lord,  I  am 
not  worthy  that  thou  shouldest  come  under  my 
roof:''  but  speak  the  word  only,"  and  my  servant 
shall  be  healed. 

9  For  I  am  a  man  under  authority,  having  sol- 
diers under  me:  and  I  say  to  this  man,  Go,  and  he 
goeth  ;  and  to  another.  Come,  and  he  cometh;  and 
to  my  servant.  Do  this,  and  he  doeth  it. 

10  When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  marvelled,  and  said 
to  them  that  followed.  Verily  1  say  unto  you  I 
have  not  found  so  great  faith,'  no,  not  in  Israel. 

11  And  I  say  unto  you,  Tiiat  many  shall  come 
from  the  east  and  west,  and  shall  sit  down  with 
Abraham,  and  Isaac,  aud  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom 
of  heaven:''' 

12  But  the  children  of  the  kingdom  .«hall  be  cast 
out  into  outer  darkness:''  there  shall  be  weeping 
and  gnashing  of  tc(>th.' 

13  And  Jesus  said  unto  the  centurion.  Go  thy  way ; 
and  as  thou  hast  believed,  so  be  it  done  unto  thee. 
And  his  servant  was  healed  in  the  self-same  hour. 

14  H  And  when  Jesus  was  come  in  to  Peter's  house, 
he  saw  his  wife's  motiier  laid,  and  sick  of  a  fever.' 

15  And  ho  touched  her  hand,  and  the  fever  left 
her:  and  she  arose,  and  nuiiisti.'red  unto  them. 

16  H  When  the  even  was  come,  they  brought  unto 

»Cn.  0:30;  Mirk  .5:13.  b  Lev.  14:3,  etc.  '  Luke  7:>2,  elc.  <!P»a.I0:17; 
Luke  1.5:19,  21.  e  ver.  3;  I'.a.  .33:9;  107:20.  '  ch.  1.5:23.  «  Isa  2:2,  3; 
Luke  13:29;  Act«  ll:ls;  E|ili.  3:0;  Rev.  7:U.     >>  ch.  7:22,  23      I  ch.  I  1:12, 

4.  Tell  no  man  ;  either  tell  no  man  till  thou  hast  shown 
thyself  to  the  priest,  that  liis  judgment  of  the  cure  may  not 
he  inHuencofI  by  any  rcpiirt  of  the  miracle  ;  or  do  nut  noise 
abroad  the  in;ittor,  a  coiiimaiid  often  fjiven  by  oiir  Lord  to 
those  whom  ho  liad  liealed.  (lornpare  chap.  12:1.'>-21, 
Tlie  eift;  Lev.  14:1-32.  A  testimony;  that  lie  was  really 
cured,  and  might  safely  be  again  a(lmitte<l  into  society. 

.5.  Centurion;  a  Roman  officer  who  had  command  of  a 
century,  consiHting  generally  of  about  a  hundred  men. 

9.  Under  author  ill) ;  to  my  superior  officers,  and  there- 
fore knowing  how  to  render  jirompt  obedience.  Having 
soldiers  under  me;  and  therefore  knowing  how  to  receive 
prompt  obedience.  He  means  to  say,  .lust  as  I  obey  and 
am  obeyed,  so  thou  hast  only  to  command,  and  diseases 
will  come  ami  go  at  thy  biilding. 

10.  So  greiil  jfailli ;  such  strong  confidence  in  the  power 
of  ("lirist  to  <lo  wh;ilever  he  pleased.  In  Israel;  among 
the  .lews,  whose  Kpiritii;il  advantages  were  much  greater 
than  those  of  any  otlicr  people. 

11.  Many;  from  among  the  Gentiles  and  jieople  less 
favored  with  ligiit. 

12.  Children  of  the  kingdom;  .lews  favored  with  great 
privileges.  Outer  darknen;  the  darkness  willioiit  the 
banqueting-hall,  wlii.h  is  briglilly  illuminated.  Compare 
chap.  22:13.  The  bamnuting-hall  liere  represeiils  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  and  the  outer  darkness,  hell. 

17.  Took — hare;  took  them  upon  himself,  and  thus  took 
them  away  from  us.  Piich  is  the;  phiin  meaning  of  this 
passage,  quoteil  from  Isa.  .ISr-l.  Bodily  sickness  is  a  jiart 
of  the  sorrow  which  sin  has  occasioned.  liy  lie.nling  this, 
the  Saviour  shadowed  forth  the  perfect  redemption  which 
1076 


him  many  that  were  possessed  with  devils :''  a.  d.  3i. 
and  he  cast  out  the  spirits  with  Ids  word,  and  heal- 
ed all  that  were  sick  : 

17  That  it  might  be  fullillcd  which  was  spoken 
by  Esaias  the  ])ro])het,  saying.  Himself  took  our 
iidirmities,  and  bare  oiir  sicknesses.' 

18  Now  when  Jesus  saw  great  multitudes  about 
him,  he  gave  commandment  to  dejiart  unto  the 
other  side. 

19  And  a  certain  scribe  came,  and  said  unto  him, 
Master, I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest."' 

*20  And  Jesus  saitli  unto  him,  The  Ib.xes  have 
holes,  and  the  birds  of  the  air  ham  nests;  but  the 
Son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  Jm  head. 

21  And  another  of  his  disciples  said  unto  him, 
Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go  and  bury  my  father." 

22  But  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Follow  me  ;  and  let 
the  dead  bury  their  dead. 

23  1  And  when  he  was  entered  into  a  ship,  his 
disciples  fcdlowed  him. 

24  And  behold,  there  arose  a  great  tempest  in 
the  sea,"  insomuch  that  the  ship  was  covered  with 
the  waves:  but  he  was  asleep. 

25  And  his  disciples  came  to  him,  and  awoke 
him,  saying.  Lord,  save  us:   we  perish. 

2G  And  li(!  saith  unto  them.  Why  are  ye  fearful, 
0  ye  of  little  faith  ?  Then  he  arose,  and  rebuked 
the  winds  and  the  sea ;  •*  and  there  was  a  great  calm. 

27  But  the  men  marvelled,  saying.  What  manner 
of  man  is  this,  that  even  the  winds  and  the  sea 
obey  him  I 

28  1  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  other  side, 
into  the  country  of  the  Gergesenes,''  there  met  him 
two  possessed  with  devils,  coming  out  of  the  tombs, 
exceeding  fierce,  so  that  no  man  might  pass  by  that 
way. 


M.  J  Mark  l::)(l,  :U;  Luke4:;K3'.l.  "  .Mark  1  :.12,  etc.  I  Isa.  03:4;  I  IVt. 
2:24.  ">  Luke  9:57,  5S.  »  I  Kiiign  l!':21l.  o  Mark  4:37,  etc.;  Luke  a:23, 
etc.     pJob3,-):ll  ;  r»a.  SO;fl;  107:21).     'I  .Mark  5: 1  ;  I.uke  8:20,  elc. 

he  gives  to  our  souls  by  taking  our  place,  and  being 
"  wounded  for  our  transgressions,"  and  "  bruised  for  our 
iniiiuitics."     Isa,  .'■)3:5;   1  Pet,  2:24. 

IS.  Tlic  other  side ;  of  the  sea  of  Galilee. 

11).  Fallow  Ihee;  in  a  special  sense  ;  become  thy  disciple 
and  atten<l;int. 

20.  The  Son  of  man;  the  pon  of  man  in  a  preeniinent 
sense.  Had  Jesus  been  a  mere  man,  this  title,  which  he 
commonly  ai>plieil  to  liimsclf,  could  h;ive  hail  no  signili- 
cancy.  Hut  now,  being  (lod,  he  dc8i-ril)ed  liinisclf  by  it  as 
"  (lod  manifested  in  the  llcsh,"  1  Tim.  .'i:  Ifi.  Ilalh  iiol  vhrrr; 
is  ilestitutc  of  a  honu^  aii<l  its  cond'orls.  lie  would  have 
him  undcrstanil  lli;it  his  follnwers  must  expect  poverty 
and  hardships,  an<l  be  pre]i;irfrl  to  bear  them. 

22.  Let  the  dend  ;  the  spirituiilly  dead.  Ihiry  their  dead; 
the  literally  dead.  Let  those  who  are  impeiiilent  sinners 
without  K]iirilu:d  life  bury  your  fiilher,  and  do  you  now 
what  I  command  you.  The  oiiiiiisiient  Haviour  saw  that 
such  a  command  was  necessary  to  impress  upon  that  dis- 
ciple the  KU]ireine  imiiorlaiice  of  his  service,  and  the 
necessity  of  making  every  earthly  feeling  and  interest 
subordinate  to  it,  ('omjiaro  his  command  to  the  rich 
youtig  man,  chap.  1!):21. 

2(1.  O  lie  of  little  fnilh ;  small  cnnrHh'nco  in  my  know- 
li-dge  and  power.  Itchulud  the  -winds;  commanded  them 
not  to  blow. 

2«.  The  other  side;  the  east  side  of  the  sea  of  (Jalilee. 
Cerccsenes;  the  region  in  which  w:ib  situated  the  city  of 
(lergesa,  and  also  that  of  (ladara.  mentioned  Miirk  5:1. 
The  tombs;  these  among  the  .lews  were  often  exe;niitions 
in  hills  and  rocks,  Bometimos  of  great  extent,  with  uiuny 


Christ  castdh  out  devils, 


MATTHEW  IX. 


and  hcakth  a  paralytic. 


A.D.31.  29  And  behold,  thc3'criedout,saying,WIiat 
have  we  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God  ? 
art  thou  come  hither  to  torment  us  before  the  time  ? 

30  And  there  was  a  good  way  off  from  them  a 
herd  of  many  swine  feeding. 

31  So  the  devils  besought  him,  saying,  If  thou 
cast  us  out,  suffer  us''  to  go  away  into  the  herd 
of  swine." 

32  And  lie  said  unto  them.  Go.  And  when  tliey 
were  come  out,  they  went  into  the  herd  of  swine ; 
and  behold,  the  whole  herd 'of  swine  ran  violently 
down  a  steep  place  into  the  sea,  and  perished  in 
the  waters. 

33  And  they  that  kept  them  fled,  and  went  their 
ways  into  the  city,  and  told  every  thing,  and  what 
was  befallen  to  tiie  possessed  of  the  devils. 

34  And  behold,  the  whole  city  came  out  to  meet 
Jesus:  and  when  they  saw  him,  they  besought /m//i 
that  he  would  depart  out  of  their  coasts."^ 


CHAPTER  IX. 

2  Christ  cureth  one  sick  of  the  palsy,  9  calleth  Matthew  from  the  re- 
ceipt of  custom,  10  eatetli  with  publicans  and  sinners,  14  deffiideth 
his  disciples  for  not  fasting,  20  cureth  the  bloody  issue,  23  raiseth 
from  death  Jairus'  daughter,  27  giveth  sight  to  two  blind  men,  32 
healeth  a  dumb  man  possessed  of  a  devil,  oG  and  hath  compassion  on 
the  multitude. 


A 


ND  he  entered  into  a  ship,  and  passed  over, 
and  came  into  his  own  city. 


»J..b  1:10-1-2;  i-M-H.  b  Deut.  14:8;  Isa.  05:3,  4.  t  Job -21:14 :  Luke  riiS; 
Acls  l(i:39.     i  Mark  -2:3,  etc  ;  Luke  5:18,  etc.     e  Mark  5::34.     '  Psa.  139:-2; 

apartments,  which  afforded  shelter  to  those  who  had  no 
better  accommodations. 

29.  Before  the  time;  the  day  of  judgment,  the  time  ap- 
pointed by  God  for  their  final  torments. 

32.  Go;  by  this  permission  the  reality  of  the  existence 
of  unclean  spirits,  and  tlieir  terrible  power  and  malice, 
were  manifested  in  a  most  striking  way. 

34.  Besought  htm  that  he  would  depart ;  jirobably  from  fear 
lest  his  miraculous  power  should  work  them  still  greater 
worldly  losses. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Whenever  Christ  wills,  our  difficulties  will  be  re- 
moved ;  and  implicit  confidence  in  him  is  a  good  prepara- 
tion to  receive  his  favor." 

8.  Those  who  have  the  most  exalted  views  of  Jesus 
Christ,  have  humble  and  abasing  views  of  themselves. 

11.  Many,  with  small  advantages,  look  to  Christ  and 
live ;  wliile  others,  whose  advantages  are  much  greater, 
reject  him  and  perish. 

14.  Marriage  is  honorable  in  all,  and  is  especially  im- 
portant in  ministers  of  the  gospeL  A  bishop  who  is  the 
husband  of  one  wife,  is,  in  this  respect,  like  the  apostle 
Peter. 

19.  Persons  sometimes  express  sti-ong  resolutions  of 
becoming  tbllowers  of  Christ,  without  duly  considering  to 
what  it  will  expose  them,  or  what  tliey  must  relinquish 
for  his  sake. 

20.  Poverty  is  no  disgrace,  unless  brought  upon  men  by 
their  own  fault.  The  poor  resemble  tlie  Hedeemer  in  their 
outward  condition,  more  than  the  rich.  lie  chooses  for 
them,  in  this  respect,  that  condition  vi-hich,  when  on  eartii, 
he  cliose  for  himself. 

22.  Our  obligations  to  Christ  are  greater  than  to  father, 
mother,  or  any  eartlily  friends  ;  and  we  should  not  let  our 
regard  fur  lliem  hinder  us  from  proiii|itly  obeying  him. 

2fi.  For  men  lo  be  fearful  when  following  the  directions 
of  Christ,  shows  great  want  of  confidence  in  him,  and  is 
both  foolish  and  wicked. 

28.  The  power  and  malice  of  unclean  spirits  is  incon- 
ceivably great.    It  should  bo  to  ua  a  matter  of  devout  grat- 


2  And  behold,  they  brought  to  him  a  man  sick 
of  tlie  palsy,''  lying  on  a  bed :  and  Jesus  seeing 
their  faith,  said  unto  the  sick  of  the  palsy.  Son," 
be  of  good  cheer ;  thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee. 

3  And  behold,  certain  of  the  scribes  said  within 
themselves,  Tliis  man  blaspheineth. 

4  And  Jesus  knowing  tlieir  thoughts,''  said, 
Wherefore  think  ye  evil  in  your  hearts? 

5  For  whether  is  easier,  to  say.  Thy  sins  be  for- 
given thee ;  or  to  say,  Arise,  and  walk  ? 

6  But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of  man 
hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins,'''  (then  .saith 
he  to  the  sick  of  the  palsy,)  Arise,  take  up  thy 
bed,  and  go  unto  thy  house. 

7  And  he  arose,  and  departed  to  liis  house. 

8  But  wlien  the  multitude  saw  it,  they  marvelled, 
and  glorified  God,''  which  had  given  such  power 
unto  men. 

9  1  And  as  Jesus  passed  forth  from  thence,  he 
saw  a  man  named  Matthew,  sitting  at  the  receipt 
of  custom:  and  he  saith  unto  liini.  Follow  me. 
And  he  arose,  and  followed  him.' 

10  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Jesus  sat  at  meat 
in  the  house,  beliold,  many  publicans  and  sinners 
came  and  sat  down  with  him  and  his  disciples. 

11  And  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it,  they  said  unto 
his  disciples,  Wliy  eateth  your  Master  with  publi- 
cans and  sinners?^ 

12  But  when  Jesus  heard  that,  he  said  unto  them, 


John  -2:-24, -2.5;  Heb.  4:1-2,  13;  Rev.  -2:23.     %  Mio.  7:18.     I>  Acts4:-21;  Gal, 
1:-21.     iMark-2:11;  Luke  5:27,  etc.     J  ch.  11 :19;  Lviko  15:-2;  Heb.  5:-2. 


itude  that  they  are  made  subject  to  the  authority  of  Christ, 
and  can  harm  none  that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

29.  Even  devils  knew  that  God  would  fulfil  his  word,  in 
punishing  them  at  his  own  appointed  time, 

34.  Men  who  are  not  literally  "  possessed  of  devils," 
may  still  be  influenced  by  evil  spirits,  and  when  so  influ- 
enced, they  are  opposed  to  Christ,  and  wish  him  to  depart 
from  tliem.  Covetousness  leads  men  to  act  in  the  same 
way ;  and  so  debases  them,  that  they  prefer  any  thing  by 
which  they  can  make  money,  to  the  presence  and  glory  of 
the  Saviour. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1.  His  own  cdy ;  Capernaum.     Chap.  4:13;  Mark  2:1. 

2.  Son;  a  title  of  condescension  and  kindness.  Thi/  sins 
be  forgiven  thee;  here,  as  everywhere  in  the  Iioly  Scriptures, 
disease  is  regarded  as  a  fruit  of  sin.  The  forgiveness  of 
the  man's  sins  by  the  Saviour  is  a  pledge  that  in  dm-  time 
his  disease  shall  also  be  healed.  Some  think  that  this  had 
been  produced  by  special  sinful  hidulgence. 

3.  Blasphemeth ;  by  usurping  the  prerogative  of  God  to 
forgive  sins. 

4.  Knowing  their  thoughts;  by  his  divine  omniscience, 
though  they  had  not  expressed  them.  Think  ye  cvd;  of 
me,  as  if  I  were  a  blasphemer  in  forgiving  sins. 

5.  Easier;  that  is,  one  is  as  really  the  work  of  God  as 
the  other. 

(i.  But  thai  i/e  may  kiinw ;  by  healing  the  sick  of  Ihe  pal.sy 
he  manifests  himself  to  be  God,  and  therefore  able  to  for- 
give sins, 

8.  Unto  men;  it  was  not  a  man  that  had  done  this  divine 
work,  but  (iod  manifest  in  the  flesh.     1  Tim,  3:lfi. 

9.  Matthew;  the  writer  of  this  gospel.  Receipt  of  cus- 
tom;  the  jdace  whi-re  taxes  were  paid. 

10.  The  house;  Mattlu-w's  house.  Publicans  and  sinners ; 
tax-gatlierers  and  vicious  persons. 

12.  Sick;  sinners  need  the  Saviour,  as  those  that  are 
sick  need  a  ))hysician.  It  was  therefore  projicr  that  ho 
should  be  willi  such,  for  the  purpose  of  doing  them  good. 
And  if  any  were  really  righteous,  as  the  Pharisees  imag- 

1077 


Jairus'  daughter  healed, 


MATTHEW  IX. 


also  the  blind  aiid  dumb. 


They  that  be  whole  need  not  a  physician,  Imt  (hey 
that  are  sick. 

13  But  go  ye  and  learn  vrhat  tliat  meaneth,  I  will 
have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice:"  for  I  am  not  come 
to  call  the  rigliteous,  but  sinners  to  refientance.'' 

14  T  Tiicn  came  to  him  tlio  disciples  of  John, 
saying,  Why  do  wc  and  the  Pharisees  fast  oft,  but 
thy  disciples  fast  not? 

15  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Can  the  children 
of  the  bride-chamber  mourn,  as  long  as  the  bride- 
groom is  with  tliemV  but  the  days  will  come,  when 
the  bridegroom  shall  be  taken  from  them,  and  then 
shall  they  fast.'' 

16  No  man  putteth  a  piece  of  new  cloth"  unto  an 
old  garment;  for  that  which  is  put  in  to  fill  it  up, 
taketh  from  the  garment,  and  the  rent  is  made 
worse. 

IT  Xeitlier  do  men  jnit  new  wine  into  old  bot- 
tles :  else  the  bottles  break,''  and  the  wine  runneth 
out,  and  the  bottles  perish  :  but  they  put  new  wine 
into  new  bottles,  and  both  are  jirescrvod. 

18  IT  Wliile  he  spake  these  tlungs  unto  them,  be- 
hold,, there  came  a  certain  ruler,  and  worshipped 
him,'  saying,  My  daugliter  is  even  now  dead :  but 
come  and  lay  thy  liand  upon  her,  and  she  shall  live.- 

1!)  And  Jesus  arose,  and  followed  him,  and  so 
did  his  disciples. 

20  IF  And  beh(jld,  a  woman  wliicli  was  diseased 
with  an  issue  of  blood  twelve  years,  came  behind 
him,  and  touched  the  hem  of  his  garment:'' 

21  For  she  said  within  lierself.  If  1  may  but 
toucii  ills  garment,'  I  shall  be  whole. 

22  But  Jesus  turned  him  about,  and  wlien  lie 
saw  her,  he  said,  Daughter,  be  of  good  comfort ; 
thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole.-'  And  the  woman 
was  made  whole  from  that  hour." 


»  Prov.  21;:);  Hos.  0:0;  Mic.  0:x;  ch.  1J:7.  b  l.ukn  21:47;  Acts  5::)1  : 
2Pel.:>:9.  c  ch.  25:1,  lU:  John  a:29;  Rev.  21:2.  ■'Isa.  22:12.  •  Or,  mw 
or  uniorought  rtotfi.  e  .lob  :i2:19.  '  Mark  5:22;  Luke  H:4I,  etc.  g  John 
11:22,25.     I>  .Mark  5:22;  Luke  M:43.     ■  Actj  1«:12.     J  Luke  7  ,50;  17:1U; 

ined  that  they  were,  they  did  not  need  his  presence  as  a 
Saviour. 

13,  Meaneth;  Hosea  Grfi.  Mercij;  lam  pleased  with  a 
merciful  disjjositioii,  maiiifestiiig  itself  in  doiii^  (;"'"1  t'J 
the  needy,  more  than  with  the  imi.st  cartful  attention 
merely  to  external  ceremonies.  In  these  latter  lay  all  the 
religion  of  the  scriljcs  and  Pharisees,  They  scrnimlously 
avoided  the  oiitward  ditileinent  of  contact  with  puhlicaiiH 
and  sinners,  while  they  had  no  compassion  for  their  souls 
or  bodies. 

15.  Tlu  children  of  the  bride<hamher ;  the  companions  of 
the  briilcfjroom  durinf;  the  marria;;e-feast.  Judg.  14:10,  II. 
Tlieii  sludl  lluji/fiisl ;  fasting  is  an  expression  of  sorrow,  not 
suitable  for  the  in;irriage  feast  while  the  bridegroom  is  still 
present.  So  (Christ  is  the  bridegroom  of  the  chinch.  While 
he  was  personiilly  present  with  his  diHcijiles,  it  was  iif)t 
suitable  th;it  they  should  f;ist.  After  his  rcniov;d  from  them, 
they  woulcl  have  trials  that  would  make  fasting  ju-oper, 

16.  New  cloth;  or,  as  the  margin,  niw  or  unwroiight 
cloth,  not  yet  dressed  or  fulled,  and  liable  to  shrink  upon 
being  wet,  Tukclh  frnm  the  p;arment;  namely,  when  by 
shrinking  it  tears  itself  from  it. 

17.  Into  M  liolttex ;  bottles  were  then  made,  not  of  glass, 
but  of  the  skins  of  animals.  Of  course,  those  that  were 
old  would  be  rotten;  and  new  wine,  if  put  into  them, 
woulil,  in  the  process  of  fermentation,  burst  them,  liy 
this  and  the  preceding  similitude  our  Lord  teaches  th;it 
the  a,i8tcrities  of  the  olil  disperiKation,  under  which  .lolin 
lived,  cannot  be  profitably  mixed  in  with  the  free  spirit 
of  tho  new.     Compare  chap.  11:18,  19. 

1078 


23  And  when  Jesus  came  into  the  ruler's  a.  d.  si. 
house,'  and  saw  the  minstrels  and  the  people  mak- 
ing a  noise,'" 

21  He  saiil  unto  them,  Give  [ilace:  for  the  maid 
is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth."  And  they  laughed  him 
to  scorn. 

25  But  when  the  people  were  put  forth,"  he  went 
in,  and  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  the  maid  arose. 

26  And  the  fame  hereof*  went  abroad  into  all 
that  land. 

27  1[  And  when  Jesus  departed  thence,  two  blind 
men  ftdlowed  him,  crying,  and  saying.  Thou  Son  of 
David,''  have  mercy  on  us. 

28  And  when  he  was  come  into  the  house,  the 
blind  men  came  to  him  :  and  Jesus  saitii  unto  them, 
Believe  ye  that  I  am  able  to  do  this  ?  They  said 
unto  him.  Yea,  Lord. 

29  Then  touched  he  tlicir  eyes,  saying,  Accord- 
ing to  your  faith  be  it  inito  you. 

30  And  their  eyes  were  opened  ;  and  Jesus  strait- 
ly  charged  them,  saying.  See  that  no  man  know  it.'* 

31  But  they,  when  they  were  departed,  spread 
abroad  his  fame  in  all  that  country. 

32  •[  As  they  went  out,  behold,  they  brought  to 
him  a  dumb  man  jwssessod  with  a  devil.'' 

33  And  when  the  devil  was  cast  out,  the  dumb 
spake:"  and  the  multitudes  marvelled,  saying,  It 
was  never  so  seen  in  Israel. 

34  But  tlu^  I'luirisees  said.  He  castetli  out  devils, 
through  the  jirince  of  the  devils.' 

35  And  Jesus  went  about  all  the  cities  and  vil- 
lages, teaching  in  their  synagogties,"  and  preach- 
ing the  gospel  of  the  kingdom,  and  healing  every 
sickness  and  every  disease  among  the  jicople. 

36  T  But  when  he  saw  the  multitudes,  he  was 
moved  with   compassion  on  them,  because  they 


1H:42;  Acts  14:i).  k  John  4:5:).  1  Mark  5:.^S:  Lnko  8:51.  m  2  Chr.  .15:25. 
■■AcU2l):10.  0  2King8  4:.')3,  etc.  ^  Ot.  this  famt.  P  ch.  l.'):2-J;  2U:30,  31, 
1  Isa,  42:2;  52:i:);  ch.  12:18.  r  ch.  12: 2-';  Luke  11 :  14.  »  l»a.  35:0,  f  ch. 
12:24;  Mark  3:22;  Luke  11:15.     u  ch.  4:23. 


18.  Ruler;  an  elder  to  whom  was  committed  the  care  of 
the  synagogue.  Eivti  now  dead ;  when  he  came  to  .lesus 
she  was  at  the  point  of  de;ilh.  licfore  Jesus  arrived  at 
his  house  she  was  dead,     .Mark  ,5:2:!,  :i5, 

20.  h'iuc  of  l>l(ml ;  an  uiicle:iii  disease,  according  to  tho 
Mosaic  law.     Lev.  1.5:25.     llcm;  border  or  fringe, 

22.  Dau^liler ;  a  term  of  tender  kindness.  Thy  faith ;  tho 
power  of  Christ  was  tho  cause,  and  her  faith  in  him,  lead- 
ing her  to  take  the  proper  measures,  w;is  the  means  of  her 
being  he;iled. 

2:1  Minstrels;  the  persons  hired  to  )>lay  on  instninients 
of  music  at  funerals.  Making  a  iiomc;  the  noise  of  wail- 
ing, as  was  the  custom. 

2'1.  Give  place;  retire;  your  services  are  not  wiinted. 
Not  dead ;  th;it  is,  not  piTiniiiiciilly.  llcr  clc:ith  is  but  as 
a  sleep  from  which  she  will  be  speedily  itwiikcncd, 

25,  Wcnl  in;  Mark  tells  us,  that  he  took  with  him  five 
persons.  Miirk  5::i7-40,  These  were  all  competent  wit- 
nesses, as  were  the  inullitude  without  when  they  saw  her, 
of  the  reality  of  the  mir.acle, 

27.  Son  of  David ;  a  phrase  among  the  .lews  for  the  Mes- 
siah, as  descended  from  D;ivid, 

,3,').  The  diimh  spake ;  thus  w;is  the  pro]ihecy,  Isa,  .35:5,  6, 
fulfilled  in  .lesus  ;  showing  that  he  was  tlic  Christ.  In  h-ra- 
el;  in  the  lanil  of  Israel,  or  in  the  history  of  their  nation. 

31,  I'rinre  of  the  dcvds ;  they  ascribed  his  beneficent 
miracles  to  the  help  of  Satan,  for  the  piirjiose  of  prevent- 
ing the  people  from  receiving  him  as  the  Messiah, 

'Mi.  Sheep  having  no  shrpltcrd ;  not  i)rovidcil  with  proper 
guardians  and  teachers. 


The  apostles  instructed  and 


MATTHEW  X. 


forewarned  of  persecutions. 


A.  D.  31.  fainted,'  and  -were  scattered  abroad, as  sheep 
having  no  shepherd." 

37  Then  saitli  he  unto  his  disciples.  The  harvest 
truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few;" 

38  Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
that  he  will  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest.^ 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Christ  sendeth  out  his  twelve  apostles,  enabling  them  with  power  to 
do  miracles,  5  giveth  them  their  charge,  teacheth  them,  16  comfort- 
eth  them  against  persecutions:  40  and  promiseth  a  blessing  to  those 
that  receive  them. 

AND  when  he  had  called  unto  him  his  twelve 
disciples,  ho  gave  them  power  against*  un- 
clean spirits,*"  to  cast  them  out,  and  to  heal  all 
manner  of  sickness,  and  all  manner  of  disease. 

2  Now  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  are 
these :°  The  first,  Simon,  who  is  called  Peter,  and 
Andrew  his  brother;  James  the  son  of  Zebedee, 
and  Jolin  his  Isrother ; 

3  Piiilip,  and  Bartholomew;  Thomas,  and  Mat- 
thew tiie  publican;  James  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and 
Lebbeus,  whose  surname  was  Thaddeus ; 


•  Or,  ivere  tired,  and  lay  down,  a  Num.  27:17;  1  Kings  22:17;  Ezek. 
31:5;  Zech.  10:2.  h  Luke  10:2;  John  4:35.  «  Psa.  0S:11.  t  Or,  over. 
i  Mark  :):  1.3-15;  6:7,  etc. ;  Luke  9:1,  etc.     "  Luke  6:13.     f  2  Kings  17:24; 


37.  Plenteous;  there  are  vast  multitudes  who  need  the 
gospel. 

38.  Lord  oftlie  harvest;  the  great,  divine  teacher.  Send 
forth;  prepare  and  incline  many  to  go  and  preach  the 
gospel. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  When  men  feel  their  need  of  Christ,  and  have  living 
faith  in  him,  they  will  let  nothing  hinder  their  application 
to  him  for  help. 

9.  Some  ahandoned  men  are  called  by  the  grace  of 
Christ;  and  when  he  speaks  to  their  hearts,  they  will 
immediately  follow  him. 

12.  It  is  sometimes  right  to  associate  even  with  the 
openly  vicious,  for  the  purpose  of  doing  them  good. 

13.  No  external  observances  will  compensate  for  the 
want  of  a  kind,  compassionate  disposition ;  and  acts  of 
mercy  to  the  needy  and  to  the  guilty,  from  love  to  God  and 
men,  are  peculiarly  acceptable  to  hiin. 

16.  A'^ery  much  of  a  person's  usefulness  depends  upon 
the  correctness  of  his  judgment  as  to  the  time  and  manner 
of  doing  things,  and  upon  his  doing  things  which  are  not 
only  right  in  themselves,  but  adapted  to  the  circumstances 
in  which  he  is  placed,  and  to  the  character  and  condition 
of  those  whom  he  labors  to  benefit. 

18.  Our  highest  comforts  may  be  the  occasion  of  our 
deepest  sorrows;  but  application  to  Jesus,  with  unwaver- 
ing confidence  in  him,  will  bring  sure  and  all-sufficient 
relief 

28.  Before  he  gives  men  the  blessings  which  they  need, 
he  often  tries  the  reality  and  strength  of  their  faith,  and 
leads  them  to  manifest  that  they  believe  he  is  able  to  give 
what  they  seek ;  and  thus,  by  the  time  and  manner  of 
bestowing  his  favors,  he  greatly  increases  their  value. 

34.  No  kindness  can  be  so  great,  and  no  mode  of  ex- 
pressing it  so  wise  and  good,  but  that  wicked  men  will 
sometimes  find  fault  with  it,  and  attribute  it  to  the  basest 
means  and  the  vilest  motives. 

CHAPTER  X. 

_  1.  Power;  the  casting  out  of  unclean  spirits  is  here  dis- 
tinguishi^d  as  something  distinct  from  the  healing  of  any 
kind  of  disease. 

2.  ApoMlcs ;  messengers,  persons  who  were  sent.  Si- 
mon; when  (Christ  first  saw  him,  ho  called  him  in  Syro- 
Chaldaic,  Cejihas — in  Greek,  Petros — which  means,  a  stone  ; 
signifying,  that  in  liis  future  life  he  would  be  a  firm  and 
steadfast  supporter  of  the  truth.  James ;  this  was  he  whom 
Herod  slew.     Acts  12:2. 


4  Simon  the  Canaanite,  and  Judas  Iscariot,  who 
also  betrayed  him. 

5  These  twelve  Jesus  sent  forth,  and  commanded 
them,  saying.  Go  not  into  the  way  of  tlie  Gentiles, 
and  into  any  city  of  the  Samaritans  enter  ye  not:' 

6  But  go  rather  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of 
Israel.^ 

7  And  as  ye  go,  preach,  saying,  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  hand." 

8  Heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  lepers,  raise  the 
dead,  cast  out  devils :  freely  ye  have  received, 
freely  give.' 

9  Provide'  neither  gold,  nor  silver,  nor  brass  in 
your  purses  ;^ 

10  Nor  scrip  for  yowr  journey,  neither  two  coats, 
neither  shoes,  nor  yet  staves:''  for  the  workman 
is  worthy  of  his  meat.'' 

11  And  into  whatsoever  city  or  town  ye  shall 
enter,  inquire  who  in  it  is  worthy,  and  there  abide 
till  ye  go  thence. 

12  And  when  ye  come  into  a  house,  salute  it. 

13  And  if  the  house  be  worthy,  let  your  peace 

John  4:5,  9,  2U.  S  Psa.  119:17fl;  Isa.  53:6;  Jer.  .50:6,  17:  Ezek.  34:5,  6, 
«;  Acts  13:40;  1  Pet.  2:25.  li  cli.  3:2;  4:17;  Luke  9:2;  10:9.  iActs8:18, 
20.    1  Or,  &>«.   JLuke  22:35;  1  Cor.  9:7,  etc.    mt.astnjf.    k  Luke  10:7,  etc. 


3.  Matthew;  whom  Christ  called  while  sitting  at  the 
receipt  of  custom.  Chap.  9:9.  James;  he  who  wrote  the 
epistle  called  by  his  name.  Lebbeus;  called  also  Judas. 
Luke  «:16. 

4.  Iscariot ;  the  man  of  Charioth,  to  which  town  he  be- 
longed. 

5.  Gch/^/cs;  those  who  were  not  Jews.  Samaritans ;  they 
occupied  a  country  on  the  north  of  Judea,  lying  between 
Judea  and  Galilee,  which  formerly  belonged  to  the  tribe 
of  Ephraim  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh.  After  these 
tribes  were  carried  captive  by  the  king  of  Assyria,  it  was 
peopled  to  a  great  extent  by  heathen,  and  the  religion  of 
the  Samaritans  was  a  mixture  of  Judaism  and  paganism. 
2  Kings  17 :  24. 

fi.  £o.«(  sheep;  expressive  of  their  wandering  and  dan- 
gerous condition.  House  of  Israel ;  the  Jews,  descendants 
of  Israel,  and  hence  called  Israelites.  As  the  Jews  were 
the  covenant  people  of  God,  it  was  proper  that  the  gospel 
should  be  first  preached  to  them.  The  Christian  dispen- 
sation, moreover,  which  knows  no  distinction  between 
Jews  and  Gentiles,  was  not  fully  established  till  after  our 
Lord's  ascent  and  the  pouring  out  of  the  Holy  Sjiirit,  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost. 

7.  Kingdom  of  heaven;  see  note  to  chap.  3:2. 

8.  Freely  give ;  as  you  have  received  miraculous  powers 
without  paying  for  them,  exert  those  powers  without 
receiving  compensation. 

10.  Scrip;  a  bag  for  provisions.  Two  coats;  they  were, 
in  their  first  journeys  among  the  Jews,  not  to  provide 
either  money  or  clothing,  but  to  trust  in  Christ  to  supply 
them.  Staves;  if  a  man  had  a  staff,  he  might  take  it ;  if 
he  had  shoes  or  sandals,  he  might  wear  them.  Mark  6:8, 
9.  But  they  were  to  go  tvitlunit  delay,  and  not  be  de- 
tainc<l  to  make  farther  provision.  Worthy  of  his  ment ;  he 
deserves  to  be  supjiorted.  So  with  you.  This  is  a  rule 
that  holds  good  for  all  time. 

11.  Worthy;  a  man  of  reputation  for  piety  and  general 
worth,  and  wlio  will  be  likely  to  receive  your  messagi'. 
There  abide  Idt  i/e  go  thence;  abide  in  one  and  the  same 
house  till  ye  leave  that  city.  This  would  be  eqnally 
conducive  to  their  own  comfort  and  the  convenience  of 
those  who  resorted  to  them. 

12.  Srdule  tt ;  they  were  to  use  all  the  customary  forms 
of  ])olitencss. 

l.'l.  Be  worthy;  if  they  receive  your  message,  the  bless- 
ings you  desire  shall  come  upon  them.  Not  worthy;  if 
they  reject  your  message,  blessings  shall  follow  you,  but 
not  them. 

1079 


^Fission  of  the  apostles. 


MATTHEW  X. 


T/teir  instructions. 


come  upon  it:  but  if  it  bo  not  worthy,  let  your 
peace  return  to  you." 

14  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you,  nor 
hear  your  words,  when  ye  depart  out  of  that 
house  or  city,  sliake  off  the  dust  of  your  feet.'' 

15  Ycrily  1  say  unto  you,  It  sliall  be  more  toler- 
able for  the  land  of  Sodom  aud  Gomorrah  in  the 
day  of  judgment,  than  for  that  city.'' 

16  *|[  Behold,  I  send  you  forth  as  sheep  in  the 
midst  of  wolves :  be  ye  therefore  wise  as  serpents,'' 
and  harmless"  as  doves.'' 

17  But  beware  of  men:''  for  they  will  deliver 
you  up  to  the  councils,'^  and  they  will  scourge  you 
in  tlieir  synagogues ;'' 

18  And  ye  shall  be  brought  before  governors 
and  kings  for  my  sake,'  for  a  testimony  against 
them  and  the  Gentiles. 

19  But  wlien  they  deliver  you  up,  take  no 
thought  how  or  what  ye  shall  speak ;  for  it  shall 
be  given  you  in  that  same  hour  what  ye  shall  speak.^ 

20  For  it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the  Spirit  of 
your  Fatiier  which  speakctli  in  you. 

21  And  the  brother  siiall  deliver  up  the  brother 
to  death,  and  the  father  the  child:  and  the  chil- 
dren shall  rise  up  against  their  parents,  and  cause 
them  to  be  put  to  death. 

22  And  ye  shall  be  liated  of  all  men  for  my 
name's  sake:  but  he  that  eiidureth  to  the  end 
shall  be  saved." 

23  But  when  they  persecute  you  in  this  city,  flee 
ye  into  another:'  for  verily  1  say  unto  you.  Ye 
shall  not  have  gone  over*  the  cities  of  Israel  till 
the  Son  of  man  be  come. 

24  The  disciple  is  not  aliove  his  master,  nor  the 
servant  above  his  lord.'" 

2.5  It  is  enough  for  the  diseijile  that  he  be  as  his 
master,  and  tlie  si'rvaut  as  his  lord.  If  they  have 
called  tlie  master  of  the  house  Beelzebub,*"  how 
mucii  more  shall  they  call  tiiem  of  his  household  ? 


•  P<a.  35:1.1.  b  Neh.5:13;  AcU  13;.'51  ;  l(-:0.  c  ch.  11:22,24.  '  Rom. 
10:10;  Eph.  .5:15.  '  Or,  simple.  •  Phil.  2:15.  t  Phil.  3:2.  tch.  24:il; 
Mark  13:1).  h  Acl«5:40;  2Cor.  1 1 :34.  ■  AcU  ch.  2),2.').  J  Mark  13:11  ;  Luko 
12:11  ;  21:11,  15.  k  Dan.  12:12,  13;  Rev,  2: 1(1.  'AcUS:!.  t  Or,  fiirf,  r,r 
Jiniak.     «>  LiikB6:«;  John  13:10;  15:20.     I  Gr.  Bttlztbul     "  John  «:•!'. 

14.  Sliakeoff;  a  strong  expression  of  abliorrence  of  their 
sins,  according  to  a  custom  among  the  Jews.  Acts  13:51  ; 
1«:B. 

15.  More  tolerable;  tlieir  doom  shall  be  less  dreadful. 
They  sinned  at^aiiist  less  li;;lit,  and  were  less  guilty  tliaii 
those  who  lived  in  the  days  of  Christ. 

It).  Asstitep;  defenceless,  iiniirotccted  liy  human  power. 
IVolve.^;  men  disposed  to  assault  an<l  kill  you.  Serpents; 
emblems  of  wisdom.     Doves;  of  inno<enCe. 

17.  liewure;  be  cautious,  and  not  needlessly  exasperate 
wicked  men,  nor  expose  yourselves  to  their  wrath.  Coun- 
cils; the  juilicial  tribunals  of  the  Jews. 

1«.  Tcstimoiiij;  of  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  which  would 
turn  against  them  should  they  reject  it. 

19.  Tiiie  no  thought ;  be  not  anxious. 

21.  Put  to  death;  the  unbelieving  members  of  the  family 
will  ciuse  the  believing  members  to  be  put  to  death  for 
their  love  to  Christ. 

22.  Endureth;  continues  faithful  to  the  end  of  life. 

23.  lie  come ;  to  deliver  his  people  and  Uike  vengeance 
on  his  foes.  The  primary  reference  of  these  words  is  to 
Christ's  providential  ijoming  to  destroy  the  Jewish  state 
and  nation  by  the  hand  of  the  Itornans.  jiut  this  foreshad- 
owed his  final  coming  to  take  vengeance  on  all  the  wicked. 

1^1.  Above  hi.s  mn.slcr  ;  you  must  not  expect  that  they  will 
treat  you  better  than  they  treat  me. 
1080 


26  Fear  them  not  therefore :  for  there  is  a.  d.  3i. 
nothing  covered,  that  shall  not  lie  revealed ;  and 
hid,  that  shall  not  be  known." 

27  What  I  tell  you  in  darkness,  that  speak  yc  in 
light :  and  what  ye  hear  in  the  car,  that  preach  ye 
upon  the  iiouse-tops. 

28  And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are 
not  able  to  kill  the  soul :  but  rather  fear  him  which 
is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell.'' 

29  Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing?' 
and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall  on  the  ground  with- 
out your  Father. 

30  But  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  num- 
bered." 

31  Fear  ye  not  therefore,  ye  are  of  more  value 
than  many  sparrows. 

32  Wiiosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before 
men,  him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven."' 

33  15ut  wiiosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men,  him 
will  I  also  deny  before  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven.'* 

34  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  send  peace  on 
earth :  I  came  not  to  send  peace,  but  a  sword.' 

35  For  I  am  come  to  set  a  man  at  variance 
against  his  father,  and  the  daughter  against  her 
mother,  and  the  daughter-in-law  against  her  moth- 
er-in-law." 

?,('•>  And  a  man's  foes  shall  be  they  of  his  own 
household.^ 

37  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than 
mo,  is  not  worthy  of  me :  and  he  that  loveth  son 
or  daughter  more  tiian  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me." 

38  And  he  that  taketh  not  his  cross,  and  follow- 
ctli  after  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me. 

39  He  that  lindeth  iiis  life  siuill  lose  it:  and  he 
that  losctli  his  life  for  my  sake,  shall  find  it." 

40  TI  He  that  rcceiveth  you,  recciveth  me;  and 
he  that  rcceiveth  mc,  receivctli  him  that  sent  me.'' 


0  Mirk  4:22;  Luko  12:2,3;  I  Cor.  4:5.  p  Isa.  6:12,  13;  51:7,  12;  1  Pet, 
3:14.  i  Gr.  assarion,  in  value  otte  rrnt  and  a  half;  a  tenth  part  of  the 
lionian  penny;  ch.  1S:2B.  qAct»27:,34.  rRpv.3:5.  •2Tira.2:12.  I  Lak« 
12:49.5;).  nMio.  7:5.  0.  vr,i.  4|;ij.  w  Luko  14:26.  «  ch,  10:25.  y  oh, 
\H:S;  25:40,45;  J<>hnl2:44. 


27.  /)(  darfoicss;  privately.    On  the  house-tops;  ■puh\ic\y. 

28.  Him;  God.  Destroy — m  hell ;  by  making  them  mis- 
erable there  for  ever. 

29.  Your  Fiilher ;  ho  takes  care  of  even  the  birds.  Sure- 
ly, then,  he  will  tiike  c;iro  of  you. 

32.  Confess  mc ;  as  his  Saviour,  ;ind  continue  to  obey 
me.     I  confess;  acknowledge  and  treat  as  my  friend. 

33.  Den II  me;  desert  my  cause.  Idenij;  deny  to  be  my 
friend,  and  tre;it  as  my  enemy. 

31.  A  swiiril ;  the  ciiVct  of  my  dortrine  and  teaching  will 
be,  not  to  uniti;  those  who  confess  ;ind  tlinKc  who  deny 
mc,  but  to  divide  them,  even  though  they  belong  to  tho 
same  family. 

37,  3H.  Fiilher  nr  mother — taktih  not  up  liis  cross;  a  man 
must  love  ('hrist  more  tli;in  e:irthly  friends,  and  follow  ilim 
nolwithstaiiiling  all  the  tri;ds  to  whieh  it  may  i.xpiise  him, 
or  he  lannot  be  His  true  iliseiple, 

39.  lie  thill  finilclh  his  life  shall  lose  il :  though  a  iii:in,  by 
fors;ikiiig  Christ,  should  preservi^  his  life  for  a  time,  yet 
he  would,  by  doing  so,  lose  his  soul.  And  though,  by  lol- 
lowing  Christ,  he  should  lose  his  life,  ho  would  in  this 
way  save  his  soul. 

40.  Mc — him  that  sent  me;  Christ  and  believers  ;ire  so 
unili*d,  that  wh;it  is  dcjiie  to  them  is  cdiisidered  as  dono 
U^  him ;  and  he  ami  the  Father  are  so  united,  that  what  is 
dono  to  one  is  dono  to  tho  other. 


The  disciples'  reward. 


MATTHEW  XI. 


Christ's  testimmiy  of  John. 


AD  31.  41  He  that  rcceiveth  a  prophet  in  the 
name  of  a  prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's  re- 
ward; and  he  that  rcceiveth  a  righteous  man  in 
the  name  of  a  righteous  man,  shall  receive  a  right- 
eous man's  reward." 

42  And  wliosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one 
of  these  little  ones,  a  cup  of  cold  water  only,  in  the 
name  of  a  disciple,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  shall 
in  no  wise  lose  his  reward. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

2  John  sendeth  his  disciples  to  Christ.  7  Christ's  testimony  concerning 
John.  18  The  opinion  of  the  people,  both  concerning  John  and  Christ. 
20  Christ  upbraideth  the  unthankfulness  and  unrept-ntance  of  Ghorazin, 
Bethsaida,  and  Capernaum :  25  and  praising  his  Father's  wisdom  in 
revealing  the  gospel  to  the  simple,  2b  he  calleth  to  him  all  such  as 
feed  the  burden  of  their  sins. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  made  an 
eud  of  commanding  his  twelve  disciples,  he 
departed  thence  to  teach  and  to  preach  in  their 
cities. 

2  1[  Now  when  John  had  heard  in  the  prison  the 
works  of  Christ,"  he  sent  two  of  his  disciples, 

3  And  said  unto  him.  Art  thou  he  that  should 
come,  or  do  we  look  for  another? 


a  1  Kings  17:10;  Heb.  G:10.     b  Luke  7:18,  etc.     t  Isa.  8:14,  15;  1  Cor. 
1:22,  23;  1  Pet.  2:8.     d  Luke  7:24-3U.     e  Eph.  4:14;  Jas.  1:B.     f  Isa.  40:3; 


41.  In  the  name;  on  account  of  his  being  a  prophet, from 
attachment  to  him  and  to  liis  Lord.  ApropheVs — a  righteous 
man's  reward;  he  shall  share  in  the  spiritual  blessings 
which  God  bestows  on  the  prophet,  or  on  the  righteous 
man.  whom  he  has  thus  aided. 

42.  Little  ones;  disciples,  even  the  feeblest  of  them.  In 
the  name;  because  he  is  a  disciple,  from  attachment  to  him 
and  his  blaster ;  he  shall  receive  the  approbation  and 
blessing  of  his  Lord. 

IXSTRUCTIOXS. 

1.  Christ  has  such  infinite  fulness,  that  he  can  communi- 
cate to  his  ministers  and  disciples  all  the  gifts  and  quali- 
fications which  they  need. 

5.  He  appoints  to  his  disciples  the  place  of  their  labors, 
and  though  it  may  not  be  the  one  which,  if  left  to  our- 
selves, we  should  choose,  we  must  learn,  whatsoever  place 
or  state  he  chooses  for  us,  therewith  to  be  content. 

9.  We  should  not  delay  present  duty  in  order  to  bo 
better  prepared  to  perform  it.  When  Christ  commands, 
we  should  obey,  trusting  in  him  for  what  we  need  in  order 
to  obey  him  and  to  be  accepted  in  it. 

12.  Courtesy  in  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  the  mani- 
festation of  good-will  to  all,  are  required  by  Christ,  and 
are  essential  to  the  highest  comfort  and  usefulness  of  all 
who  proclaim  hi.s  truth. 

16.  Ministers  of  the  gospel  are  bound  to  be  wise  as  well 
as  good ;  to  exercise  discretion  as  well  as  courage  ;  not 
needlessly  to  exasperate  even  the  worst  of  men,  but  meek- 
ly to  instruct  them. 

17.  No  wisdom  or  goodness  in  the  discharge  of  duty 
will  secure  the  approbation  of  all,  or  prevent  some  from 
becoming  open  and  bitter  foes. 

23.  When  greatly  opposed  in  one  place,  it  is  not  always 
a  mark  of  wisdom  or  goodness  to  stay  there  ;  nor  is  it  any 
evidence  of  want  of  courage  or  fidelity  sometimes  to  flee, 
even  if,  in  order  to  do  it,  a  person  should,  like  Paul,  be  let 
down  by  a  wall  in  a  basket.     2  Cor.  11:23. 

26.  No  oiii'  in  the  path  of  duty  should  be  disheartened 
on  account  of  diniculties  ;  for  he  will  never  meet  witli  any 
which  he  will  not,  if  he  trust  in  Christ,  be  enabled  either 
to  overcome,  or  cheerfully  and  usefully  to  bear.  Acts 
5:41. 

32.  Men's  treatment  of  Christ  in  this  world  will  deter- 
mine his  treatment  of  them  in  the  world  to  come. 

34.  The  puldicatiou  of  the  gospel  is  the  occasion  of  dc- 


4  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Go  and 
show  John  again  those  things  which  ye  do  hear 
and  see: 

5  The  blind  receive  their  sight,  and  the  lame 
walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and  the  deaf  hear, 
the  dead  are  raised  up,  and  the  poor  have  the 
gospel  preached  to  them. 

G  And  blessed  is  he  whosoever  shall  not  be  of- 
fended in  me."^ 

7  1  And  as  they  departed,  Jesus  began  to  say 
unto  the  multitudes  concerning  John,  What  went 
ye  out  into  the  wilderness  to  see?''  a  reed  shaken 
with  the  wind?** 

8  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see?  A  man 
clotlied  in  soft  raiment?  Behold,  they  that  wear 
soft  clothing  are  in  kings'  houses. 

0  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see?  A  prophet? 
yea,  I  say  unto  you,  and  more  than  a  prophet. 

10  For  this  is  he,  of  whom  it  is  written.  Behold, 
I  send  my  messenger  before  thy  face,  which  shall 
prepare  thy  way  before  thce.'^ 

11  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Among  them  that  are' 
born  of  women,  there  hath  not  risen  a  greater  than 
Joliu  the  Baptist i''  notwithstanding,  he  that  is 
least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  is  greater  than  he.'' 

Mai.  3:1  ;  Luke  1:70.    6  John  5:35.     h  John  1:15,  27;  3:30. 

veloping  the  human  heart,  and  leading  men  to  show  wheth- 
er they  are  for  Christ  or  against  him.  Yet  the  persecu- 
tions and  distresses  which  often  follow,  are  never  the 
proper  effects  of  the  gospel,  but  always  the  elTect  of  men's 
opposition  to  it. 

37.  Without  making  sacrifices,  men  cannot  be  disciples 
of  Christ:  but  this  should  never  hinder  them  from  em- 
bracing, and  steadfastly  following  him  ;  for  all  the  losses 
to  which  they  may  be  called,  even  that  of  life  itself,  will 
be  productive  of  their  highest,  their  eternal  good.  Rom. 
8:18. 

40.  Men  may  at  any  time  show  kindness  to  Jesus  Christ, 
by  showing  it,  from  love  to  him  and  his  cause,  to  his  dis- 
ciples ;  and  thus  they  may  be  continually  enhancing  their 
gracious  and  eternal  reward. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

2.  In  frkon;  Luke  3:19,  20. 

3.  Ik  that  shouhl  come;  the  expected  one — the  Messiah. 
Though  John  had  borne  express  testimony  to  Jesus,  yet 
both  he  and  his  disciples  may  have  been  perplexed  by 
erroneous  ideas  respecting  the  nature  of  His  kingdom, 
and  bv  their  consequent  failure  to  witness  the  fulfilment 
of  their  expectations  concerning  Him. 

6.  Not  be  offended  in  me ;  not  dissatisfied  with  my  char- 
acter, conduct,  and  claims ;  but  sliall  receive  me  as  tlie 
Saviour,  the  Lamb  of  God  that  takelli  away  the  sin  of  the 
world.  John  1:29.  Many  were  ottended  because  Christ 
did  not  satisfy  their  carnal  expectations  concerning  their 
long-promi.sed  Messiah.  In  these  words  the  Saviour  re- 
turned to  John  a  virtual  answer  to  Ins  question,  yet  ex- 
pressed in  such  a  form  tliat  his  enemies  could  take  no 
advantage  of  it. 

7.  A  reed  shaken;  an  inconstant,  unstable  person. 

8.  Soft  raiment;  efl'eminate,  delicate  clothing.  King's 
houses ;  the  place  for  such  jiersons  is  in  the  palaces  of  the 
great,  not  in  the  wilderness. 

9.  More  than  a  projilict ;  more  distinguished  and  honora- 
ble than  any  of  the  Old  Testament  prophets,  because  ho 
was  the  forerunner  of  Christ,  and  stood  in  a  nearer  rela- 
tion to  him  than  any  of  them. 

10.  Written;  Mai.  3:1;  Isa.  40:3;  chap.  3:3. 

11.  Greater;  in  dignity;  more  honorable  in  condition 
iuid  employment.  Least ;  as  a  proi)het  or  teacher  under 
the  gospel  dispensation.     Is  greater ;  his  work  would  be 

1081 


Chorazin  and  Belhsaida  upbraided. 


MATTHEW  XI. 


Christ's  gradoiu  invUation. 


12  And  from  the  days  of  John  the  Baptist  until 
now,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  suffereth  violence,  and 
the  violent  take  it  by  force."" 

13  For  all  the  prophets  and  tlic  lavr  prophesied 
until  John. 

14  And  if  ye  will  receive  it,  this  is  Elias,  which 
was  for  to  come.'' 

15  He  that  hath  cars  to  hear,  let  him  hear.'' 

16  "i  But  whereuuto  shall  I  liken  this  genera- 
tion?'' It  is  like  unto  children  sitting  in  the 
markets,  and  calling  unto  their  fellows, 

17  And  saying,  We  Iiave  pi]jed  unto  you,  and  ye 
have  not  danced  ;  we  have  mourned  unto  you,  and 
ye  Jiave  not  lamented. 

18  For  John  came  neither  eating  nor  drinking, 
and  they  say,  He  hatli  a  devil." 

19  The  Son  of  man  came  eating  and  drinking,^ 
and  they  say.  Behold  a  man  gluttonous,  and  a 
wine-bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners.*^ 
But  wisdom  is  justilicd  of  her  children." 

l!()  ■  Then  began  lie  to  upbraid  the  cities  wherein 
most  of  his  mighty  works  were  done,  because  they 
repented  not:' 

21  Woeuutothce,  Chorazin!  woeuntothee,Beth- 
saida  !^  for  if  the  iniglity  works  which  were  done  in 
you,  had  been  done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  they  would 
have  repented  long  ago  in  sackclotii  and  ashes. 


•(■ 

r.  t 

^^ontnbu  foTct 

and  Ihfy  thai  Ihruxt  tnt-n  take  il 

tu. 

a  Luke  10 

:1C; 

Kph. 

t! 

11-13.      b  Mil 

■!:.'>; 

ch.   17:12.     t  Kev.  2:7. 

etc. 

i  Luke  - 

::J1. 

ech. 

10 

i);  John  7:20. 

'cli. 

0:10;  John  2:2.     t  I.uke 

15:2 

;  10:7.     h 

I'sa. 

92:5, 

6; 

FroT.  17:24.     i 

Luke 

10:1.J,  etc.     J  John  12:21 

k 

ch.  10:15; 

ver. 

one  of  higher  dignity  and  jirivdege  than  John's,  because 
he  would  stand  in  a  still  nearer  relation  to  Christ  and  pro- 
claim more  fully  the  truths  of  his  gospel. 

12.  From  the  (laij.^  of  John  the  Baptist;  from  the  daj-s  of 
liis  public  appearance,  when  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  which 
before  that  had  been  something  future,  first  began  to 
come  as  something  present.  Violence — by  force ;  men  were 
Btrongly  excited,  and  they  pressed  to  hear  and  receive 
the  gospel. 

13.  Propltesied  until  John;  they  prophesied  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  as  yet  to  come  till  John,  when  its  coming 
began.     See  above,  note  on  verse  12. 

H.  El  ins ;  the  one  who  was  foretold  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment under  the  name  of  Elijah,  because  lie  would  resem- 
ble that  prophet.     Mai.  iiH. 

la.  He  that  hath  ears;  let  every  one  who  can,  hear  and 
understand  this  concerning  John  and  tlie  coming  of  the 
kiiigilom  of  heaven.  Our  Lord  commonly  eni]>loy8  these 
words  of  some  doctrine  or  statement  that  requires  study 
and  thought  to  comprehend  it. 

IG.  Children  silting  in  the  markets;  and  imitating  in  their 
phiys  the  transactions  of  life. 

17.  Piped  unto  ijov ;  played  a  lively  tune,  as  at  a  wedding- 
fca.st.  Mourned  unto  ijou;  played  a  inoumfnl  tune,  as  at  a 
funeral.  Lamented;  imitated  the  lanienlal ions  at  funerals 
tliat  accompanied  the  playing  of  the  minstrels,  chap.  9:23. 
These  children  arc  wayward,  and  will  do  nothing  to  please 
their  mates. 

IK.  Neither  eating  nor  drinkinp;;  living  very  abstemiously. 

111.  Eating  and  drinking;  living  as  did  other  people. 
They  say,  Behold  a  man  glultonous;  they  found  fault  with 
both,  iind  rejected  both,  like  fickle,  capricious  children, 
whom  nothing  could  please.  Wisdom  is  juslified  of  her 
children ;  right  and  wise  w;iy8,  like  those  which  .lohn  and 
the  Saviour  pursued,  will  be  ajijiroved  by  the  si)iritually 
wise  and  good. 

20.  Upbraid;  rebuke  and  denounce  judgments  against 
them. 

21.  Chorazin  —  Bethsaidn;  cities  in  Galilee  which  he 
often  visited,  and  in  which  ho  taught  and  wrought  mira- 
cles.    Tyre  and  Sidnn ;  commercial  cities  in  the  western 

1082 


22  But  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  more  a.  d.  si. 
tolerable  for  Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, than  for  you.'' 

23  And  thou,  Capernnum,  whicli  art  exalted  unto 
heaven,  slialt  lie  brought  down  to  hell:'  for  if  the 
miglity  works  whicii  liave  been  done  in  thcc,  had 
been  done  in  Sodom,  it  would  have  remained  until 
this  day. 

24  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  it  shall  be  more 
tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, than  for  thee.'" 

25  1  At  liiat  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I 
thank  tlieo,  <)  Fallier,  Lord  of  lieaven  and  earth, 
because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise 
and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  balies." 

26  Even  so,  Father  :  for  .so  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
sight." 

27  All  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Fa- 
ther;''  and  no  man  knowetii  the  Son,  but  the  Fa- 
ther ;  neither  knowetii  any  iiiaii  the  Father,  save  the 
Son,  and  /ic  to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal  /lim.'* 

28  1[  Come  unto  mo,  all  yc  that  labor  and  arc 
heavy-laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."' 

29  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  me;' 
for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  iu  heart:'  aijd  ye  shall 
find  rest  unto  your  souls." 

30  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is  light.'' 


24.    1 

.■a.  ll:l:!-I5 

Lam 

2:1.     m 

eh 

111:15 

„ 

Vm 

.  y:2 

Jrr.  1 

:7,S; 

1  Cor. 

1:27. 

0  Luke  10:21 

,  elc. 

Poh.  2a 

IS 

Luke 

10 

o.> 

John  3:35; 

17:2; 

1  Cor. 

15:27. 

q  John  1 :1H 

;  1  John  5:20. 

r 

sa.  5:i: 

1-4 

a 

Phil. 

2:5-« 

ll'ot 

.  2:21. 

tZech 

9:0.    <iJer. 

0:10. 

»  1  John  5 

3. 

part  of  Palestine,  on  the  Mediterranean  sea.    Sackcloth  and 
as/ies;  the  signs  of  sorrowing  penitence. 

23.  Exalted  unto  heaven;  greatly  diKtinguished  by  )iriv- 
ilegos.  Brought  down  to  hell;  destroyed  witli  an  aggra- 
vated destruction.  Remained;  would  not  have  been  de- 
stroyed. 

24.  More  tolerable;  they  will  be  punished  less  severely, 
because  thej'  have  not  sinned  against  and  rejected  so 
much  light. 

25.  Hid  these  things;  not  led  them  to  perceive  and  era- 
bnice  them,  because  there  were  the  wisest  and  best  rea- 
sons why  he  should  not.  Wise  and  prudent ;  in  their  own 
estimation,  and  so  jiroud  that  I  hey  would  not  ask  of  (iod 
that  wisdom  which  is  from  above.  Babes;  those  who  feel 
their  de|)endence  on  Uod,  and  seek  his  aid. 

2(>.  Seemed  good;  because  it  was  good,  right,  and  best. 

27.  Alt  things  are  delivered ;  all  things  were  by  the  Father 
committed  to  Christ  as  mediator.  Ho  is  head  over  all 
things  to  his  church,  :inil  the  fiii;tl  jiiiige  of  the  living  and 
the  dead.  Ucveat  him;  as  manifcHleil  in  the  i>ersoii  and 
work  of  the  S;iviour,  ;uiil  liy  his  word  anil  Spirit. 

2K.  Hcavii-hiden ;  burdened  with  sins  or  sorrows  of  any 
kind,     liest ;  relief,  esjiecially  inward  jieace. 

29.  TcJie  my  yoke;  submit  to  be  guided  and  governed 
by  me. 

IN.STUrCTlOXS. 

11.  The  work  of  a  gos|iel  minister  is  a  most  exalted 
employment;  and  he  who  faithfnlly  performs  it,  is,  in 
God's  estimation,  among  the  most  honoralilc  of  the  earth. 

IK.  Though  there  is  u  great  variety  in  Ihe  outward  con- 
dition of  ministers  of  the  gospel,  anil  in  tlic>  mode  of  llieir 
communications  with  men,  yet  no  condilion  and  no  iiiiiii- 
ner  of  living  or  preaching  will  make  the  gosjiel  univer- 
sally acceptable,  or  lead  any,  without  the  grace  of  God,  to 
embrace  it. 

21.  The  evidence  which,  through  the  grace  of  (!od, 
would  have  convinced  some  who  are  now  lost,  had  they 
enjoyed  it,  and  might  have  led  llieni  to  repentance,  utterly 
fails  to  jirodii'-e  these  effects  uiion  (jthers. 

21.  The  higher  men  are  raised  in  privileges,  the  lower,  if 
they  continue  to  abuse  them,  will  they  sink  in  future  woo. 


Keeping  the  Sahbaih. 


MATTHEW  XII. 


One  blind  and  dumb  licakd. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


1  Christ  reproveth  the  blindness  of  the  Pharisees  concerning  the  breach 
of  the  sabbath,  3  by  scriptures.  9  by  reason,  13  and  by  a  miracle. 
22  He  healeth  the  man  possessed  that  was  blind  and  dumb.  31  Blas- 
phemy against  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  never  be  forgiven.  36  Account 
shull  be  made  of  idle  words.  38  He  rebuketh  the  unfaithful,  who  seek 
after  a  %Wn :  49  and  showeth  who  is  his  brother,  sister,  and  mother. 

AT  that  time  Jesus  went  on  the  sabbath-day 
through  the  corn,  and  his  disciples  were  a 
liungered,  and  began  to  pluck  the  ears  of  corn," 
and  to  eat." 

2  But  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it,  they  said  unto 
him,  Behold,  thy  disciples  do  that  which  is  not 
lawful  to  do  upon  the  sabba11i-day.'= 

3  But  he  said  unto  them.  Have  ye  not  read  what 
David  did  when  he  was  a  hungered,  and  they  that 
were  with  him;'' 

4  How  he  entered  into  the  house  of  God,  and  did 
eat  the  show-broad,"  which  was  not  lawful  for  him 
to  eat,  neither  for  them  which  were  with  him,  but 
only  for  the  priests?"' 

5  Or  have  ye  not  read  in  the  law,  how  tliat  on 
the  sabbath-days  the  priests  in  the  temple  profane 
the  sabbath,  and  are  blameless?'-' 

6  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  in  this  place  is  one 
greater  than  the  temple.'' 

7  But  if  ye  had  known  what  this  meaneth,  I  will 
have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice,'  ye  would  not  have 
condemned  the  guiltless. 

8  For  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  even  of  the  sab- 
bath-day. 

9  1  And  when  he  was  departed  thence,  he  went 
into  their  .synagogue  :J 

10  And  behold,  there  was  a  man  which  had  his 
hand  withered.  And  they  asked  him,  saying,  Is 
it  lawful  to  heal  on  the  sabbath-days  ?"  that  they 
might  accuse  him. 


a  Deut.  •i'i:'').  b  Mult  Sia.).  etc. ;  Luke  (>:1,  .c.  tKxod. 31:15.  d  |  Sam. 
21:(>.  e  ExoJ.  2.5:30.  f  Exod.  ■29::ja,  33.  S  Num.  2«:!l;  John  '■.•ii,  UJ. 
li2Chr.6:ls;  Mai.  3:1 ;  oh.  23: 17-ai.     iHos.fi:(>.     J  Mark  3:1,  etc.  ;  Luke 

25.  For  all  his  dealings,  however  mysterious  to  men, 
God  has  the  wisest  and  best  of  reasons.  Those  who  love 
him  will  believe  this,  anil  rejoice  in  the  conviction  that  he 
doeth  all  things  well. 

27.  None  have  right  views  of  God,  except  those  who 
learn  his  character  from  his  Son.  The  course  of  wisdom 
therefore,  for  all  who  wish  to  know  God,  is  to  sit  at  the 
feet  of  Christ  and  learn  from  liim. 

29.  None  need  to  be  miserable.  By  submission  to  .Tcsus 
Christ,  trust  in  him,  and  obedience  to  his  commands,  all 
may  be  happy  in  life,  in  death,  and  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1.  Corn;  in  the  Scriptures  this  word  moans  grain  of 
any  kind,  especially  wheat  and  barley,  which  were  the 
common  grains  of  Palestine.  Plmk  the  ears;  picked  off 
the  heads,  and  rubbeil  them  in  their  liands  to  separate 
the  kernels  from  the  ear.     Luke  0:1. 

2.  Not  lawful;  not  right ;  a  violation  of  the  fourth  com- 
mandment. 

3.  David;  1  Sam.  21:1-6.  The  necesisity  of  the  case 
justified  him. 

.').  Read  in  the  law;  Num.  28:9,  10.  Pmfinc  the  Sahhath ; 
do  what  would  have  profaned  it,  had  not'tlie  upiirni.riate 
duties  of  till!  Sabbath  required  that  labor.  The  Saviour 
refers  to  the  killing  and  dressing  of  the  animals  for  sacri- 
fice, and  other  labors  connected  witli  the  daily  tcmjile 
Bervice.  In  .John  7:23,  he  specifies  circumcision  as  an- 
other work  porfonncd  on  tlie  Sabbath.  lilamctesx ;  williout 
fault,  because  they  did  only  wliat  was  jiroper  on  tliat  day. 

6.  Greater  tlian  the  temple;  the  argmuent  is,  that  if  in  tlio 


11  And  he  said  unto  them,  What  man  shall  there 
be  among  you,  that  shall  have  one  sheep,  and  if  it 
fall  into  a  pit  on  the  sabbath-day,  will  he  not  lay 
hold  on  it,  and  lift  it  out?' 

12  How  much  then  is  a  man  better  than  a  sheep? 
Wherefore  it  is  lawful  to  do  well  on  the  sabbath- 
days. 

13  Then  saith  he  to  the  man.  Stretch  forth  thy 
hand.  x\nd  he  stretched  it  forth ;  and  it  was 
restored  whole,  like  as  the  other. 

14  1i  Then  the  Pharisees  went  out,  and  held  a 
council*  against  him,  how  they  might  destroy  him. 

15  But  when  Jesus  knew  ?Y,  he  withdrew  himself 
from  thence:  and  great  multitudes  followed  him, 
and  he  healed  them  all ; 

16  And  charged  them  that  they  should  not  make 
him  known : 

17  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 
by  Esaias  the  prophet,  saying, 

18  Behold  my  servant,  whom  I  have  chosen ;  my 
beloved,  in  whom  my  soul  is  well  pleased :  I  will 
put  my  Spirit  upon  him,  and  he  shall  show  judg- 
ment to  the  Gentiles. 

19  He  shall  not  strive,  nor  cry;  neither  shall 
any  man  hear  his  voice  in  the  streets. 

20  A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,  and  smok- 
ing flax  shall  he  not  quench,  till  he  send  forth 
judgment  unto  victory. 

21  And  in  his  name  shall  the  Gentiles  trust.™ 

22  T[  Then  was  brought  unto  him  one  possessed 
with  a  devil,  blind,  and  dumb  ;  and  he  healed  him, 
insomuch  that  the  blind  and  dumb  both  spake  and 
saw." 

23  And  all  the  people  were  amazed,  and  said,  Is 
not  tliis  the  son  of  David  ? 

24  1  But  when  the  Pharisees  heard  it,  they  said, 


«:l).  elc.     k  Luke  14:3.     I  Deut. 
"Mark  3:11:  Luke  11:14. 


Or,  took  counsel.     n»  Isa.  42:1- 


service  of  the  temple  the  priests  might  profane  the  Sab- 
bath, according  to  the  outward  letter,  mucli  more  might 
his  disciples  in  his  service ;  for  he  was  Lord  both  of  the 
temple  and  the  Sabbath. 

7.  Mercy  and  not  sacrifice;  see  note  on  chap.  9:13. 

8.  Lord — of  the  Sabbath ;  he  who  made  it,  and  to  whose 
worsliip  it  is  devoted.  If  it  was  right  for  llavid  to  ap- 
pease his  hunger,  and  for  tlie  priests  to  do  what  was 
needful  for  the  worship  of  God  in  the  temple,  much  more 
was  it  right  for  the  disciples,  in  attending  upon  the  Lord 
of  the  Sabbath  and  of  the  temple,  to  appease  their  hunger 
as  they  did  on  the  Sabbath-day. 

11).  Not  make  him  known ;  liti"wished  to  be  retired  from 
public  view,  and  do  his  works  of  love  and  mercy  as  the 
pro]diets  had  foretold  that  he  would,  Isa.  42:2,  3;  and  tlius 
furnish  new  evidence  that  lie  was  the  Messiah. 

18.  Chosen;  to  be  the  Messiah.  Show  jiid/rmrnt ;  make 
known  tiie  trutli  to  the  Gentiles,  and  tlius  bring  them  into 
obedience  to  himself  and  become  their  Lord  and  Judge. 
Compare  Isa.  2:2-4;  II :  10;  62:2;  Mai.  1:11,  etc. 

19.  Not  strive,  nor  rrij;  not  come  with  oiilward  show,  as 
the  .lews  expected  th;it  he  would. 

20.  Abrnisrd  reed;  an  emblem  of  jiersons  wlio  are  feeble, 
ami  crushcil  witli  diiliculties.  Not  break;  not  ojipress  or 
tram]de  tlicni  down.  Smokine:  flax ;  the  wick  of  the  an- 
cient lamps.  .S7(o//  he  not  quench  ;  Christ  would  not  quench, 
but  cherisli  Die  feeblest  beginnings  of  true  grace.  Unto 
victor;/;  till  liis  trutli  and  mercy  become  triumphant. 

24.  Beelzebub;  this  name,  :im(jng  the  .lews,  was  ai)ldied 
to  the  jirince  of  unclean  spirits,  liyapjdyiiig  it  to  ('hrist, 
they  expressed  the  utmost  contempt. 

1083 


Tliz  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 


MATTHEW  XII. 


Tlie  Pharisees  ask  a  sign. 


This,  felloiv  doth,  not  cast  out  devils,  but  by  Beelze- 
bub* tlie  prince  of  the  devils. 

25  And  Jesus  knew  their  tlioughts,"  and  said 
unto  them.  Every  kingdom  divided  against  itself 
is  brouglit  to  desolation;  and  every  city  or  house 
divided  against  itself  shall  not  stand : 

26  And  if  Satan  cast  out  Satan,  he  is  divided 
against  himself;  how  shall  then  his  kingdom 
stand? 

27  And  if  I  by  Beelzebub  cast  out  devils,''  by 
whom  do  your  children  cast  t/iem  out?  therefore 
they  shall  bo  your  judges. 

28  But  if  I  cast  out  devils  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  then  the  kingdom  of  God  is  come  unto 
you."" 

29  Or  else  how  can  one  enter  into  a  strong 
man's  house,  and  spoil  his  goods,''  except  he  first 
bind  the  strong  man?  and  tiien  ho  will  spoil  his 
house. 

oO  He  that  is  not  witli  nie,  is  against  me;''  and 
he  that  gatiiereth  not  witli  me,  scattereth  abroad. 

31  "i  Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  All  manner  of 
sin  and  blaspliCTuy  shall  be  foi-given  unto  men:*^ 
but  the  blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost  shall 
not  be  forgiven  unto  men.* 

32  And  whosoever  speaketh  a  word  against  the 
Son  of  man,''  it  sliall  be  forgiven  him:  but  whoso- 
ever speaketh  against  the  Holy  Gliost,  it  sliall  not 
be  forgiven  iiini,  neither  in  this  world,  neither  in 
tlic  iror/d  to  come. 

33  Either  make  the  tree  good,  and  his  fruit 
good ;  or  else  make  the  tree  corrupt,  and  his 
fruit  corrupt:  for  the  tree  is  known  by  his  fruit.' 

34  0  generation  of  vipers,^  how  can  ye,  being 

•  Gt.  Brtlztiul.  >  Pia.  13'J:.;;  John  •J:-i4,  23.  t-  ver.  21.  cDaii.2:-ll; 
ch.  «:*);  Luke  ll:2();  17;2I  ;  Kom.  11:17.  i  Isa.  40:24;  53:12;  Rev.  12:7- 
10;  2U:2.  ■>.  e  1  John  2:19.  '  .Mark  .l-.-il;  Luke  12:10.  s  Heb.  1U:29; 
lJohn5:16.     li  Luke  7:34;  John  7:12;  1  Tim.  1 :13.     ich.7;l6,17.     J  ch! 

26.  Divided  against  himself;  had  their  representation 
been  true,  Satan  would  liave  made  war  upon  himself, 
which  was  absurd. 

27.  Children;  disciples  of  the  Pharisees,  who  laid  claim 
to  the  power  of  castinj;  out  devils,  and  were  reputed  so 
to  do.  Slmll  be  ijmir  jnds^c^ ;  shall  convict  you  of  folly  and 
wickedness,  in  ascrihing  to  Satan  in  my  case  what  you 
ascribe  to  God's  help  in  their  case. 

28.  Kingdom  of  God;  the  reign  of  the  Messiah  on  earth. 
Is  come  unto  you  ;  has  alr('a<ly  (.ome  upon  you. 

29.  How  can  one  enter ;  our  Lord  now  gives  the  true  ex- 
planation of  his  casting  out  devils.  Satan,  as  a  strong 
man  armed,  has  t;iken  possession  of  this  world  and  of  the 
Bonis  of  men.  IJiit  Christ  is  stronger  than  he.  ITe  casts 
him  out  of  indiviilual  hearts  at  his  will,  and  will  finally 
cast  him  out  of  the  world.  Bee  Luke  11:21,  22;  10:18; 
Kev.  20:1-3. 

31.  lie  forgiven  unto  men;  if  men  repent  of  and  forsake 
them,  tliey  are  parrlonable.  Ulnsphcmy  ngainsi  the  llolij 
Ghost  shall  not  lie  forgiven ;  it  is  unpardonable  ;  it  will  never 
be  repented  of.  The  sin  spoken  of  seems  to  have  been 
that  of  malignantly  ascribing  to  Satan  what  was  known  to 
be  the  work  of  the  Spirit  of  (Jod.     Mark  3::{0. 

33.  Tree;  the  heart.  Fruit ;  conversation  and  conduct. 
Is  known;  there  is  a  correspondence  between  men's  feel- 
ings and  their  actions,  as  there  is  between  a  tree  :iiid  its 
fruit*:  the  one  is  known  by  the  other.  These  words  have 
a  double  refercnee.  p'irst,  to  Christ:  let  the  Pharisees 
show  that  his  works  are  evil,  or  a<lmit  that  he  is  good. 
Secondly,  to  his  adversaries:  they  are  evil, and  can  neither 
do  nor  speak  good  things,  as  he  says  in  the  next  verse : 
"  0  generation  of  vipers, "  etc. 
1084 


evil,  speak  good  things?  for  out  of  the  abun-  a.  a  31. 
dance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh.'' 

35  A  good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  the 
heart,  bringetli  forth  good  things :  and  an  evil 
man,  out  of  the  evil  treasure,  bringetli  forth  evil 
things. 

36  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  every  idle  word 
that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall  give  account 
thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment.' 

37  For  by  thy  words  thou  slialt  be  justified,  and 
by  thy  words  thou  shall  be  condemned. '" 

38  11  Then  certain  of  tlie  scribes  and  of  the 
Pharisees  answered,  saying.  Master,  we  would  see 
a  sign  from  thee." 

39  But  he  answered  and  said  unto  them.  An  evil 
and  adulterous  generation  seeketli  after  a  sign ;" 
and  there  shall  no  sign  be  given  to  it,  but  the  sign 
of  tlie  propliet  Jonas: 

40  For  as  Jonas  was  three  days  and  tlirce  nights 
in  the  wliale's  belly  ;''  so  shall  the  Son  of  man  be 
three  days  and  three  nights  in  the  heart  of  the 
earth. 

41  Tlie  men  of  Nineveh  shall  rise  in  judgment 
with  tliis  generation,  and  shall  condemn  it;''  be- 
cause they  repented  at  flic  preaching  of  Jonas  j"^ 
and  behold,  a  greater  than  Jonas  is  here. 

42  The  queen  of  the  south  shall  rise  u]i  in  the 
judgment  witli  tliis  generation,  and  shall  condeiiin 
it:  for  she  came  from  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
earth  to  hear  the  wisdom  of  Solomon;'  and  be- 
hold, a  greater  than  Solomon  is  here.' 

43  Wiien  the  unclean  spirit  is  gone  out  of  a  man," 
he  walkcth  through  dry  places,"'  seeking  rest,  and 
findeth  none. 


3 

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etc.     " 

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1:24. 

V 

Job  1 

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1  I'el. 

5 

e. 

36.  Idle;  here  a  word  wantonly  and  causelessly  uttered, 
like  the  blasphemous  charges  brought  by  the  Pharisees 
against  our  Ijord. 

37.  Words;  since  they  flow  from  the  heart,  and  indicate 
its  character,  verse  IH.  Justified ;  shown  to  be  righteous. 
Condemned ;  shown  to  be  wicked. 

38.  A  sign;  some  niinvculous  ajipearance  from  heaven. 
f'oiiip;ire  chap.  Hi:  1 ;  Mark  8:11;  .lohn  (i::iO.  Like  all  cav- 
illers, they  jirofcHs  not  to  be  salistied  with  the  proofs  ho 
had  given  them  of  his  divine  niission:  they  must  have 
signs  acconling  to  their  own  dictation. 

39.  No  sign ;  no  such  sign  as  they  desired.  One  would 
in  due  time  be  given,  which  would  demonstrate  his  Mes- 
8i;diship;  but  it  would  not  convinci"  them. 

40.  Ill  the  vlmli-' s  licit  ij;  in  which  he  w;is  a  type  of  Christ's 
burial.  Three  dnijs  <ind  three  nights;  lh;il  is,  jiiirts  of  three 
d;iys  and  iiighlK.  The  burial  of  Christ  took  place  on  Fri- 
day. That  w;iH  reckoned,  according  to  .Jewish  ciislom,a8 
one  day.  S:iluril;iy,  Ibroiigh  the  whole  of  which  Christ 
w;is  in  the  tomb,  callid  th(^  heart  of  the  earth,  was  an- 
other day  ;  and  the  Christian  Sabli;ith,  on  the  morning  of 
which  he  rose  from  the  dead,  was  the  third  day  ;  or,  ac- 
cording to  their  mode  of  speaking,  three  days  and  throe 
nights. 

•II.  Men  of  Nineveh  ;  Jonah  3:5.  Greater  than  Jonas;  the 
Messiah,  the  Son  of  (!od. 

42.  Queen  of  the  south  ;  1  Kings  10:1-9.  Vllermost  purls; 
a  very  distjint  country,  (irenter  than  SiiIoiikhi  ;  though 
Solomon  was  the  greiitest  of  m<'n  as  to  wisdom,  1  KiiigH 
3: 12,  .Icsus  was  greater  than  he,  or  any  mere  man. 

43,  Diy  places;  barren  and  desolate  regions,  here  con- 
sidered as  the  haunts  of  evil  spirits. 


Christ's  mother  and  brethren. 


MATTHEW  XIII. 


Parable  of  the  sower. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


A.D.31.  44  Then  he  saith,  I  will  return  into  my 
house  from  whence  I  came  out;  and  when  he  is 
come,  he  findeth  it  empty,  swept,  and  garnished. 

45  Then  goeth  he,  and  taketli  with  himself  seven 
otiier  spirits  more  wicked  than  himself,  and  they 
enter  in  and  dwell  there :  and  the  last  state  of  that 
man  is  worse  than  the  first."  Even  so  shall  it  be 
also  unto  this  wicked  generation. 

46  1i  While  he  yet  talked  to  the  people,  behold, 
his  mother  and  his  brethren  stood  without,  desiring 
to  speak  with  him." 

47  Then  one  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thy  mother 
and  thy  brethren  stand  without,  desiring  to  speak 
with  thee. 

48  But  he  answered  and  said  unto  him  that  told 
him,  Who  is  my  mother?  and  who  are  my  breth- 
ren? 

49  And  he  stretched  forth  his  hand  toward  his 
disciples,  and  said,  Behold  my  mother  and  my 
brethren ! 

50  For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven,"  the  same  is  my  brother,  and 
sister,  and  mother. 

»  Heb.6:-1;  W-.iQ;  2  Pet.  2: -20, '2i     b  di.  V.i.Xi;  Mark  :J:H,  etc. ;  Lulte     JLuke5:3.     e.Mark4:2:  Lukea;5,eto. 
8:19,  etc.      '  ch.  l-.il;   John  15:1J;    Ga.1.  5:0;    Heb.   -2:11;    1  John  a;17 


3  The  parable  of  the  sower  and  the  seed :  18  the  exposition  of  it.  24 
The  parable  of  the  tares,  31  of  the  mustard-seed,  33  of  the  leaven,  4-4 
of  the  iiidden  treasure,  4.5  of  the  pearl,  47  of  the  draw-net  cast  into  the 
sea:  53  and  how  Christ  is  contemned  of  his  own  countrymen. 

'^r'^HE  same  day  went  Jesus  out  of  the  house,  and 

1  sat  by  the  seaside. 

2  And  great  multitudes  were  gathered  together 
unto  him,  so  that  he  went  into  a  ship,  and  sat;"* 
and  the  whole  multitude  stood  on  the  shore. 

3  And  he  spake  many  things  unto  them  in  para- 
bles, saying,  Behold,  a  sower  went  forth  to  sow ; 

4  And  wlien  he  sowed,  some  seeds  fell  by  the  way- 
side, and  the  fowls  came  and  devoured  them  up: 

5  Some  fell  upon  stony  places,  where  they  had 
not  much  earth:  and  forthwith  they  sprung  up, 
because  they  had  no  deepness  of  earth: 

6  And  when  the  sun  was  up,  they  were  scorched  ; 
and  because  they  had  no  root,  they  withered  away. 

7  And  some  fell  among  thorns;  and  the  thorns 
sprung  up,  and  choked  them  : 

8  But  other  fell  into  good  ground,  and  brought 
forth  fruit,  some  a  hundred-fold,  some  sixty-fold, 
some  thirty-fold.'^ 


44.  7  will  return  into  my  house;  into  the  man  in  whom 
he  had  dwelt.  Empty;  nut  occupied  by  any  other  who 
would  keep  him  out. 

4.5.  Seven;  a  large  or  full  number.  More  widced;  some 
totally  wicked  spirits  are  more  wicked  than  others.  Worse 
than  the  first ;  if  men  do  not  grow  better  under  the  means 
of  grace,  and  permit  the  Holy  Spirit  to  take  possession  of 
their  hearts,  they  will  grow  worse.  This  vncked  generation ; 
the  primary  reference  of  this  awful  parable  is  to  the  .Jews 
of  our  Lord's  day.  Much  culture  had  been  bestowed  by 
God  upon  their  nation.  Under  tlic  preaching  of  John  they 
had  recently  given  ijromising  signs  of  repentance.  But 
their  hearts  had  remained,  like  an  untenanted  house,  empty 
of  God's  presence  and  grace  ;  and  now  tlie  unclean  spirit 
is  returning,  with  seven  more  wicked  spirits,  to  hurry 
them  on  to  ruin  temporal  and  eternal.  The  parable  is  ful- 
filled also  in  all  nations  and  individuals  who  imitate  the 
conduct  of  tliat  ''wicked  generation." 

48.  Who  IS  my  mother?  This  question  was  designed  to 
awaken  attention,  in  order  more  usefully  to  communicate 
instruction. 

50.  Wliosoever  shall  do  the  u-tU  of  my  Father — is  my  brother, 
and  sister,  and  mother ;  my  most  intimate  and  endeared  rel- 
atives and  friends.  'These  words  contain  a  silent  but  pow- 
erful rebuke  of  the  idolatrous  honor  paid  by  many  to  the 
mother  of  our  Lord. 

INSTRUCTION'S. 
,    6.  Neither  the  temple  nor  the  Sabbath,  nor  any  place  or 
time  or  form  of  religious  worship,  shotdd  ever,  in  our 
aft'ections,  rival  him  who  is  Lord  of  all,  or  lead  us  in  any 
respect  to  contravene  his  will  with  regard  to  them. 

7.  The  fourth  commanchnent  always  allowed  men  on  the 
Sabbath-d;iy  to  relieve  the  distressed,  to  feed  the  hungry, 
and  to  perf(n-in  all  those  labors  which  jiublic  worship  aiid 
the  best  discharge  of  the  appropriate  duties  of  holy  time 
require. 

9.  Imitators  of  Christ  will  on  tlie  Sabbath  attend  public 
worshi|i,  for  the  purpose  of  thus  honoring  Goil  and  bene- 
fiting their  fellow-men. 

11.  Men  often  comlcmn  in  others,  things  which  they 
without  scruiile  allow  in  themselves. 

19.  Human  perfection,  as  e.xemplihed  in  Christ,  is  com- 
passionate, condescending,  and  kind  ;  meek,  lowly,  and 
retiring.  It  does  not  unnecessarily  awaken  the  opposi- 
tion, or  intrude  upon  the  attention  of  others ;  while  it  is 
earnest  and  affectionate,  active  and  persevering  in  doing 
good. 


24.  The  ascription  to  the  devil  of  what  is  performed  by 
the  Holy  Ghost,  is  a  sin  peculiarly  ofl'ensive  to  God,  and 
exceedingly  dangerous  to  men. 

30.  There  are  in  oiu'  world  no  neutrals ;  all  men  are 
either  for  Christ  or  against  him. 

33.  The  difference  in  the  character  and  conduct  of  men 
is  according  to  the  difference  of  their  hearts  ;  their  chief 
concern,  therefore,  should  be  with  their  thoughts  and  feel- 
ings, not  merely  with  their  outward  actions. 

38.  Men  who  disbelieve  and  reject  the  truth,  often  pro- 
fess to  do  it  for  want  of  evidence ;  while  the  evidence 
which  God  has  furnished,  and  which  is  abundantly  suffi- 
cient, they  overlook  or  withstand. 

45.  A  man's  heart,  by  withstanding  conclusive  evidence, 
is  made  harder,  and  his  wickedness  increased  ;  so  that  his 
character  by  such  a  course  grows  constantly  worse,  and 
his  last  state  will  be  worst  of  all. 

60.  No  afl'ection  which  ever  did  or  can  exist  between 
earthly  friends,  equals  in  tenderness  and  strength  that 
which  subsists  between  Christ  and  those  who  do  the  will 
of  his  Father. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1.  Seaside;  the  sea  of  Galilee. 

2.  Ship;  a  small  vessel  or  fishing-boat. 

3.  Parables;  the  parables  of  Christ  were  descriptions  of 
natural  things,  for  the  purpose  of  ilhistrating  spiritual 
thing.s.  The  seven  parables  recorded  in  this  chapter  all 
rela.te  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  among  men.  See  note  on 
chap.  3:2.  They  are  both  illustrations  of  its  nature  and 
prophecies  of  its  progress. 

4.  Wayside;  where  the  ground  was  not  ploughed,  and 
the  seed  sown  not  covered. 

5.  Stony  places ;  where  the  rocks  were  but  slightly  cov- 
ered with  earth. 

6.  Because  they  had  no  root ;  the  roots  could  not  go  down 
dee])  enough  to  obtain  the  moisture  needful  for  their 
growth. 

7.  Thorns;  parts  of  the  field  which  had  not  been  cleared. 
Choked ;  so  sli;ided  and  exhausted  in  the  ground  as  to  pre- 
vent the  grain  from  yielding  increase. 

8.  Gooil  fj;round;  rich  soil,  and  well  prepared.  Notice 
the  gradation  in  respect  to  these  four  kinds  of  soil.  In 
the  first,  the  seed  perishes  without  even  springing  up ;  in 
the  second,  it  springs  up,  but  withers  awaj';  in  tlie  third, 
it  s]irings  up  and  bears  fruit,  but  not  to  ])erfection;  in  the 
fourth,  it  yields  a  harvest  of  perfect  grain. 

1085 


Exposition  of  the 


MATTHEW  XIII. 


parable  of  the  sower. 


9  Who  hath  ears  to  liear,  let  him  hear." 

10  T  And  tlie  disciples  came,  and  said  unto  him. 
Why  speakest  thou  unto  tlicni  in  parables? 

11  He  answered  and  saiil  uuto  them,  Because  it 
is  friven  unto  you  to  know  the  mysteries  of  the 
kini!'dom  of  heaven,  but  to  them  it  is  not  given.'' 

12  For  whosoever  hath,  to  him  shall  be  given, 
and  he  shall  have  more  abundance:  but  whoso- 
ever hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken  away  even 
that  he  hath.'= 

13  Therefore  speak  I  to  them  in  ])arables:  be- 
cause they  seeing,  see  not;  and  hearing,  they  hear 
not;  neither  do  they  understand. 

14  And  in  them  is  fullillcd  the  prophecy  of  Esa- 
ias,''  which  saith,  By  hearing  ye  shall  hear,  and 
shall  not  understand ;  and  seeing  ye  shall  see,  and 
shall  not  perceive:'' 

1.5  For  this  jieople's  heart  is  waxed  gross,  and 
their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,'  and  their  eyes  they 
have  closed ;  lest  at  any  time  they  should  see  with 
their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  should 
under.s"tand  with  their  heart,  and  should  be  con- 
verted, and  I  should  heal  them. 

IG  But  blessed  arc  your  eyes,  for  they  see:  and 
your  cars,  for  they  hear.'^ 

17  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  That  many  proph- 
ets and  righteous  men  have  desired  to  see  those 


«Ch.ll:15.  bch.  ll:-ril  Mirk-l?Il;  1  Cor,  3: 10-15;  Epii.  1:9,  18;  .l.-O; 
Col.  1:21),  27;  1  John  2:27.  '  ch.  25:20;  Luke  9:20.  d  l.-:i.  0:9.  c  Ezek. 
12:2;  John  12:40;  Acls2.«:2G,  2T  ;  Rom.  11:S;  2Cor.  3:11,  13.  '  Heb.  5:11. 
r  ch.  10:17;  Luke  10:2:),  21;  John  20:29;  2  Cor.  4:0,     li  Kph.:!:5,0;  Heb. 

10.  W/iy  speakcst  thou — in  parables?  the  question  shows 
that  this  was  the  first  time  he  hail  addressod  the  multi- 
tudes in  this  manner.  rom])are  with  this  chapter  the 
sermon  on  the  mount,  in  which  there  are  only  simiUtudes 
intermingled  with  plain  address. 

11.  You;  his  disciples,  who  loved  him  and  desired  to  im- 
dcrstand  his  teaching.  Mijileries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven; 
the  <lcep  truths  resjiecting  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel, 
which  had  not  before  been  revealed,  or  were  revealed 
only  in  part,  and  which  Christ  opened  plainly  to  his  dis- 
ciples. Totliem;  to  the  multitudes  without  the  circle  of 
his  disciples.  Is  not  given;  to  know  these  mysteries.  Tlie 
hinderance  to  their  receiving  this  knowledge  is  stated  in 
verse  13. 

12.  Huth;  hath  some  knowledge  of  these  mysteries. 
Sluill  he  given;  more  knowledge.  It  is  a  jiractical  know- 
ledge of  which  the  Saviour  sjjeaks,  implying  love  towards 
him.  and  a  desire  to  understand  tlie  truths  which  he 
taught.  Hath  not;  hath  not  knowledge,  bec;iuse  he  hath 
neither  love  towards  me  nor  desire  to  know  my  truth. 
Even  lluit  lie  linlh  ;  his  present  opportunities  and  jirivileges 
for  knowing  the  truth.  The  Saviour  here  lays  down  a 
general  principle  of  deep  and  solemn  import,  which  all 
who  hope  to  be  saved  would  do  well  to  ponder  in  their 
hearts. 

13.  Seeing,  see  not ;  have  faculties  an<l  opportunities,  but 
do  not  rightly  use  them ;  of  course  do  not  understand  the 
truths  which  they  do  not  desire  to  know.  The  ignorance, 
dulness,  and  prejudices  which  come  from  such  a  wrong 
stiitc  of  hc.irt,  m;ide  jt  proper  that  the  Saviour  should  veil 
his  instructions  in  parables,  which  the  careless  and  indif- 
ferent woulil  neglect,  but  the  earnest  and  humble  would 
search  into  and  understand. 

14.  In  tliem  is  fidfiUed ;  the  language  of  Isaiah  is  a  do- 
scriptinn  of  their  case.  Isa.  G:!l,  10.  Not  perceive;  not 
perceive  the  spiritual  meaning  of  his  words,  because,  as 
expressed  in  the  next  verse,  they  shut  their  eyes  against 
the  light.  They  were  not  converted,  and  not  saved,  as 
they  might  have  been,  had  they  loved  the  truth  and  de- 
sired to  know  it. 

16.   Tlie y  see — they  hear;  with  good  effect.    They  loved 
1086 


things  which  ye  see,  and  have  not  seen  them ;  -v  n  :«. 
and  to  hear  those  things  which  ye  hear,  and  have 
not  heard  ihcmJ^ 

18  ',.  Hear  ye  therefore  the  parable  of  the  sower.' 

19  When  any  one  hearcth  the  word  of  the  king- 
dom,' and  understaudctli  it  not,  then  conieth  tlie 
wicked  onf,"  and  catcheth  away  that  which  was 
sown  in  his  heart.  This  is  he  which  received  seed 
by  the  way-side. 

20  But  he  that  received  the  seed  into  stony  pla- 
ces, the  same  is  he  lliat  hcareth  the  word,  and  aiion 
with  joy  rcceivcth  it ;' 

21  Yet  hath  he  not  root  in  himself,  but  dureth 
for  a  while:  for  when  tribulation  or  persecution 
ariseth  because  of  the  word,  by  and  by  he  is  olfend- 
ed.'" 

22  He  also  that  received  seed  among  the  thorns 
is  he  tiiat  heareth  the  word ;  and  the  care  of  this 
world,"  and  tlie  deceitfulncss  of  riches,"  choke  the 
word,  and  he  becometh  unfruitful. 

23  But  he  that  received  seed  into  the  good 
ground  is  he  that  heareth  tlie  word,  and  uiider- 
standeth  it :  which  also  bearcth  fruit,'' and  briugeth 
forth,  some  a  hundred-fold,  some  sixty,  some  thirty. 

24  \  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto  them,' 
saying,  Tlie  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a 
man  which  sowed  good  seed  in  liis  field  :"■ 


1 

:13;     1   Pet 

.  1:10, 

11, 

Mark 

4 

14 

etc,  ; 

Li 

ko 

-:11,  elc. 

1  ch 

4 

23. 

k 

IJohn  2:13 

14;  ;l 

12.    1 

sa.  5S 

o. 

Ezok 

33:31 

32- 

John  5:35 

Ua 

,4 

IS. 

m 

ch,  2t:10; 

20,31 ; 

2  Tim 

4.10, 

n 

L. 

ke 

14 

10- 

J4, 

0  Mark  10 

■Si, 

ri 

im. 

G 

9;  2Tim.  ' 

:10. 

P  John  15:5. 

1 

sa. 

2b 

10 

13 

r 

1  I'et.  !:2;j 

the  truth  and  desired  to  know  it,  and  to  them  a  knowledge 
of  it  was  eommuiiieated. 

17.  Things  which  yc  sec — hear;  things  done  by  the  Mes- 
siah, and  trutiis  taught  by  him. 

18.  The  parable;  understand  the  meaning  of  it.  It  rep- 
resents four  classes  of  hearers:  the  thoughtless,  the  fickle, 
the  worldly,  and  the  truly  )iiou8. 

19.  Tlie'tford  of  the  kingdom;  the  truths  of  the  gospel. 
Understandcth  it  nut;  because  he  does  not  ]U-operly  attend 
to  it.  This  represents  thoughtless,  careless,  and  stupid 
hearers. 

20.  Anon ;  immediately  ;  and, as  we  are  elsewhere  taught, 
without  either  understanding  or  counting  the  cost  of 
Christ's  service.     Coin]iare  Luke  14:2,')-;t3. 

21.  Root  in  himself;  true  Christian  |irincii)le.  Offended ; 
disconnaged,  loses  the  interest  which  he  once  felt  in  the 
gospel,  and  tunm  back.  This  re|iresents  the  fickle:  ]ier- 
sons  of  (piick  feelings,  easily  e.xciled,  and  who  for  a  time 
ap]icar  to  be  much  engaged.  JJut  they  are  unstable,  easily 
turned  aside  by  diiliciilties,  and  so  give  nji,  and  becomo 
more  hardened  than  before. 

22.  Unfruitful ;  destitute  of  good  Works,  lie  docs  no{ 
live  a  lite  of  piet^'  tow;ii(ls  (lod.and  of  beneficence  tow- 
ards men.  This  reprcHents  the  worldly-minded  man.who 
is  so  occn])ied  with  the  things  of  time,  that  he  has  no 
heart  to  attend  to  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  or  tlio  souls  of 
his  fellow-men. 

23.  Heareth  fruit ;  he  receives  the  triiUi  into  the  heart, 
and  acts  un<ler  its  abiding  inlluence.  This  represents  the 
pious,  the  friends  of  (lod  and  men.  They  are  all  useful, 
but  some  more  so  than  others.  These  truths,  as  to  the 
various  elTrets  of  the  gospel,  it  was  important  1h;it  his 
diseii)les.  who  were  to  be  preachers  of  it,  should  under- 
stand. Thi'V  desired  to  nnderstiind  them.  an<l  to  Ihem  tho 
understanding  of  them  was  given;  while  lo  his  opjiosers, 
who  did  not  wish  to  underKt:ind  them,  it  was  not  given. 

24.  TItekingdom  if  henrrn  nlikrnrd ;  the  kingdom  "*,'"■•'>'- 
en,  here  the  visible'chureh  of  Christ,  is  likened  to  a  Held  in 
which  the  owner  sows  good  seed,  etc.  (lood  seed ;  clean 
wheat,  representing  the  truths  of  tho  gospel,  and  those 
who  embrace  them. 


The  parable  of  the  tares, 


MATTHEW  XIII. 


mustard-seed,  leaven,  etc. 


A.D.31.     25  But  while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came  and 
sowed  tares  among  the  wheat,  and  went  his  way. 

26  But  when  the  blade  was  sprung  up,  and 
broiiglit  forth  fruit,  then  appeared  the  tares  also. 

27  So  the  servants  of  the  householder  came  and 
said  unto  him,  Sir,  didst  not  thou  sow  good  seed 
in  thy  field?  from  whence  then  hath  it  tares? 

28  He  said  unto  them,  An  enemy  hath  done  this. 
The  servants  said  unto  hiin.  Wilt  thou  then  that 
we  go  and  gather  them  up  ? 

29  But  he  said,  Nay;  lest  while  ye  gather  up  the 
tares,  ye  root  up  also  the  wheat  with  them. 

30  Let  both  grow  together  until  the  harvest :  and 
in  tiie  time  of  harvest  I  will  say  to  the  reapers, 
Gatlier  ye  together  first  the  tares,"  and  bind  them 
in  bundles  to  burn  them :  '■  but  gather  the  wheat 
into  my  barn.'^ 

31  Tf  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto  them, 
saying.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  to  a  grain 
of  mustard-seed,''  which  a  man  took,  and  sowed  in 
his  field : 

32  Which  indeed  is  tlic  least  of  all  seeds:  but 
when  it  is  grown,  it  is  the  greatest  among  herbs, 
and  bi'comcth  a  tree,  so  that  the  birds  of  the  air 
come  and  lodge  in  the  branches  thereof." 

33  IT  Another  parable  spake  he  unto  them ;  The 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  leaven,  which  a 
woman  took,  and  hid  in  three  measures"  of  meal, 
till  tlie  whole  was  leavened. 

34  All  these  things  spake  Jesus  unto  the  multi- 
tude in  parables;'  and  without  a  parable  spake 
he  not  unto  them : 

35  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 
by  the  prophet,  saying,  I  will  open  my  mouth  in 
parables;*  I  will  utter  things  which  have  been 
kept  secret  from  the  foundation  of  tlie  world."" 

3(5  1  Tlien  Jesus  sent  tlie  multitude  away,  and 
went  into  the  liouse:  and  his  disciples  came  unto 
him,  saying,  Declare  unto  us  the  parable  of  the 
tares  of  the  field. 


»1  Tim.  5:24.  b  Mai.  4:1.  tLuke3:17.  <1  Mark  4:30.  e  Ezek.  17:S5. 
•  The  Greek  word,  saton,  signifies  a  measure  containing  about,  a  peck  and  a 
half,  wanting  a  little  more  than  a  pint,  f  Mark  4:33.  ff  Psa.  7H;*2.  h  Luke 
10:-24i  Rom.  ItiriS,  36;  Col.  1:20.  i  Rom.  10:18;  Col.  1:B.  J  1  Pet.  l:^). 
k  John  8:44;  Acts  13:1(1;  IJohn  3:8.     1  Joel  3:13;  Rev.  14:1.5.     m  Rev. 


25.  Tares;  not  our  American  tares,  but  a  species  of 
darnel  bearing  poisonous  seeds,  and  liaving,  before  it 
comes  to  a  head,  a  near  resemblance  to  the  stalks  of  wheat 
and  barley. 

2G.  Brought  forth  fruit ;  when  the  fruit  began  to  grow. 
By  their  principles  and  conduct,  the  difference  between 
those  who  embrace  the  gospel  and  those  who  embrace 
opposite  errors,  is  seen. 

28.  Gather  them  tip;  by  the  process  of  weeding  common 
in  that  country. 

2',l.  Root  up  also  the  wheat;  on  account  of  their  resem- 
blance and  connection  with  each  other. 

30.  Harvest;  the  day  of  judgment.  Reapers;  tlie  angels. 
Tares;  the  wicked.    IFIicnt ;  the  righteous.    Ver.  49,  50. 

31.  Another  parable;  this  parable  represents  the  progress 
which  the  gospel  would  make.  From  small  beginnings  it 
would  increase,  and  its  influence  become  extensive  and 
powerful. 

32.  A  tree ;  in  that  country  the  mustard  grows  much 
larger  than  it  docs  in  this. 

33.  Leaven;  is  all-pervading  and  powerful.  Thougli 
silent  and  hidden,  it  soon  affects  the  whole  mass.  So 
would  divine  truth  be,  in  its  influence  on  individuals  and 
on  communities. 


37  He  answered  and  said  unto  them.  He  that 
soweth  the  good  seed  is  the  Son  of  man ; 

38  The  field  is  the  world;'  the  good  seed  are 
the  children  of  the  kingdom  -^  but  the  tares  are 
the  children  of  tlie  wicked  one;^ 

39  The  enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the  devil ;  the 
harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world;'  and  the  reai)crs 
are  the  angels.'" 

40  As  therefore  the  tares  are  gathered  and 
burned  in  the  fire;"  so  shall  it  be  in  the  end  of 
this  world. 

41  The  Son  of  man  shall  send  forth  his  angels, 
and  they  shall  gather  out  of  Ids  kingdom  all  things 
tliat  offeiid,*  and  tlieni  which  do  iniquity;" 

42  And  shall  cast  them  into  a  furnace  of  firei^ 
tliere  shall  be  wailing  and  gnasliing  of  teeth." 

43  Then  shall  the  righteous  shine  forth  as  the 
sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.''  Who  hath 
ears  to  licar,  let  him  hear. 

44  IT  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
treasure  hid  in  a  field;'  the  which  when  a  man 
hath  found,  he  hideth,  and  for  joy  thereof  goeth 
and  selleth  all  that  he  hath,'  and  biiyeth  that 
field." 

45  1  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
a  merchant-man  seeking  goodly  pearls: 

46  Who,  when  he  had  found  one  pearl  of  great 
price,''  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had,  and  bought 
it. 

47  IT  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
a  net,  that  was  cast  into  the  sea,  and  gathered  of 
every  kind:'" 

48  Which,  when  it  was  full,  they  drew  to  shore, 
and  sat  down,  and  gathered  the  good  into  vessels, 
but  cast  the  bad  away. 

49  So  shall  it  be  at  the  end  of  the  world :  the 
angels  shall  come  forth,  and  sever  the  wicked  from 
among  the  just,'' 

50  And  shall  cast  them  into  the  furnace  of  fire:'' 
there  shall  be  wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 


14:1.5- 

19. 

D 

ver.  30.     t 

Or,  scatidals 

0 

Luke  13:27.     p 

oh.  3:12 

Rev. 

10:20 

20 

10 

q  ver.  50 

ch.   8:12. 

r  Dan.  12:3; 

1  Cor. 

15:49.     • 

Prov. 

2:4,  5 

t 

Phil.  3:7,  8. 

u  Isa.  55:1; 

Rev 

3:la. 

«  Prov. 

3:14,  15 

8:11. 

w  ch. 

22:10. 

I  ch.  25:32. 

y  ver.  42. 

34.  Without  a  parable  spake  lie  not;  see  note  on  ver.  13. 

35.  The  prophet ;  Psa.  78:2.  The  history  of  ancient  Israel 
which  the  psalmist  recounts  was  typical  of  the  higher 
mysteries  of  Christ's  kingdom,  as  the  apostle  Paul  ex- 
pressly teaches.     1  Cor.  10:11. 

37.  Son  of  man;  meaning  himself,  dispensing  truth  either 
personally  or  by  his  servants. 

38.  The  field  is  the  world;  for  by  tho  appointment  of 
Christ  the  good  seed  of  the  gospel  is  to  bo  sown  among 
all  nations,  so  that  the  visible  cliureh  shall  be  co'extensivo 
with  tho  world.  Children  of  the  langdom  ;  children  of  (iod 
not  in  name  alone,  but  in  reality.  Children  of  the  wicked 
one;  of  Satan,  though  they  be  found  among  Christ's  visi- 
ble followers. 

43.  Righteous;  the  same  as  "the  children  of  tho  king- 
dom," those  who  jiave  believed  and  obeyed  the  gos]icl. 
Shine  forth  as  the  stin;  be  inexpressibly  glorious  in  heaven. 
Earn  to  hear;  let  all  who  have  cars,  hear  and  lielicve,  and 
so  act  that  (hey  may  escape  the  wailing  of  tho  wicked, 
and  enjoy  the  glory  of  the  righteous. 

44.  Ruijeth  that  field ;  that,  by  obtaining  possession  of  tho 
field,  he  may  obtain  possession  of  the  treasure  in  it, 

47.  A  net — cast  into  the  sea;  tlie  sea  is  the  world,  and  tho 
net  is  the  gospel  with  its  ministers  and  ordiLances.    This 

1087 


Unbelief  of  the  Jews. 


MATTHEW  XIV. 


Jo/ni  the  Baptist  heheaded. 


51  Jesus  saitli  unto  them,  Have  ye  understood 
all  these  thinsrs?    They  say  unto  him,  Yea,  Lord. 

52  Then  said  he  uiito  them,  Therefore  every 
scribe  ivhich  is  instructed  unto  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  is  like  unto  a  man  that  in  a  householder, 
■which  bringetli  forth  out  of  his  treasure  things 
new  and  old." 

53  1  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Jesus  had 
fiuislied  these  parables,  he  departed  thence. 

54  And  when  ho  was  come  into  his  own  coun- 
try,'' ho  tauglit  tliem  in  tlioir  synagogue,  inso- 
miicli  that  they  -were  astonislied,  and  said,  Whence 
hatli  this  man  this  wisdom,  and  these  miglity 
works  ? 

55  Is  not  this  the  carpenter's  son  ?  is  not  his 
mother  called  Mary?  and  his  brethren,  James, 
and  Joscs,  and  Simon,  and  Judas  ? 

56  And  his  sisters,  are  they  not  all  with  us? 
Whence  tlicn  hath  tliis  man  all  these  things  ? 

57  And  tliey  were  offended  in  liim.'^  But  Je- 
sus said  unto  tliem,  A  prophet  is  not  witliout 
liouor,  save  in  his  own  country,  and  in  his  own 
house. 

58  And  he  did  not  many  mighty  works  there, 
because  of  tlieir  unbelief. 


»  ProT.  10:21  ;  15:7;  18:1;  Song7:13.    b  Mark  li:  1,  etc. ;  Luke  4:16,  etc. 
c  Isa.49:7;  53:3;  John6:-l-2.    i  .Markl):H;  Luke0:7,etc.    •  Or, ore wrougAf 


parable  has  a  close  relation  to  that  of  the  tares  in  the  field. 
It  shows  the  mixtvu-e  of  koo'I  ami  evil  which  will  always 
exist  in  the  visible  chnrch  on  earth. 

52.  Everti  scribe;  in  allusion  to  the  office  of  the  Jewish 
scribes,  which  was  to  teach  the  law  of  Moses,  Christ 
names  those  whom  he  calls  to  be  teachers  in  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  scribes.  Instructed;  trained  and  furnished  as 
he  should  be. 

■ll.  IIix  own  country;  Nazareth,     f'liap.  2:23. 

5J.  Carpenter's  son;  Joseph,  his  reputed  father,  was  a 
carpenter. 

51).  T/iese  things;  wisdom  to  teach  in  such  an  interesting 
and  instructive  manner,  and  jiowcr  to  work  miracles. 

57.  Offended ;  at  his  liunible  birth  anil  indigent  circnni- 
Btances.  They  were  too  proud  to  receive  him  as  their 
tfjacher.  In  liis  own  house;  a  man  often  has  less  influence 
with  those  among  whpra  he  spent  his  childhood  than  with 
others. 

58.  Unbelief;  as  they  rejected  him,  and  disbelieved  his 
Messiahshii),  notwithstanding  all  his  miracles,  he  loft  them 
and  departed  to  another  place. 

INSTHUCTIONS. 

4.  Careless  hearers  receive  no  benefit  from  the  word  of 
truth,  though  it  be  preached  ever  so  laithfully. 

5.  To  be  savingly  benefited  by  the  iireaching  of  the 
Kospel.it  is  not  enough  that  persons  a<lmit  its  truths,  that 
their  feelings  arc  excited,  that  they  are  greatly  distressed 
on  accoinit  of  sin,  or  that  they  have  a  hope  of  Kalv;itioii, 
and  are  exceedingly  joyful.  They  must  take  Christ  for 
their  teacher  and  pattern  ;  must  trust  in  him  for  salvation  ; 
and  whatever  it  may  cost  them,  must  persevere  in  obey- 
ing him  to  the  end. 

7.  t^upreme  devotion  to  this  world,  whatever  bo  a  man's 
feelings  and  conduct  in  other  resjiects,  will  prevent  all  sav- 
ing eOicacy  of  the  gospel ;  and  as  long  as  it  is  continued, 
will  exclude  from  the  soul  the  lovo  of  God.     1  John  2:l.j. 

12.  The  way  to  have  more  light  and  grace  is  to  make  a 
diligent  improvement  of  what  is  now  granted  to  us. 

2.5.  In  [ilaccH  where  Christ,  by  his  ministers,  communi- 
cates his  truth,  Satan  and  hiS'agenls  will  disseminate  er- 
rors ;  and  such  is  the  stiite  of  the  hiuiian  heart,  that  they 
will,  without  cultivation,  take  root,  sjiring  up,  and  bring 
forth  evil  fruit.  .Men  are  therefore  bound  to  take  heed 
what  they  hear,  as  well  as  how  they  hear ;  for  their  ad- 
1088 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


1  Herod's  opinion  of  Christ.  3  Wherefore  John  Baptist  was  beheaded. 
13  Jesus  departeth  into  a  desert  phice:  1.5  -where  lie  feedeth  live 
tllousand  men  witii  five  loaves  and  two  iislies ;  '2"2  He  walketh  on  the 
sea  to  his  disciples:  34  and  landing  at  Gennesaret,  healeth  tlie  sick 
by  the  touch  of  the  hem  of  his  garment. 

AT  that  time  Herod  the  tetrarch  heard  of  Ihe 
,  fame  of  Jesus,'' 
2  And  said  unto  his  servants,  Tliis  is  John  the 
Baptist ;  he  is  risen  from  the  dead ;  and  there- 
fore mighty  works  do  show  forth  themselves  in 
him." 

'A  11  For  ITcrod  liad  laid  hold  on  Jolm,  and  bound 
him,  and  put  him  in  prison  for  llerodias'  sake,  his 
brother  Philip's  wife. 

4  For  John  said  unto  him,  It  is  not  lawful  for 
thee  to  have  lier."^ 

5  And  when  he  would  have  put  him  to  death,  lie 
feared  the  multitude,  because  they  counted  him  as 
a  proiiliet.' 

()  But  when  Herod's  birthday  was  kept,  the 
daughter  of  Herodias  dauecd  before  them,*  and 
pleased  Herod. 

7  Whereupon  lie  ]U'oinised  with  an  oatli  to  give 
her  whatsoever  she  would  ask. 

8  And  she,  being  before  instructed  of  her  niotli- 


by  him.     o  Lev.  Ig:10l  20;'J1.     t  ch.  al:'JG;  Luke  «):«.    t  Gr.  l«  l/if  midji. 


versary  the  devil  goetb  about,  not  only  as  a  roaring  lion, 
but  also  as  an  angel  of  light,  seeking,  in  various  ways,  to 
destroy  the  souls  of  men. 

2!).  Men  cannot  in  this  world  separate  entirely  the  wick- 
ed from  the  righteous,  or  with  certainty  judge  as  to  the 
characters  of  men.  That  must  be  left  to  the  i^earcher  of 
hearts,  and  to  the  decisions  of  the  day  of  juilgnient. 

41.  lie  who  rightly  estimates  the  value  of  his  soul,  will 
make  its  salvation  his  chief  concern,  and  give  up  what- 
ever prevents  his  (ditaining  it. 

47.  We  should  not  be  discouraged  on  account  of  the 
mixture  of  evil  with  good  in  God's  church;  for  it  has 
always  been  so,  and  will  be  so  to  the  end  of  time. 

48.  It  can  be  of  no  avail  to  any  man  to  bo  a  member  of 
Christ's  visible  church,  unless  he  have  also  the  character 
of  a  Christian. 

52.  Ministers  of  the  gosjiel  should  be  always  learning, 
not  merely  of  men,  but  of  God.  They  should  also  bo 
habitually  communicating,  not  merely  what  they  learned 
years  ago,  Imt  what  they  have  lately  learned,  things  new 
as  well  as  old,  that  these  truths  may  have  in  their  own 
minds  and  the  minds  of  others  the  freshness  anil  beauty, 
the  vigor  and  force  of  youth. 

57.  'fo  judge  of  jiersons  by  their  wealth  or  that  of  their 
relatives,  or  by  any  merely  external  dislinctions,  and  not 
by  their  character  and  conduct,  is  evidence  of  a  little  mind, 
and  of  a  jiroud  heart. 

CHATTER  XIV. 

1.  llerml  the  tetrarch;  this  was  llerod  Antipas,  son  of 
Ilerod  tlie  Great  who  slew  the  children  at  Hethlihem. 
Chap.  2:lfi.  Tetrarch  means  the  ruler  of  a  fourth  part, 
and  was  applied  to  him  because  he  governed  a  part  of  his 
father's  kingdom. 


lie. 


lainer  h  Kuigiiom. 

4.  Nnt.lnvful;  Herodias  was  the  wife  of  Philip,  llcroi 
brother,  by  whom  sln'  hati  a  daughter  named  Salon... 
Herod  had  ]iut  away  his  own  wife,  tlie  daughter  of  Aretas 
king  of  Arabi.i  I'etrca.  and  had  taken  Herodias,  though 
her  husband  was  still  living. 

5.  Feared  the  mullilude;  he  was  afraid,  should  h<'  ]iut 
John  to  death,  that  they  would  rebel,  and  make  him  trou- 
ble; he  therefore  ilid  not  kill  liim,  but  put  him  in  Jirison. 

8.  Instrwtcd;  her  motlirr  had  told  her  what  to  ask. 
Charger;  a  large  dish  or  iilatter. 


Christ  fecddh  the  multitude, 


MATTHEW  XIV. 


and  walkdh  on  ilie  se.i 


A  D.  32.  er,  paid,  Give  me  here  John  the  Baptist's 
head  in  a  charger." 

9  And  the  king  was  sorry:''  nevertheless  for  the 
oath's  sakc,"^  and  them  which  sat  with  liim  at  meat, 
ho  commanded  it  to  be  given  her. 

10  And  lie  sent,  and  beheaded  John  in  the  prison. 

11  And  his  head  was  brought  in  a  charger,  and 
given  to  the  damsel :  and  she  brouglit  it  to  her 
motlier. 

12  And  his  disciples  came,  and  took  up  the  body. 
and  buried  it,''  and  went  and  told  Jesus. 

13  li  When  Jesus  heard  o/";/,  he  departed  thence 
by  ship  into  a  desert  place  apart:''  and  when  the 
people  had  heard  thereof,  they  followed  him  on 
foot  out  of  the  cities. 

14:  And  Jesus  went  forth,  and  saw  a  great  mul- 
titude,'' and  was  moved  with  compassion  toward 
them,'-'  and  he  healed  their  sick. 

15  And  when  it  was  evening,  his  discijdes  came 
to  him,  saying,  This  is  a  desert  place,  and  the  time 
is  now  past ;  send  the  multitude  away,  that  they  may 
go  into  the  villages,  and  buy  themselves  victuals. 

16  But  Jesus  said  unto  them.  They  need  not  de- 
part ;  give  ye  them  to  eat. 

17  And  they  say  unto  him.  We  have  here  but 
five  loaves,  and  two  fishes. 

18  He  said.  Bring  them  hither  to  me. 

19  And  he  commanded  the  multitude  to  sit  down 
on  the  grass,  and  took  the  five  loaves,  and  the  two 
fishes,  and  looking  up  to  heaven,  he  blessed,  and 
brake,  and  gave  the  loaves  to  his  disciples,  and 
the  disciples  to  the  multitude. 

20  And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled :  and 
they  took  up  of  the  fragments  that  remained 
twelve  baskets  full." 

21  And  they  that  had  eaten  were  about  five 
thousand  men,  besides  women  and  children. 

22  1[  And  straightway  Jesus  constrained  his  dis- 


»Prov.  29:10.  b  Judg.  11:31,  35;  Dan.  6:14-16.  c  Judg.  21:1;  1  Sam. 
14:23;  25:22;  Ewl.  5:2.  i  Acts  8:2.  =  ch.  10:23;  12:15;  Mark 6: 32,  etc, ; 
Luke  9:10,  etc  ;  John  6:1,  2,  etc.  f  ch.  9:36;  15:32,  etc.  E  Heb.  4:15. 
'2  Kings  4: 1-7.    i  Mark  6:46.    J  Job  9:8;  John  6:19.    k  Luke  24:37.    I  Acts 


9.  Sorry ;  lie  knew  it  was  wroiifi;,  and  was  afraid  it  would 
make  him  trouble.  T/icm  that  sat  witli  liim ;  lie  was  more 
afraid  of  thera  than  of  (Jod. 

15.  Evening;  the  Jews  reckoned  two  evenings,  one  of 
which  commenced  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
and  is  the  one  here  referred  to ;  the  other  commenced 
about  six  o'clock,  and  is  referred  to  in  verse  2.3. 

19.  Blessed;  he  praised  the  Lord  for  that  provision,  and 
asked  him  to  bless  them  in  the  reception  of  it. 

20.  Did  all  eat — lesre  filled  ;  besides  the  immediate  act 
of  mercy  in  feeding  a  vast  multitude  in  tlie  wilderness, 
this  miracle  was  intended  to  have  a  deep  symbolic  mean- 
ing. By  it  Christ  exhibited  himself  as  "  the"  bread  of  life." 
See  the  use  which  the  Lord  himself  makes  of  it,  John 
6:27-58. 

2.5.  Fourth  watch  ;  the  Jews  had  four  watches,  or  periods 
of  the  night.  The  first  watch  was  from  six  to  nine  o'clock  ; 
the  second,  from  nine  to  twelve  ;  the  third,  from  twelve  to 
three  ;  and  the  fourth,  from  three  to  six  in  the  morning. 

2().  //  IS  a  spirit;  they  thought  it  was  a  spirit  or  ghost, 
Kupposing  that  for  a  man  with  a  real  body  to  walk  on  the 
water  was  impossible. 

2!).  We  walked  :  upheld  by  the  divine  power  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

3L  Dotdjt:  why  didst  thou  tlniibt  my  power  to  continue 
to  support  thee? 

33.  Son  of  God;  this  was  a  public  acknowledgment  of 
Uim  as  the  Messiah. 

(V.) 


ciples  to  get  into  a  ship,  and  to  go  before  him  unto 
the  other  side,  while  he  sent  the  multitudes  away. 

23  And  when  he  had  sent  the  multitudes  away, 
he  went  up  into  a  mountain  apart  to  pray : '  and 
when  the  evening  was  come,  he  was  there  alone. 

24  But  the  ship  was  now  in  the  midst  of  the  sea, 
tossed  with  waves:  for  the  wind  was  contrary. 

25  And  in  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night  Jesus 
went  unto  them,  walking  on  the  sea. 

26  And  when  the  disciples  saw  him  walking  on 
the  sea,J  they  were  troubled,  saying.  It  is  a  spirit; 
and  they  cried  out  for  fear.'' 

27  But  straightway  Jesus  spake  unto  them,  say- 
ing, Be  of  good  cheer;'  it  is  I;  be  not  afraid. 

28  And  Peter  answered  him  and  said.  Lord,  if 
it  be  thou,  bid  me  come  unto  thee  on  the  water."' 

29  And  he  said.  Come.  And  when  Peter  was 
come  down  out  of  the  ship,  he  walked  on  the  wa- 
ter, to  go  to  Jesus. 

30  But  when  he  saw  the  wind  boisterous,*  he  was 
afraid ;  and  beginning  to  sink,  he  cried,  saying, 
Lord,  save  me." 

31  And  immediately  Jesus  stretched  forth  his 
hand,"  and  caught  him,  and  said  unto  him,  0  thou 
of  little  faith,  wlierefore  didst  thou  doulit '.'''' 

32  And  when  they  were  come  into  the  ship,  the 
wind  ceased.'' 

33  Then  they  that  were  in  the  ship  came  and 
worshipped  him,  saying.  Of  a  truth  thou  art  the; 
Son  of  God."" 

34  1  And  when  they  were  gone  over,  they  came 
into  the  land  of  Gennesaret." 

35  And  when  the  men  of  that  place  had  knowledge 
of  him,  they  sent  out  into  all  that  country  round 
about,  and  brought  unto  him  all  thatwere  diseased; 

36  And  besought  him  that  they  might  only  touch 
the  hem  of  his  garment:'  and  as  many  as  touched 
were  made  perfectly  whole." 


23:11.    m 

Phil.  4 

13. 

*  Or,  strong,    n  p 

<a.  69:1 

,2, 

Lam.  3 

:57. 

0  Isa 

63 

12. 

pjas.  1:6. 

qPsa 

107:29.    r  Dm.  3: 25; 

Luke  4 

41 

.U 

hn  1 

49; 

0:69; 

11 

37; 

Acts  8:37; 

Rom. 

1:4 

»  Mark  6:53. 

t  Num. 

15:38 

ch 

9-flf 

;  Mark  3 

111- 

Luke6:lU 

,  Acts 

19:1 

2.    uJohn6:.37. 

34.  Genncsaret ;  on  the  north-west  side  of  the  sea  of 
Ualilee. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

5.  Men  are  often  disposed  to  commit  crimes,  from  which 
they  are  restrained  only  by  the  fear  of  man,  and  other  self- 
ish  considerations.  This  .shows  tliat  their  hearts  are  worse 
than  their  lives,  and  that  they  fear  man  mure  than  (!od. 

6.  Seasons  of  feasting  and  revelry  ;ire  seasons  of  great 
danger;  and  when  attended  with  diincing  and  profane- 
ness,  render  persons  peculiarly  liable  to  be  overcome  by 
temptation,  and  to  fall  under  the  power  of  the  destroyer. 

8.  Continuance  in  known  sin  blunts,  and  finally  obliter- 
ates the  delicate  perccpti<ins,  the  tender  sensibilities,  and 
all  the  finer  emotions  of  the  luinian  heart.  It  renders  nol 
only  men,  but  women  also,  monsters  of  ini(|uit)'. 

9.  No  oath  can  lay  a  man  under  obligations  to  do  wrong. 
It  is  a  sin  to  take  such  an  oath,  and  it  is  iin  additional  sin 
to  fulfil  it. 

The  wicked,  while  they  often  lay  claim  to  great  courage, 
and  sometimes  show  what  in  some  respects  resembles  it, 
are  at  heart  grc;it  cowards.  They  are  afraid  even  of  being 
called  cowards  by  those  whose  praise  would  be  a  blot;  and 
to  ;iv(iid  it.  tliey  will  commil  murder,  and  expose  them- 
selves to  the  endless  wrath  of  (lod. 

10.  Indulgence  in  one  sin  opens  the  w;iy  for,  and  strong- 
ly temiits  to  the  commission  of  others ;  ;ind  when  men 
begin  a  course  of  iniquity,  none  but  (!nd  knows  where 
thev  will  stop. 

1089 


Thi  Pharisees  reproved. 


MATTHEW  XV. 


Mluit  diftel/i  a 


CHAPTER  XV. 

3  Christ  reproveth  the  scribes  and  Pliarisees  for  transgressing  God's 
commandments  through  their  own  traditions:  11  teacheth  how  tii;it 
which  goeth  into  the  moutli  doth  not  dehle  a  man.  21  He  healeth 
the  daughter  of  the  woman  of  Canaan,  3U  and  otiier  great  multitudes  : 
32  and  with  seven  loaves  and  a  few  little  fishes  feedetli  four  thousand 
men,  besides  women  and  children. 

THEN  came  to  Jesus  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
which  were  of  Jerusalem,  sajing, 

2  Why  do  thy  disciples  transgress  the  tradition 
of  the  elders?  for  they  wash  not  their  liands  when 
they  eat  bread.'' 

3  But  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Why  do 
ye  also  transgress  the  commandment  of  God  by 
your  tradition?" 

4  For  God  commanded,  saying,  Honor  thy  father 
and  mother  :■=  and.  He  that  curseth  father  or  motii- 
er,  let  him  die  the  death.'' 

5  But  ye  say,  Whosoever  shall  say  to  /;«  fatlier 
or  his  motiier,  If  is  a  gift,  by  whatsoever  tiiou 
mightest  l)e  jirofited  by  me; 

6  And  honor  not  his  father  or  iiis  mother,''  he 
shall  be  free.  Thus  have  ye  made  the  command- 
ment of  God  of  none  effect  by  your  tradition. 

7  Ye  hypocrites,  well  did  Esaias  prophesy  of  you, 
saying, 

8  This  people  draweth  nigh  unto  me  with  tiicir 
mouth,  and  lionoretli  nic  with  their  lips;  but  tlicir 
heart  is  far  froni  nic' 

9  But  in  vain  they  do  woi-.^liip  nie,  teachingybr 
doctrines  the  comiiianduieiits  of  mcn.^ 

10  "f  And  he  called  the  multitude,  and  said  unto 
them,  Hear,  and  understand: 

•  Mark  7:1,  etc.  b  Col.  2:H.  -il;  Titus  1:14.  '  Exod.  20; IS;  Deut.  5: 10. 
J  Exod.  21:171  Le».  30:9.  e  Duut.  27:1«.  flsa.29:13.  sCol.2:a2.  h  Acts 
10:1.5;  Rom.  14:14,  2U;   1  Tim.  4:4;  Titus  115.     i  John  15:2,  6.     J  ch. 

13.  Those  who  labor  to  savo  the  bouIs  of  men  Khould, 
as  they  liave  opportunity  and  abihty,  snpply  the  wants  of 
their  bodies  ;  and  wliile  they  liclp  men  to  tlic  bread  wliich 
perishe.s,  it  may  prei)ar('  tlicm  to  receive  that  which  en- 
dtireth  unto  everlasting  life. 

2:i.  IIaliitM;d  commnnion  wilh  God,  and  daily  retirement 
for  this  purpos(»,  is  essential  to  holiness  of  character,  and 
to  great  iisefiilnoss  arnonj;  men.  It  is  also  a  safeguard 
against  tempt:ttion,  and  a  good  preparation  for  the  best 
discharge  of  duty. 

28.  We  must  not  be  impatient,  or  needlessly  expose  our- 
selves to  danger,  even  to  lie  with  Christ.  If  we  do, he  will 
show  us  that  we  lack  faith  ;  and  that,  hail  ho  not  done  liettcr 
for  us  than  we  did  for  ourselves,  we  sliould  have  perished. 

30.  It  is  when  our  thoughts  are  turned  away  from  Christ 
to  the  dangers  around  ns.  that  we  lose  our  courage. 

32.  The  ship  with  the  disiiples  in  it,  tossed  all  night  by 
the  waves,  and  detained  by  contniry  wimls,  is  an  apt  em- 
blem of  the  church  of  Christ  in  the  dark  days  of  reproach 
and  iiorsecntion.  liut  the  S.avioMr  h;is  his  eye  ever  upon 
lier,  and  when  he  comes  to  her  help  in  the  morning,  her 
course  will  be  calm  and  prosperous. 

CFIAI'TER  XV. 

2.  Trndilinn;  traditions  were  laws  or  precepts  of  men, 
which  they  sai'l  ha'l  been  h;iiided  down  byword  of  mouth 
from  past  generations,  and  many  of  whicli'were  afterwards 
written.  They  were  ol'lin  treated  as  of  more  authority 
than  the  laws  of  God,  The  scribes  were  the  intcriiretcrs 
of  these  traditions,  and  could  thus  control  the  minds  of 
the  people.  One  of  those  traditions  retpilred  the  li.inds 
to  be  always  washed  before  taking  food.  The  otijcct  of 
this  w;isliing  was  to  remove  any  ceremonial  delilement 
tliat  might  have  been  unwittingly  conlnicted  in  the  inter- 
course of  life.  Our  Haviour  disregards  it  as  a  su|icrsti- 
tious  punctiliousness  not  required  by  the  law  of  .Moses. 
1090 


11  Not  tliat  which  goeth  into  the  mouth  a.  o.r. 
dcfileth  a  man  ;"  but  tliat  which  cometh  out  of  the 
mouth,  this  defilctli  a  man. 

1-  Then  came  his  disciples,  and  said  unto  him, 
Knowcst  thou  that  tlu;  I'liarisccs  were  oflended, 
after  they  heard  this  saying? 

13  But  lie  answered  and  said.  Every  plant,  wliicli 
my  heavenly  Father  hath  not  planted,  shall  be 
rooted  up.' 

14  Let  them  alone :  they  be  blind  leaders  of  the 
blind.'  And  if  tlie  blind  load  tlie  blind,  both  shall 
fall  into  the  ditch. 

1.5  Then  answered  IVter  and  said  unto  him,  De- 
clare unto  us  this  paraiile. 
1()  And  Jesus  said.  Are  ye  also  yet  witiiout 

'<  understanding  ? 

!  17  Do  not  ye  yet  understand,  that  what-soever 
ontereth  in  at  the  mouth  goetii  into  the  belly,  and 
is  cast  out  into  tlie  draught  ? 

j  18  But  those  tilings  wliich  proceed  out  of  the 
nioutli  conic  forth  from  the  heart ;  and  they  defile 
the  man.'' 

I     1!)  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil  tiioughts, 

I  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  false  wit- 
ness, blasphemies:' 

20  Tliese  are  the  things  which  defile  a  man: 
but  to  eat  witli  unwaslien  hands  delileth  not  a 
man. 

21  1  Tiien  Jesus  went  thence,  and  departed  into 
the  coasts  of  Tyre  and  8idon."' 

22  And  behold,  a  woman  of  Canaan  came  out  of 
the  same  coasts,  and  cried  unto  hira,  saying,  Have 


2.3:10;  Luketi:39.  k  Lukn  0:4.'i;  Ja«.  .'^rt.  I  Gen.  0:5;  8:21;  Troy.  0:14; 
24:9;  Jer.  17:9;  Horn.  3:10-19;  Gal.  5:19-21;  Eph.  2:3;  Titm  3:3.  ■»  Mark 
7:24. 


5.  It  is  a  gift ;  that  is,  has  been  consecrated  as  a  gift  to 
the  Lord.  It'  children  should  annoinice  to  their  parents 
that  they  had  devoted  to  religious  uses  what  might  other- 
wise have  been  given  to  their  SMjiport,  the  scribes  said 
they  were  released  from  obligiition  to  assist  them,  how- 
ever nnich  Ihcv  might  sufl'er.  Thus,  under  pretext  of 
religion,  they  niillilicil  tlic  law  oi'dod  through  liuir  tradi- 
tions. 

fi.  Ifmmriwt;  namely,  by  providing  for  them  a  comfort- 
able support, 

K.  J)rinrclli  viph  ;  they  pretended  to  honor  (lod  with 
words  and  otitward  observances,  while  their  hearts  and 
liraetices  were  opjiosed  to  him. 

9.  For  d net n lies;  teaching  as  the  commands  of  (Jodwhat 
were  merely  the  coimnands  of  men. 

11.  Nnt  thai;  not  food  which  goeth  into  the  month,  as 
the  I'harisees  |)retended,  but  wickedness  in  thi!  heart, 
coming  out  in  false  doctrines  and  wicked  conduct,  delileth 
a  man. 

i:t.  Kvrrij  jilnnt ;  he  means  false  teachers,  such  as  these 
I'harisees,  wilh  their  corrupt  doclrines  and  ]ii;ielicC8. 
Shall  be  rontrd  up;  (lod  is  conlinn;illy  moling  them  out  of 
his  earthly  chnnli,  ;is  he  tlid  Ihe  l'li;irisecs  of  old,  by  his 
proviilence  co'npcrating  with  his  word  and  i^pirit;  and  in 
the  world  to  I'ome  the  separation  shall  be  iimil  and  jierfect. 

M.  IjcI  them  nlmie ;  regard  not  what  they  say,  and  have 
nothing  to  do  wilh  them. 

Ifi.  Ifithmil  viiilrr.striiidiitg ;  connnon  sense,  if  rightly 
exercised,  wouM  lc;ich,  that  not  fuod  in  tlii^  mouth,  but 
sin  in  the  heart,  defilelh  a  man, 

21.  Cnaxts  of  Tyre  and  Sidoii ;  Zidonia,  or  I'ha;nicia,  on 
the  Mediterrane;in  coast  noi  th  of  ridestine.  Of  this  coun- 
try Sidon  was  the  earlier,  and  Tyre  the  later  emporium. 

22.  Wnmnn  iifCnnnmi ;  for  the /idoniaiis  were  descend- 
ed from  Canaan,  Gen.  Ill:  1,1.  Ify  Mark,  7:2I>,  she  is  also 
called  a  Greek,  as  being  it  Gentile  in  her  religion;  ami  a 


The  Canaanite  woman. 


MATTHEW  XVI. 


Four  thousand  fed. 


AD.  32.  mercy  on  me,  0  Lord,  thou  son  of  David;" 
my  daughter  is  grievously  vexed  with  a  devil. 

23  But  he  answered  her  not  a  word.''  And  his 
disciples  came  and  besought  him,  saying,  Send  her 
away  ;  for  she  crieth  after  us. 

24  But  he  answered  and  said,  I  am  not  sent  but 
unto  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.'^ 

25  Then  came  she  and  worshipped  him,  saying. 
Lord,  help  me. 

26  But  he  answered  and  said.  It  is  not  meet  to 
take  the  children's  bread,  and  to  cast  it  to  dogs." 

27  And  she  said.  Truth,  Lord :  yet  the  dogs  eat 
of  the  crumbs  which  fall  from  their  masters'  table. 

28  Then  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her,  0 
■woman,  great  is  thy  faith:"  be  it  unto  thee  even 
as  thou  wilt.''  And  her  daughter  was  made  whole 
from  that  very  hour.^ 

29  And  Jesus  departed  from  thence,  and  came 
nigh  unto  the  sea  of  Galilee ;"  and  went  up  into  a 
mountain,  and  sat  down  there. 

30  And  great  multitudes  came  unto  him,  having 
with  them  those  that  ircre  lame,  blind,  dumb,  maim- 
ed, and  many  others,  and  cast  them  down  at  Jesus' 
feet;  and  he  healed  them:' 

31  Insomuch  that  the  multitude  wondered,  when 
they  saw  the  dumb  to  speak,  the  maimed  to  be 
wliole,  the  lame  to  walk,  and  the  blind  to  see :  and 
they  glorified  the  God  of  Israel. 

32  "I  Then  Jesus  called  his  disciples  unto  him, 
and  said,  I  have  compassion  on  the  multitude,  be- 
cause they  continue  with  me  now  tliree  days,  and 
liiive  nothing  to  eat:-*  and  I  will  not  send  them 
away  fasting,  lest  they  faint  in  the  way. 


a  Luke  18:3S,  39.  b  Psa. -JH:  I ;  Lim.  3:8.  c  oh.  ll):5.  fi;  Acts  :i:-2(i.  d  ch. 
7:0;  liev.  20:15.  e  Job  l.i:15;  23:10;  Lam.  3:32.  f  Psa.  14.5: 19.  g  John 
4:50-53.    l>.Mark7:31.    i  Psa.  103:3;  Isa.  33:5.  6.   J  Marka:l.  etc.    k2Kiiigs 


Syrophoenician,  as  belonging  to  the  Syrian  Phcenicia,  as 
distinguished  from  the  Liljyan  Phoenicia  of  Africa.  Tlie 
evangelists  dwell  on  her  gentile  descent,  because  this  was 
made  prominent  in  our  Lord's  answer  to  her. 

23.  Send  her  away ;  by  granting  her  request. 

24.  /  am  not  sent ;  the  reference  of  our  Lord  is  here  to 
his  personal  ministry.     See  note  on  chap.  10:6. 

21).  Not  meet ;  not  suitable.  Children's  bread ;  that  which 
was  designed  for  the  Jews,  called  children.  Dogs;  Gen- 
tiles, by  the  Jews  called  dogs.  This  he  said  to  lead  the 
woman  to  show  her  true  character,  which  she  soon  did  in 
a  very  striking  manner. 

27.  Eal  of  the  crumbs;  as  dogs,  without  robbing  the  chil- 
dren, cat  tlie  crumbs  which  fall  from  the  table,  so  she 
tliought  slic  might  receive  this  mercy  without  injury  to 
any  one  ;  and  she  had  the  fullest  confidence  in  his  power 
thus  to  help  her. 

30.  Maimed;  such  as  had  lost  a  limb,  a  hand,  or  foot. 
Restoring  them,  therefore,  was  an  act  of  creative  power. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Tlic  Bible,  as  a  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  is  perfect ; 
and  human  traditions,  however  sanctioned  or  by  whomso- 
ever taught,  that  add  to  it,  take  from  it,  or  in  any  way- 
pervert  its  meaning,  are  sources  of  error. 

4.  A  reception  of  tlie  Bible  as  the  word  of  Ood,  and  a 
familiar  acquaintance  with  its  contents,  is  a  great  safeguard 
against  false  doctrines  and  vicious  practices.  Hence,  the 
good  of  men,  as  well  as  the  glory  of  God,  requires  its  uni- 
versal circulation  among  all  classes  of  peo])le. 

15.  When  wo  do  not  clearly  understand  the  Scriptures, 
we  should  ask  God  to  teach  us.  And  though  he  may  sec 
that  a  right  use  of  our  faciUties  wouhl  have  removed  our 
ignorance,  yet,  if  wo  sincerely  desire  to  know  the  truth, 
he  will,  in  the  proper  use  of  means,  instruct  us,  and  make 
U8  wise  to  salvation. 


33  And  his  disciples  say  unto  him.  Whence  should 
we  have  so  much  bread  in  the  wilderness,  as  to  fill 
so  great  a  multitude  ?'' 

.  34  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  How  many  loaves 
have  ye?  And  they  said,  Seven,  and  a  few  little 
fishes. 

35  And  he  commanded  the  multitude  to  sit  down 
on  the  ground.' 

36  And  he  took  the  seven  loaves  and  the  fishes, 
and  gave  thanks,"  and  brake  them,  and  gave  to  his 
disciples,  and  the  disciples  to  the  multitude. 

37  And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled:  and 
they  took  up  of  the  broken  meat  that  was  left 
seven  baskets  full. 

38  And  they  that  did  eat  were  four  thousand 
men,  Ijesides  women  and  children. 

39  And  he  sent  away  the  multitude,  and  took 
ship,  and  came  into  the  coasts  of  Magdala." 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  The  Pharisees  require  a  sign.  6  Jesus  warneth  liis  disciples  of  the 
leaven  of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees.  13  The  people's  opinion  of 
Christ,  16  and  Peter's  confession  of  hnn.  21  Jesus  foreshoweth  his 
death,  23  reprovinjj  Peter  for  dissuading  him  from  it:  'J4  and  admon- 
isheth  those  that  will  follow  hun,  to  bear  the  cross. 

THE  Pharisees  also  with  the  Sadducees  came, 
and  tempting  desired  him  that  he  would 
show  them  a  sign  from  heaven." 

2  He  answered  and  said  unto  them.  When  it  is 
evening,  ye  say,  It  will  be  fair  weather :  for  the 
sky  is  red. 

3  And  in  the  morning.  It  ivill  be  foul  weather  to- 
day :  for  the  sky  is  red  and  lowering.     0  ye  hyp- 


4:43,  44.  1  ch.  14:19.  etc.  m  1  Sam.  9:13;  Luke  22:19;  24:30.  a  Mark 
8:10,  o  ch.  12:38.  etc.;  Mark  8:11,  etc.;  Luke  11:16;  12:54-56,  1  Cor. 
1:22. 


19.  The  teaching  of  God  will  lead  a  man  to  place  less 
reliance  upon  external  observances,  and  to  look  more  to 
the  state  of  his  heart,  in  obedience  to  the  command  of 
Christ,  "  Make  the  tree  good,"  in  order  that  the  fruit  may 
be  good. 

24.  In  the  Bible,  and  in  the  bestowmcnt  of  his  blessings 
in  providence,  God  makes  much  of  "  due  time."  Men,  even 
good  men,  are  often  in  great  haste.  They  would  do  things, 
if  they  could,  much  sooner  than  God  does  them;  but  they 
would  not  do  them  so  well. 

28.  God  often  delays  answering  our  requests,  as  a  trial 
of  our  faith  and  humility.  When  these  have  been  brought 
into  exercise,  a  gracious  answer  will  speedily'  come. 

30.  There  is  nothing  men  need  wliich  Jesus  Christ  can- 
not bestow.  All  should  therefore  wait  upon  him;  and  if 
not  weary  in  doing  his  wdl,in  duo  time  they  shall  receive 
all  needed  good. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1.  Pharisees— Sadducees ;  opposite  sects  among  the  Jews. 
Chap.  3:7.  Tempting  him;  trying  him,  in  order  to  get 
something  against  him.  Sign  from  heaven  ;  some  miracle 
in  the  skies  besides  those  he  had  wrcnight  upon  the  earth, 
and  which  they  pretended  would  more  clearly  show  his 
real  character. 

3.  Hi/por.rites ;  pretending  to  one  thing,  while  they  sought 
anothet-.  Signs  of  the  times;  these  had  been  numerous  and 
decisive.  They  wore  far  more  convincing  than  many  on 
which  they  daily  acted  with  regard  to  this  life.  The  sceji- 
tre  had  departed  from  Judah,  and  tlio  hnvgiver  from  be- 
tween his  feet ;  that  is,  the,  government  of  the  country 
had  dep;irteil  from  the  tribe  of  Jud:ih,  and  was  then  in 
the  hanils  of  the  Romans,  which  Jacob,  in  blessing  his 
sons,  sail!  should  not  be  till  Sliiloh,  or  the  Messi.ah,  should 
come.     Gen.  49:10.     John,  the  iiredicted  messenger  and 

1  001 


The  Pharisees  rebuked. 


MATTHEW  XVI. 


Peter  confesseth  Christ. 


ocrites,  ye  can  discern  the  face  of  the  sky ;  but  can 
ye  not  discern  the  signs  of  the  times  ? 

4  A  wicked  and  adultorous  generation  seeketh 
after  a  sign ;  and  there  sliall  no  sign  be  given  unto 
it,  but  the  sign  of  tlie  prophet  Jonas."  And  he 
left  them,  and  departed. 

5  And  when  liis  disciples  were  come  to  tlic  other 
.side,  they  had  forgotten  to  take  bread. 

6  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Take  heed  and  lie- 
ware  of  the  leaven  of  tiie  Pharisees  and  of  the 
Saddiicees.'' 

7  And  they  reasoned  among  themselves,  saying. 
It  is  because  we  have  taken  no  bread. 

8  Which  when  Jesus  perceived,  he  said  unto  them, 
0  ye  of  little  faith,'=  why  reason  ye  among  your- 
selves, because  ye  have  brought  no  bread? 

9  Do  ye  not  yet  understand,  neither  remember 
the  five  loaves  of  the  five  thousand,''  and  how  many 
baskets  ye  took  up? 

10  Neither  the  seven  loaves  of  tlie  four  tliou- 
sand,''  and  liow  many  baskets  ye  took  up  ? 

11  IIow  is  it  that  ye  do  not  understand  that  I 
spake  it  not  to  you  concerning  bread,  that  ye 
should  beware  of  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees  and 
of  the  Sadducees? 

12  Then  understood  they  liow  tliat  he  bade  them 
not  beware  of  tlie  leaven  of  bread,  but  of  tlie  doc- 
trine of  tlie  Pharisees  and  of  the  Sadducees.'' 

IZ  'i  When  Jesus  came  into  the  coasts  of  Cesarea 

»  Jonih  1:17.  b  Luke  12:1;  1  Cor.  5:6-8;  Gal.  5:9;  2  Tim.  2:1B,  17. 
>:  ch.  6:30;  M:2«;  14:31.  d  oh.  11:1!),  elo.  o  ch.  15:.34,  etc.  f  ch.  1.5:1-!). 
I!  Mark  8:27;  Luke  9:18,  elc.  h  ch.  14:2;  Luke  9:7-9.  ■  Fsa.  2:7:  oh. 
l4:aJ;  John  1:49;  Act.<i9:20;  Heb.  1:2,5.     J  I  Cor.  2:10;  Gal.  1:16;  Eph. 

forerunner  of  Christ,  had  come,  chap.  3:3;  Isa.  40:3;  Mai. 
3:1;  4:.");  the  Holy  (ihost  had  descended  from  heaven 
visil'ly  upon  .Tesiis,  and  llio  Father  had  declared  him  to  lie 
his  beloved  Son,  in  whom  lie  was  well  pleased.  Chap. 
3:16,  17.  Ho  had  wroiit;ht  many  incontestable  miracles, 
and  many  predictions  and  promises  of  the  Old  Testament 
concerninf;  the  .Messiah  had  been  fulfilled  in  him,  proving;, 
most  abundantly  and  conclusively,  tliat  he  was  the  Christ. 
Yet  they  rejected  all,  and  prclrnded  tjuit  they  wanted  more 
evidence  that  he  was  the  .Messiah  ;  while  what  they  really 
wanted  w;is,  to  put  him  to  death,  lest,  as  the  Messiah,  tlie 
people  should  believe  in  him. 

6.  Leaven  of  the  Pharisees;  their  doctrines,  verse  12,  in 
which  is  included  also  their  spirit  of  liypocrisy  and  vain- 
glory.    Compare  Luke  12:1. 

17.  Bar-jona;  son  of  .Ion;di ;  bar  being  a  Sjrriac  word  for 
son.     Flesh  and  blood;  man. 

18.  Than  art  Peter;  in  the  Creek,  Pctros,  the  same  as  Ce- 
phas— from  the  Aramsean,  or  Hebrew  of  our  Lord's  d;iy — 
ami  meaning,  rock.  And  iiprm  this  rnric;  in  the  (Jroek, pf/ra, 
that  18,  rock.  The  less  usual  form,  Prfros-,  iliflere  from  pctra 
in  taking  the  masculine  form,  because  it  is  given  to  ;i  m;in 
as  liis  e|iithet.  The  word.-t,  "npon  this  rock  I  will  Imilil 
my  church."  have  been  diflerently  inUrprcteil  among  rrol- 
estints.  First,  "U|ion  this  rock,"  that  is,  upon  thee,  I'eter. 
Avith  allusion  to  the  name, "rock,"  which  Clirist  had  given 
him  upon  his  first  interview  with  him.. lolin  1:42.  Accord- 
ing to  this  interpret;ition,  I'eter  is  callcil  a  rock  only  in  a 
lower  sense,  as  an  eminent  instrument  to  be  employed  by 
Christ  ill  building  up  his  church,  just  as  he  is  afterwards 
said  to  receive  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  In  a 
lower  sense ;  for  in  the  higli  sense,  Christ  alone  is  the  rock 
on  which  the  church  is  biidt.and  he  alone  has  the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Isa.  28:ir>;  1  I'et.  2;fi;  I  Cor. 
:;:11;  Eph.  2:20;  Hev.  1:18;  3:7.  Secondly.  " upon  this 
rock,"  that  is,  upon  the  confession  thou  bast  just  made  of 
me;  or  rather,  upon  the  great  truth  cont;iined  in  that  con- 
fession, "Thou  art  the  Clirlsl.  the  Son  of  the  living  (lod." 
Aecordine  to  eithor  of  the  above  interpretations,  Christ 

»!I2 


Philippi,   he  asked   his   disciples,  saying,  a.d.32. 
Whom  do  men  say  tluit  I  the  8on  of  man  am?^' 

14  And  they  said,  Some  say  that  thou  art  John 
the  Baptist:  some,  Elias;  and  others,  Jeremias, 
or  one  of  the  prophets.'' 

15  lie  saith  unto  them,  Put  whom  say  ye  that 
I  am  ? 

16  And  Simon  Peter  answered  and  said,  Thou 
art  the  Clirist,  the  Son  of  the  living  God.' 

17  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Bless- 
ed art  thou,  Simon  Bar-Jona:  for  flcsli  and  blood 
hath  not  revealed  it  unto  thee.J  but  my  Father 
wliicli  is  in  licaven.'' 

18  Andlsay  also  unto  thee,  Tliat  thou  art  Peter,' 
and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ;'"  and 
the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it." 

19  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven:  and  whatsoever  thou  slialt  bind 
on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven :  and  whatso- 
ever thou  shalt  loose  on  earth,  shall  be  loosed  in 
heaven." 

20  Then  charged  he  liis  disciples  that  they  should 
tell  no  man  that  he  was  .lesus  the  Christ.'' 

21  T  From  that  time  forth  began  Jesus  to  show 
unto  his  disciples,  how  that  he  must  go  unto  Jeru- 
salem, and  sutfer  many  things  of  the  elders  and 
chief  priests  and  scribes,  and  be  killed,  and  be 
raised  again  the  third  day.'' 

22  Then  Peter  took  him,  and  began  to  rebuke 


iiri:!; 
1  Cor 

k  1  Johi 
Isa.  54: 
15:3,4 

4: 
17. 

15 

0 

5 
ch 

20.     1 
18:18 

John  1:42.     "•  E 
.    p  Mark  8:30. 

,h    •- 
<1  Lu 

:20;  Rev 
ko9:22; 

.21:14 
18:31; 

"  Psa. 
ai:6,  7j 

alone  is  the  true  foundation  of  the  church.  As  it  is  writ- 
ten of  him,"  Behold,  1  lay  in  Zioii  for  a  foundation  a  stone, 
a  tried  stone,  a  jirecious  corner-stone,  a  sure  foundation; 
he  that  believeth  shall  not  make  h;istc,"  Isa.  28:16.  The 
apostle  Peter  says  the  s;uiie,  1  Peter  2 :  C.  r;iul  also,  in 
Eph.  2:20.  sijeaks  of  the  church  as  "built  U)ioii  the  foun- 
d;ition  of  the  apostles  and  pro|)liets,  .lesus  Clirist  himself 
being  the  chief  eorner-stone."  Thus,  according  to  the 
prophet  Isaiah  and  the  apostles  Peter  and  I'aiil,  writing 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Sjiirit,  the  foundation  of 
the  church,  ;ind  of  the  hopes  of  all  true  believers,  is,  not 
Peter,  or  Paul,  or  any  creature,  but  "Jesus  Christ,  the  same 
yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever."  Gates  of  hell ;  the  counsels 
of  the  powers  of  evil.  The  gates  of  cities  were  anciently 
the  places  in  which  deliberations  were  held  and  plans 
formed. 

111.  Ilickei/s  nftlie  kinrrdom  nfhrarrn;  keys  are  a  symbol 
of  power  and  iiulhiMity.  limd — /oose,-  tlie  same  gift  is 
elsewhere  bestowed  on  all  Ihe  apostles  ami  the  disciples 
generally.  Chap.  IS:  is.  The  words  of  this  verse  maybe 
understood,  first,  of  Ihe  authority  which  Christ  bestowed 
upon  the  inspired  tciichers  and  guides  of  his  jiriniitive 
clmrch  to  settle  allqucslioiis  respecting  her.  For  eminent 
examjiles  (d'  Ihe  exercise  of  this  jiower,  sec  the  decisions 
concerning  gentile  converts,  .ViIh  1I:1-IS;  I,'):  1-29.  In 
this  sense,  the  power  ceased  with  inspiivition.  Secondly, 
the  words  may  be  understood  of  the  common  power  con- 
f<Tred  by  Christ  on  his  churches  to  reguhile  their  own 
affairs,  to  administer  discipline,  and  to  ;i(lmit  or  exclude 
from  their  communion.  In  this  sense  this  jiower  continues 
in  the  visible  church. and  is  v;ilid  so  far  as  it  is  exercised  i 
in  accordiince  with  Christ's  word. 

20.  Tell  110  man;  the  (inio  had  not  come  to  |irocIaim  him 
publicly  iis  the  .Messiah.  He  must  first  die  for  the  sins 
of  men,  iiceording  to  the  Scriiitiires,  and  rise  again  for 
Ihrir  justification.     I  Cor.  !.'>:;},  4. 

21.  To  .s//ou%- that  is,  plainly.  Before  this,  he  had  only 
given  obscure  intimations  of  his  approaching  death. 

22.  Hebukehim;  this  showed  the  self-suflicicncy  of  Peter, 


Sdf-dtnial  for  Christ. 


MATTHEW  XVII. 


Transfiguration  of  Christ. 


A.  D.  32.  him,  saying,  Be  it  far  from  tliee,*  Lord :  this 
shall  not  be  imto  thee. 

23  But  lie  turned,  and  said  unto  Peter,  Get  thee 
behind  me,  Satan:"  thou  art  an  oflence  unto  me:'' 
for  thou  savorest  not  the  things  that  be  of  God, 
but  those  that  be  of  men. 

24:  ^  Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples,  If  any 
man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and 
take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me.° 

25  For  whosoever  will  save  his  life,  shall  lose 
it:  and  whosoever  will  lose  his  life  for  my  sake, 
shall  find  it." 

26  For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall  gain 
the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul?  or  what 
shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul?'^ 

27  For  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  the  glory 
of  his  Father  with  his  angels;''  and  then  he  shall 
reward  every  man  according  to  his  works.''' 

28  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  be  some  stand- 
ing here,  which  shall  not  taste  of  death,"  till  they 
see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  his  kingdom.' 


•  Gr.  Pity  Ihysel/.  a  2Sam.  19:2t>.  bRom. 14:13.  c  ch.  in:.38;  Mark8:34; 
Luke  9:23;  14:27;  Acts  14:22;  1  Thess.  3:3.  d  Esth.  4:14;  John  12:25. 
ePsa.  49:7,8.     t  Dan.  7:9,  10;  Zecli.  14:5;  Jude  14.    sRev. 22:12.    h  Heb. 


his  forwardness  to  express  his  opinion,  and  his  liability  to 
err.  Shall  not  be;  tliis  was  in  direct  opposition  to  what 
Christ  liad  said  sliould  be,  and  what  was  essential  to  tlie 
salvation  of  men ;  showing  that  Peter  was  not  infallible, 
but  was  often  wronj;.  "  As  with  a  hammer  of  iron,  Christ 
here  crnshes  carnal  prudence  in  Peter." 

23.  Get  thee  behind  me;  a  similar  expression  to  what 
Christ  had  before  used  with  regard  to  Satan,  the  great  ad- 
versary of  God  and  man.  Thou  savorest  not;  thinkest  not. 
Peter  did  not  coincide  in  his  views  with  God,  but  with 
men  in  opposition  to  God. 

24.  Come  after  me;  follow  my  directions.  Deny  himself; 
abstain  from  all  indulgences  which  stand  in  the  way  of 
duty.  Take  vp  his  cross;  resist  the  pleadings  of  carnal 
policj'  and  appetite,  and  submit  to  whatever  may  be  need- 
ful, in  order  to  obey  God. 

2.i.  Whosoever  will  save  his  life — lose  his  life;  whosoever 
shall  save  his  temporal  life  by  renouncing  the  Saviour, 
shall  lose  his  eternal  life ;  and  whosoever  shall  lose  his 
temporal  life  by  following  the  Saviour,  shall  secure  his 
eternal  life. 

27.  The  Son  of  mmi  shall  come  in  the  glory  of  his  Father ; 
the  splendors  of  the  godhead  at  the  day  of  judgment,  when 
those  wlio  have  suffered  for  him  on  earth  will  reign  with 
him  in  heaven. 

28.  Not  taste  of  death;  not  die.  Coming  in  his  kingdom; 
coming  to  set  up,  extend,  and  render  efficacious  his  reign 
over  his  people  on  earth,  in  ])reparation  for  their  everlastr 
ing  reign  with  him  in  heaven.  There  seems  to  be  here  a 
special  reference  to  the  awful  manifestation  of  his  presence 
and  power  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  the  Jewish 
state,  by  which  was  shadowed  fortli  his  tinal  coming  to 
judge  the  world. 

IXSTRDCTIONS. 

3.  Kvidence  which  fully  satisfies  men,  and  on  which 
they  readily  act,  with  regard  to  this  world,  often  fails  to 
satisfy  them  in  religion. 

8.  No  displiiys  of  the  i)ower  and  love  of  Christ  in  times 
past,  will  of  tlieinselves  lead  his  people  rightly  to  trust  in 
him  fin-  the  future.  In  order  to  this,  lliev  nnist  have  his 
present  teaching  ;  and  for  thi8,;is  well  as  other  tilings,  they 
should  ]n-ay,  "(live  us  this  day  our  daily  In-ead." 

17.  In  order  rightly  to  apprehend  divine  truth, and  suit- 
ably to  regard  it,  men  must  be  taught  it,  not  merely  by 
their  fellow-men,  but  liy  their  Father  in  he;iven. 

I!).  ApoKtlca,  in  ii];iking  known  tlie  will  of  God,  and  re- 
cording it  in  words  which  the  Holy  (ihost  t:uight  them, 
and  faithful  ministers  in  proclaiming  it,  allow  or  condemn 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  The  transfiguration  of  Christ.     14  He  healetli  the  lunatic,  22  foretell- 
etii  his  own  passion,  24  and  payeth  tribute. 

AND  after  si.\  days,  Jesus  taketh  Peter,  James, 
and  Jolin  his  brother,  and  bringeth  them  up 
into  a  high  mountain  apart. 

2  And  was  transfigured  before  them :'  and  his 
face  did  shine  as  the  sun,''  and  his  raiment  was 
white  as  the  light. 

3  And  behold,  there  appeared  unto  them  Moses 
and  Elias  talking  with  him. 

4  Then  answered  Peter,  and  said  unto  Jesus, 
Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here :  if  thou  wilt, 
let  us  make  here  three  tabernacles ;  one  for  thee, 
and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias. 

5  Wliile  he  yet  spake,  behold,  a  bright  cloud 
overshadowed  them:  and  behold  a  voice  out  of 
the  cloud,  which  said.  This  is  my  beloved  Sou,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased;'  hear  ye  him.'" 

G  And  when  the  disciples  heard  it,  they  fell  on 
their  face,  and  were  sore  afraid. 

2:9.  iMark9:l.  J  Mark  9:2,  etc. ;  Luke  9:28.  etc.  kRev.  l:l(i.  1  Isa. 
42:1,21:  ch.  3:17;  Mark  1:11;  Luke  3:22;  2  Pet.  1:17.  m  Deut.  18:15,19; 
Acts3;22,23;  Heb.  1:1,2;  2:1-3. 

on  earth  what  God  allows  or  condemns  in  heaven.  Church- 
es, when  they  act  in  accordance  with  his  truth,  bind  or 
loose,  that  is,  allow  or  disallow  on  earth  what  will  be 
bound  or  loosed,  allowed  or  disallowed,  in  heaven.  Chaj]. 
18:18. 

20.  The  publication  of  the  whole  truth  would  at  some 
times  be  very  improper.  It  would  prevent  much  good, 
and  occasion  much  evil.  Very  much  of  a  person's  useful- 
ness on  earth  depends  on  his  doing  right  things  at  the 
right  time,  and  in  the  right  way,  as  well  as  for  the  right 
end. 

22.  We  have  infallible  evidence  of  the  fallibility  of  Pe- 
ter, and  that  he  was  not,  in  character,  conduct,  or  authority, 
above  the  other  apostles. 

23.  God  caused  this  evidence  to  be  jilaced  upon  a  per- 
manent record,  tliat  all  might  know  that  such  as  exalt  Pe- 
ter above  his  fellow-a])Ostles,  in  this  savor  not  the  things 
that  be  of  God,  but  those  that  be  of  men,  and  expose 
themselves  to  the  rebuke  of  the  Saviour,  "  Get  thee  be- 
hind me." 

24.  The  life  of  disciples  of  Christ  is  one  of  self-denial. 
They  must  make  sacrifices,  and  it  is  wise  to  do  so,  for  it  is 
the  way  to  avoid  the  greatest  loss  and  obtain  the  greatest 
gain. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

2.  Transfigured ;  changed  in  his  appearance.  His  rai- 
ment was  white  as  the  light ;  resplendent  as  lightning.  The 
three  apostles  were  here  favored  with  a  glimpse  of  the 
future  glory  of  the  Saviour  and  his  true  followers,  well 
calculated  to  strengthen  their  faith  in  jiassing  through 
the  trying  scenes  that  were  before  them,  and,  through 
tliem,  to  strengthen  the  faith  of  all  his  disciples  amid 
"the  sufferings  of  this  present  time."  Kom.  8:18;  Phil. 
3:21;  1  John  3:2. 

3.  Moses  anxl  Elias;  the  representatives  of  "the  law  and 
the  prophets"  here  ajipear  in  glory,  but  subordinate  to 
the  Saviour.  Thus  the  unity  of  the  old  and  new  dispen- 
sation is  set  forth,  and  also  the  supreme  dignity  of  "  Christ 
the  Son  of  the  living  Cod." 

4.  Tabernacles ;  a  tabernacle  was  a  temporary  dwelling, 
covered  usually  with  cloth  or  boughs  of  trees.  Peter 
was  80  amazed  and  bewililered  by  the  glory  of  the  vision, 
that  ho  knew  not  wh;it  he  said.  Mark  '.):(>;  Luke  9:3.3. 
Ilis  plans  were  repeatedly  in  ojiposition  to  those  of  his 
Lord. 

.1.  A  voice;  tho  voice  of  trod  the  Fat  her,  as  in  cliap.  3: 17, 
with  the  addition,  "Hear  ye  him,"  attend  to  his  instruc- 
tions, and  follow  them. 

1093 


Christ  hcak'h  a  lunatic 


MATTHEW  XVir. 


atid  j^aydh  tribute. 


7  And  Jesus  came  and  touched  them."  and  said, 
Arise,  and  be  not  afraid. 

8  And  when  they  had  lifted  up  their  eyes,  they 
saw  no  man,  save  Jesus  only. 

9  And  as  they  came  down  from  the  mountain, 
Jesus  charged  them,  saying,  Tell  the  vision  to  no 
man,  until  the  Son  of  man  be  risen  again  from  the 
dead. 

10  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying,  Why 
then  say  the  scribes  that  Elias  must  first  come?'' 

11  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
Elias  truly  shall  first  come,  and  restore  all  things. 

12  But  1  say  unto  you.  That  Elias  is  come  al- 
ready, and  they  knew  liim  not,  but  have  done  unto 
him  whatsoever  tlioy  listed.  Likewise  shall  also 
the  Son  of  man  sufi'er  of  them.'' 

13  Theu  the  disciples  understood  that  he  spake 
unto  them  of  John  the  Baptist. 

14  T  And  when  they  were  come  to  the  multitude, 
there  earne  to  him  a  certain  man,  kneeling  down  to 
him,  and  saying, 

15  Lord,  have  mercy  on  my  son  :  for  he  is  limatic, 
and  sore  vexed:  fi)r  ofttimes  he  fallcth  into  the 
fire,  and  oft  into  the  water. 

16  And  I  brought  him  to  thy  disciples,  and  they 
could  not  cure  him. 

17  Then  Jesus  answered  and  said,  0  faithless  and 
perverse  generation,  how  long  sliall  I  be  wilh  you  ? 
liow  long  shall  I  siilVer  you?  bring  him  hither  tome. 

18  And  Jesus  reltukcd  tlic  devil,  and  ho  dc])art- 
cd  out  of  him :  and  the  child  was  cured  from  that 
very  hour.'' 


»  Dan.  1U:10,  la;  Rev.  1:17.  b  jMal.  4:j.  «;  ch.  11:14.  »  ch.  10:-il. 
''  Mark  9: 14,  etc. ;  Luke 9:37.  etc.  «  Hob.  3:19  f  cli.  SI  :il  ;  Mark  11 :«) ; 
l.uke  17:6;  1  Cor.  13:2.     S  ch.   10:21  ;  2U;17;  Mark  -;31  ;  9:30,31;  10:33; 


9.  The  vision ;  wh;xt  they  h.atl  seen  and  lieard. 

10.  First  com':;  come  before  the  .Messiah,  since  now  he 
had  appeared  after  liiin.  'I'liey  uiidenstoixl  the  prophecy, 
^[al.  3:1-1,  hter;illy,  of  the  Ehas  who  had  been  translated 
to  lieaven  ;  but  our  .Saviour  teiielies  thein  tliat  it  was  ful- 
filled in  tlio  person  of  .lohn  the  Uaptist,  who  came  "in  the 
spirit  and  power  of  Elias."     Luke  1 :  17. 

11.  Restore  all  things;  set  tliem  in  order,  and  bring  them 
to  a  proper  state  for  the  corning  of  (Jod  as  a  Kaviour. 

12.  L's.led ;  desired  or  jilcased  to  do. 

15.  Valleth  into  tin:  fire;  in  the  paroxysms  of  his  disease, 
under  the  power  of  the  evil  spirit  by  which  he  was  pos- 
sessed.    Vcr.  18,  and  Mark  9: 17,  25,  2fi. 

17.  Suffer  yntt;  endure  your  iierverscness  and  unbelief. 

IK.    Rilmked  the  dml;  liade  him  dci);irt.     Mark  9:25. 

20.  If  ye  have  faith ;  the  reference  liero  is  to  that  faith 
with  which  ('lirist,  in  the  case  of  the  ;ipostles,  connected 
the  Working  of  miracles.  Nothing  nhatl  lie  irnpos^ilile ;  no 
exercise  of  miraculous  power, however  great,  that  may  be 
needful  in  the  ]>rosecution  of  your  apostolic  work.  The 
Hpirit  of  this  promise  applies  to  all  Christ's  servants  in 
all  ages.  No  hinderance  to  their  work  can  be  so  great 
that  faith  cannot  overcome  it. 

21.  This  kind;  this  kind  of  evil  spirit.  The  words  im- 
ply its  great  power  and  malice.  Prayer  and  fasting;  that 
faith  which  was  necessary  to  work  such  a  miracle,  could 
not  be  obtained  without  much  self  denial  and  prayer. 

23.  Exceeding  sorry;  because  he  was  to  bo  treated  in 
that  w.ay,  not  knowing  that  hig  death  was  necessary  for 
the  salvation  of  men. 

21.  Tnhnle-monry;  paid  yearly  for  the  support  of  pub- 
lic worship  and  the  sirvice  of  the  temple,  amounting  to 
half  a  shekel,  or  about  twenty-five  cents. 

25.  Prevented  him ;  spoke  before  Peter  had  said  any  thing. 
When  the  Bible  was  translated  into  English,  to  prevent 
meant  to  go  before.  Strangers;  persons  not  belonging  to 
1094 


19  Then  came  the  disciples  to  Jesus  apart,  ad.h. 
and  said,  Why  could  not  we  cast  him  out? 

l20  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Because  of  your 
unbelief:"  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  If  ye  have 
faith  as  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  ye  shall  say  unto 
this  mountain,  Remove  hence  to  yonder  place ;  and 
it  shall  remove:  and  nothing  shall  be  impossible 
unto  you.' 

21  Howbcit,  this  kind  goeth  not  out  but  by 
prayer  and  fasting. 

22  1  And  while  they  abode  in  Galilee,  Jesus  said 
unto  them.  The  Son  of  man  shall  be  betrayed  into 
the  hands  of  men  : 

23  And  they  shall  kill  him,  and  the  third  day  lie 
shall  be  raised  again.'''  And  they  were  exceeding 
sorry. 

24  1  And  when  they  were  come  to  Cajiernanm, 
they  that  received  trihiitc-rnoncy'  came  to  Peter, 
and  .«aid,  Dotii  not  your  master  jiay  tribute? 

25  He  saith.  Yes.  And  wdien  lie  was  come  into 
the  house,  Jesus  prevented  him,  saying,  What 
thiukest  thou,  Simon?  of  whom  do  the  kings  ol" 
(lie  cartii  take  cusluni  or  tribute?  of  their  own 
cliildren,  or  of  strangers? 

26  Peter  saith  unto  him,  Of  strangers.  Jesus 
saith  unto  him.  Then  arc  the  children  free. 

27  Notwithstanding,  lest  we  should  offend  tiicm,'" 
go  thou  to  the  sea,  and  cast  a  hook,  and  take 
up  the  lisli  that  first  comelh  up;  and  when  thou 
hast  oi>('iK'd  his  moulii,  thou  shall  find  a  piece  of 
money:*  that  take,  and  give  unto  them  for  me  and 
thee. 


Luke  9:'i2,44;  18:31;  21:0.20,40.  •  Gr.  7;i<yr(ie/imo)i,  in  value Iweiily-oight 
cents  eight  mills;  Exod.  3S-2(j.  k  Rom.  11:21  j  13:1-3;  2  Cor.  Bi3.  t  l5r. 
a  staler,  which  washalf  an  ounce  of  silver. 

the  family,  not  the  children  of  the  king  who  received  tlio 
tribute. 

2(1.  Free;  not  expected  to  ]i:iy  tribute,  According  to 
that  rule,  Christ,  (he  Hon  of  (!od,  for  the  s«i>port  uf  whoBO 
worshij)  the  money  was  paid,  would  V>e  free. 

27.  A  piece  of  money;  in  the  original,  a  stater,  of  the 
value  of  a  shekel,  or  ;ibout  fifty  cents,  which  would  jjay 
the  tribute  for  both  Christ  and  Peter. 
IN.-^l'KUCTIONS. 

2,  The  glory  of  the  Siiviour  when  on  earth  was  veiled 
in  his  humanity;  but  on  the  mount  of  trausliguration  it 
shone  forth  above  the  brightness  of  Ihe  sun  ;  iiiul  as  a  full 
view  of  it,  if  continued,  would  unfit  his  people  for  their 
duties  on  earth,  they  must  w;iit  for  this  till  they  see  him 
in  heaven, 

5.  The  delight  of  all  parents  in  rill  children,  from  the 
foundation  of  the  wculd  to  the  end  of  lime,  if  |Oil  togi'lher, 
would  be  iiifiiiitely  less  tli;in  the  ih  light  of  the  almighty 
Father  in  his  biloVed  Sou;  and  the  way  for  men  to  glorify 
(lod  is,  to  hi-arkeii  to  and  honor  the  Son  as  they  ought  to 
honor  the  Kallier.     .lohn  5:2:i. 

10.  It  is  not  enough  for  us  to  know  the  words  of  Scrip- 
ture, we  niust  understand  their  meaning,  and  make  a  riglit 
application  of  it.  In  order  to  tliis,  we  should  se<U  assist- 
ance from  those  whose opportuiiilies  for  UMderstanding  the 
meaning  of  Scrijilure  and  its  rightiipiilii  iition  have  exceed- 
ed ours.  We  shouM  also  compare  one  jiorlion  of  Scrip- 
lure  with  another,  and  es|>ecially  we  sliould  ajiply  to  JesUB 
(Christ  for  the  teaching  of  his  Spirit. 

15.  The  f:imily  n  lalioii,  while  it  gives  us  many  of  our 
choicest  comfortH,  occasions  also  many  of  our  deepest  sor- 
rows, 

20,  Ibid  men  higher  views  of  Christ,  greater  eonfidenco 
in  him,  ami  more  entire  devotion  to  his  servicis  they  might 
receive  much  more  good  themselves,  and  be  iiiBlrimieuUl 
of  much  greater  good  to  others. 


Humility  ar.d  self-control. 


MATTHEW  XVIII. 


Brethren  who  ojfcn 


AD 32.         CHAPTER  XVill. 

1  Christ  warneth  his  disciples  to  be  humble  and  harmless :  7  to  avoid 
offences,  and  not  to  despise  the  Utile  ones:  15  teacheth  how  we  are 
to  deal  with  our  brethren,  when  they  olTcnd  us:  21  and  how  oft  to 
forgive  them :  23  which  lie  setteth  forth  by  a  parable  of  the  king, 
that  took  account  of  his  servants,  32  and  punished  him  who  showed 
no  mercy  to  his  fellow. 

A  T  the  same  time  came  the  disciples  unto  Jesus, 
J:\.  saying,  Who  is  the  greatest  iu  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  l'^ 

2  And  Jesus  called  a  little  child  uuto  him,  and 
set  him  in  the  midst  of  them, 

3  And  said.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Except  ye 
be  converted,''  and  become  as  little  children,'^  ye 
shall  not  enter  into  tlie  kingdom  of  heaven. 

4  Whosoever  therefore  shall  humble  liimself  as 
this  little  child,''  the  same  is  greatest  in  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

5  And  whoso  sliall  receive  one  such  little  -child 
in  my  name,  receivetii  me." 

6  But  whoso  shall  offend  one  of  these  little  ones 
wiiich  believe  in  me,  it  were  better  for  him  that 
a  millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  that 
he  were  drowned  in  the  depth  of  the  sea.*^ 

7  1i  Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  offences !  for 
it  must  needs  be  that  offences  come;'  but  woe  to 
that  man  by  whom  the  offence  comcth!" 

8  Wherefore,  if  thy  hand  or  thy  foot  oflend  thee, 
cut  them  off,  and  cast  them  from  thee:  it  is  better 
for  tliee  to  enter  into  life  halt  or  maimed,  rather 
tiian  having  two  hands  or  two  feet  to  bo  cast  into 
everlasting  fire.' 

9  And  if  tliinc  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it  out,  and 
cast  it  from  thee:  it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter 
into  life  witii  one  eye,-'  rather  tlian  having  two 
eyes  to  bo  cast  into  hell-fire."' 


a  MirkU:3:i, 

etc. 

l,.ik« 

ij:40,cli;.  ; 

•H: 

JJ.etc 

.   bPsa 

51:10-13; 

.Toh 

n  3::). 

'  1  Cor. 

14  -iO; 

1   He 

t.  ■'■■i. 

i  Luke  1 

:ll 

,  Jas. 

4:10. 

e  ch.  10:4-. 

.     ( 

Mark 

\)Ai;  L 

uko  1 7 

1,  2. 

e  ICtir.  U:19;  J 

Mle 

4.    h.l 

Udell. 

ich.  .5:a9, 

;iO; 

Mark 

iJ;l:i,  45 

.    J  He 

b.4:ll.     k  1 

uke  9:i5. 

1  l'> 

I.  17: 

1.^;  Ac 

s  13:15.    nich 

1:-21  ; 

23.  Tliat  which  here  on  earth  occasions  the  people  of 
God  the  greatest  distresses,  when  they  come  to  see  the 
reasons  for  it  and  the  benefits  of  it,  they  will  see  lo  have 
been  overruled  for  the  promotion  of  their  liighest  and 
most  enduring  joys. 

27.  Duty  sometimes  calls  us  not  to  insist  upon  all  our 
just  rights,  but  to  t;ike  a  different  course  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  a  wrong  construction  being  put  upon  our 
actions,  and  of  doing  greater  good. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1.  Greatest;  in  that  kingdom  on  earth  which  they,  in 
common  with  their  countrymen,  thought  the  Messiah 
would  set  up. 

2.  A  little  child;  this  he  did  to  correct  their  false  notions 
about  his  kingdom,  to  show  them  that  it  was  spiritual,  and 
that  8piritu;d  e.xcellence,  not  outward  splendor  or  author- 
ity, constituted  greatness  in  it. 

3.  Converted  ;  changed  in  their  views  ;ind  character.  As 
little  chddren  ;  hnmble,  docile,  submissive,  obedient. 

5.  Ill  my  name,  from  love  to  me,  and  because  he  belongs 
to  me, 

6.  Uffend;  cause  to  sin,  or  attempt  to  lead  into  sin. 

7.  f(  Of  uiilnthe  world ;  great  evils  will  come  on  the  world 
through  the  off('nce8  which  men  will  commit.  AW/.v  he; 
such  i.s  the  wickedness  of  men,  that  they  will  lead  others 
to  commit  sin. 

8.  !).  Hand — foot  —  ewe;  these  represent  our  strongest 
earthly  desires  and  our  dearest  earthly  possessions.  These 
must  all  bo  denied  and  renounced  r;i"thcr  than  that  we,  by 
sinning  ourselves,  should  be  occasions  of  sin  to  others. 
Compare  chap.  5:21),  30. 


10  IT  Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these 
little  ones;  for  I  say  unto  you,  That  in  heaven 
their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.' 

11  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  save  that  which 
was  lost." 

12  How  think  ye?  If  a  man  have  a  hundred 
sheep,  and  one  of  them  be  gone  astray,  doth  he 
not  leave  the  ninety  and  nine,  and  goeth  into  tiie 
mountains,  and  seeketh  that  which  is  gone  astray  ?  " 

13  And  if  so  be  that  he  find  it,  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  he  rejoiceth  more  of  that  sheep,  than  of  the 
ninety  and  nine  which  went  not  astray. 

14  Even  so  it  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven,  that  one  of  these  little  ones 
should  perish." 

15  ■[  Moreover,  if  thy  brother  shall  trespass 
against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between 
thee  and  him  alone : "  if  he  shall  hear  tiiee,  thou 
hast  gained  thy  brotlier.i 

16  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with 
thee  one  or  two  more,  that  iu  the  mouth  of  two  or 
three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established.'' 

17  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it 
unto  the  church:  but  if  he  neglect  to  licar  the 
church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man 
and  a  publican.^ 

18  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall 
bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven ;  and 
wliatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth,  shall  be  loosed 
in  heaven.' 

19  Again  1  say  unto  you.  That  if  two  of  you 
.shall  agree  on  cartli  as  touching  any  thing  that 
they  shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done  for  them  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven." 


Luke  9:5();  19;1U;  John  3:17;  1U:10;  12:47;  1  Tun.  1:15.  n  Luke  15:4, 
etc.  0  2  Pet.  3:9.  p  Lev.  19: 17;  Luke  17:3.  q  Jas.  5:20.  r  Deut.  19:l.i; 
2  Cor.  13:1.  >  Rom.  10:17;  1  Cor.  5:3-5;  2Thess.  3:B,  14.  '  ch.  10:19;  John 
20:23;  Acts  15:2:3-31  ;  2  Cor.  2:10.    "Markll:a4;  John  16:24;  1  John  .5;  14. 


10.  Tliese  little  ones;  these  disciples  of  mine,  who  are 
little  ones  in  character.  See  note  on  ver.  3.  The  pre- 
cept has  reference  to  all  Christ's-  humble  followers,  but  is 
more  especially  applicable  to  those  who  are  poor  and  ob- 
scure. Their  angels;  who  are  sent  forth  to  minister  to 
them,  ITeb.  1 :  14.  Always  behold  the  face  of  my  Father ;  how 
dear,  then,  must  they  be  to  God,  and  how  great  the  peril 
of  those  who  offend  tliem. 

11.  That  which  was  lost ;  a'mncrs.  God  and  angels  rejoice 
over  their  salvation.    To  illustrate  this,  he  spoke  a  ]i;irable. 

13.  Rejoiceth  more;  this  was  natural.  So  with  (Jod.  lie 
rejoices  in  the  salvation  of  the  wandering  and  e.\)Kised. 
Of  course,  all  should  labor  for  this  end.  One  way  in  which 
they  could  do  it,  he  proceeded  to  point  out,  ver.  1.5. 

15.  Hear  thee;  if  he  is  reclaimed.  Gained  thy  brother; 
thou  hast  been  instrumental  in  restoring  him. 

10.  Not  hear,  if  he  persevere  iuthe  wrong.  Established; 
fully  proved.     Dent.  lll:l.'j. 

17.  Neglect  to  hear  them  ;  if  they  cannot  reclaim  liiiii.  Hea- 
then man;  let  him  have  no  more  connection  with  the  church 
than  you  would  allow  to  an  open  idolater. 

18.  Ye  sliall  bind— loose;  that  is,  the  disciples  wlio  con- 
stitute the  church  sjioken  of  in  the  preceding  verse.  Tliis, 
which  had  been  before  said  to  IVter,  chap.  16:10,  is  now 
K;iid  to  the  disciples  generally,  and  it  conferred  as  much 
power  on  them  as  it  did  on  him,  and  it  promised  as  many 
blessings  to  them  as  it  did  to  him.  Whatever  he  or  they 
shoulil  do  in  accordance  with  the  directions  of  Clirist.  and 
in  obedience  to  his  will,  would  be  ratified  in  heaven.  This 
is  true  of  the  church  and  ministry  of  tJlirist  in  all  ages. 
See  note  on  ehii]).  10:10. 

10.  Any  thing;  tliat  is  agreeable  to  his  will. 

1095 


The  unmerciful  servant. 


MATTHEW  XIX. 


Concerning  divarce. 


20  For  where  two  or  tliree  are  sratliered  together 
iu  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them.'' 

21  1  Then  came  Peter  to  him,  and  said,  Lord, 
how  oft  shall  my  brother  sin  against  me,  and  I 
forgive  him?  till  seven  times ?'' 

22  Jesus  saitli  unto  liim,  I  say  not  unto  thee. 
Until  seven  times  :  but,  Until  seventy  times  seven. 

23  H  Tiiereforc  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  likened 
unto  a  certain  king  whicii  would  take  account  of 
his  servants.'^ 

24  And  when  he  liad  begun  to  reckon,  one  was 
brought  unto  him  which  owed  him  ten  thousand 
talents.* 

25  But  forasmuch  as  he  had  not  to  pay,  his  lord 
commanded  him  to  be  sold,  and  his  wile,  and  chil- 
dren, and  all  that  lie  liad,  and  payment  to  be  made."* 

26  The  servant  therefore  fell  down,  and  wor- 
shipped him,*  saying.  Lord,  have  patience  w"ith 
me.  and  I  will  pay  thee  all. 

27  Then  the  lord  of  that  servant  was  moved 
witli  compassion,''  and  loosed  him,  and  forgave  him 
the  debt. 

28  But  the  same  servant  went  out,  and  found  one 
of  his  fellow-servants,  wiiich  owed  him  a  hundred 
pence:*  and  he  laid  hands  on  liim,  and  took  him 
by  the  throat,  saying,  Pay  me  that  thou  owest. 

29  And  his  fellow-servant  fell  down  at  his  feet, 
and  besought  him,  saying,  Have  patience  with  mc, 
and  1  will  ])ay  tiiee  all.' 

.30  And  ho  would  not:  but  went  and  cast  him 
into  prison,  till  he  should  pay  tlie  debt. 

31  So  when  his  fellow-servants  saw  what  was 
done,  tlioy  were  very  sorry,  and  came  and  told 
unto  tiioir  lord  all  that  was  done. 


>Jolin2l):19';  1  Cor. .5: 4.  bMarklh'W;  I,ukelT:4;  Col.a:13.  » Rom.  14:13. 
'  A  talent  is  7.50  ouncesof  silver,  which,  at  115  5-13  cents  the  ounce,  is  365  dol- 
lar* :lH  cei.ts.  d  *2Kings  4: 1  ;  Isa.  .'JO:  I.  i  Oc,  besoit^/tt  him.  e  Psa.  7.*^:3i. 
I  The  Rnman  prnntjis  the  eishth  part  of  an  ounce,  which,  at  115  5-13  cents  the 

20.  In  mij  name;  under  my  autliority,  and  lor  the  purpose 
of  doinf;  any  thing  connected  with  the  advancement  of  my 
kingdom.  In  llic  midst ;  I  am  jjresent  with  them,  to  hear 
and  bless  them. 

22.  Sevetity  times  seven;  wc  are  not  to  Hmit  our  forgive- 
ness to  any  definite  number  (if  offences,  but  to  forgive  as 
often  as  we  are  injured. 

23.  The  kinf^dom  of  licaven;  the  dealings  of  Christ  with 
men  in  the  end  of  the  world  and  the  day  of  judgment, 
which  were  to  usher  in  the  last  and  crowning  stage  of  his 
mediatorial  dispensation.    Hee  chaj).  S:2;  1  (or.  1.5: 24,  etc. 

24.  Ten  llioumnd  talents;  an  immense  sum,  which  he 
could  never  pay. 

25.  7b  6c  sold;  it  was  customary  then  for  creditors  to 
Hell  debtors  and  their  families  for  a  suflicient  length  of 
time  to  pay  their  debts. 

28.  A  hundred  pence;  a  very  small  sum  compared  with 
ten  thousand  talents. 

34.  Tormentors;  those  who  had  authority  to  examine 
and  extort  confessions  l)y  torture. 

'i!i.  Do  also  unto  yon;  if  we  do  not  forgive  others,  God 
will  not  forgive  us, but  will  punish  us  as  we  deserve. 
INHTl!i;rT10N.^. 

1.  Greatness  in  the  view  of  men.  differs  much  from  grc.it- 
ncgs  in  the  sight  of  God.  M.n  must  give  up  seeking  the 
one,  in  order  to  obtain  the  ollii'r. 

Amon.;  those  who  have  right  views  of  true  greatness, 
there  will  never  be  any  conlenlion  about  it. 

3.  Many  of  the  characteristies  of  little  children  afford 
important  instruction  to  mankind. 

f>.  Jesus  Christ  takes  a  deep  interest  in  even  the  least 
and  feeblest  of  liis  peofde,  and  views  what  is  done  to  them 
as  done  to  himself     <'liai).  25:40. 
1096 


32  Thou  his  lord,  after  that  he  had  called  a.d.  .12 
him,  said  unto  him,  0  tliou  wicked  servant,'^  I  for- 
gave thee  all  that  debt,  because  thou  desiredst  me  : 

33  Shouldest  not  thou  also  have  had  compassion 
on  thy  fellow-servant,  even  as  I  had  ])ity  on  thee? 

34  And  his  lord  was  wroth,  and  delivered  him 
to  the  toniioutors,  till  he  should  jiay  all  that  w'as 
due  unto  him. 

35  So  likewise  shall  my  heavenly  Father  do  also 
unto  you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts  forgive  not  every 
one  his  brother  their  trespasses.'* 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

2  Christ  healeth  the  sick  ;  3  .answereth  the  Pharisees  concerning  divorce- 
ment; 10  showeth  wiien  marriage  is  necessary:  13  receiveth  little 
ciiilclren;  IG  instructeth  the  young  man  how  to  attain  eternal  life,  20 
and  how  to  be  perfect;  23  lelleth  his  disciples  how  hard  it  is  for  a 
rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  27  and  promiseth  reward 
to  those  that  forsake  any  thing  to  follow  him. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  t/iaf  when  Jesus  had  finish- 
ed these  sayings,  ho  departed  from  Galilee,  and 
came  into  tiic  coasts  of  Judca  Iteyond  .Jordan;' 

2  And  great  multitudes  followed  him;  and  he 
healed  them  tlicre. 

3  1i  The  Pharisees  also  came  unto  him,  tempting 
him,  and  saying  unto  him.  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man 
to  put  away  his  wife  for  every  cause? 

4  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Have  ye 
not  read,  that  he  whicli  made  tficm  at  the  begin- 
ning, made  them  male  and  feiuale,^ 

5  And  said.  For  this  cause  sliall  a  man  leave 
father  and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife: 
and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh ?'^ 

0  Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one 

ounce,iBl4cents4railU;  ch.-J):-i.  (  ver. 'JO.  S  Luke  l!l:M.  Ii  I'rnv.  Si  :13; 
ch.(i:ia;  Jas.a;13.  i  Mark  10:1 ;  John  10:40.  JOen.l:^?;  5:-2;  Mai.  2:15. 
k  Gen.  2:24;  Eph.  5:31. 

8.  However  convenient  or  dear  any  tiling  may  be.  if  it 
cause  us  to  sin,  it  is  better  to  do  without  it,  than  to  have 
it  and  suffer  the  consequences. 

10.  As  angels,  who  always  have  access  to  God  ami  enjoy 
intimate  communion  with  him.  are  not  ashamed  to  minis- 
ter to  tlie  poorest,  and  most  humble  of  his  people,  no  hu- 
man being  should  be. 

14.  Tlie  seeking  and  saving  of  those  who  are  lost,  and 
the  bringing  of  them  to  the  fold  of  the  Iledccmer,  gives 
joy  to  angels  and  to  (hkI. 

15.  The  wa3'  to  reclaim  an  offending  brother  is  for  some 
brother  to  go  and  converse  with  him  atdiic.  If  this  is  not 
effectual,  he  is  to  Udve  one  or  two  more,  and  converse  with 
him  again.  If  that  is  nut  effectual,  then  it  is  their  iliity  to 
eonnminicate  whiit  has  been  done  to  the  church.  If,  under 
their  discipline,  he  will  not  reforni,  ho  is  to  be  cut  off. 

21.  However  numerous  or  aggravated  are  the  offences 
of  any  brother,  if  he  give  evidence  of  ])eniteiice  by  con- 
fessing and  lorsaking  his  sins,  all  are  bound  to  forgive  him. 

35.  If  we  do  not  forgive  others,  (lod  will  not  forgive  us. 
An  unforgiving  spirit  is  the  spirit  of  jienlition. 

('ii.\i"ri;K  XIX. 

1.  Calilcr;  this  Wiis  the  poorest  part  of  I'aleKtine.  IToncc, 
Galilc;in  was  a  term  of  repro;i<h.  Judra;  this  lay  to  tlit! 
south  :  and  between  it  and  (ialilee  was  Samaria,  liiijund; 
on  the  east  side  of  the  .Ionian. 

3.  Triiipliiii^  him;  lor  the  purpose  of  ensnaring  liini.  in 
order  to  get  hini  into  diliiiulty.  For  ever  ij  rniisr ;  wlieni'ver 
he  chooses;  as  some  of  their  teachers  said  that  he  might, 
and  as  they  oll<'i]  did. 

4.  Iliivc  lie  not  rend;  Gen.  1:27. 

6.  Uiie  jksh;  they  are  so  united  as  to  be  no  longer  two, 


Of  divorce,  and  marriage. 


MATTHEW  XIX. 


The  young  ruler's  inqni.  ?/. 


A.  D.  s,'.  flesh.    What  tlierefore  God  hath  joined  to- 
gether, let  not  man  put  asunder." 

7  Thoy  say  unto  him,  Why  did  Moses  then  com- 
mand to  give  a  writing  of  divorcement,  and  to  put 
her  away  ?'' 

8  He  saithunto  them,  Moses,  because  of  the  hard- 
ness of  your  hearts,  suffered  you  to  put  away  your 
wives:  but  from  the  beginning  it  was  not  so. 

9  And  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall  put  away 
his  wife,  except  it  be  for  fornication,  and  shall  marry 
another,  committeth  adultery  :  and  whoso  marrieth 
her  which  is  put  away,  doth  connnit  adultery.'' 

10  His  disciples  say  unto  him.  If  the  case  of  the 
man  be  so  with  his  wife,  it  is  not  good  to  marry .'' 

1 1  But  lie  said  unto  them.  All  jnen  cannot  receive 
this  saying,  save  they  to  whom  it  is  given. 

12  For  there  are  some  eunuchs,  which  were  so 
born  from  their  mother's  womb :  and  there  are 
some  eunuchs,  which  were  made  euuuchs  of  men : 
and  there  be  eunuchs,  which  have  made  themselves 
eunuclis  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven's  sake."  He 
that  is  able  to  receive  if,  let  him  receive  it. 

13  T  Then  were  there  brought  unto  him  little 
children,  that  he  should  put  his  hands  on  them, 
and  pray :  and  the  disciples  rebuked  them. 

1-4  But  Jesus  said.  Suffer  little  children,  and  for- 
bid them  not,  to  come  uuto  me;'  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.^^ 

1,5  And  he  laid  his  hands  on  them,  and  departed 
thence. 

>!Cor.7:IU.  1>  Deut. '^4: 1  ;  Isi.  50:1.  t  ch.  5:33;  Luke  16:1(<.  d  Prov. 
I9:l:);  ai:'.!,  11).  '  I  Cor.  7::3-J.  f  Mark  10:14;  Lllltc  I.-:l(i,etc.  5  ch.  18:3. 
t  Mlric  10:17:  Luke  10:25;  IS:18.     i  Exod.  20:13;  Deut.  5:17,  etc.    j  Lev. 


but  one,  each  being  a  part  of  the  other.  Compare  the 
apostle's  words :  "  He  that  loveth  his  wife,  lovcth  liimseU"." 
Eph.  5 :  28.  Of  course  they  ought  to  be  one  in  views,  atfec- 
tions,  and  interests ;  and  for  a  man  to  break  such  a  union 
as  this  hy  putting  away  his  wife  for  every  cause,  is  wrong. 
Thus  tlie  question  of  tlie  Plrarisees  was  answered. 

7.  A  writing  of  divorcement ;  Deut.  24:1. 

8.  Suffered ;  lie  did  not  direct  it,  or  suffer  it  in  any  such 
sense  as  to  imply  that  God  approved  of  it,  or  that  it  was 
right.  It  was  a  civil  regulation  of  a  civil  government,  suf- 
fered for  a  time  on  account  of  the  wickedness  of  men,  and 
in  order  to  prevent  the  greater  evils  which  that  wicked- 
ness would  otherwise  have  occasioned.  It  was  a  regula- 
tion as  to  the  mode  of  putting  away;  not  to  justify  that 
wrong  practice,  but  to  lessen,  in  some  measure,  its  evils. 
Not  .s'o;  from  the  beginning,  and  in  all  its  stages,  this 
putting  away  "for  every  cause"  of  one's  wife  was  a  vio- 
lation of  the  will  of  God,  as  manifested  in  his  works  and 
his  word. 

9.  I  soij  unlo  ymi;  I  give  you  the  right  interpretation  of 
the  will  of  God  in  this  matter.  Forniaition ;  hero  in  the 
sense  of  adultery. 

10.  If  tlie  case  of  the  man  hem;  if  a  man,  to  obey  God, 
must  live  ;dl  his  life  with  one  wife,  provided  she  lives  and 
i,-<  faithful,  whether  he  is  pleased  with  her  or  not,  then  it 
is  not  good  for  a  man  to  marry. 

11.  Cannot  receive  thin  saying;  namely,  that  it  is  not  good 
to  marry.  If  all  sliould,  and  act  upon  it,  and  not  break 
;uiy  other  command  of  God,  the  whole  human  race,  when 
Ihosc  now  Mving  are  deail,  would  bo  e.xtinct.  Not  to  marry 
is  coiitniry  to  tlie  nature  and  \vants  of  men,  and  to  the  will 
of  God  wilh  regard  to  them.  Gen.  1:2K.  //  ;,s-  given;  some 
individuals  are  capable  of  living  with  coml'urt  and  useful- 
ness in  an  unm;irried  state,  and  may  lawfully  think  it  not 
best  for  tliein  to  marry;  and  some  may  be  called  for  a 
time  to  perform  special  services,  or  meet  special  dangers, 
where  they  could  not  jirojierly  provide  for  a  familv.  Such 
a  case  was  noticed  by  I'uul,  1  Cor.  7,  and  applied"to  some 


16  "il  And  behold,  one  came  and  said  unto  him, 
Good  Master,  what  good  thing  shall  I  do,  that  I 
may  have  eternal  life?" 

17  And  he  said  unto  him,  Why  callest  thou  me 
good  ?  there  is  none  good  but  one,  that  is,  God : 
but  if  thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  keep  the  command- 
ments. 

IS  He  saitli  unto  him,  Which  ?  Jesus  said,  Thou 
shalt  do  no  murder,'  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adul- 
tery. Thou  .shalt  not  steal,  Thou  shalt  not  bear 
false  witness, 

19  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother:  and,  Thou 
shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.J 

20  The  young  man  saith  unto  him.  All  these  things 
have  I  kept  from  my  youth  up:  what  lack  I  yet? 

21  Jesus  said  unto  him,  If  thou  wilt  be  perfect, 
go  and  sell  that  thou  hast,  and  give  to  the  poor, 
and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  iu  heaven :"  and  come 
and  follow  me.' 

22  But  when  the  young  man  heard  that  saying, 
he  went  away  sorrowful :  for  he  had  great  posses- 
sions. 

23  IT  Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples.  Verily 
I  say  unto  you.  That  a  rich  man  shall  hardly  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."' 

24  And  again  I  say  unto  you.  It  is  easier  for  a 
camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle,  than  for 
a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

2.5  When  his  disciples  heard  it,  they  were  ex- 
ceedingly amazed,  saying.  Who  then  can  be  saved? 


li):18.     k  Luke  12:33;  16:9;  Ads  2:45;  4:34,35;  1  Tim.  0:18,  19.     1  John 
12:28.     m  1  Tim.  0:9,  10. 


who  lived  in  his  day,  on  account  of  the  then  present  dis- 
tresses. 

12.  So  born;  as  to  be  unfit  for  marriage.  Of  men;  by 
the  wickedness  of  men,  for  their  own  selfish  and  ungodly 
purposes.  Kingdom  of  Iteavetis  sake ;  voluntarily  abstain- 
ing from  marriage  in  order  to  be  more  useful.  Let  him 
receive  it;  if  a  person  is  so  situated  as  to  be  clearly  an 
exception  to  what  is  applicable  to  ministers  and  men  in 
general,  and  is  disposed  to  live  in  an  unmarried  state  be- 
cause he  believes  that  he  can  be  more  useful  by  so  doing, 
let  him  so  live  ;  but  let  him  cultivate  the  utmost  purity  of 
heart  and  hfe,  and  manifest  it  in  all  his  conversation  and 
conduct. 

13.  Little  children;  so  small  that  Jesus  took  them  up  in 
his  arms,  put  his  hands  on  them,  and  blessed  them,  ifark 
18:16.  Luke  calls  them  infants.  Lukel8:lo.  Kebnkcdthem; 
the  disciples  thought  them  too  young  to  occupy  the  atten- 
tion of  Christ,  or  to  bo  benefited  by  being  brought  to  him. 

14.  Suffer  little  children;  they  have  great  need  of  me; 
Ihey  can  be  benefited  by  me ;  they  are  not  beneath  my 
notice,  and  I  greatly  delight  in  doing  them  good.  Of  such 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  see  chap.  18::i,  and  note. 

1.5.  Laid  his  iiamh  on  them  ;  in  token  of  his  blessing  them. 

17.  Why  callest  llivu  me  good?  this  (luestion  is  asked  be- 
cause the  young  man  addressed  him  simply  as  a  human 
teacher,  not  as  divine. 

20.  Have  I  kept;  only  in  outward  appearance,  not  in 
he.art,  as  the  sequel  showed. 

21.  lie  perfect;  have  a  character  that  is  "perfect  and  en- 
tire, wanting  nothing."  The  Saviour,  by  this  command, 
lays  his  hand  imine<liately  upon  the  faulty  spot  in  his 
cliaracter,  and  points  it  out  to  him. 

22.  Sorrov'fiil ;  by  this  he  showed  that  he  was  not  pre- 
pared f(U'  heaven.  He  loved  his  riches  more  than  he  loved 
ills  neighbor  or  God. 

■a.  Hardly  enter;  it  is  with  great  difficulty  that  he  can 
enter. 

24.  It  IS  easier;  a  proverb  denoting  extreme  difficulty. 

lO'JT 


Forsaking  all  for  Christ. 


MATTHEW  XX. 


The  lalorers  in  the  vineyard. 


26  But  Jesus  beheld  them,  and  said  unto  them, 
With  men  this  is  impossible;  but  with  God  all 
thina's  are  jiossible." 

27  ?r  Then  answered  Peter  and  said  unto  him, 
Behold,  we  liave  forsaken  all,  and  followed  thee;'' 
what  sliall  we  have  therefore? 

28  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Verily  1  say  unto 
you,  That  ye  which  have  followed  me,  in  the  re- 
generation when  the  Sou  of  man  shall  sit  in  the 
throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
thrones,  judirinjr  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel." 

29  And  every  one  tliat  Jiath  forsaken  houses,  or 
brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife, 
or  children,  or  lands,  for  my  name's  sake,  shall 
receive  a  hundred-fold,  and  shall  inherit  everlast- 
ing life.* 

30  But  many  that  are  first  shall  be  last,  and  the 
last  shaU  Lr  lirst.'^ 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  Christ,  by  the  similitude  of  the  hilorcrs  in  the  vineyard,  showeth  that 
God  is  debtor  unto  no  man:  17  foretelletli  ills  passion:  20  by  answer- 
ing the  mother  of  Zebedec's  eliildren,  teiichetli  his  disciples  to  be 
lowly;  30  and  giveth  two  blind  men  their  sight. 

OR  tlio  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man 
that  ii  a  liouscholder,  which  went  out  early  in 
the  morning  to  hire  laborers  into  his  vineyard.'' 

2  And  wlien  he  had  agreed  witli  the  laborers  for 
a  ]ionny  a  day,"-'  he  sent  tliem  into  his  vineyard. 

3  And  he  went  out  about  the  third  hour,  and 
saw  others  standing  idle  ia  the  market-place, 


F 


»  Psa 

38; 

(i-.Ml 

Zech.  8:0. 

b 

lla 

k  lU;i5 

Luke  IS 

•>3;  Phil 

3:S 

tch. 

31:21; 

I.ilke 

•Urii, 

.TO 

1  Cor. 

(i; 

-',a 

Rev    2 

20.     "I  .Mark  1(J 

:2!1 

30 

Luke 

i-:asi, 

:!(i;  1 

Cor.  -2:0. 

«  ch. 

ai: 

IB; 

21:31.  ; 

2;  Mark 

1U:31: 

Luke 

13::)0; 

Gal.  .5 

7;  H. 

b.J:! 

I 

Song  e 

:11 

,1-2 

e  ch. 

l=:t8.     h 

Pro7. 

19 

15; 

Ezek. 

26.  All  tltinf^s;  God  could  make  even  a  ricli  iiuiii  liumble, 
believing,  and  obedient,  tlion;;li  men  could  not  do  it. 

28.  In  the  re<rciiciulin/i ;  tlie  reference  here  is  not  to  the 
regcncnition  of  the  soul,  for  wliich  the  Greek  hingiuvKe 
uses  adiflerenl  word,  Init  to  the  time  whenfjod  shall  make 
all  things  new  by  bringing  in  the  new  lieaven  and  new 
earth.  2  I'et.  3:  l.'S;  Rev.  21: 1,  .'>.  Sil  upon  twelve  thronc.i ;  as 
assessors  with  Christ.  Juit<:in>j;  tlic  twelve  tribes  of  hracl; 
not  autliorit;iti\  ely,  for  the  final  sentence  belongs  to  Christ 
:iloiie,  but  coiiperating  witli  him  in  his  decisions.  See 
note  on  1  Cor.  (i:2.  The  world  shall  be  iic(iuilted  or  con- 
demned according  to  the  doctrines  the  apostles  were  in- 
spired to  preach. 

2!l.  A  huiiilreil-fohl ;  shall  receive  vastly  more  real  good 
in  this  world  th;in  :dl  which  lie  renonncc:s  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  and  in  the  world  to  come  shall  receive  eternal  life. 

30.  First— last;  see  chap.  20:ir>. 

iN.'^TrtrcTioxa. 

4.  In  matters  of  religion,  the  appe.il  must  he  to  the 
IJible;  an<l  an  intiriiato  acquaintance  with  it,  and  a  cordial 
obedience  to  its  laws,  will  give  one  a  great  advantage  over 
liis  .adversaritfs. 

5.  Marriage  is  an  institution  of  God;  honorable  in  all, 
ministers  of  the  gospel  as  well  as  others;  sacnMl  in  its  ob- 
ligations; and  unlcHH  tliesi!  obligations  are  violated  by  one 
of  the  parties,  not  to  bcr  dissolved  till  death. 

K  That  God  suffers  llie  adoption,  and  for  a  time  the  con- 
tinuance of  practices,  on  areouiit  of  the  hardiicKs  of  men's 
hearts,  is  no  evifleiiec  tif  the  moral  rectitude  of  those  prac- 
tices. .Nor  is  the  giving  of  directions  about  them,  and  the 
adoption  of  regulations  to  lessen  their  evils  while  they 
contiinie,  any  evidence  that  God  approves  of  them.  The 
)iraetices  m;iy  slill  be  a  violation  of  what  has  been  the  will 
of  (Jod  from  the  bi'gimiing.  and  obedience  to  him  may  rc- 
rpiire  them  to  be  done  away. 

11.  Individuals,  in  some  peculiar  circumstances,  may 
1098 


4  And  said  unto  tliem,  Go  ye  also  into  the  -i-  n  s.r 
vineyard  ;  and  whatsoever  is  right  I  will  give  you. 
And  they  went  their  way. 

5  Again  he  went  out  about  the  sixtli  and  ninth 
hour,  and  did  likewise. 

G  And  al)out  the  eleventh  hour  he  went  out,  and 
found  others  standing  idle,  and  saith  unto  tliem. 
Why  stand  ye  here  ail  tlie  day  idle?'' 

7  They  say  unto  him,  Jiecause  no  man  hath  hired 
us.  He  saith  unto  them,  Go  ye  also  into  the  vine- 
yard;' and  wiiatsoever  is  right,  that  shall  ye  re- 
ceive. 

8  So  when  even  was  come,  tlie  lonl  of  llie  vine- 
yard saith  unto  his  steward.  Call  the  laborers,  and 
give  tliem  tlivir  hire,-'  beginning  from  the  last  unto 
the  first. 

9  And  when  they  came  that  were  hired  about  the 
eleventh  hour,  they  received  every  man  a  penny.'' 

K)  But  when  the  first  came,  they  suppostnl  that 
they  should  have  received  more;  ami  they  like- 
wise receiv(>d  every  man  a  penny. 

11  And  when  1lu\v  had  received  it.  they  murmur- 
ed ag;iiiist  the  good  man  of  the  house,' 

12  Saying,  These  last  have  wrought  hut  one 
hour,*  and  thou  hast  made  them  C(]ual  unto  us, 
wliich  have  borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day. 

13  But  he  answered  one  of  them,  and  said, 
Friend,'"  1  do  thee  no  wrong:  didst  not  thou 
agree  with  mt;  for  a  jienny? 

1-4  Take  that  thine  is,  and  go  thy  way:  I  will 
give  unto  this  last,  oven  as  unto  thee." 

10:'19;  Aotsl7:2{;  Ileb.«:12.  ■  Keel.  0:  lU;  John  9:4.  Jl.ukeKI:-.  k  l.uko 
2'J:  40-43.  1  Luke  15:29,  3U.  '  Or,  havi  continued  one  hour  only,  m  cli. 
22:12.     n  John  17:2. 


find  it  expedient  and  useful  to  take  a  course  which,  were 
it  not  for  tho.se  circumstances,  wcnild  be  both  inexpedient 
and  hurtful ;  and  the  great  body  of  mankind  ni;iy  be  re- 
(juircd  liy  the  plainest  dictates  of  God's  word  to  take  a 
different  course. 

M.  Jesus  t'hrist  feels  an  interest  in  little  chililren,  and 
approves  of  their  being  brought  to  him  in  failh,  love,  and 
pniyer.  All  ]iarent8  should  fed  this,;iiid  thus  bring  them 
to  the  Saviour. 

20.  A  man  may  think  he  li;is  alwiiys  been  good,  and  yet 
be  entirely  mistaken  and  totally  unfit  for  heaven,  lie  may 
sometimes  feel  uneasy,  iuid  bo  anxious  to  know  what  ho 
must  do  to  be  saved  ;  yet  when  told,  he  may  not  be  willing 
to  do  it. 

2li.  It  is  possible  for  a  rich  man  to  go  to  heaven ;  but  he 
will  be  niuch  less  likely  to  go  there,  than  if  he  were  not 
villi.  Those,  therefore,  who  are  ni;ikiiig  it  their  chief  ob- 
ject to  bo  rich,  are  taking  a  course  which  tends  for  ever 
to  destroy  them. 

29.  l'"or  all  the  sacrifices  which  persons  make  from  lovo 
to  Christ  and  his  ciiuse,  thiy  will  be  gr;icionslv  and  ;ibun- 
dantly  rewarded,  both  in  this  world  and  in  the  world  to 
come. 

CJIAl'TER  XX. 

1.   The  kingdom  of  heaven ;  its  corniiar;itive  duties  and 
rewards, as  proclaimerl  in  the  juilgmenl-il:iy  ;iiid  inliirited 
in  heaven.     See  eliaji.  3:2. 
1       2.  /f /icHHi/,- ;dioul  fourteen  cents.    The  jirnper  compen- 
sation, at  that  time,  for  a  day's  tibor. 

.').  Tliird  tionr ;  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
.').  Sixlli  and  nniM.  hour;  noon  and  three  o'clock  in  the 
j  afternoon. 
:      (i.  Khventh  hour;  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

13.  AV)  wrnnf;;  he  gave  them  all  that  ho  agreed  to,  and 
'  all  that  justice  and  etpiity  required. 


Christ  foretells  his  dcdh. 


MATTHE>Y  XX. 


AmUtion  rcbuled. 


A.  D.33.  15  Is  it  not  lawful  for  mc  to  do  what  I 
will  with  mine  own?"  Is  thine  eye  evil,"  because 
I  am  good  ? 

16  So  the  last  shall  be  first,  and  the  first  last:'' 
for  many  be  called,  but  few  chosen.'' 

17  1  And  Jesus  going  up  to  Jerusalem,  took  the 
twelve  disciples  apart  in  the  way,  and  said  unto 
them, 

18  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  tlie  Son 
of  man  shall  be  betrayed  unto  the  cliief  priests  and 
unto  the  scribes,  and  they  shall  condemn  him  to 
death," 

19  And  sliall  deliver  him  to  the  Gentiles  to 
mock,''  and  to  scourge,"  and  to  crucify  him :  and 
tiic  third  day  he  shall  rise  again. 

20  1  Then  came  to  him  the  mother  of  Zebcdee's 
children  with  her  sons,  worshipping  him,  and  de- 
siring a  certain  thing  of  him.'' 

21  And  he  said  unto  her,  What  wilt  thou?  She 
saith  unto  him.  Grant  that  these  my  two  sons  may 
sit,  tlie  one  on  thy  right  hand,  and  the  other  on 
tiie  left,  in  thy  kingdom. 

22  But  Jesus  answered  and  said,  Ye  know  not 
what  ye  ask.  Are  ye  able  to  drink  of  the  cup 
that  I  shall  drink  of,  and  to  be  baptized  witli  the 
baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with?'  They  say  unto 
him,  We  are  able. 

23  And  ho  saith  unto  them,  Ye  shall  drink  in- 
deed of  my  cup,  and  be  baptized  witli  tiie  baptism 
that  I  am  baptized  with':^  but  to  sit  on  my  right 


"Rom.  9:l.'>--i»;  Jis.  1:18.  bDeut.  15:9;  oh.  6:2:).  «ch. 19:30.  dch.22;14; 
"Tries-.  2:1:!;  Jas.  1:23-25.  e  ch.  16:21.etc. ;  MarktO;32,cto. :  Lukelf::il, 
•■to.;  John  12:12,  eto.  '  oh.  27:2,  etc.;  Mark  15:1,  lli,  etc. ;  Luke  23:1,  etc. ; 
.Tohnl8:2S,eto.;  Aots3:13;  1  Cor.  15:3-7.   ?Isa,.53:5.    h,Mark  10:.35.   i  Luke 


15.  Lawful;  right,  proper.  What  I  will;  what  I  see  to 
be  best.  Evtl ;  euviou.s  of  others  who  receive  as  a  free 
gift  more  than  you. 

IC.  First;  iit  privileges,  and  in  their  own  estimation. 
Last ;  m  the  reception  of  the  gifts  of  distingnisliing  grace, 
(iod  distinguishes  men  by  his  favors  as  he  sees  best; 
not  without  wise  and  good  reasons,  but  those  reasons 
cannot  always  be  seen  by  men.  The  above-mentioned 
truths  were  illustrated  by  the  time  of  calling  into  his 
kingdom  the  Jews  and  the  Gentiles,  and  his  treatment  of 
them ;  and  they  are  continually  illustrated  in  tlie  dispen- 
sations of  his  providence  and  grace  towards  nations  and 
families  as  well  as  individuals.  Called;  to  enter  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  Chosen;  to  enjoy  its  highest  gracious 
benefits. 

18.  Betrai/ed  ;  chap.  26:49.  Chief  priests — scribes,  eccle- 
siastical rulers.     Chap.  2fi:47. 

19.  Gentiles;  the  Romans, who  were  then  the  civil  rulers 
of  Judea,  and  who  alone  had  authority  to  put  an  accused 
person  to  death. 

20.  Zebedce's  children;  James  and  John. 

21.  Sit — nn  thy  rig;lit  hand;  be  thy  chief  officers.  Li  thy 
kingdom;  thinking  it  would  be  an  earthly  kingdom. 

22.  Ye  know  not ;  they  did  not  understand  the  nature  of 
his  kingdom,  and  what  they  must  do  and  suffer  to  l)e  first 
in  it.  The  cup — the  baptixm  ;  the  cup  is  that  of  sufi'erin.g  ; 
chap.  26:39,  etc.  The  baptism  is  his  bloody  death.  The 
two  togetlier  denote  all  the  sufferings,  inward  and  out- 
ward, through  which  our  Lord's  path  to  glory  lay.  We 
lire  able;  in  this  they  knew  not  what  they  said. 

23.  Ye  chilli  drink;  ye  shall  follow  me  in  my  sufferings. 
iVo(  mine  In  give;  except  to  those  for  whom  it  is  jircpariMl. 

24.  The  ten  ;  the  other  apostles  were  offended  that  some 
shoidd  seek  to  be  placed  above  the  rest. 

26.  Not  be  so;  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ :  none  of  his  min- 
isters were  to  exercise  civil  power  or  authority  over  the 
vest.     Great  among  you;  to  be  truly  great  in  his  kingdom 


hand,  and  on  my  left,  is  not  mine  to  give,  but  it 
shall  be  given  to  them  for  whom  it  is  prepai'cd  of 
my  Father. 

2-4  z\.nd  when  the  ten  heard  //,  tliey  were  moved 
with  indignation  against  the  two  brethren. 

25  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him,  and  said.  Ye 
know  that  tiie  princes  of  the  Gentiles  exercise  do- 
minion over  them,  and  they  that  are  great  exercise 
authority  upon  them.'' 

26  But  it  shall  not  be  so  among  you:'  but  who- 
soever will  be  great  among  you,  let  him  be  your 
minister ; 

27  And  whosoever  will  be  chief  among  you,  let 
him  bo  you)  servant:'" 

28  Even  as  tlie  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  min- 
istered unto,  but  to  minister,"  and  to  give  his  life 
a  ransom  for  many." 

29  1  And  as  they  departed  from  Jericho,  a  great 
multitude  followed  him. 

30  And  behold,  two  blind  men  sitting  by  the 
way-side,  when  they  heard  that  Jesus  passed  by, 
cried  out,  saying.  Have  mercy  on  us,  0  Lord,  thou 
son  of  David.'' 

31  And  the  multitude  rebuked  them,  because  they 
should  hold  tlieir  peace:  but  tliey  cried  tlie  more, 
saying,  Have  mercy  on  us,  0  Lord,  Mom  son  of  David. 

32  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  called  them,  and 
said.  What  will  ye  that  I  shall  do  nnto  you? 

33  Tliey  say  unto  him.  Lord,  that  our  eyes  may 
be  opened. 


12:50.  i  Acts  12:2;  Rom.  8:17;  2  Cor.  1:7;  Rev.  1:9.  k  Luke  22:23,  2". 
I  1  Pet.  5:3.  mch.  23:11;  .Mark  9:35;  111:43.  n  Luke  22:27;  John  i:-::4,  14; 
Phil.  2:7.  o  ha.  53:5,  8,  11;  Dan.  9:24,28;  1  Tim.  2:0;  Titus  2:14;  Heb. 
9:28;  I  Pet.  1:18,  19;  Rev.  1:5.     Pch.  9:27;  Mark  10:4G;  Luke  18:35. 

one  must  minister,  as  he  has  opportunity  and  ability,  to 
the  wants  of  others. 

27.  Chief;  first  in  true  spiritual  worth.  Your  servant; 
most  active  in  administering  to  the  good  of  his  fellow- 
disciples. 

28.  Not  to  be  ministered  unto;  his  great  object  was,  not  to 
be  assisted  by  others,  but  to  assist  them,  and  give  his  life 
for  their  redemption. 

29.  Jericho;  a  city  about  eight  miles  west  of  the  Jordan, 
and  twenty  north-east  of  Jerusalem. 

31.  Rebuked  them  ;  comniandetl  them  to  be  silent.  Cried 
the  more;  more  loudly  and  earnestly,  lest  they  slKuild  fail 
of  the  blessing. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Till  men  begin  to  labor  for  ('hrist,  they  are,  as  to  the 
great  business  of  life,  idle.  They  are  doing  nothing  which 
will  in  the  end  promote  their  good. 

15.  In  tlie  bestowment  of  his  unmerited  favors,  Christ 
has  a  perfect  right  to  do  as  he  sees  best.  His  doing  this 
injures  no  one,  and  promotes  the  good  of  many.  If  any 
complain,  they  conijilain  of  infinite  goodness  under  the 
guidance  of  infinite  wisdom,  and  thus  show  that  they  are 
evil. 

16.  Many  who  in  this  world  are  first  in  privileges,  ami 
are  in  many  respects  above  others,  will,  in  the  world  to 
come,  be  far  below  them. 

21.  Parents  often  manifest  nnieli  ))ride  and  ignorance  in 
seeking  worldly  distinctions  for  their  children,  and  Ciirist 
is  wise  and  good  in  <lenving  them  those  distinctions  ;  for 
the  attainnient  of  them  might  for  ever  exclude  them  from 
true  greatness  and  honor  in  his  lu';iveiily  kingdom. 

2:i.  Amliition  in  the  disciples  of  Christ,  and  thirst  for 
worldly  glory,  liken  them  to  men  of  the  world,  not  to  .le.sus 
Christ,' and  are  evidence  that  disappointments  and  suffer- 
ings await  them. 

26.  Humility,  and  a  disposition  to  serve  others  in  the 
supply  of  their  wants  and  the  jiromotion  of  their  highest 

101)1) 


C/iris^s  cn'ry  Into  Jerusalem. 


MATTHEW  XXI. 


TIte  larnn  fig-t r 


34  So  Jesus  had  com])assion  on  them,  and  touched 
their  eyes:  aud  inimcdiatoly  tlicir  eyes  received 
sight,  and  they  followed  hiiu. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

3  Christ  rideth  into  Jerusalem  upon  an  ass,  12  driveth  the  buyers  and 
sellers  out  of  the  temple.  17  cursetli  the  lig-tree,  23  ptuteth  to  silence 
the  priests  and  elders,  28  ;uul  rebuketh  them  by  the  similitude  of  tiic 
two  sons,  33  and  the  husbandmen,  who  slew  such  as  were  sent  unto 
unto  them. 

AND  when  they  drew  nigh  unto  Jerusalem,  and 
were  come  to  Bothpliagc,  unto  the  mount  of 
Olives,  then  sent  Jesus  two  disciples, 

2  Saying  unto  them,  Go  into  the  village  over 
against  you,  and  straiglitway  ye  shall  find  an  ass 
tied,  and  a  colt  with  her:  loose  tltcm,  and  bring 
them  unto  me. 

3  And  if  any  man  say  aught  unto  you,  ye  shall 
say,  Tiie  Lord  hath  need  of  them;  and  straight- 
way he  will  send  them." 

\  All  this  was  done,  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  liy  the  ])roph('t,  saying, 

.')  Tell  ye  th(!  daughter  of  Sion,''  Beliold,  tiiy  King 
comoth  unto  thee,  meek,  and  sitting  u]ion  an  ass. 
and  a  colt  the  foal  of  an  ass.'' 

0  And  the  disciples  went,  and  did  as  Jesus  com- 
manded them, 

7  And  brought  the  ass,  and  tlie  colt,  and  put  on 
them  tlieir  elotlies,  and  tiiey  set  him  thereon.'' 

N  And  a  very  great  multitude  s]n-cad  their  gar- 
ments ill  tlie  way  ;  others  cut  down  branches  from 
the  trees,  and  strewed  them  in  the  way. 

0  And  the  multitudes  that  went  before,  and  that 
followed,  cried,  saying,  Ilosanna  to  the  son  of  Da- 
vid :  Blessed  is  he  that  comoth  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord;*"  Hosanna  in  the  highest." 


■  Mark  II 
ll:-!,  elo. 
19:«,clx:.j 

:l;L 
'  l'»a 
John 

oko  19:20 

llS:a«; 

2:15,  etc. 

.    b 

ch 
h 

r>a 

Si 
lux. 

02:11 

m.   1 

X:7. 

c  Zech 
Luko  2 
'  Jer.  7 

.9:9 

14. 

11. 

John  12:1 
«  Mark  1 1 
J  Isa.  3o;0. 

5.   dMark 

11  ;  Luke 

k  ver.  9. 

good,  are  marks  of  true  greatness  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ, 
anil  especially  anioiif;  his  ministers. 

Til.  ('Iirist  kindly  reganls  the  sufferings  of  the  distressed, 
and  is  pleased  when  they  apply  lu  him  for  help,  believing 
that  lie  is  alile  and  willing  to  l)rst()W  it.  None  who  feel 
their  need  of  his  mercy,  and  desire  to  receive  it,  need  fail 
of  his  grace. 

CITAPTKR  XXI. 

1.  Jicthplia^e;  a  village  on  the  sonth-east  side  of  the 
mount  of  Olives,  which  was  a  hill  aliont  two  mil'^s  east  of 
Jerusalem,  beyond  the  valley  of  .lehoshiiphat.  Through 
this  valley  ran  the  brook  Cedroii,  or  Kidroii. 

3.  Snj  mi'^lit ;  say  any  thing  against  your  taking  them. 

4.  l!ij  the  prophet;  Zech.  9:9. 

5.  I)iiup;hler  of  Sion ;  a  poetic  personification  of  Zion, 
which  w.is  that  part  of  .Terusalem  where  David  and  the 
kings  after  him  dwelt.  It  represents  .leruHulem  and  its 
inliabitirits.  Hchnhl,  thy  Kin/r  comelh ;  this  jiropliecy  was 
universally  nndiTstood  of  the  Xfessiah;  and  thus  Jesus 
openly  daimi'il  ici  he  (he  one  predideil  l)y  it.  Sillinp;  upon 
an  ail;  the  common  be.ist  of  the  I.sraelitish  rulers  in  an- 
cient times,  Jurlges  ,'>:in;  10:1;  and  moreover  a  beast  of 
peace,  in  contrast  with  the  horse,  whii-li  was  specially 
emphiycd  in  war.  An  nw,  onr/  «  coll ;  Jcsns  rode  upon  the 
colt,  .Mark  11:7;  John  i:i:ll;  the  mother  r)f  the  colt  ac- 
companying. Hence  they  are  si)oken  of  together  by  the 
evangelist. 

8.  Spread  their  garments;  this  was  a  royal  honor,  after  the 
custom  of  the  times. 

1100 


10  And  when  ho  was  come  into  Jerusalem,  a.d.  33. 
all  the  city  was  moved,  saying,  Who  is  this? 

11  And  the  multitude  said,  This  is  Jesus  the 
prophet  of  Nazareth  of  Galilee. 

12  H  And  Jesus  went  into  the  temple  of  God,  and 
cast  out  all  them  that  sold  and  bought  in  the  tcni- 
ple,''and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money-chang- 
ers, and  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves, 

13  And  said  unto  them.  It  is  written.  My  house 
shall  be  called  the  house  of  prayer ;"  but  ye  have 
made  it  a  den  of  thieves.' 

14  And  the  blind  and  the  lame  camo  to  him  in 
the  tem])le;  and  he  healed  them.J 

15  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  scrilies  saw 
the  wonderful  things  that  he  did,  and  tli(>  children 
crying  in  the  teiniilc,  and  saying,  Ilosanna  to  the 
son  of  David  ;"  they  w^ere  sore  displeased, 

16  And  said  unto  him,  Hearest  thou  what  these 
say?  And  Jesus  saitli  unto  them.  Yea;  have  ye 
never  read,  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  suck- 
lings thou  hast  ])erfected  ]n-aise?' 

17  "F  And  he  left  them,  and  went  out  of  the  city 
into  Betluiiiy;  and  he  lodged  tliere. 

18  Now,  in  the  morning,  as  he  returned  into  the 
city,  he  hungered. 

19  And  when  he  saw  a  fig-tree*  in  the  way,  he 
came  to  it,  and  found  nothing  thereon,  but  leaves 
only,'"  and  said  unto  it,  Let  no  fruit  grow  on  thee 
hencf'forward  for  ever.  And  presently  the  fig-tree 
withered  away." 

20  And  when  the  disci]>les  saw  it,  they  marvelled, 
saying,  IIow  soon  is  the  fig-lrec  withered  away! 

21  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Verily  I 
say  unto  you.  If  ye  have  faith,"  and  doubt  not,  ye 
shall  not  only  do  this  which  is  done  to  the  fig-tree, 
but  also,  if  ye  shall  say  unto  this  mountain.  Be  thou 


1  Psa.  ,'':2.    •  Gc.  one  fig-fm.    m  Mark  11:  i:i.    "  JuJo  12.    o  ch.  17:20;  Luke 
I7:U;  Jas.  I:(i. 


9.  Hosanna;  Save  now.  An  expression  of  joy,  invoking 
blessings  on  him  as  the  Mcssiali.  lloxanna  in  the  hicliesl ; 
let  our  hosannas  on  earth  be  responded  to  and  raliiied  in 
the  highest  heavens. 

12.  Jlou;j:ht  in  the  temple;  the  outer  court  of  it,  called  the 
court  of  the  (i entiles.  Moneij-chmifxcrx ;  those  who  ex- 
changed the  current  coin  of  the  day  for  the  Isi'aelitish 
half-shekel  which  was  paid  yearly  for  the  suiijiort  of  tho 
temple  service.  See  note  on  chap.  17:21.  Kor  this  they 
receivc<l  a  jiremium ;  anil  they  were,  moreover,  often  dis- 
honest in  their  exactions.  iS'oW  doves;  for  the  offerings  in 
the  tem)ile.     Lev.  14:22;  LuUe  2:24. 

13.  Written;  Isa.  5t!:7. 

111.  Until ;  I'sa.  H:2.  The  ijuoliilion  was  from  the  Se])tua- 
gint,  the  (ireek  translation  of  Ihe  OUl  Tcstiiment,  where 
the  words  "ordained  strength"  in  the  Hebrew,  ;ire  trans- 
lated "perfected  jiraisc. ' 

17.  lietlinnij;  a  village  on  the  cast  side  of  the  mount  of 
Olives,  adjoining  r?etlipliage. 

19.  Ijet  no  fruit  prow  on  thee  lienreforwnrd ;  tho  cursing 
of  Ihe  fig-tree  was  a  symboliciil  act  designed  to  shadow 
forth  the  awful  end  of  n:ilionK,  communities,  ;inil  individ- 
u:ils,  that  fail  to  bring  forth  fruit  to  (jod's  praise.  Com- 
]iare  buUc  13:ri-9. 

21.  Iliivp  fiiith ;  the  faith  of  miracles,  which  was  given 
to  the  iiposlles,  and  by  which  they  were  enabled  to  work 
miraidcH  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  //  shall  he  done;  even  the 
most  dillicult  things,  which  are  proper,  sh;dl  be  done.  The 
siiirit  of  this  ]ironiisi'  belongs  to  all  (Jod's  Hcrvauts  in  all 
ages.     See  note  on  chap.  17:20. 


27it'  two  sons. 


MATTHEW  XXI. 


The  wicked  hushandmen. 


AD. 33.  removed,"  aud  be  tliou  cast  into  the  sea; 
it  shall  be  done. 

22  And  all  things,  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in 
prayer,  believing,  ye  shall  receive.'' 

23  ir  And  when  he  was  come  into  the  temple,  the 
chief  priests  and  the  elders  of  the  people  came  unto 
him  as  he  was  teaching,  and  said.  By  what  author- 
ity doest  thou  these  things ?=  aud  who  gave  thee 
tliis  authority  ?" 

24  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  I 
also  will  ask  you  one  thing,  which  if  ye  tell  me,  I 
in  like  wise  will  tell  you  by  what  authority  I  do 
these  things. 

25  The  baptism  of  John,  whence  was  it?  from 
heaven,  or  of  men  ?  And  they  reasoned  with  them- 
selves, saying,  If  we  shall  say.  From  heaven ;  he 
will  say  unto  us.  Why  did  ye  not  then  believe  him? 

26  But  if  we  shall  say.  Of  men ;  we  fear  the  peo- 
ple :  for  all  hold  John  as  a  prophet." 

27  And  they  answered  Jesus,  and  said.  We  can- 
not tell.  Aud  he  said  unto  them.  Neither  tell  I 
you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things. 

'  28  lIBut  what  think  ye?  A  certain  man  had 
two  sons/  and  he  came  to  the  first,  aud  said.  Son, 
go  work  to-day  in  my  vineyard. 

29  He  answered  and  said,  I  will  not :  but  after- 
ward he  repented,  and  went." 

30  And  he  came  to  the  second,  and  said  likewise. 
And  he  answered  and  said,  I  go,  sir :  and  went  not. 

31  Whether  of  them  twain  did  the  will  of  his 
father?  They  say  (into  him,  Tlie  first.  Jesus  saith 
unto  them.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  the  ])ubli- 
cans  and  the  harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God 
before  you. 

32  For  John  came  unto  you  in  the  way  of  right- 
eousness, and  ye  believed  him  not ;  but  the  publi- 
cans and  the  harlots  believed  him : "  and  ye,  when 


i  1  Cor.  13:-3.  b  ch.  7:7;  Mark  11:24;  Jas.  5:16;  1  .Tohn  i-.-H;  5:14. 
>:  Exod.  2:14.  d  Mark  11:27:  Luke  20:1.  e  ch,  14:5.  f  Luke  15:11,  etc. 
t  2  Chr.  33:12,  13;  1  Cor.  6:11;  Eph.  2:1-13.  h  Luko  3:12;  7:37,  etc. 
i  Hev.  2:21.  i  Psa.  80:S-I6;  Song  S:ll,  12;  Isa.  5:1-7;  Jer.  2:21;  Mark 
12:1;  Luke  20:9,  etc.     k  2  Kings  17:13,  etc.     I  2  Chr.  36:10;  Neh.  0:2li; 


22.  Believing;  with  the  faith  of  miracles  granted  to 
them,  and  under  the  special  teaching  of  tlio  Iloly  Ghost, 
by  which  they  could  discern  whether  a  thing  was  or  was 
not  according  to  the  v.'ill  of  God.  If  they  saw  that  it  was 
not,  they  would  not  ask  it,  or  believe  that  they  shoulil  re- 
ceive it.  If  they  saw  tliat  it  was,  and  did  ask,  believing, 
thoy  would  receive  it,  though  it  should  be  as  dillicult  as 
the  removiil  into  the  sea  of  mount  Olivet,  over  which  they 
were  then  passing. 

23.  77te.se  things;  which  he  had  been  accomplishing  at 
the  temple  and  in  other  places. 

25.  Tiie  baptism  nf  John;  his  ministration  an<l  teaching. 
Wky  (lid  ye  not  tlmi  believe  him.  ?  when  he  testified  of  me  as 
tho  Messiali. 

28.  Think  ye ;  judge  ye  of  what  I  am  going  to  say  in  the 
fjllowing  parable.  The  first ;  this  represented  the  openly 
immoral  and  vicious,  who  publicly  refused  to  obey  God, 
such  as  publicans  and  harlots.  Go  work;  this  represented 
what  (!od  requires  of  men. 

:il).  Tlip.  secoTul ;  this  represented  the  scribes  aud  Pliari- 
sees,  who  professed  to  obey  God,  and  yet  did  not,  but  op- 
j)Osed  him. 

'S'l.  Way  of  righteousness;  the  right  way;  tho  way  of 
(rod's  appointment,  lielieved  him  ;  though  they  had  before 
refused  to  obey  God,  yet  afterwards,  under  the  prr;iclniig 
of  ,Iohn,  they  repented  aud  obeyed  him,  IV,-  the  scribes 
and  Pharisees  repented  not,  and  in  what  they  had  said 
condenmed  themselves. 


ye  had  seen  it,  repented  not  afterward,'  that  ye 
might  believe  him. 

33  T  Hear  another  parable :  There  was  a  certain 
householder,  which  planted  a  vineyard,^  and  hedg- 
ed it  round  about,  and  digged  a  wine-press  in  it, 
and  built  a  tower,  and  let  it  out  to  husbandmen, 
and  went  into  a  far  country : 

34  And  when  the  time  of  the  fruit  drew  near,  he 
sent  his  servants  to  the  husbandmen,''  that  they 
might  receive  the  fruits  of  it. 

35  And  the  husbandmen  took  his  servants,  and 
beat  one,  and  killed  another,  and  stoned  another.' 

36  Again,  he  sent  other  servants  more  than  the 
first:  and  they  did  unto  them  likewise. 

37  But  last  of  all  he  sent  unto  them  his  son. 
saying.  They  will  reverence  my  son. 

38  But  when  the  husbandmen  saw  the  son,  they 
said  among  themselves.  This  is  the  heir;"  come, 
let  us  kill  him,  and  let  us  seize  on  his  inheritance. 

39  And  they  caught  him,  aud  cast  hini  out  of 
the  vineyard,  and  slew  Afm." 

40  When  the  lord  therefore  of  the  vineyard  com- 
cth,  what  will  he  do  unto  those  husbandmen? 

41  They  say  unto  him.  He  will  miseraldy  destroy 
those  wicked  men,"  and  will  let  out  /ns  vineyard 
unto  other  husbandmen,"  which  shall  render  him 
the  fruits  in  their  seasons. 

42  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Did  ye  never  read  in  the 
scriptures.  The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected, 
the  same  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner:  this  is 
tho  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes?'' 

43  Therefore  say  I  unto  you.  The  kingdom  of 
God  shall  be  taken  from  you,"'  and  given  to  a  na- 
tion bringing  forth  the  fruits  thci-eof." 

44  And  whosoever  shall  fall  on  this  stone,  shall 
be  broken:'  but  on  whomsoever  it  shall  fall,  it 
will  grind  him  to  powder." 

,Ter. 25:3,7;  ch.5:12;  23:34-37;  Acts  7:52;  1  Thess.  2:15;  Heb.  11:36,  37; 
Rev.  6:9.  niHeb.  1:1,  2.  n  Acts  2:23;  4:25-27.  o  Psa.  2:4,  5,  9;  Zech. 
12:2.  P  Luke  21:24;  Rom.  9:26;  11:11.  q  Psa.  118:22;  Isa.  28:16;  1  Pet. 
2:6,7.     rch.  8:12.     » Isa.  28:2.     '  Isa.  8:14, 15.     u  Heb.  2:2,  3. 


33.  Householder ;  this  was  designed  to  represent  Jehovah. 
Husbandmen;  the  Jewish  nation. 

34.  His  servants;  the  prophets  and  teachers  of  religion 
among  the  Jews,  who  called  upon  them  to  render  to  God 
his  due. 

35.  Beat  oiti;  this  represented  their  treatment  of  his 
prophets. 

37.  His  son;  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  then  ad- 
dressing them,  and  whom  they  would  kill. 

39.  Sleivhtm;  chap.  27 : 3,5. 

40.  The  lord;  the  owner  of  all  things.  ITiose  husband- 
men; the  Jews. 

41.  Other  husbandmen ;  the  blessings  which  they  received 
and  abused  he  would  give  to  others. 

42.  In  the  scriptures;  I'sa.  118:22,  23.  This  was  a  proph- 
ecy of  the  truths  and  events  represented  in  the  parable, 
which  were  aboutto  be  fiillilled  in  tho  crucifixion  of  Christ, 
the  casting  off  of  the  Jews,  aud  the  calling  of  the  (Jentiles 
into  the  church  of  (!i>d.  The  stone;  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
The  huMers;  the  Jews,  and  especially  their  leaders,  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees. 

4:5.   y'o"  ,•  Jews.     .4  ?in^/(wi,,- the  Gentiles. 

44.  This  xtone;  Jesus  Christ.  Whosoever  should  stumble 
at  his  Iciwly  appearance,  or  the  matter  and  manner  of  his 
teaching,  would  grciitly  siifl'cr.  //  shall  fall ;  those  who 
against  light  shoulil  continue  to  o]i]iose  him,  and  on  whom 
his  righteous  indignation  should  tall,  would  be  destroyed 
with  au  awful  dcstrnctinn. 

11(11 


Parable  of  the 


MATTHEW  XXII. 


marri'tge-suppei: 


45  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  Piiarisees  had 
heard  his  parables,  they  perceived  tliat  he  spake 
of  them. 

■16  But  when  tliey  sou.a'iit  to  lay  hands  on  him, 
thev  feared  the  multitude,  because  they  took  him 
for  a  prophet." 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  The  parable  of  the  marriage  of  the  king's  son.  9  The  vocation  of 
the  Gentiles.  12  The  punishment  of  him  that  wanted  the  weilJing- 
garment.  1.3  Tribute  ought  to  be  paid  to  Cesar.  23  Christ  confut- 
eth  the  SadJucees  for  the  resurrection ;  34  answereth  the  lawyer, 
wliich  is  the  first  and  great  commandment;  41  and  poseth  the  Phari- 
sees about  the  Messi.as. 

AND  Jesus  answered  and  spake  unto  them 
aorain  liy  parables,  and  said, 
'2  The  kingdom  of  iieaven  is  like  unto  a  certain 
king,''  which  made  a  marriage  for  his  son," 

3  And  sent  forth  his  servants  to  call  them  that 
were  bidden  to  the  wedding:''  and  they  would 
not  come. 

4  Again,  he  sent  forth  other  servants,  saying, 
Tell  them  which  are  bidden.  Behold,  I  have  prc- 
jiared  my  dinner:  my  o.\en  and  iny  fatlings  are 
killed,  and  all  things  are  ready:  come  unto  the 
marriage. 

5  Buf  they  made  light  of  it,"  and  went  their 
ways,  one  to  his  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise : 

a  Lulie  7:10;  John  7:40.  t>  Lukcj  lJ:l(i.  <:  Rev  19:7,  9.  i  Psa.  Ofiill; 
.Ter.  a.5;4;  3.5:1.');  Rev.'W:17.  »  1'.^.  lUli;a4,2.5;  Prnv.  1  ;a4.  25;  Acts  24:23; 
Rom.  2:4.  <  1  Thess.  2:15.  5  Dan.  9:20;  Luke  19:27.  h  ch.  10:11,  ]:); 
AoU  13:40;  Rev.  3:4;  22:14.     ich. 13:47.    JZpphl:l2.    k  Psa.  45: 14  ;  Isa. 

46.  Sought  to  lau  hands  on  him  ;  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
stroying liim,  as  the  Scriptures,  and  as  he  iu  this  parable, 
had  foretold  that  they  would. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testiimeiit  concerning  the 
.Messiidi,  were  all  fulfilled  in.Icsus  of  Nazareth,  thus  prov- 
ing with  iibsdlute  (■ert;tint3'  that  he  w;is  the  I'hrist. 

12.  Those  who  ii]iit;tte  Christ  will  manifest  great  zeal  for 
God,  and  hihor  to  remove  all  evils  connected  with  his  wor- 
ship. The  Jiihle  will  be  their  standard,  and  by  it  they  will 
seek  to  regulate  their  own  conduct  and  that  of  their  fel- 
low-men. 

IG.  The  conversion  of  children  to  the  Saviour  is  foretold 
in  the  Scriptures.  We  ought  therefore  to  seek  and  expect 
it,  and  when  it  takes  place,  to  rejoice  in  it  as  a  new  evi- 
dence of  the  truth  of  the  Bible  and  of  the  Messiahship  of 
.Icsiis  Christ. 

19.  In  order  to  be  accepted  by  Christ,  it  is  not  enough 
to  have  the  leaves  of  an  outward  ]irofession,  or  even  tlu^ 
appearance  of  great  fruitfulness;  we  must  bear  fruit.  If 
we  ill)  not,  we  are  exposed  to  his  withering  curse. 

2:!.  The  authority  of  Ood,  clearly  and  conclusively  given, 
will  not  satisfy  all,  especially  with  regard  to  what  they 
dislike.  If  a  person  have  not  their  authority,  or  that  of 
those  with  whom  they  associate,  they  will  reject  him, 
though  he  give  unanswerable  evidence  of  being  sent  of 
Cod. 

26.  Many  fear  the  people  more  than  they  fear  God.  It 
is  often  so  with  rulers;  ami  trutlis  which  they  reject,  the 
common  people  receive  gladly. 

The  common  peojile,  the  working  people,  slioidd  not  be 
forbidilen  to  read  the  word  of  (;od,and  to  think  and  judge 
for  themselves;  and  when  they  learn  what  the  truth  of 
(lod  is,  they  shoulrl  not  be  liindered  frf>m  obeying  it, 

:il.  Openly  wicked  men  arc  sometimes  brought  to  re- 
pentance and  salvation  sooner  th:in  those  who  h;ive  lieen 
externally  moral  and  professed  ;i  high  regard  for  sacred 
things.  Thus,  those  who  ajipeared  for  a  time  to  be  first, 
;ire  in  reality  last;  ;ind  those  who  appeared  to  be  last,  arc 
first. 

1102 


()  And  the  remnant  took  his  servants,  and  a.  D.33. 
entreated  them  spitefully,  and  slew  them.' 

I  But  when  the  king  heard  thereof,  he  was  wroth : 
and  he  sent  forth  his  armies,  and  destroyed  those 
murderers,  and  burned  up  their  city.*-' 

8  Then  saith  he  to  his  servants.  The  wedding 
is  ready,  but  they  which  were  biildcu  were  not 
worthy." 

9  Go  ye  therefore  into  the  highways,  and  as 
many  as  ye  shall  find,  bid  to  the  marriage. 

10  So  those  servants  went  out  into  the  liighways, 
and  gathered  together  all  as  man_y  as  they  found, 
both  bad  and  good:'  antl  the  wedding  was  fur- 
nished with  guests. 

II  And  when  the  king  came  in  to  see  the  guests,^ 
he  saw  there  a  man  which  had  not  on  a  wedding- 
garment :'' 

12  And  he  saith  unto  him.  Friend,  how  earnest 
thou  in  hither  not  having  a  wedding-garment? 
And  he  was  s])ecchless.' 

11}  Then  said  (ho  king  to  the  servants,  Bind  him 
hand  and  foot,  and  take  him  away,"'  and  cast  him 
into  outer  darkness;  there  shall  be  weeping  and 
gnashing  of  teeth." 

11  For  many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen." 
15  1  Then  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took  counsel 

how  they  might  entangle  him  in  his  talk.'' 


(ihlt 

;  2  Cor. 

■)::! 

!• 

Ph 

4 

24; 

Rev. 

IC:15; 

19:8.     l.Ter. 

2 

20 

n>  Isa.  152 

1; 

Rev. 

21:27.     nch 

8: 

12. 

0 

ch. 

7:14 

20:10 

Luke  13:23, 

.J 

1. 

P  Mark  12: 

13, 

etc.; 

Luke  20 

29, 

etc 

41.  The  greater  the  privileges  of  men,  if  they  do  not  im- 
prove them,  the  greater  will  be  their  guilt ;  and  without 
repentance  and  pardon,  tlirough  faith  in  the  Redeemer,  the 
mure  awful  will  be  their  ruin. 

CHA]'TI']R  XXII. 

2.  Kingdom  oflicavcn;  the  Messiah's  reign  in  the  gospel 
dispensation,  and  the  lot  in  the  judgment-day,  both  of  those 
who  receive  and  those  who  reject  il.  See  cliaji.  3:2.  A 
marr>as:c;  a  feast  at  tlu'  marriage  of  his  son.  This  repre- 
sented the  blessings  of  the  gospel. 

3.  Ilis  xavanls;  those  ministers  of  his  who  were  first 
sent  to  invite  the  .lews  to  embniee  the  Messiali.  Would 
not  come;  representing  their  rejection  of  him  and  his  sal- 
vation. 

4.  Otlicr  servants;  other  ministers,  whom  he  :d'lcrwards 
sent. 

6.  Entreated  them  spitefullij — slew  them;  tliis  rejiresents 
the  treatment  wliich  the  a))ostle8  and  other  ministers  of 
the  gospel  received  from  the  .lews. 

7.  Ikstroijcd  those  rnurilrrrrs ;  re]iresenting  the  destruction 
of  .lorusaleni.  as  foretold  by  our  Lord.      I.uke  2l:(!-24. 

9.  Iligliwni/s ;  representing  the  olVcriiig  of  the  gospel  to 
the  fienliles  ;uid  jieople  lA' -.lU  ilcHcriptinns. 

1 1.  Wedding-garment ;  it  was  cuslotn;iry  for  the  man  who 
made  a  wedding-feast,  to  jirovide  wedding-garments  for 
those  whom  lie  invited.  If  they  would  not  come,  or  if 
they  did  come  but  would  not  ])nt  on  the  wedding-garment, 
it  was  a  great  dishonor  to  the  master  of  the  fe;ist.  I5y  this 
incident  of  the  parable,  our  Lord  shows  th;it  an  outw;ird 
aeeeptanco  of  his  gospel  is  not  enough.  AVe  may  join 
ourselves  to  the  number  of  bis  visible  followers;  but  if 
our  souls  have  not  the  wcdding-giirment  of  faith,  love,  and 
holiness,  we  sh;ill  be  (MSt  out. 

12.  Speechless;  knowing  Ili;it  he  was  inexcusable. 

l.'i.  (hiter  darkness ;  the  darkness  without  the  illuminated 
ban(|ueting-hall.  The  b;in(|Uc'liiig-hall  reiiresents  ln'aven 
with  its  joys;  the  outer  ikiikurss,  hell  wilh  its  anguish. 

H.  Ctillcd ;  invited  to  ri'ceive  the  blessings  of  the  gos- 
pel. Chosen;  by  accepting  its  provisions  to  enjoy  its 
benefits. 


The  paying  of  tribute. 


MATTHEW  XXII. 


TAe  Sadducces  cnnfuled. 


A.  D.33.  16  And  they  sent  out  unto  liim  their  disci- 
ples with  tlie  Herodians,  saying,  Master,  wo  know 
that  thou  art  true,  and  teacliost  the  way  of  God  in 
truth,  neither  carest  thou  for  any  man:  for  thou 
regardest  not  the  person  of  men. 

17  Tell  us  therefore,  What  thinkest  thou?  Is  it 
lawful  to  irive  tribute  unto  Cesar,  or  not? 

IS  15ut  Jesus  perceived  their  wickedness,  and 
said,  Why  tempt  ye  me,  yc  hypocrites  ? 

19  Show  nie  the  tribute-money.  And  they 
brought  unto  him  a  penny.' 

•20  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Whose  wthis  image 
and  superscription  ?* 

21  They  say  unto  him,  Cesar's.  Then  saith  he 
unto  them,  Render  therefore  unto  Cesar  the  things 
which  are  Cesar's;"  and  unto  God  the  things  that 
are  God's.'' 

22  When  they  had  heard  these  words,  they  mar- 
velled, and  left  liim,  and  went  their  way. 

23  1  The  same  day  came  to  him  the  Sadducees,'' 
which  say  that  there  is  no  resurrection,''  and  ask- 
ed him, 

24  Saying,  Master,  Moses  said.  If  a  man  die, 
having  no  children,  his  brother  shall  marry  his 
wife,  and  raiso  up  seed  unto  his  brotlier.'^ 

25  Now  there  Avere  with  us  seven  brethren : 
and  the  first,  when  he  had  married  a  wife,  de- 
ceased, and  having  no  issue,  left  his  wife  unto  his 
brotlier : 

26  Likewise  the  second  also,  and  the  third,  unto 
the  seventh.* 

27  And  last  of  all  the  woman  died  also. 

28  Therefore,  in  the  resurrection,  whose  wife 
shall  she  be  of  the  seven  ?  for  they  all  had  her. 

29  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Ye  do 
err,  not  knowing  the  scriptures,''  nor  the  power  of 
God. 

30  For  in  the  resurrection  they  neither  marry. 


"  In  value  14  cents  4  mills,  t  Or.  inscription,  a  ch.  i7;'J.5,  *i7;  Rom.  13:7. 
b  Mal.l:li-«;  .■!:B-10.  »  Mark  12: IS,  etc.;  Luke  •20:'27,  etc.  •>  Acts  2.'i;.'i. 
«  Deut.  43:3;  Ruth  1:11.  1  Gr.  seven.  I  John  20:9.  e  oh.  18:10;  1  .lohn 
3:2.   h  Exocl.:J:0,  15,10;  Heb.ll;10.    i  ch.  7:28;  Markl2:17.   jLuke  10:2.3, 


16.  Herodians;  they  held  that  it  was  lawful  to  pay  trib- 
ute to  Cesar,  or  to  the  Romans,  who  hail  conquered  and 
governed  Juilea.  The  Pharisees  held  th;it  it  was  not,  but 
was  contrary  to  the  divine  law.     Deut.  17:15. 

17.  Tell  ««,-  settle  the  question  so  much  disputed  among 
us.  h  it  lawful  to  give  Inhtite  unto  Cesar,  or  not?  if  he 
should  say  it  was  not  lawful,  they  meant  to  accuse  him 
to  tlie  civil  authority  as  an  enemy  to  the  Romans ;  if  he 
should  say  it  was  lawful,  they  meant  to  accuse  him  to  the 
people  as  opposed  to  the  law  of  God. 

18.  Perceived;  he  saw  their  hearts,  their  motives,  as 
plainly  as  he  did  their  faces. 

19.  Tribute-money;  the  Roman  coin  in  which  the  civil 
taxes  were  paid. 

20.  Image;  likeness  stamped  upon  the  coin. 

21.  Cesar's;  this  showed  that  as  they  wore  under  his 
government,  and  enjoyed  its  protection,  they  ought  to  as- 
sist in  supporting  it;  while,  at  the  same  time,  they  ought 
to  obey  (!od. 

22.  Marvelled;  they  were  astonished  at  his  wisdom  in 
escaping  their  siuire.  Neither  could  accuse  him,  for  he 
had  maintained  the  rights  of  the  government  and  the 
rights  of  (lod. 

23.  No  resurrection ;  of  the  body  after  death.  They  de- 
nied any  existt'iice  of  the  soul  after  death,  and  consequently 
any  reunion  of  soul  and  body  in  a  future  resurrection. 

24.  Seed;  children,  who  should  be  called  after  his  broth- 
er, that  no  family  in  Israel  might  become  extinct. 


nor  are  given  in  marriage,  but  are  as  the  angels 
of  God  in  heaven.''' 

31  But  as  touching  the  resurrection  of  the  dead, 
have  ye  not  read  that  Avhich  was  spoken  unto  you 
by  God,  saying, 

32  I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of 
Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ?"  God  is  not  the 
God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living. 

33  And  when  the  multitude  heard  this,  they 
were  astonished  at  his  doctrine.' 

34  ^  But  when  the  Pharisees  had  heard  that  he 
had  put  (he  Sadducces  to  silence,  they  were  gath- 
ered together. 

35  Then  one  of  them,  vjhich  urns  a  lawyer,  asked 
him  a  question,  tempting  him,-'  and  saying, 

36  Master,  which  is  the  great  commandment  in 
the  law? 

37  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind.'' 

38  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 

39  And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.' 

40  On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the 
law  and  the  prophets.'" 

41  ir  While  the  Pharisees  were  gathered  to- 
gether, Jesus  asked  them, 

42  Saying,  What  think  ye  of  Christ?  whose  son 
is  he?     They  say  unto  him,  The  son  of  David." 

43  He  saith  unto  them.  How  then  doth  David 
in  spirit  call  him  Lord,  saying, 

44  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my 
right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool  ?" 

45  If  David  then  called  him  Lord,  how  is  he  his 
son? 

4(3  And  no  man  was  able  to  answer  him  a  word,'' 
neither  durst  any  man  from  that  day  forth  ask  him 
any  more  questions.''- 


etc.  k  Deut.  0:5;  1U:12.  1  Lev.  19:1s.  m  Rom.  1.3:9;  .lis.  2:S.  "  Mark 
12:35,  etc.;  l.uke  20:41,  etc.  oPsa.  110:1;  Acts  2:34,  35;  Heb.  1:13;  10:12, 
13.    pLukel4;(i.    q  Mark  12:34;  Luke  20:40. 


28.  WItnse  wife;  they  thought  the  resurrection  absurd, 
and  that  this  difticultj'  would  jirove  its  absnrditv. 

31.  Touching  the  resurrection ;  in  proof  from  the  Bible  of 
the  resurrection.  Have  ye  not  read;  Exod.  3: (3,  LI.  The 
manner  in  which  God  spoke  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  .liicob. 
showed  tliey  were  still  alive,  in  opposition  to  the  doctrine 
of  the  Sadducees.  And  as  Jehovah  was  then  the  God  of 
their  living  souls,  he  would  in  due  time  raiso  their  bodies 
incorruptible  and  immortal. 

33.  Astonished;  to  witness  his  acquaintance  with  the 
scriptures,  and  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  his  application 
of  them. 

.35.  A  lavyer;  expounder  and  teacher  of  the  divine  law. 

36.  In  the' law;  the  law  of  tJod. 

37.  .Tetus  said;  Deut.  6:5. 

38.  First;  in  im])ortance,  as  it  requires  the  duties  we 
owe  to  God,  which  are  tlie  foundation  of  all  true  goodness. 

39.  The  second;  Lev.  19:18;  requiring  the  duties  we  owe 
to  men. 

40.  77)C.'!e  tim;  (hoy  comprehend  the  substance  of  ;ill 
that  is  rei]uiri'il  in  the  Old  Testament  scriptures. 

43.  In  s/)int ;  sjieaking  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.     Psa.  110:1. 

44.  Right  hand ;  as  sharing  with  me  the  throne  of  heaven. 
Thy  foot 'ilool ;  till  thou  sot  thy  feet  ui)on  thine  enemies,  as 
utterly  Viimiuished. 

45.  How;  how  is  Christ  both  David's  Lord  and  son? 

Hi.  S'o  man  was  aide;  the  reason  was,  tliey  did  not  rightly 


Ilumilily  commended. 


MATTHE\y  XXIII. 


Woes  upon  hypocrites. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

I  Christ  admonisheth  the  people  to  follow  the  good  doctrine,  not  the  evil 
examples,  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.  5  His  disciples  must  beware 
of  their  ambition.  13  He  denouncelh  eii;ht  woes  against  tlleir  hypoc- 
risy and  blindness;  34  and  propliesieth  of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

THEX  spake  Jesus  to  tlie  multitude,  and  to  his 
disciples, 
■2  Sayintr,  The  scribes  and  the  Pharisees  sit  in 
Mose.-?'  seat:" 

3  All  therefore  whatsoever  they  bid  you  observe, 
that  observe  and  do ;  but  do  not  ye  after  their 
works :  for  they  say,  and  do  not.'' 

4  For  they  bind  heavy  burdens  and  jjrievous  to 
be  borne,  and  lay  f/ic7n  on  men's  shoulders;'  but 
they  f/icmselves  will  not  move  them  with  one  of 
thoir  finsrers. 

5  But  all  their  works  they  do  for  to  be  seen  of 
men:"  they  make  broad  their  phylacteries,  and 
enlarge  the  borders  of  their  garments," 

6  And  love  tlie  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts,  and 
the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogues,' 

7  And  greetings  in  the  markets,  and  to  be  called 
of  men,  llabbi,  Kabbi. 


»  Mai.  2:7.  b  Horn.  2:21-23.  c  Acts  15:10.  ■!  ch.  fi:l-16.  «  Num. 
15:38.     '  Mark  12::!s,  etc.;  Luke  11:43,  etc.    f  .las.  3:1.     li  ch.  6:9.     i  ch. 

understand  his  character.  If  they  had  understood  it,  they 
could  have  answered.  As  man,  he  was  David's  son ;  and 
as  God,  he  was  his  Lord. 

IXSTRlTTIONf?. 

2.  Tlie  provisions  of  Uod  for  the  liappiness  of  men  are 
most  abundant  and  free,  and  Ids  invitations  to  tlicni  to 
come  and  receive  according  to  their  wants,  are  most  ur- 
gent and  sincere. 

7.  Though  men  have  the  power  and  the  disposition,  yet 
ttiey  liave  no  right  to  reject  the  invitations  of  God,  or  to 
stay  away  from  him  and  perish.  It  is  a  great  dislionor  to 
him,  as  well  as  a  great  wrong  to  themselves. 

11.  A  time  is  coming  when  God  will  examine  into  every 
man's  character,  and  when  those  who  have  trusted  to  their 
own  righteousness,  without  submission  to  or  acceptance 
of  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  will,  with  hypocrites  and 
the  openly  vicious,  be  cast  into  outer  darkness,  where  is 
weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 

14.  None  would  accept  the  gracious  invitations  of  the 
gospel,  and  be  for  ever  blessed,  if  God  had  not  from  the 
beginning  chosen  them  to  salvation,  through  the  sanctili- 
cation  of  the  Sjiirit  and  the  belief  of  the  triuli.  While 
those  who  reject  (,'hrist  and  are  lost  owe  their  destruction 
wholly  to  themselves,  those  who  are  saved  are  indebted 
for  salvation  to  the  riches  of  grace. 

Ifi.  Wicked  men  for  evil  purjioses  sometimes  make  great 
professions  of  respect  to  preachers  of  the  gos])el,and  pre- 
Icnd  to  have  an  earnest  ilesire  to  know  the  tnilli ;  yet  when 
the  truth  is  exhibited,  as  revealed  by  (iod,  they  reject  it; 
thus  showing  that  their  real  character  was  not  that  of 
sincere  inipiirers,  but  of  objectors  and  hypocrites. 

28.  The  difficulties  which  men  bring  forward,  in  order 
i.p  show  that  doctrines  revealed  in  the  iJible  are  false,  arc 
often  difficulties  of  their  own  making,  and  spring  from  ig- 
norance of  the  Scriptures,  not  from  these  doctrines  as  (Iod 
',:is  revealed  them. 

•i'J.  The  doctrines  of  the  immortality  of  the  soul  and  of 
liie  resurrection  of  the  body  were  both  taught  in  the  Old 
Tprntament,  as  was  also  the  obligation  of  men  to  love  (!iid 
with  all  the  heart,  and  their  neighbors  as  themselves.  I?y 
l.'hrist  these  truths  wore  revealeil  with  greater  clearneHH. 
but  the  great  requirements  of  lioth  Testaments  are  sub- 
^i:intially  the  same. 

VI.  The  liible.  received  as  all  given  by  inspiration  of 

I  Mid,  presents  insupirable  diflienlties  to  those  who  reject 

tin-  divinity  of  Christ,  or  consider  him  as  possessing  but 

one  nature.     Thev  cannot   rightly  <xpl:iin   nianv  things 

IHIt 


8  But  be  not  ye  called  Rabbi :"  for  one  is  a.  d  33 
your  Master,  even  Christ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren. 

9  And  call  no  man  your  father  upon  the  earth : 
for  one  is  your  Father,  whicii  is  in  heaven." 

10  Neither  be  ye  called  masters :  for  one  is  your 
blaster,  even  Christ. 

1 1  But  he  that  is  greatest  among  you  shall  be 
your  servant.' 

12  And  whosoever  shall  exalt  liimsclf,  shall  be 
abased :  and  he  that  shall  humble  himself,  shall 
be  exalted.J 

13  'i  But  woe  nnto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
hy]iocrites!  for  yo  shut  up  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
against  men :  for  ye  neither  go  in  yourselves,  neither 
suffer  ye  them  that  are  entering  to  go  in. 

14  Woe  nnto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
crites !  for  ye  devour  widows'  houses,''  and  for  a 
pretence  make  long  prayer:  therefore  ye  shall 
receive  the  greater  damnation. 

15  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
crites! for  ye  compass  sea  and  land  to  make  one 
proselyte:  and  wiion  lie  is  made,  ye  make  him 
t\vo4'old  more  the  ciiild  of  hell  than  yourselves.' 


20:80,27.    J  Prov.  15:33;  Jas.  4:6.    k  2  Tim.  3:6;  Tilus  J  :11. 
Acts  13:10;  Eph.  2:3. 


1  John  8:44: 


which,  to  those  who  embrace  the  truth,  are  perfectly 

plain. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

2.  Sit  in  Moses'  seat ;  they  are  the  expounders  and  teach- 
ers of  the  law  of  Moses. 

3.  Observe  and  do ;  so  far  as  they  teach  according  to  the 
laws  of  God  ;  but  beyond  that,  Do  not  ye  after  their  ivorks; 
do  not  imitate  their  example. 

4.  Heavij  hnrilens;  grievous  and  troublesome  ceremonies 
and  observances  which  they  reipiired.  They  rigidly  ex- 
pounded certain  [larts  of  the  divine  law  as  binding  en  the 
peojile,  while  tliey  themselves,  secretly  or  openly,  claimed 
a  release  from  them. 

C>.  Pht/lact cries;  slips  of  parchment  worn  about  their  per- 
sons, on  which  were  written  some  divine  |>reeei)t8.  The 
Pharisees  made  them  broader  than  others,  to  intimate  that 
the^'  were  more  holy.  For  the  same  purjiose  thej*  en- 
larged the  borders  or  fringes  which  Moses  had  command- 
ed them  to  wear  on  their  garments.  Ntim.  1.5 :3H. 

C.  Uppermost  roriiiis;  most  honorable  ]ilaces  at  tin'  table. 
The  .lews  of  oin-  Lord's  day  look  their  meals  reclining  on 
couches,  which  were  arranged  on  three  sides  of  a  central 
table.  In  assigning  the  guests  to  their  "rooms,"  orjilact^s. 
strict  attention  was  paid  to  ranU.    Compare  Luke  14:7-11. 

7.  Riibhi ;  master. 

8.  Brctlircu  ;  e<|ually  children  of  (iod,  and  fellow-heirs  of 
Christ ;  no  one  of  you  having  authority  to  control  the  faith 
and  jiractice  of  the  rest. 

a.  Call  no  man  your  father ;  as  having  authority  over 
your  faith  and  practice. 

10.  Masters;  a.s\cadoTH  and  controllers  of  ChriKl's  minis- 
ters and  peo)ile. 

11.  SrrranI ;  greatness  in  Christ's  kingdom  eonsisls  not 
in  outward  authority  over  others,  but  in  the  abnndanee  of 
oiu"  labors  and  sacrifices  for  the  wi'lfare  of  our  brethren. 

13.  .%?//  lip  the  kinpdnm  nf  heaven  ;  by  your  false  iiiter- 
liretations  of  tln'  law.  and  your  op]position  to  me,  its  true 
exjiounder.  finlherpii  tn  ;  they  would  not  embrace  Chrisl 
themselves,  nor.  if  they  coulil  prevent  it.  wnidd  they  sulfei 
others  to  do  it. 

II.  Throvf  vidmes'  hniisrs  :  rob  them  of  their  estates. 
Tlirrefore ;  on  aeiount  of  tlieir  hypocrisy.  Greater  dam- 
nation; more  awful  jmnislimi-nt. 

1.").  Compass  sen  and  land  ;  mukv  all  sorts  of  ell'orls.  Pros- 
elyte ;  convert  to  tlieir  religion.  More  the  child  of  hell :  more 
wicked. 


The  scribes  and  Pharisees. 


MATTHEW  XXIII. 


Destruction  of  Jerusalem. 


AD.  iT  16  Woe  unto  you,  ye  blind  guides,"  ■which 
say,  Whosoever  shall  swear  by  the  temple,  it  is 
notliing;  but  whosoever  sliall  swear  liy  the  gold 
of  the  temple,  he  is  a  debtor ! 

17  Ye  fools  and  blind:''  for  whether  is  greater, 
tlie  gold,  or  the  temple  that  sanctilieth  tlie  gold  '! 

18  And,  Whosoever  shall  swear  by  the  altar,  it 
is  notlung;  but  whosoever  swearetli  by  the  gift 
that  is  upon  it,  he  is  guilty." 

19  Ye  fools  and  blind:  for  wliether  is  greater, 
tlie  gift,  or  the  altar  that  sanctificth  the  gift? 

20  Whoso  therefore  shall  swear  by  the  altar, 
swcareth  by  it,  and  l)y  all  tilings  thereon. 

21  And  whoso  shall  swear  l)y  the  temple,  swcar- 
eth by  it,  and  by  him  that  dwelleth  therein.'* 

22  And  he  that  shall  swear  by  heaven,  swcareth 
by  the  throne  of  God,*"  and  by  him  that  sitteth 
thereon. 

23  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
crites! for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint  and  anise^  and 
cummin,'  and  liave  omitted  the  weightier  mattrrs  of 
the  law,  judgment,  mercy,  and  faith  :'"'  these  ougiit 
ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  undone. 

24  Ye  blind  guides,  which  strain  at  a  gnat,  and 
swallow  a  camel. 

25  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisi^es,  hypo- 
crites! for  ye  make  clean  the  outside  of  the  cup 
and  of  the  platter,  but  within  they  are  full  of  ex- 
tortion and  excess.'' 

26  TlioiL  blind  Pharisee,  cleanse  first  tliat  iv/iich 
is  witiiin  the  cup  and  platter,  that  the  outside  of 
tliem  may  be  clean  also. 

27  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pliarisees,  hypo- 
crites! for  ye  are  like  unto  whited  sepulchres,  wliich 
indeed  appear  beautiful  outward,  but  are  within 
full  of  dead  men's  bones,  and  of  all  uncleanness.' 


a  Crl.  IS 

:1-1 

.     b 

Psi.  M:3. 

•Or, 

cU/jt 

or,  or 

bound,     c 

Rxcd 

29:37; 

30:20. 

J  viChr.6: 

■J; 

rsa. 

•ifi;8.    e  Psa, 

n-.i 

;   Ua 

.liB:l 

;  oh-OlW 

t  ISr 

anet/ton,  dill. 

'Luke  II 

4.! 

Bl 

Sam,  IS.ii 

,ler 

■.": 

.5,  1« 

Hos.  5;5 

Min 

0  S;  ch 

9:  13. 

1>  Mark  7 

4, 

etc. 

i  Luke  11 

n; 

Acts 

■23:3 

j  Acts  7 

:  5'J; 

1  'l'lie>^s. 

2:lj. 

16.  Debtor;  under  obligation  to  keep  his  oath. 
18.  Guilt]!;  if  h^  Aoas  not  fulfil  his  oath. 

23.  Paij  tithe ;  devote  a  tenth  part  to  the  service  of  the 
temple.  Mint,  anise,  and  cummin;  herbs  of  small  value. 
Weightier ;  more  important.  Judgment,  mercy,  and  faith ;  j  us- 
tice  to  all,  compassion  to  the  needy,  and  piety  towards  (iod. 

24.  Strain  at  a  gnat ;  strain  the  liquid  which  you  drink 
at  the  presence  of  a  gnat  in  it,  lest  you  shouhl  be  made 
unclean  by  swallowing  it.  They  reckoned  the  gnat  among 
the  unclean  creeping  things.  Lev.  11 :  20, 2.3.  The  reader  will 
notice  that  the  camel  was  also  an  unclean  animal.  The  mean- 
ing therefore  is,  that  they  were  very  scrupulous  about  little 
tiling,^,  wliilo,  without  scruple,  they  committed  great  sins. 

27.  Wkiled  s^pulc'ires ;  sepulchres  newly  whitewashed, 
according  to  the  custom  of  the  country  at  certain  periods. 

29.  Garnish;  beautify;  adorn  ;  as  if  they  had  great  re- 
gard for  good  men. 

:51.  Witnesses— children  of  them  which  killed  the  prophets ; 
by  calling  the  murderers  of  the  prophets  "our  fathers," 
they  acknowledged  themselves  to  be  their  literal  children  ; 
and  by  imitating  them  in  tlieir  deeds,  they  proved  tliein- 
selves  their  children  in  character. 

32.  Measure;  the  measure  of  their  sins  till  wrath  should 
come  upon  them. 

31.  Prophets;  his  apostles  and  other  teachers  of  his  re- 
ligion.    Acts  'i-.n,  40;  7:59. 

3.').  .411  the  righteous  tthod  shed  upon  the  earth  ;  they  were 

about  to  murder  tlie  Son  of  Ood,  and,  in  so  doing,"  to  set 

as  it  were  their  seal  and  sanction  to  all  the  niuT-ders  of 

good  men  before  them.     They  would  therefore  be  treated 

70 


28  Even  so  ye  also  outwardly  appear  righteous 
unto  men,  but  within  ye  are  full  of  hypocrisy  and 
iniquity. 

29  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
crites !  because  ye  build  tlie  tombs  of  tlie  prophets, 
and  garnish  the  sepulchres  of  tlie  righteous, 

30  And  say.  If  we  had  been  in  the  days  of  our 
fathers,  we  would  not  have  been  partakers  with 
them  ill  the  blood  of  the  prophets. 

31  Wherefore  ye  be  witnesses  unto  yourselves, 
that  ye  are  the  children  of  them  which  killed  the 
prophets.-* 

32  Fill  ye  up  then  the  measure  of  your  fathers.'' 

33  Ye  serpents,  ye  generation  of  vipers,'  how 
can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell  ? 

34  1"  Wherefore,  behold,  I  send  unto  you  proph- 
ets, and  wise  men,  and  scribes:  and  some  of  them 
ye  shall  kill  and  crucify;'''  and  some  of  them  shall 
ye  scourge  in  your  synagogues,"  and  persecute 
them  from  city  to  city  :° 

35  That  upon  you  may  come  all  the  righteous 
blood  shed  upon  the  earth,''  from  the  blood  of 
righteous  Abel"  unto  the  blood  of  Zacharias,  son 
of  Barachias,  whom  ye  slew  between  the  temple 
and  the  altar."' 

36  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  All  these  things  shall 
come  upon  this  generation. 

37  0  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  thou  that  killest  the 
prophets,  and  stonest  them  which  are  sent  unto 
thee,'  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  chil- 
dren together,'  even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chick- 
ens under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not ! 

38  Behold,  your  house  is  left  unto  you  desolate." 

39  For  I  say  unto  you.  Ye  shall  not  see  me  hence- 
forth, till  ye  shall  say.  Blessed  is  he  that  conieth 
in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord.'' 


k  Gen 

15 

lli 

1  Thess 

2: 

IB. 

1  ch 

.  3:7. 

m  Acts  7 

■.W. 

■>  Acts 

.■i-41) 

2  Cor. 

11:21, 

2S. 

0 

Heb.  11: 

37. 

P 

Kev 

18:24. 

1  Gen. 

4:3. 

r  2  Ch 

r,  24 

211. 

21 

'  Luke  13:34 

t  Deut 

31 

:ll 

12; 

Psa.  91 

4      "  Zech.  11 

:6.     V 

Psa 

IIH 

2ri 

ch.  21 

U. 

accordingly.  Zacltarias,  son  of  Jlarachias ;  it  is  not  certainly 
known  to  whom  the  Saviour  refers.  A  probable  opinion  is, 
that  Zechariah  the  son  of  Jehoiada  is  meant.  See  2  t'liron. 
24:20-22.  According  to  the  arrangement  of  the  Jewish 
canon,  which  puts  the  two  books  of  Chronicles  last,  Abel 
is  the  first  righteous  man  whose  murder  is  recorded,  and 
this  Zechariah  the  last.  Some  think  that  liarachiah  was 
another  name  borne  by  Jehoiada;  otliers,  that  the  reading 
should  be  Jehoiada  instead  of  Barachias. 

3(i.  These  things;  tlie  punishments  due  to  their  sins. 

38.  Your  house;  their  temple,  whitdi  was  soon  after 
burned  by  the  Romans,  and  remains  desolate  to  this  day. 

39.  Sliall  not  see  me  licnccfoith  ;  our  Lord  was  now  closing 
his  personal  ministry  on  earth.  .After  his  resurrection  he 
showed  himself  not  to  all  the  ]ieoide,  Imt  to  chosen  witness- 
es. Acts  10 :  41.  They  should  never  again  enjoy  his  presence,, 
till  they  were  reatly  to  receive  hiin  as  their  Messiah. 

LXSTIU'tJTlONS. 

2.  Men  may  hold  the  first  jdace  as  rulers  and  teachers 
in  the  visible  church,  and  yet  have  no  true  religion,  and 
they  may  show  this  by  their  conduct.  But  wicked  exam- 
ples, whoever  may  set  them,  should  not  be  followed. 

9.  In  matters  of  religion  and  conscience,  ministers  of  the 
gospel  cannot  bow  to  mere  human  authority  without  giv- 
ing to  men  what  belongs  only  to  (lod  ;  and  men  who,  on 
the  ground  of  such  authority,  claim  to  be  fathers  and  mas- 
ters to  their  brethren,  directing  them  what  to  believe  and 
do,  ;ire  anticlirists,  denying  in  practice  the  prerogatives  of 
both  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

11.  The  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  Clirist  arc  those  who 

1105 


Christ  foretdleth  tht 


MATTHEW  XXIV. 


destruction  of  Jerusalem, 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  Christ  foretelleth  the  destruction  of  the  temple;  3  what  and  how  great 
calamities  shall  be  before  it:  29  the  signs  of  his  coming  to  judgment. 
3G  And  because  that  day  and  liour  is  unknown,  42  we  ought  to  watch 
like  good  servants,  expecting  every  moment  our  Master's  coming. 

AND  Jesus  went  out,  and  departed  from  the 
temple :  and  his  disciples  came  to  him  for 
to  show  him  the  buildings  of  the  temple. 

2  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Bee  ye  not  all  these 
things?  verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  shall  not  be 
left  here  one  stone  upon  another,  that  shall  not  be 
thrown  down." 

3  1  And  as  lie  sat  upon  the  mount  of  Olives,  the 
disciples  came  unto  him  privately,  saying.  Tell 
us,  when  shall  these  things  be?  and  what  s/iall  be 
the  sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the 
world?" 

4  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Take 
heed  that  no  man  deceive  you.*" 

5  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name/'  saying,  I 
am  Christ;  and  shall  deceive  many. 

6  And  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  rumors  of 
wars:'  see  that  ye  be  not  troubled:  for  all  these 
things  must  come  to  pass,  but  the  end  is  not  yet. 

7  For  nation  siiall  rise  against  nation,  and  king- 
dom against  kingdom :'  antl  there  siiall  be  famines, 
and  pestilences,  and  earthquakes,  in  divers  places. 

8  All  the.se  are  the  beginning  of  sorrows. 

•  1  Kings  9:7;  Jer.  :»:l-(;  Mark  l:iA;  Luke  ID:  44;  il-.o.  b  1  Thess.  6:1, 
etc.  e  Col.2:S;  aThe-ti.  2:.X  <ljer.  14:11.  e  Dan.  11.  f  Has.  S:21,  23. 
fLijke2l:12.     I>  John  10:2;  Acts  7:09.     i  ch.  13:21.     j  2  Pet.  2: 1  ;  IJohn 

most  love  him  and  their  fellow-raen,  and  are  most  ready  to 
honor  the  one  and  do  good  to  ttie  other. 

I'i.  The  wickedness  of  the  heart  is  so  great,  that  it  may 
lead  men  not  only  to  reject  Cliri.st,  but  to  make  great  efforts 
to  induce  others  to  reject  him,  and  thus  shut  both  them- 
selves and  others  out  of  heaven. 

16.  Blirid  guides  tamper  witli  the  conKcicnce,make  imag- 
inary and  futile  distinctions  between  tlic  guilt  of  different 
sins,  passing  over  some  lightly  as  if  tliey  were  venial,  or 
granting  imlulgences  to  commit  them,  and  treating  others 
no  more  wicked  as  deadly,  while  in  all,  self  and  am  are  at 
the  bottom ;  and  those  who  lead,  and  those  who  follow,  if 
they  continue,  will  perish. 

'i:i.  To  do  justly,  love  mercy,  and  walk  humbly  with  Ood, 
is  a  better  evidence  of  true  religion  tli:iM  ;ill  merely  exter- 
nal observances;  and  scrupulous  attention  to  little  things, 
with  neglect  of  great  ones,  is  an  indication  that  men  are 
deceivers,  or  deceived. 

34.  The  mostawful  dcimnciations  of  divine  wrath  against 
the  wicked  are  j)erfectly  consistent  with  the  greatest  kind- 
ness, the  most  tender  com]i:issi()n,  and  the  most  earnest 
desire  that  they  should  turn  from  their  sins  and  live. 

'AT.  The  reason  why  men  are  not  saved  is,  not  that  Christ 
is  not  able  and  willing  to  save  them,  nor  that  they  are  not 
under  obligation  to  be  saved,  but  that  they  will  not  come 
to  him,  or  compl3'  with  the  needful  terms  of  salvation.  Of 
course,  if  they  perish,  they  will  be  their  own  destroyers, 
and  the  guilt  will  rest  for  ever  on  themselves. 

CIJAPTKR  XXIV. 

In  the  prophecy  of  this  chapter,  there  is  a  double  refer- 
ence: first,  to  the  destruction  of  the  temple,  and  as  con- 
nected with  this  the  overthrow  of  the  .Jewish  stale  and 
nation ;  secondly,  to  the  end  of  the  world.  Both  these 
events  are  included  in  the  question  of  the  disciples,  ver.  3. 
who  seem  to  have  connected  them  as  inseparable  from  each 
other.  The  providential  coming  of  the  .Son  of  man  to  dc- 
.stroy  the  city  and  temple,  which  was  to  be  fulfilled  before 
that  generation  had  passed  away,  shadows  forth,  therefore, 
his  more  awful  and  majestic  personal  coming  at  "the  end 
•)f  the  world."  So  far  as  tlie  outward  form  of  the  proph- 
1106 


9  Then  shall  they  deliver  you  up  to  be  a.  d.ss. 
afflicted,^  and  shall  kill  you:''  and  ye  shall  be 
hated  of  all  nations  for  my  name's  sake. 

10  And  then  sli;ill  many  be  ofl'eiuled,'  and  shall 
betray  one  another,  and  shall  iiatc  one  another. 

11  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,J  and  shall 
deceive  many.'' 

12  And  because  iniquity  shall  abound,  the  love 
of  many  shall  wa.\  cold.' 

13  But  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the  end,  the 
same  shall  be  saved."' 

14  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be 
preached  in  all  tlic  world,  for  a  witness  unto  all 
nations;"  and  then  shall  the  end  come. 

15  When  ye  therefore  shall  see  the  abomination 
of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  projihet," 
stand  in  the  holy  place,  (whoso  readeth,  let  him 
understand,) 

16  Then  let  them  which  be  in  Judea  flee  into  the 
mountains: 

17  Let  him  which  is  on  the  house-top  not  come 
down  to  take  any  thing  out  of  his  house: 

18  Neither  let  him  which  is  in  the  field  return 
back  to  take  his  clothes. 

19  And  woe  unto  them  that  are  with  child,  and 
to  them  that  give  suck  in  those  days !'' 

20  But  pray  ye  that  your  flight  be  not  in  the 
winter,  neither  on  the  sabliath-day : 


4:3.     k  1  Tim.  4:1.      1  Rev.  3:15,  16.     m  Hev.  2:10.     n  ch.  23:19;  Rom. 
10:18;  Rev.  14:C.     oDan.  <J:27;  12:11.     P  Luke  23:29. 


ecy  is  concerned,  the  first  part  is  more  occupied  with  the 
nearer  event;  thclatter, with  the  ninre  distant.  Jiutitwas 
not  our  Lord's  purpose  to  reveal  distinctly  the  se[iaration 
of  the  two  by  a  vast  interval  of  time.  The  signs  of  the 
approaching  catastrophe — wars,  f;iminc,  pestilence,  earth- 
quakes, persecution,  false  prophets,  etc. — were  all  fulfilled, 
as  the  history  of  these  times  showR,  in  resjiect  to  its  nearer 
fulfilment  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  Another  fulfil- 
ment remains  for  the  last  days.  The  if.irkening  of  the  sun, 
moon,  and  stars,  ver.  2'.>,  was  fulfilled  symbolically  at  the 
overthrow  of  the  .Jewish  temple  and  city,  this  being  a  well- 
known  emblem  of  revolutions  and  the  fall  of  nations.  See 
note  on  ls;i.  l:i:l(i,  :iiid  the  references,  lint  it  shall  be  lit- 
erally fulfilled  when  lic;iven  and  e;irth  sludl  pass  away- 

1.  The  tciiijitc ;  this  teni|il<'  was  built  by  the  .lews  ;ifter 
their  return  from  the  Babylonish  cajitivity,  and  greatly 
enlarged  and  beautified  by  Herod. 

2.  Tlirown  dou-n  ;  expressive  of  the  Utter  destruction 
which  took  place  about  forty  years  after. 

9.  M u  name's  siikc;  on  account  of  their  attachment  to  him. 

10.  Offeiutcil ;  led  to  forsake  him,  and  aposl;iti/.e  lioni  his 
religion. 

13.  Endure;  continue  to  obey  Christ,  notwithstanding 
idl  o|)position. 

H.  All  Ihc  world;  all  the  countries  then  known. 

15.  The  almminali'in  of  drsolalian  ;  i'i'ti\\i\ii]\\y  understood 
of  the  e;igle8  of  the  Roman  stiind;irdH,  rrgiuiled  as  objects 
of  idohitrous  worship.  Slnnd  in  the  hah/ place;  cnciimped 
about  .lerusalem.  WVioso  readelli ;  l);in.  11:27;  1'2:11.  Let 
him  vnderslaiid ;  that  the  destruction  fciri'lold  by  tli(^  projih- 
et  Daniel  more  than  five  hundred  years  before,  is  now 
about  to  be  accomplished. 

16.  Flee  into  Ihc  maunlaim  ;  to  save  themselves,  and  pre- 
vent their  being  taken  by  the  liomans. 

17.  lloiise-lap;  the  tops  of  houses  were  then  made  ll;it, 
■and  persons  often  sat,  w;ilked,  pmyed,  took  their  niiiils, 
and  spent  their  nights  njion  them.  To  lake  anijlhini; ;  but 
flee  by  the  shortest  way,  iind  in  the  quickest  manner. 

19.    IFoe;  on  account  of  the  increased  dilficully  of  fleeing. 
2(1.  Winter — mhlmth-ihuj;  because  it  would  tlien  be  more 
difficult  to  escajie. 


The  coming  of  Christ, 


MATTHEW  XXIV. 


and  signs  thereof. 


A.  D.  33.  21  For  then  shall  be  great  tribulation, 
such  as  was  not  since  the  beginning  of  the  world 
to  this  time,"  no,  nor  ever  shall  be. 

22  And  except  those  days  should  be  shortened, 
there  should  no  flesh  be  saved :  but  for  the  elect's 
sake  tiiose  days  shall  be  shortened." 

23  Then  if  any  man  shall  say  unto  you,  Lo,  here 
is  Clirist,  or  thei;e  ;  believe  it  not.'' 

2-t  For  there  shall  arise  false  Christs,  and  false 
prophets,''  and  shall  show  great  signs  and  won- 
ders ;°  insomuch  that,  if  it  ivere  possible,  they  shall 
deceive  the  very  elect. "^ 

25  Behold,  I  have  told  you  before. 

26  Wherefore,  if  they  shall  say  unto  you,  Be- 
hold, he  is  in  the  desert ;  go  not  forth :  behold,  he 
is  in  the  secret  chambers ;  believe  it  not. 

27  For  as  the  lightning  cometh  out  of  the  east, 
and  shinetli  even  unto  the  west;^  so  shall  also  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 

28  For  wheresoever  the  carcass  is,  there  will 
the  eagles  be  gathered  together.'' 

29  Immediately  after  the  tribulation  of  those 
days,  shall  the  sun  be  darkened,  and  the  moon 
shall  not  give  her  light,  and  the  stars  shall  fall 
from  heaven,'  and  the  powers  of  the  heavens  shall 
be  shaken :' 

30  And  then  shall  appear  the  sign  of  the  Son  of 
man  in  heaven:"  and  then  shall  all  the  tribes  of 
the  earth  mourn,  and  they  shall  see  the  Son  of  man 
coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with  power  and 
great  glory.' 

31  And  he  shall  send  his  angels  with  a  great 
sound  of  a  trumpet,*""  and  they  shall  gather  togeth- 
er his  elect  from  the  four  winds,  from  one  end  of 
heaven  to  the  other." 

32  1  Now  learn  a  parable  of  the  fig-tree :"  When 
his  branch  is  yet  tender,  and  puttetli  forth  leaves, 
ye  know  that  summer  is  nigh: 

33  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  see  all  these 
things,  know  that  it*  is  near,  even  at  the 
doors.'' 

"  Dan.  12:1.  b  Isa.  fi5:3,  9.  <:  Deut.  13:1-3.  d  ver.  5,11.  e  2  Thess. 
2;9-3l;  Hev.  13:13.  f  John  10;a-l,  29.  e  Zeoh.  0:H;  Luke  17:21,  etc. 
h  Job  39:30.  i  Isa.  13:ln;  Ezek.  32:7;  Amoa  5:20;  Aels  2:20;  Rev.  6:12. 
J  2  Pel.  3:10.     k    Dan.  7:13;   Rev.  1:7.      1  ch.   16:27;  Mark  13:28;    Luke 

21.  Then  shall  be  great  tribulation;  great  distress.  It  is 
stated  that  eleven  humlred  thousand  were  slain,  and  in 
the  nei^hborhnod  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  more. 
Ninety-seven  thousand  were  sohl  into  iierpetiial  bondage, 
and  multitudes  perished  by  famine,  pestilence,  and  cruel 
treatment. 

22.  Those  (lai/.i;  days  of  distress.  No  flesh  be  saved ;  all 
the  covenant  people  would  perish.  Elect's  sake;  those 
whom  (rod  had  chosen  to  be  his  people. 

24.  If  it  were  possible ;  this  implied  that  it  was  not  pos- 
sible. 

2fi.  He  is  in  the  desert;  that  is,  the  Messiah  is  there. 

27.  So  shall — the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be ;  it  shall  be 
so  public  that  all  must  see  it. 

28.  Wheresoever  the  carcass  is,  there  will  the  eagles  be;  wher- 
ever the  Jews  are,  the  Romans  will  be  upon  them,  as  eagles 
arc  upon  their  prey ;  the  eagle  being  the  ordinary  standard 
of  the  Roman  armies. 

29.  Sltall  the  sun  be  darkened;  on  the  twofold  reference 
of  these  words,  see  the  introductory  note  to  the  chapter. 
From  this  point  onward  the  form  of  the  prophecy  has 
more  immedi:ite  reference  to  t'hrist's  final  coming, yet  not 
so  as  to  exclude  its  c;irlier  fulfilment. 

30.  The  sign  of  the  Son  of  man  in  heaven ;  the  sign  of  his 


34  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  This  generation  shall 
not  pass,  till  all  these  things  be  fulfilled. 

35  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  my 
words  shall  not  pass  away.i 

36  1i  But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man, 
no,  not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my  Fatlier  only.'' 

37  But  as  the  days  of  Noe  were,  so  shall  also  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 

38  For  as  in  the  days  that  were  before  the  flood, 
they  were  eating  and  drinking,  marrying  and  giv- 
ing in  marriage,  until  the  day  that  Noe  entered 
into  the  ark,'' 

39  And  knew  not  until  the  flood  came,  and  took 
them  all  away ;  so  shall  also  the  coming  of  the 
Son  of  man  be. 

40  Then  shall  two  be  in  the  field ;  the  one  shall 
be  taken,  and  the  other  left. 

41  Two  women  shall  be  grinding  at  the  mill ;  the 
one  shall  be  taken,  and  the  other  left. 

42  If  Watch  therefore :  for  ye  know  not  what 
hour  your  Lord  doth  come.' 

43  But  know  tliis,  tliat  if  the  good  man  of  the 
house  had  known  in  what  watch  the  thief  would 
come,  he  would  have  watched,  and  would  not  have 
suffered  his  house  to  be  broken  up. 

44  Therefore  be  ye  also  ready :  for  in  such  an 
hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  man  cometh. 

45  Who  then  is  a  faithful  and  wise  servant,  wliom 
his  lord  hath  made  ruler  over  his  household,"  to 
give  them  meat  in  due  season?'' 

46  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  lord,  when 
he  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing. 

47  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  he  shall  make 
him  ruler  over  all  his  goods." 

48  But  and  if  that  evil  servant  shall  say  in  his 
heart,  My  lord  delayeth  his  coming; 

49  And  shall  begin  to  smite  Ids  fellow-servants, 
and  to  eat  and  drink  with  the  drunken  ; 

50  The  lord  of  that  servant  shall  come  in  a  day 
when  he  looketh  not  for  him,  and  in  an  hour  that 
he  is  not  aware  of," 


22:69.  "  Qtyicitha  trumTpft,aiid  a  great  voice.  ™  IThess.  4:16.  n  Zech. 
14:5.  o  Luke  21:29.  t  Or,  He.  p  Jas.  6:9.  q  Psa.  102:26;  Isa.  51:6. 
■■Zech.  14:7;  1  Thess.  5:2.  >  Gen.  6:2.  1  Luke  12:39,  40:  Rev.  3:3;  16:15. 
uJer.  3:15.     v  oh.  13:52.     wch.  25:21.     i  1  Thess.  5:3;  Rev.  3:3. 


speedy  coming.  Shall  see  the  Son  of  man;  fulfilled  in  a 
lower  figurative  sense  when  Christ  came  providentially  to 
destroy  the  .Jewish  city  and  nation:  to  be  fulfilled  in  the 
liighest  sense  at  his  final  personal  coming.  Thesame  is 
true  of  the  gathering  together  of  his  elect,  mentioned  in 
the  following  verse. 

.34.  This  generation  shall  not  pass— be  fulfilled ;  that  is,  in 
the  nearer  event  foretold.  See  the  introductory  note  to 
the  chapter. 

36.  That  day;  the  day  of  "the  coming  of  the  Son  of 
man,"  ver.  37;  2  Tim.  1:12,  18.  Christ  did  not  tell  them 
when  it  woulil  be,  :ind  none  but  God  knew.  lie  warned 
them  to  be  prciiarcd  for  it,  and  to  be  always  ready. 

37.  Noe;  the  Creek  method  of  sjiclling  Noah.     Gen.  7:1. 
40.  Taken;  and  saved  as  a  follower  of  Clirist.     Left;  to 

perish  through  urdielicf  and  rejection  of  him. 

42.  Ye  know  not ;  this  was  true  with  regard  to  the  do- 
striiction  of  .Ierus;dem.  It  is  also  true  with  regard  to  each 
one's  death ;  and  it  will  be  true  with  regard  to  the  day  of 
judgment. 

44.  Rcadij;  for  the  coming  of  your  Lord,  in  whatever 
way. 

45.  Made  ruler ;  given  him  the  care  of  providing  for  his 
family. 

IIOI 


The  ten  virgins. 


MATTHEW  XXV. 


Parable  of  the  talents. 


51  And  shall  cut  him  asunder,*  and  appoint  him 
his  portion  with  the  liypoc-rites:  there  shall  be 
weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth/ 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  The  parable  of  the  ten  virgins.  14  and  of  the  talents.     31  Also  the 
description  of  the  last  judgment. 

THEN  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  likened 
unto  ten  virgins,''  whieli  took  their  lamps, 
and  went  fortii  to  meet  tlie  bridgroom.'' 

2  And  five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  were  fool- 
ish.* 

3  They  that  icere  foolisli  took  their  lamps,  and 
took  no  oil  with  them:" 

4  But  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels  with 
their  lamps.'' 

5  While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  they  all  slum- 
bered and  slept.'' 

G  And  at  miilniglit  tiiere  was  a  cry  made,''  Be- 
hold, tlie  bridegroom  cometh ;  go  ye  out  to  meet 
him.' 

7  Then  all  those  virgins  arose,  and  trimmed  their 
lamps. 

8  And  the  foolish  stvid  unto  the  wise,  Give  us  of 
your  oil ;  for  our  lamjjs  are  gone  out.*-' 

•  Or,  ml  him  off.  'ch.iS-.M.  b  Psa  15:U  ;  Snng  0:8,  9;  2  Cor.  11  :'i. 
»John3:-.'9.  djer.  24:2-9;  ch.  22:10.  elsa.  4-:l.  frjohn2:2U.  C  1  Tl.es«. 
5:0.  h  1  Thess  4:Ui;  Rev.  Ili:15  'Amoa-l:12.  1  Or.  go/n?  out.  J  Luke 
.12:33.    k  Isa.  .M:I,li.    1  Amos  »:12.  1:!.    m  Heb.  y:lS.  19;  Rev.  22:11.    nch. 


51.  Cut  him  asunder;  tlie  reference  is  to  the  punishment 
of  cutting  or  sawing  asunder.  The  meaning  is  he  shall 
punish  him  with  awful  severity. 

INSTIlUUTfONS. 

3.  It  is  a  great  privilege  to  bo  jjermitted  to  apply  to 
Clirist  for  instruction ;  for  he  can  give  us  what  we  neeil, 
and  in  the  liest  time  and  way. 

5.  False  teachers  ahound  in  all  ages,  and  seek  in  various 
ways  to  draw  away  disciples  after  thcin.  We  should  not 
believe  every  spirit,  but  try  tlie  spirits  whether  they  bo 
of  Uod.  1  John  4:1.  In  order  to  do  this,  all  should  sttidy 
the  Scriptures,  and  compare  what  they  hear  with  the  word 
of  (Jod. 

9.  The  hatred  of  men  to  Jesus  Christ  often  shows  itself 
in  hatred  to  his  people;  and  the  manner  in  which  men 
treat  them,  shows  how,  were  he  embodied  and  dwelling 
among  men,  they  would  treat  him. 

13.  The  sure  and  doci.sive  test  of  friendship  to  Clirist, 
in  distinction  from  all  counterfeits,  is  love  to  his  charac- 
ter shown  by  persevering  obedience  to  his  commands. 

20.  (lOd's  arrangements  for  the  future  are  not  so  lixcd 
that  it  is  improper  for  us  to  |iray  that  we  may  be  favored 
in  escaping  from  evils,  and  (d)taining  neeilcd  good.  Hut 
while  we  pray,  we  must  act ;  for  in  answering  prayer,  Ood 
encourages  action,  not  idleness — the  discharge  of  duty, 
not  the  neglect  of  it. 

22.  God  orders  the  dispensations  of  providence  and  the 
manifestations  of  grace  with  special  reference  to  his  peo- 
ple ;  and  in  such  a  manner  as  shall  secure  their  salvation. 

2!».  The  language  which  Christ  useil  to  describe  his 
coming  in  his  proviilence  to  separate  the  righteous  from 
the  wicked  at  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  end 
of  the  Jewish  commonwealth,  was  designed  and  strikingly 
adapted  to  carry  our  minds  forward  to  his  coming  at  tlie 
end  of  the  world,  when  before  him  shall  be  gatherc'il  all 
nations,  and  he  shall  separate  them  one  from  another,  as  :i 
shepherd  divideth  his  ehee))  from  the  goats.   Chap.  25:32. 

42.  The  day  of  our  death,  and  of  our  being  called  to 
judgment,  though  known  to  (Jod,  is  not  revealed  to  us, 
that  we  may  always  lie  found  in  the  path  of  duty,  and 
thus,  through  grace,  be  prepared  for  tlio/ie  great  events 
which  arc  certain  and  near. 
1108 


9  But  the  wise  answered,  saying,  JYof  so;  a.i).,i3. 
lest  tlicre  be  not  cnougli  ft)r  us  and  you :  but  go  ye 
ratlier  to  them  that  sell,  and  Iniy  for  yourselves.'' 

10  Ami  while  they  went  to  buy,  the  bridegroom 
came;'  and  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with 
him  to  the  marriage :  and  the  door  was  shut."' 

11  Afterward  came  also  the  other  virgins,  say- 
ing. Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us."       , 

12  But  he  answered  and  said.  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  1  know  you  not." 

13  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  neither  the  day 
nor  the  hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man  cometh.'' 

14  1  For  t/ie  /cinf;:dom  of  /i raven  is  as  a  man  trav- 
elling into  a  far  country,  v/io  called  his  own  ser- 
vants, and  delivered  unto  them  Jiis  goods." 

15  And  unto  one  he  gave  five  talents,'  to  another 
two,  and  to  another  one;  to  every  man  according 
to  his  several  aliility;^  and  straightway  took  his 
journey. 

1()  Tlien  lie  that  had  received  the  five  talents 
went  and  traded  with  the  same,  and  made  t/iem 
other  five  talents. 

17  And  likewise  he  that  had  received  two,  he  also 
gained  otiier  two. 

18  But  he  that  had  received  one  went  and  digged 
in  the  earth,  and  hid  his  lord's  money. 

7:21-23;  Hob.  12:17.  o  Hab.  1:13.  P  eh.  24:42,  41 ;  Mark  13:11,  35;  Luke 
21::}G.  1  Luke  10:12,  etc.  t  A  talent  is  btiS  dollars  3u  cents;  ch.  1&;34. 
rRom.  12:6;  1  Cor.  12:4,  etc.;  Eph.  4:11. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

1.  Then;  at  the  time  when  the  Son  of  man  shall  come, 
as  foretold  in  the  preceding  chapter.  The  olijcet  of  this 
]iar;iblc  is  to  show  that  as  wo  do  not  know  when  Christ 
will  come,  we  should  so  live  as  to  be  always  ready.  Its 
highest  reference  is  to  his  final  pers(Uiid  coming;  but  this 
does  not  e.xclndc  lower  reforoncos.  as  that  of  his  particular 
coming  to  each  iniliviilual  at  death.  To  meet  the  bride- 
groom ;  when  he  went,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  age 
and  country,  to  I'clrh  home  his  bride  by  ni_i>-ht. 

3.  Thr\j  Ihiit  wcrcfoo/ish — tool:  no  oil  Willi  lliem  ;  so  that  the 
flame  of  their  lamps  could  not  hoKl  out.  These  corresjiond 
to  those  "  sown  on  stony  ground,"  who  "endure  but  for  a 
time."     iMark  4:16,  17. 

4.  Took  oil;  to  feed  their  lamjiH.  These  agree  with 
those  "sown  on  good  ground,"  who  "bring  forth  fruit 
with  ]iatience."     Mark  4:20;  l.id;ey:I5. 

8.  done  out;  more  literally,  going  out,  for  want  of  oil  to 
recruit  them.  This  shows  the  consternation  of  those  who 
are  not  ready  to  meet  Christ  at  his  coming. 

9.  Not  so;  no  believer  can  furnish  grace  for  his  fellow- 
men.     This  comes  only  from  (iod. 

10.  The  hrtdcffroom  came;  reprosonting  Christ  as  coming 
before  the  wicked  are  ready.  ']'he  door  was  sin/t ;  ;ill  op- 
liortunity  of  preparing  to  moi't  Christ  ceases  at  death. 

12.  I  k  noil,'  i/o'i  not;  as  my  friends. 

13.  If'iilch  therefore;  this  was  the  practical  application 
which  Christ  iri;ule  of  the  p;irable. 

14.  The  kinpdom  of  heaven;  the  (diject  of  this  parable 
was  to  show,  that  as  all  (piir  blessings  come  from  (iod,  we 
arc  accountable  to  him,  and  should  so  use  them  as  to  meet 
his  ainirobation.  , 

15.  His  several  ahililij;  rejiresenting  the  various  gifts 
which  (bid  bestows  on  different  individuals. 

Ifi.  Traded  with  the  same;  showing  the  good  improve- 
ment he  made  of  what  had  been  given  him. 

IH.  Hid  his  lord's  money;  where  he  would  have  no  trou- 
ble in  taking  care  of  it,  while  he  ought  to  have  tritded 
with  it  for  his  lord's  profit.  This  shows  that  a  failure  to 
improve  our  opportunities  to  do  good  is  a  heinous  sin 
which  Christ  will  severely  punish. 


Parable  of  the  talents. 


MATTHEW  XXV. 


The  JiTia  I  judgment. 


A.  D.  ?,x      10  After  a  long  time  the  lord  of  those  ser- 
vants coraeth,"  and  reckoncth  with  them." 

20  And  so  he  that  had  received  five  talents  came 
and  brought  otlicr  five  talents,  sayinp:,  Lord,  thou 
deliveredst  unto  me  five  talents:  behold,  I  have 
gained  besides  them  five  talents  more. 

21  His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done,  thou  good 
and  faithful  servant:  thou  hast  been  faithful  over 
a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things:''  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  tliy  lord. 

22  He  also  that  had  received  two  talents  came, 
and  said.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me  two  tal- 
ents: behold,  I  have  gained  two  other  talents  be- 
sides them. 

23  His  lord  said  unto  him.  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant;  thou  liast  been  faithful  over  a 
few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things:  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord. 

2-i  Tiien  he  which  had  received  the  one  talent 
came,  and  said,  Lord,  I  knew  thee  that  tliou  art  a 
hard  man,''  reaping  where  thou  hast  not  sown,  and 
gathering  where  thou  hast  not  strewed  :" 

25  And  I  was  afraid,  and  went  and  hid  thy  tal- 
ent in  the  earth:'  lo,  there  thou  hast  that  is  tliine. 

2tj  His  lord  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Thou 
wicked  and  slothful  servant,^  thou  knewest  that  I 
reap  where  I  sowed  not,  and  gather  where  I  liavj? 
not  strewed: 

27  Thou  oughtest  therefore  to  have  put  my 
money  to  the  exchangers,  and  then  at  my  coming 

1  should  have  received  mine  own  with  usury. 

28  Take  therefore  the  talent  from  him,  and  give 
it  unto  him  which  hath  ten  talents. 

2'J  For  unto  every  one  that  hath  shall  be  given,  and 
he  sliall  have  abundance:''  but  from  liim  tliat  liatli 
not,  siiall  be  taken  away  even  that  whicli  ho  iiath.' 

30  And  cast  ye  the  unprofitable  servant  into 
outer  darkness:  there  shall  be  weeping  and 
gnashing  of  teeth.^ 

31  ^  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his 
glory,"  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall 
lie  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory : 

a  Ch.  24:43.  b  ch.  18:43,  24.  =  Luke  12:44 ;  22:29;  Rev.  3:21.  d  Job 
21:15.  e  Jer.  2:31.  f  Prov.  26:13;  Rev.  21:8.  S  Job  15:5,  6;  ch.  I.S::i-2; 
Luke  19:22;  Juiie  15.  h  ch.  l:i:12;  Mark  4:25;  Luke  8:18;  19:20.  i  Luke 
1IJ:42.  Jell.  8:12.  k  Dan.  7:13;  Zech.  14:5;  oh.  l(i:27;  19:58;  Mark  8:38; 
Acts  1:11  ;  1  Thesi.  4:11);  2  Thess.  1:7;  Jude  14;  Rev.  1:7.     1  Rom.  14:10; 

2  Cor.  5:10;  Rev.  20:12.     m  Ezek.  20:38;  ch.  13:49.     a  Psa.  78:42;  John 

19.  The  lord  of  those  servants;  Jesus  Christ. 

21.  Make  thee  ruler  over  many  things;  advance  thco  to  a 
higher  station  in  my  service.  The  priiicii)le  lierc  stated 
is  pci-petually  illustrated  in  Clirist's  dealings  with  liis  ser- 
vants in  this  world,  liut  will  have  its  highest  fulfilment  at 
the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

2'i.  Good  arid  faithful  servant;  he  receives  the  same  re- 
ward as  the  servant  to  whom  five  talents  had  liecn  entrust- 
ed ;  because  it  is  not  the  amount  of  tidents  given,  but  the 
faithful  use  of  them,  that  Christ  regards. 

21.  Not  strewed;  not  scattered  seed.  This  showed  that 
lie  had  no  love  to  his  lord,  no  disposition  to  honor  him,  or 
even  to  be  just  towards  him. 

21;.  Thou  knewest;  this  may  be  taken  as  an  argument  out 
of  the  servant's  own  mouth:  Didst  thou  know?  Then  thou 
oughtest,  etc. 

27.  Exchangers;  answering  nearly  to  our  brokers  or 
bankers.  Tliey  were  persons  who  dealt  in  money.  Usury; 
interest.  Lawful  and  proper  increase  was  the  meaning 
of  this  word  when  our  translation  of  the  Bible  was  made, 
not  unlawful  interest,  as  it  means  now. 


32  And  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations : ' 
and  he  shall  separate  them  one  from  another,'"  as  a 
shepherd  dividetli  his  sheep  from  the  goats:" 

33  And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand, 
but  the  goats  on  the  left." 

34  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his 
right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,^  in- 
herit the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world  :i 

35  For  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat :  "■ 
I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink:  I  was  a 
stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in:^ 

30  Naked,  and  ye  clothed  me : '  I  was  sick,  and  ye 
visited  me :"  I  was  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me.^' 

37  Then  shall  the  righteous  answer  him,  saying, 
Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  a  liungered,  and  fed  thee? 
or  thirsty,  and  gave  thee  drink  ? 

38  When  saw  we  thee  a  stranger,  and  took  thte 
in  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee  ? 

39  Or  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  or  in  prison,  and 
came  unto  thee? 

40  Ami  the  King  shall  answer  and  say  unto 
them,  Verih'  I  say  unto  you.  Inasmuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me." 

41  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left 
hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,^  into  everlasting 
fire,-^'  ])repared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels:^ 

42  For  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no 
meat :  I  was  tliirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink : 

43  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  not  in :  na- 
ked, and  ye  clothed  me  not:  sick,  and  in  prison, 
and  ye  visited  me  not. 

44  Then  shall  tliey  also  answer  him,  saying, Lord, 
when  saw  we  thee  a  hungered,  or  athirst,  or  a 
stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did 
not  minister  unto  tliee? 

45  Tlien  shall  he  answer  them,  saying.  Verily  I 
say  unto  you.  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of 
the  least  of  these,  ye  did  it  not  to  me." 

46  And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting 
punishment :  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal." 

10:14,27,  0  Heb.  1:3.  p  Psi,  115:15.  q  Rom.  8: 17:  1  Cor.  2:9;  1  Thess. 
2:12;  Heb.  11:16;  1  Pet.  1:4;  Rev.  5:10.  r  |sa.  58:7;  Ezek.  18:7.  s  1  Pet. 
4:9;  3  John  5.  l  Jas.  2:15,  16.  u  Jas.  1:27.  "  2  Tim.  1:16;  Heb.  13:3. 
iv  Prov.  19:17;  Mark  9:41:  Heb.  0:10.  iLukel3:27.  y  ch.  13:40,  42;  Rev. 
14:11.  z  Jude  6;  Rev.  20:10.  o  Zech.  2:8;  Acts  9:5.  b  Dan.  12:2;  John 
.^:29. 


28.  Take  therefore;  as  he  would  not  rightly  use  what  he 
had,  he  could  no  longer  have  it. 

29.  Every  one  that  hath ;  a  disposition  to  rightly  use  the 
blessings  which  God  gives,  is  ;i  preparation  for  more  and 
greater  blessings.  Tliat  hath  not;  he  that  hath  not  this 
disposition,  when  God  calls  him  to  account  will  be  de- 
prived of  .all  blessings,  and  for  his  unfaithfulness  will  be 
punished  as  he  deserves. 

31.  Come  in  his  glorij;  at  the  day  of  judgment. 

32.  Separate  them;  according  to  their  cliaracter. 

33.  Sheep;  the  righteous.     Goats;  the  wicked. 

34.  The  kingdom  ;  of  endless,  heavenly  glory. 

37.  When  saw  we  thee;  humility  astonished  at  higli  honor 
put  on  poor  services. 

40.  Have  done  it  unto  ine;  expressive  of  the  intimate  and 
endearing  union  of  Christ  and  his  people. 

l.*).  Ye  did  it  not  to  me;  men  who  neglect  the  wants  of 
Christ's  people,  neglect  him. 

4fi.  Everlasting ;  this  is  the  same  word  in  the  original 
which  in  the  next  line  is  translated  eternal,  and  means 
the  same  thing,  endless  duration. 

IIO'J 


Tlie  alabaster-box  of  ointment. 


MATTHEA\^  XXVI. 


Judas  selL'tli  kis  Lord. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  The  rulers  conspire  against  Christ.  6  The  woman  anointeth  his  head. 
14  Judas  selleth  him.  17  Christ  eateth  the  passover;  26  instituteth 
his  holy  supper;  36  prayeth  in  the  garden;  ■!"  and  being  betrayed  with 
a  kiss,  57  IS  carried  to  Caiaphas,  69  and  denied  of  Peter. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  finished 
all  these  sayinsrs,  lie  said  unto  his  disciples, 

2  Ye  know  that  after  two  days  is  the  feast  of  tiie 
passover,"  and  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  to  be 
crucified. 

3  t  Then  assembled  together  the  chief  priests, 
and  the  scribes,  and  the  ciders  of  the  people,  unto 
the  palace  of  the  high-priest,  who  was  called  Caia- 
phas. 

4  And  consulted  that  they  might  take  Jesus  by 
subtlety,  and  kill  him.'' 

5  But  they  said,  Not  on  the  feast-day,  lest  there 
be  an  uproar  among  the  people. 

6  1  Now  wiien  Jesus  was  in  Bethany,  in  the 
house  of  Simon  the  leper, 

7  There  came  unto  him  a  woman  having  an  ala- 
baster-box of  very  precious  ointment,  and  poured 
it  on  his  head,  as  he  sat  at  meat.'' 

8  But  when  his  disciples  saw  it,  they  had  indig- 
nation, saying,  To  what  purpose  is  this  waste? 

»  Mark  14:1,  etc.;  Luke  2^:1,  etc.;  John  l.l:!,  etc.  t.  Psa.  3:2;  Jolm 
11:47,  etc.  j  Acts  Jiij,  etc.     «  .Mark  U;3,  etc. ;  John  U  :1.  a;  12:3.     d  Dcul. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Men  of  very  different  characters  hero  live  together, 
make  simiUir  oiitwani  professions,  and  join  in  tlie  same 
eini>Ioymenta ;  but  at  death  the  difference  between  them 
will  be  manifest  and  great. 

S.  It  is  not  safe  to  rely  on  outw;ird  profi^ssions  as  evi- 
dence of  piety,  nor  upon  any  thing  wliiuli  does  not  imply 
supreme  love  to  (iod  and  real  good-will  to  men. 

l.'j.  All  our  blessings  we  receive  from  (Jod,  and  to  him 
we  are  justly  accountable  for  the  use  of  them.  lie  does 
not  give  the  same  to  all,  and  he  requires  only  according 
to  what  a  man  hath.  Of  course,  no  one  will  be  condemned 
for  not  having  rcceiveil  more. 

20.  Tliose  who  employ  the  blessings  which  God  bestows 
in  his  service  and  to  his  glory,  will  have  their  blessings 
greatly  increased. 

2«.  Those  who  refuse  to  employ  what  God  gives  them 
in  his  service  and  to  his  glory,  will  soon  have  all  their 
blessings  removed,  and  no  more  will  be  given  to  them  for 
ever. 

40.  .lesns  Clirist  considers  himself  to  he  treated  hymen 
as  they  treat  his  known  disci|iles.  And  from  the  manner 
in  which  wc  treat  thera,  we  may  learn  the  manner  in  which 
we  treat  him. 

46.  The  ihiy  of  judgment  will  be  one  of  surpassing  inter- 
est. The  amazing  contrast  between  the  apjiearance  of 
Christ,  ;is  he  discoursed  to  his  disciples  on  the  mount  of 
Olives,  and  his  appearance  when  he  conieH  in  his  glory 
and  the  glory  of  liis  Father,  with  his  mighty  angels — when 
before  him  are  gathered  all  nations,  and  he  separates  them 
one  from  another,  Siiying  to  one  class,  "  (.'ome,  ye  blessed 
of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  ;"  and  to  the  other, 
"  Depart,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,"  and  they  go 
away  tr>  meet  him  no  more — will  be  such  as  we  can  now 
but  faintly  conceive. 

The  clearness  with  wliich  Christ  makes  known  what 
will  be  the  future  state  of  the  righteous  and  the  wicked, 
and  the  liability  of  all  to  lie  at  any  time  fixed  in  heaven 
or  hell  for  eternity,  should  lead  each  one,  without  delay, 
to  prepare  to  obtjiin  the  one  and  escape  the  other. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1.  These  sayingf ;  his  discourse  to  his  disciples  contained 
in  the  two  preceding  chapters,  in  answer  to  their  inqui- 
ries.    Chap.  24:3. 

1110 


9  For  this  ointment  might  have  been  sold  a.  u.si 
for  much,  and  given  to  tlic  jioor. 

10  When  Jesus  understood  //,  he  said  unto  them, 
Why  trouble  ye  the  woman  ?  for  she  hath  wrought 
a  good  work  ujion  nic. 

11  For  ye  have  the  poor  always  with  you;''  but 
me  yc  liavc  not  always.'' 

12  For  in  that  she  hath  poured  this  ointment  on 
my  body,  she  did  it  for  my  burial. 

13  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  AVheresoevcr  this  gos- 
pel shall  be  preached  in  the  whole  world,  there 
siiall  also  this,  that  this  woman  hath  done,  be  told 
for  a  memorial  of  her. 

14  'i  Then  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Judas  Iscar- 
iot,'"  went  unto  the  chief  priosls.'-' 

15  And  said  u/tfo  tlicm,  What  will  ye  give  me, 
and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you?  And  they  cov- 
enanted with  him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver.'' 

10  And  from  that  time  he  sought  opportunity  to 
betray  him. 

17  If  Now,  the  first  day  of  the/fos/  o/"unleaTened 
bread,'  the  disciples  came  to  Jesus,  saying  unto 
him.  Where  wilt  thou  that  wc  prepare  for  thee  to 
eat  the  passover  ? 

18  And  he  said.  Go  into  the  city  to  such  a  man, 

15:11;  John  12:>!.     e  John  14:19;  17: 11.     f  eh.  10:4,     S  Mark  11: 1«;  Lute 
22:.1;  John  13:2,30.     h  Zech.  1 1:12,  1:1;  ch.  27:3.     i  Exod.  12:li,  IS. 

2.  After  two  daijs  is  lite  feast  of  llic  passovci- ;  this  was  a 
feast  of  the  .Tews,  kept  uimually  from  the  15th  to  the  2l8t 
of  tlicir  month  Abib,  answering  in  part  to  our  April,  in 
commemoration  of  God's  passing  over  the  houses  of  the 
Israelites,  and  not  entering  in  to  slay  their  first-born, 
when  he  slew  the  first-born  of  the  Egyiitians.  Exod. 
12:1-30.  The  Son  of  man  is  hetraijcd  to  /«■  cntcified ;  as 
our  Lord  Jesus  was  the  true  sacrifice  ]irefigured  l)y  the 
paschal  lamb,  it  was  projier  that  he,  the  groat  Antitype, 
should  die  at  the  passover,  when  the  lamb  tli;it  tyjiified 
him  was  slain. 

0.  In  liethantj;  this  was  six  days  before  the  passover, 
John  12:1.  The  evangelist  therefore  goes  back  a  Uttle  in 
his  narrative. 

7.  There  came  unto  him  a  woman;  Mary,  tlio  sister  of 
Lazarus  whom  Jesus  had  raised  from  the  deail.  John 
12:3.  Alabaster;  a  kind  of  stone  ciirvetl  into  ornamental 
and  costly  boxes,  or  vases,  especially  for  perfumes.  Oint- 
mcui;  ])i'rfumes,  liquid  or  more  solid.  Sat  at  meat ;  reclined 
on  a  couch,  as  the  custom  then  was  at  meals,  leaning  on 
the  left  elbow. 

8.  WIteii  h  IS  disciples  saw  it —  To  what  purpose  is  th  is  waste  7 
in  John  Ti:"!,  Judas  Iscariot  is  named  as  the  author  of  this 
remark,  which  seems  to  hiive  been  secondoil  by  some  of 
Jesus' discijiles.  Compare  Mark  11: 4.  The  jiiirt  tiiken  by 
Judas  in  this  tran.sactinn  may  h:ive  boon  the  reason  why 
it  is  related  here  in  immediate  connection  with  his  treach- 
ery. 

10.  She  hath  wrovpht  a  pood  work;  she  liiid  expressed  her 
sincere  ;ind  anliiit  love  to  her  S;ivioiir. 

12.  For  mij  hunal ;  it  was  cuslcim;!!-}'  tu  ;inoiiit  the  body, 
or  embalm  it  with  spices  and  oinlnicnt,  prep;tr;itory  to 
burial.  So  he  says  this  might  be  considered  as  prepara- 
tory to  his  bun;d. 

13.  Memorial  of  her ;  in  remembrance  of  what  she  had 
done. 

1.').  Thirty  pieces  of  silver ;  that  is,  thirty  shekels,  the  sum 
at  which  a  servant's  life  was  estimated.  Kxod.  21:32.  It 
waH  ;ibout  fil'li:cn  dulUirs. 

I".  Unleavened  liread ;  this  was  a  term  [iiijilieil  to  the 
passover,  because  during  that  feast  they  used  what  was 
not  leavened,  or  fermcnteil.  The  passover  ;  the  paschal  lamb 
slain  on  that  occasion. 

18.  Thecitu;  Jerusalem.  Mij  time ;  his  time  to  cat  tho 
passover  aim  to  close  his  life,  was  near. 


The  Lord's  supper  instituted. 


MATTHEAV  XXVI. 


Christ's  agomj  in  the  garden. 


A.D.33.  and  say  unto  him,  The  Master  saith,  My 
time  is  at  liand ;  I  will  keep  the  passover  at  thy 
house  with  my  disciples. 

19  And  the  disciples  did  as  Jesus  had  appointed 
them ;  and  they  made  ready  the  passover. 

20  Now  when  the  even  was  come,  he  sat  down 
witli  the  twelve. 

21  And  as  they  did  eat,  he  said,  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall  betray  me. 

22  And  they  were  exceeding  sorrowful,  and  began 
every  one  of  them  to  say  unto  him.  Lord,  is  it  I? 

23  And  lie  answered  and  said,  He  tliat  di]:)peth  his 
hand  with  me  in  the  dish,"  the  same  shall  betray  me. 

24  Tiie  Son  of  man  goeth  as  it  is  written  of 
him  :''  but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom  the  Son  of 
man  is  betrayed!  it  had  been  good  for  tliat  man  if 
he  had  not  been  born. 

25  Then  Judas,  wliich  betrayed  him,  answered 
and  said,  Master,  is  it  I  ?  He  said  unto  him, 
Tiiou  hast  said. 

26  Ti"  And  as  they  wei-e  eating,  Jesus  took  bread, 
and  blessed  it'  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the 
disciples,  and  said.  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body."" 

27  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it ; 

28  For  this  is  my  blood  of  tlie  new  testament,'' 
■which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

20  But  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  hence- 
forth of  this  fruit  of  the' vine,  until  that  day  when 
I  drink  it  now  with  you  in  my  Father's  kingdom. ° 

•30  •[  And  when  they  had  sung  a  hymn,*  tiiey 
went  out  into  the  mount  of  Olives. 

31  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  them,  All  ye  shall  be 


»  Psa.  41 

9; 

55 

12-15. 

b 

Psa. 

2-2:1 

,  etc. ;  Isa.  53:3, 

etc.     • 

Many 

Greek 

copies  have, 

ffo 

ve 

thanks. 

c 

1  Cor.  11 

:23,  etc.     i  Jer. 

31:31. 

.  ka 

25:1). 

t  Or.  psttm 

1 

■/. 

■ch.  13:7 

B  ch 

i>r: 

7;  10:10.     h  Mark  H:3: 

,  etc.; 

Luke 

2i:30. etc.; 

J  oh 

n 

8:1,  etc 

Psa. 

aa 

3;   Isa.  53:3.  1() 

John  1 

>:a7. 

J  Heb. 

19.  Made  ready;  prepared  the  lamb  and  other  tilings, 
according  to  the  appointment  of  God.     Exod.  12:3-17. 

24.  Goetli;  to  death,  the  death  of  the  cross.  Written; 
Psa.  22;  41:9;  Isa.  53:4-9;  Dan.  9:2(>,  27.  Good  for  tliat 
man ;  on  account  of  the  endless  woe  which  his  sins  would 
bring  upon  liini. 

25.  Tlwu  liast  said;  this  was  equivalent  to  saying,  "Yes, 
it  is  you." 

2G.  Tliis  is  my  body;  the  emblem,  or  representation  of 
my  body.  As  it  is  said  of  God,  Deut.  32:4,  "Ho  is  the 
rock ;"  not  literally  a  rock,  but  in  some  respects  like  one — 
firm,  stable,  and  unchanging.  So,  Gen.  41:2(i,  "The  seven 
good  kine  are  seven  years ;"  not  literally,  but  they  repre- 
sent seven  years.  So,  John  15:5,  "  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are 
the  branches  ;"  not  literally,  but  represented  or  illustrated 
by  the  vine  and  its  branches.  So  with  tlie  declaration, 
"Tliis  is  my  body."  Christ  did  not  design  to  teach  his 
disciples  that  ho  was  then  breaking  his  own  body,  and 
that  they  were  then  eating  it.  His  body  was  alive,  and 
unbroken:  the  disciples  knew  that  what  they  ate  was 
bread,  not  flesh.  Besides,  Matthew  does  not  say  that 
Jesiis  took  his  Ijody  and  broke  it,  and  said,  Take,  c:it ;  but 
he  took  bread,  and  brake  it;  and  it  was  bread:  and  "This 
is  my  body"  means,  it  represents  my  body. 

28.  Tins  is  my  blood;  not  literally," but  figuratively— the 
emblem  and  representative  of  my  blood,  as  the  bre;'id  was 
of  his  body.  That  it  was  not  blood  wliicli  tliey  drank,  is 
evident  also  from  the  fact,  that  he  afterwards  c;dled  it 
"  the  fruit  of  tlie  vine  ;"  and  it  was  the  fruit  of  the  vine— 
not  his  blood,  but  the  emblem  of  his  blood  wliich  was 
soon  to  be  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

29.  Will  not  drink  henceforth — drink  d  new  vilh  you ;  he 
means  to  say,  "The  time  i'or  my  drinking  with  you'  the  lit- 
eral fruit  of  the  vine  is  over  ;  the  kingdom  of  God  is  about 


offended  because  of  me  this  night :  for  it  is  writ- 
ten, I  will  smite  the  she])herd,  and  the  sheep  of 
the  flock  shall  be  scattered  abroad.'' 

32  But  after  I  am  risen  again,  I  will  go  before 
you  into  Galilee.^ 

33  Peter  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Thougii 
all  me7i  shall  be  offended  because  of  thee,  yet  will 
I  never  be  offended. 

34  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  thee, 
That  this  night,  before  the  cock  crow,  thou  shalt 
deny  me  thrice. 

35  Peter  said  unto  him,  Though  I  should  die 
with  thee,  yet  will  I  not  deny  thee.  Likewise 
also  said  all  the  disciples. 

36  1  Tiien  cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place 
called  Gethseinane,  and  saith  unto  the  disciples. 
Sit  ye  here,  while  I  go  and  pray  yonder." 

37  And  he  took  with  him  Peter  and  the  two  sons 
of  Zebedeo,  and  began  to  be  sorrowful  and  very 
heavy. 

38  Then  saith  he  unto  them.  My  soul  is  exceed- 
ing sorrowful,  even  unto  death:'  tarry  ye  here, 
and  watch  with  me. 

39  And  he  went  a  little  further,  and  fell  on  his 
face,  and  prayed  ,J  saying,  0  my  Father,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me:"  nevertheless, 
not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  «'///.' 

40  And  he  cometh  unto  the  disciples,  and  findeth 
them  asleep,  and  saith  unto  Peter,  'What,  could  ye 
not  watch  with  me  one  hour? 

41  'Watch  and  pray,'"  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp- 
tation:" the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh 
is  weak." 


5:7.  kch.  90:22.  1  John  5:3(1;  6:38;  Rom.  15:3;  Phil.  2:8.  m  Mark  13:33; 
14:38;  Luke  22:40;  Eph.  6:JS;  Rev.  16:15.  n  Prov.  4:14,  15;  Rev.  3:10. 
olsa.  20:8,9;  Rom.  7:18-25;  Gal.  5:17. 


to  be  established" — this  was  by  his  propitiatory  death, 
resurrection,  ascension,  and  the  outpouring  of  his  Spirit — 
"  henceforth  I  will  drink  with  j-ou  the  spiritual  new  wine 
of  the  gospel " — new  because  it  belongs  to  a  new  dispen- 
sation— "  in  my  Father's  kingdom."  This  was  fulfilled  to 
the  apostles  in  a  special  sense,  in  the  extraordinarj'  meas- 
ure of  Christ's  presence  and  Spirit  bestowed  upon  them 
as  his  earthly  instruments  in  establishing  his  kingdom. 
Compare  Luke  22 :  29,  30.  It  is  fulfilled  to  all  believers  in 
a  lower  sense,  in  the  communion  they  have  with  Clirist  in 
his  earthly  church ;  and  it  shall  liave  a  perfect  fulfilment 
to  all  his  true  disciples  in  his  lieaveiily  kingdom. 

31.  Offended;  made  to  stumble.  The  word  is  here,  as 
elsewhere  in  the  New  Testiiment,  apjdied  to  the  life  and 
conduct.  How  the  disciples  should  be  oft'ended  appears 
in  the  course  of  the  narrative ;  they  should  be  led  to  for- 
sake him,  and  in  one  case  to  deny  him.  It  is  written;  Zcch. 
13:7.     The  .shepherd;  Christ.     77ie  sAccp ,- his  disciples. 

32.  Into  Galilee;  chap.  28:7. 

34.  Deny  me;  verse  74. 

35.  Though  I  should  die ;  his  meaning  was,  that  he  would 
not  deny  Christ  even  to  save  his  own  life. 

3G.  Getlisemane ;  a  garden,  or  retired  spot,  on  the  west 
side  of  the  mount  of  Olives,  not  far  from  the  brook  Cedron. 

37.  Two  sons  of  Zebedee ;  James  and  John.  The  K:une 
that  were  with  him  on  the  mount  of  transfiguration.  Chaji. 
17:1,  2.     Very  heavy ;  exceedingly  depressed. 

38.  Even  unto  death ;  with  deathlike  sorrow,  inexpress- 
ible anguish. 

39.  This  cup;  the  anguish  he  was  enduring  and  was  to 
endure. 

4U.  Unto  Peter ;  who  liad  just  before  been  so  strong  in 
his  professions  of  fididily  to  liis  Master. 

41.  Thai  ye  enter  not  tnto  templntion  ;  that  is,  so  as  to  be 

1111 


Christ  is  Idruyed,  seized, 


MATTIIEAY  XXVI. 


and  tried  Icfore  Caiaphas. 


42  He  went  away  again  the  second  time,  and  pray- 
ed, saying,  0  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass 
away  from  me,  except  I  drinic  it.  tiiy  will  be  done. 

43  And  ho  came  and  found  them  asleep  again : 
tor  fheir  eyes  were  heavy. 

4i  And  he  left  tiiem,  and  went  away  again,  and 
prayed  the  third  time,''  saying  the  same  words. 

4.')  Then  cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and  saith 
unto  them.  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  your  rest:  be- 
hold, the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the  Son  of  man  is 
betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners. 

46  Rise,  let  us  be  going:  behold,  he  is  at  hand 
that  doth  l)etruy  me. 

47  •[  And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo,  .Judas,''  one  of 
th(!  twelve,  came,  and  with  him  a  great  multitude 
with  swords  and  staves,  from  the  chief  priests  and 
ciders  of  the  people. 

48  Now  he  that  betrayed  him  gave  them  a  sign,'' 
saying.  Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  he ; 
hold  him  fast. 

4V)  And  forthwith  he  came  to  Jesus,  and  said. 
Hail,  Master;  and  kissed  him.'' 

50  And  .lesus  said  unto  him.  Friend.''  wherefore 
art  thou  come?  Then  came  they,  and  laid  hands 
on  .Jesus,  and  took  him. 

5L  1  And  behold,  one  of  them  which  were  with 
.Jesus  stretched  out  his  hand,  and  drew  his  sword, 
and  struck  a  servant  of  the  higli-priest,  and  smote 
off  his  ear. 

5'2  Then  said  Jesus  unto  Iiiuj,  I'ut  up  again  thy 
sword  into  his  place:  for  all  they  that  lake  the 
sword,  shall  ]jerish  with  the  sword.' 

53  Thinkest  tliou  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my 
Father,  and  he  shall  presently  give  me  more  than 
twelve  legions  of  angels  ?- 

54  Ibit  how  then  siiall  the  scriptures  be  fulfilled, 
that  thus  it  must  boV' 

55  In  that  sann;  hour  said  Jesus  to  the  multitudes, 
Arc  ye  come  out  as  against  a  thief  with  swords  and 
staves  for  to  take  me?  I  sat  daily  with  you  teach- 
ing in  tiie  temple,  and  ye  laid  no  hold  on  me. 

.50  But  all  this  was  done,  tliat  tiic  scriptures  of 
the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled.'  'J'hen  all  the 
disciples  forsook  him,  and  fled. 


overcome  by  it;  for  the  hour  of  the  Saviour's  suffering 
was  also  to  be  that  of  the  fiery  trial  of  liiH  diuciples. 
Compare  Luke  Tl:'M.  Tlie  spirit ;  "the  inward  man." 
This  was  animated  by  sincere  love  towards  tlie  Saviour. 
The  Jlcsh;  u.siil  here  to  denote  all  that  weakness  of  fallen 
nature  which  makes  it  Uablc  to  bo  overcome  by  temp- 
tation. , 

45.  Sleep  on — take  your  rest;  see  note  to  Mark  M:ll. 

51.  One  of  litem;  I'etcr. 

53.  Twelve  lei:;ions;  a  Roman  legion  varied  in  nundur  in 
different  ages.  In  our  Saviour's  time  it  seems  to  have  con- 
sisted of  six  tliousanil  men.     The  idea  is,  vast  multitudes. 

51.  Srriptures;  I'sa. '22:1,  18;  Isa.  5:j::i-10;  Dan.  9:21-20; 
Zcch.  13:7.  //  must  he;  in  order  to  fulfil  the  scriptures, 
and  finish  the  w<jrk  of  reilemption. 

50.  Forsook  liirn ;  this  was  what  .lesUB  meant  by  their 
being  offi'udril,  and  what  ho  hud  foretold,  verse  .'il. 

'iH.  Afar  off;  on  aeciiunt  of  his  fear  of  danger.  See  the 
ciul;  the  end  of  the  trial,  and  its  results. 

60.  Found  none;  thev  found  none  that  agreed  in  their 
1112 


57  IT  And  they  that  had  laid  hold  on  Jesus  a.  d.  33. 
led  him  away  to  Caiaphas  the  high-priest,  where 
the  scribes  and  the  elders  were  assembled.' 

58  But  Peter  followed  him  afar  off  unto  the 
high-priest's  palace,  and  went  in,  and  sat  with  the 
servants,  to  see  the  end. 

5!)  Now  the  chief  priests,  and  elders,  and  all  the 
council,  sought  false  witness  against  Jesus,  to  ))ut 
him  to  death  ; 

GO  But  found  none :  yea,  though  many  false  wit- 
nesses came,  yd  found  they  none.  At  the  last  came 
two  false  witnesses,'' 

(51  And  said,  This_/'r/A«r  said,  I  am  able  to  destroy 
the  tem])lc  of  God,  and  to  build  it  in  three  days.' 

t>2  And  the  high-priest  arose,  and  said  unto  him, 
Answercst  thou  nothing?  what  is  it  ichkk  these 
witness  against  thee? 

G3  But  Jesus  held  his  peace.'"  And  the  high- 
priest  answered  and  said  unto  him,  I  adjure  thee 
by  the  living  God,"  that  thou  tell  us  whether  thou 
be  the  Ciirist,  the  Son  of  God." 

04  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Thou  hast  said:  never- 
theless I  say  unto  you,  Hereafter  shall  ye  see  the 
Son  of  man  sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  power,'' 
and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven.'' 

05  Then  the  high-priest  rent  his  clothes,  saying, 
He  hath  spoken  blasi)hemy :  what  further  need 
have  we  of  witnesses  ?  behold,  now  ye  have  heard 
his  blaspli(>niy. 

00  What  think  ye?  They  answered  and  said. 
He  is  guilty  of  death.'' 

07  Then  did  they  spit  in  his  face,  .and  butb'ted 
him  ;'*  and  others  smote  him  with  the  palms"  of 
their  hands, 

08  Saying,  Prophesy  unto  us,  thou  Christ,  Who 
is  he  that  smote  thee? 

09  1  Now  Peter  sat  without  in  the  palace:  and 
a  damsel  came  unto  him,  saying,  Thou  also  wast 
with  Jesus  of  Galilee.' 

70  But  he  denied  before  tlinn  all,  saying,!  know 
not  what  thou  sayest. 

71  And  when  he  was  gone  out  into  the  porch,  an- 
other maid  saw  him,  and  said  unto  them  that  were 
there,  TUia  fellow  was  also  with  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 


35:11.  1  .lohn  2:10-21.  m  I«a.  ,1:1:7;  ch.  27:  IS,  14.  n  1  Sam.  14:2li,  23; 
1  King!  22: 10.  o  ch.  10:10;  John  1  ::M.  P  Dan.  7:13;  John  1  :.'")l  ;  I  TliOB. 
1:10;  Rev.  1:7.  q  l'»a.  1 10: 1 :  Acu  7:5.').  r  Lov.  24:10;  John  1!):7.  •  Iia. 
80:0.     •  Or,  rods.    '  Mark  14:00,  olc. ;  LuUo  22:55,  olc;  John  18:17. 


testimony,  or  that  could  make  out  an  accusation  that  had 
even  the  ai)]ic;uanco  of  weight. 

01.  Ikstriiii  the  Icniplc  of  (iad  ;  this  w:is  false,  botli  in  tho 
words  used  ;iiiil  in  the  meaning  which  they  put  ui)on  them; 
he  spoke  of  his  body,  and  of  rising  again  in  three  days. 
.John  2:19-22. 

03.  ladjure  thee;  ho  thus  put  him  undrr  (lalli  lo  ;iiiswer 
truly. 

04.  Thrm  hast  said;  said  the  truth,  1  am  the  Christ.  Sit- 
tinc — romiiip ;  this  was  chiiniing  divine  power  and  honor. 

05.  Heiit  his  cliithes;  as  a  token  of  great  iiidigiiation. 
lilasphemi/ :  in  claiming  to  bo  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  (iod, 
and  the  judge  of  men. 

CO.  Gudti/  if  death;  of  a  crime  which  deserves  d(:itli. 
Lev.  24:10.' 

OS.  Priiplirsi/;  they  liad  previously  covered  his  face, 
M;irk  14:0.'i,  :ind  in  derisicin  of  the  omniscience  which  ho 
claimed,  tliry  called  uiion  him  lo  designate  tho  jierBons 
who  smote  him. 

70.  I  know  nut ;  I  do  not  understand  whal  you  mean. 


Pder  dcnidh  Christ. 


MATTHEAV  XXVII. 


Judas  hangeth  himsdj. 


A.  D  33.     72  And  again  he  denied  with  an  oath,  I  do 
not  know  the  man. 

73  And  after  a  while  came  unto  him  they  that 
stood  by,  and  said  to  Peter,  Surely  thou  also  art 
one  of  them ;  for  thy  speech  bewrayeth  thee. 

74  Then  began  he  to  curse  and  to  swear,  saying, 
I  know  not  the  man.  And  immediately  the  cock 
cren^ 

75  And  Peter  remembered  the  word  of  Jesus, 
which  said  unto  him.  Before  the  cock  crow,  thou 
shalt  deny  me  thrice."  j\.nd  he  went  out,  and 
wept  bitterly. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  Christ  is  delivered  bound  to  Pilate.  3  Judas  hangeth  himself.  19 
Pilate,  admonished  of  his  wife,  24  waslieth  his  hands;  26  and  loos- 
eth  Barabbas.  2D  Christ  is  crowned  with  thorns,  34  crucified,  40 
reviled,  50  dieth,  and  is  buried:  66  his  sepulchre  is  sealed,  and 
watched. 

TT  TtlEN  the  morning  was  come,  all  the  chief 
V  V     priests  and  elders  of  the  people  took  coun- 
sel against  Jesus  to  put  him  to  death:'' 


»  Ver.  S4;  Luke  22:31-34.      b  Psa.  2:2.     cch.  20:10.     J  2  Kings  24:4. 


73.  Till)  speech;  thy  peculiar  manner  of  speaking.  Be- 
wrai/eth  thee ;  showeth  thee  to  be  a  Galilean. 

74.  Curse;  imprecate  God's  curse  if  he  uttered  falsehood. 
Swear;  declare  with  an  oath. 

75.  The  word  of  Jesus;  verse  34.  Wept  bitter! i/;  on  ac- 
count of  liis  sin,  in  denying  his  Lord. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  No  advantages  will  of  themselves  overcome  the  op- 
position of  the  human  heart  to  Jesus  Christ ;  and  rulers 
arc  often  more  wicked  than  the  people,  seeking  by  sub- 
tlety and  deceit  to  effect  that  which  they  cannot  or  dare 
not  openly  accomplish. 

8.  Tliat  which  is  employed  in  expressions  of  love  to 
Christ  by  his  sincere  and  devoted  followers,  is  often 
thought  by  others  to  be  wasted  ami  lost.  But  in  the  view 
of  Christ  it  is  well  used,  and  he  will  see  that  it  receives  a 
gracious  and  an  honorable  reward. 

26.  The  literal  meaning  of  the  words  of  the  Bible  is  not 
alway.s  the  true  meaning.  For  instance,  Christ  said,  "Ye 
must  be  born  again."  John  3:7;  meaning,  not  that  a  man 
must  enter  a  second  time  into  his  mother's  womb  and  be 
born,  but  that  he  must  experience  a  change  in  his  moral 
and  religious  character,  called  passing  from  death  unto 
life.  John  5:24.  So,  when  he  said,  "  Except  ye  eat  the 
flesh  of  the  Son  of  m;in,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no 
life  in  you,"  John  6:53,  the  Jews,  understanding  it  liter- 
ally, said,  •' How  can  this  man  give  us  his  flesh  to  eat?'' 
T;iking  it  literally,  no  wonder  they  thought  it  strange. 
He  therefore  let  them  know  that  he  did  not  mean  that 
tliey  must  literally  eat  his  flesh  ;  and  that,  should  they  do 
it,  it  would  jirofit  them  nothing.  Tlie  words  that  I  speak 
unto  you,  saitli  he,  are  s|iirit  and  life.  They  have  a  spir- 
itual, and  not  a  literal,  carnal  meaning  ;  they  are  designed 
to  convey  a  knowledge  of  spiritual  truths,  the  right  un- 
deislandingand  due  reception  of  which  will  promote  the 
spiritu;il  life  of  men. 

31.  Seasons  of  intimate  and  endearing  communion  with 
Christ  may  be  followed  by  seasons  of  great  and  peculiar 
trial. 

It  is  a  great  blessing  that  Christ  is  acquainted  beforc- 
liaud  with  all  our  trials,  and  can  in  the  best  way  provide 
for  them ;  so  th;it  they  shall  in  the  end  not  injure  us,  but 
])r(unoto  our  benefit. 

35.  Persons  may  seem  to  be  very  courageous  in  time  of 
safety,  and  be  great  cowards  in  time  of  danger. 

Wlien  a  good  man  lliinks  higlily  of  himself,  and  is  con- 
fident in  his  own  strength,  he  is  preparing  for  a  downfall ; 
and  if  he  does  not  lose  his  soul,  ho  will  have  reason  to  be 
grateful. 


2  And  when  they  had  bound  him,  they  led  kirn 
away,  and  delivered  him  to  Pontius  Pilate  the 
governor."^ 

3  'i  Then  Judas,  which  had  betrayed  him,  when 
he  saw  that  he  was  condemned,  repented  himself, 
and  brought  again  tiic  thirty  pieces  of  silver  to 
the  chief  priests  and  elders, 

4  Saying,  I  have  sinned  in  that  I  have  betrayed 
the  innocent  blood.'*  And  they  said.  What  is  thai 
to  us  ?  see  thou  to  that. 

5  And  he  cast  down  the  pieces  of  silver  in  the 
temple,  and  departed,  and  went  and  hanged  him- 
self." 

6  And  the  chief  priests  took  the  silver  pieces, 
and  said.  It  is  not  lawful  for  to  put  them  into  the 
treasui-y,  because  it  is  the  price  of  blood. 

7  And  they  took  counsel,  and  bought  with  them 
the  potter's  field,  to  bury  strangers  in. 

8  Wherefore  that  field  was  called.  The  field  of 
blood,  unto  this  day. 

9  Then  was  fulfilied  that  which  was  spoken  by 
Jeremy  the  prophet,'  saying,  And  they  took  the 

e2Sam.l7:a3;  Psa.  55:23;  Actsl:lt).     f  Zech.  11:12, 13. 

42.  The  sufferings  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  he  bore  our 
sins  hi  his  own  body  on  the  tree,  and  tasted  death  for 
every  man,  were  inexpressibly  great.  The  Father  said, 
"  Awake,  0  sword,  against  my  Shepherd,  and  against  the 
man  that  is  my  fellow:  smite  the  Shepherd."  Zech.  13:7. 
His  soul  was  made  "an  oflcring  for  sin,"  and  as  such  it 
"  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him  "  and  "  put  him  to  grief." 
Isa.  53:10. 

70.  No  past  privileges  or  attainments  can  be  relied  on 
for  future  or  even  present  support.  God  must  give  us 
day  by  day  our  daily  supply  of  wisdom,  goodness,  and 
strength,  or  we  shall  have  none.  "  Hold  thou  me  up,  and 
I  shall  be  safe  ;"  guide  me,  and  I  shall  go  in  the  right  way. 

75.  If  a  good  man  sin  lie  will  repent,  mourn  bitterly 
over  his  transgressions,  and  turn  from  them  unto  God. 
He  has  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous.  One  look  from  Him  will  lead  the  penitent  dis- 
ciple to  loathe  himself,  and  to  admire,  adore,  and  trust  in 
the  Redeemer.  His  life  will  be  holy  ;  his  death  safe,  if  not 
peaceful  and  triumphant ;  and  his  eternity  blessed. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1.  Put  him  to  death;  he  had  professed  to  be  the  Christ, 
and  said  that  hereafter  they  should  see  liim  coming  in  the 
clouds  of  heaven.  This  they  said  was  blasphemy,  and  for 
it  they  condemned  him  to  die. 

2.  Pilate;  the  Roman  governor.  As  the  Jews  had  no 
authority  to  put  any  one  to  death,  it  was  needful  in  order 
to  accomplish  their  design,  that  the  Koman  governor 
should  condemn  him.  They  brought  him  (o  Pilate  for 
this  purpose;  and  Christ  had  forelold  that  the  (ientiles, 
to  whom  Pilate  belonged,  would  |iii(:  him  to  death.  Matt. 
20:19. 

3.  Repented  himself;  he  knew  Uiat  Jesus  was  innocent, 
and  yet  he  had  been  instrumental  in  delivering  him  to  his 
murderers.  He  was  therefore  tormented  by  a  conviction 
of  his  guilt. 

4.  What  is  that  tn  ns  ?  the  language  of  men  hardened  in 
wickedness,  and  determined  to  execute  their  murderous 
purpo.se. 

6.  Trensiirij;  the  place  where  the  offerings  or  contribu- 
tions of  tlie  people  were  kept. 

7.  Pollrr's field;  a  place  where  earthen-ware  ha<l  been 
made.  Str(ins:ers;  those  who  came  from  other  countries, 
;ind  died  at  Jerusalem. 

H.  This  duij ;  the  time  when  Matthew  wrote  his  gospel, 
perhii|i.H  Ihirty  ye;ir8  after  the  events  here  recorded. 

9.  Jrreinij;  Jeremiah.  The  event  here  referred  to  ia 
not  mentioned  in  Jeremiah,  but  in  Zechariah  11:12,  13. 

1113 


Christ  is  tried  by  Pilate, 


MATTHEW  XXVII. 


scourged,  mocked,  and  crucified. 


thirty  pieces  of  silver,  the  price  of  him  that  was 
valued,  whom  they  of  the  children  of  Israel  did 
value ;  * 

10  And  gave  them  for  the  potter's  field,  as  tlie 
Lord  appointed  me. 

11  T And  Jesus  stood  before  the  governor:  and 
the  governor  asked  iiiin,  saying.  Art  thou  the 
King  of  the  Jews?  And  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
Thou  sayest. 

12  And  wlicu  lie  was  accused  of  the  chief  priests 
and  elders,  ho  answercil  nothing." 

1:5  Then  said  Pilate  unto  lum,  Hearest  thou  not 
how  many  tilings  they  witness  against  thee? 

14  And  lie  answered  liini  to  never  a  word ;  inso- 
mucli  tliat  tlie  governor  marvelled  greatly. 

15  •;  Now  at  t/tat  feast  the  governor  was  wont 
to  release  unto  the  people  a  prisoner,  whom  they 
would.'' 

10  And  they  had  then  a  notable  prisoner,  called 
Barablias. 

17  Therefore,  when  they  were  gathered  together, 
Pilate  said  unto  them.  Whom  will  ye  that  I  re- 
lease unto  you?  Barabbas,  or  Jesus  which  is 
called  Christ? 

18  For  he  knew  that  for  envy  they  had  deliv- 
ered Iiim.'= 

19  "1  When  lie  was  set  down  on  the  judgmont- 
seat,  his  wife  sent  unto  him,  saying,  Have  tlioii 
nothing  to  do  with  that  just  man:''  for  I  have 
sutl'ered  many  things  this  day  in  a  dream  because 
of  iiiin. 

20  But  the  chief  priests  and  elders  persuaded  the 
muUitmle  that  they  should  ask  Barabbas,  and  de- 
stroy Jesus." 

21  The  governor  answered  and  said  unto  them. 
Whether  of  the  twain  will  ye  that  1  release  unto 
you?     They  said.  Barabbas. 

22  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  What  shall  I  do  then 
■with  Jesus  which  is  called  Christ?  T/ieij  all  say 
unto  him.  Let  him  l)e  crucified. 

23  And  the  governor  said,  Wliy,  wliat  evil  hath 
he  done?  But  they  cried  out  the  more,  saying. 
Let  iiiin  l)e  crucilied.' 

21  1  Wiien  Pilate  saw  that  lie  could  prevail 
nothing,  but  that  rather  a  tumult  was  made,  he 

'  Or,  whom  thfy  hout;ht  of  the  tinlilrtn  of  Israel,  a  ch.  26:03.  b  Mark 
15:0,  elc;  l.uke  :i):17,  etc.;  John  iK/M,  elc.  '  Prov.  a;:4;  Ecd.  -1:1. 
<1  l«a  .'iMl;  Zech.  0:!);  Ltika  '^3:47;  1  I'd.  2:*J:  1  John  MA.  '  Acln 
3:11.  '  ch.  2l:3i,  39.  S  Dent.  21:0.  I>  Doul.  111:10;  .lofh.  2:10;  nh. 
21 :  1 1 ;  Acu  .5: 21.     I  I«i.  .W:5;  Luk«  18:33.     1  Or,  l.'aiernor.<  house.    J  l'»a. 


The  name  Jeremiah  in  several  ancient  translatiotia  and 
mannscriptH  is  not  mentioned,  and  it  reads,  that  whicli 
Wiis  M|iok(^u  hy  the  prophet. 

l.s.  Kuvi/;  the  uiiea.siiicKs  they  felt  in  witnessinp;  his 
inereiiHiii;;  influence  amoiiK  the  people. 

lit.  Notliinp  tn  do;  do  nothing  against  him,  or  towards 
coiiilemning  him. 

t.t.  His  hlnod  be  on  tM;  we  will  bear  the  lilame  of  his 
crucifixion:  if  divine  judgments  come,  let  them  come  on 
118  .ind  our  children. 

2(i.  Scotirpcil  Jesus;  according  to  the  custom  of  scourg- 
ing one  condemned  to  die  heforc  his  execution. 

28.  Scarlet  robe;  in  mockery  of  his  claim  to  be  the  king 
of  the  .Jews ;  for  a  purjde  or  scarlet  robe  was  the  ensign 
of  sovereignty.  ' 

29.  A  reed ;  in  mockery,  as  a  sceptre. 

32.  Cijrene;  a  city  in  the  northern  part  of  Africa.    Hear 
his  cross  ;  at  first  the  cross  had  been  laid  on  .Jesus,  aceord- 
1114 


took  water,  and  washed  his  hands  before  the  -v  n  ?3. 
multitude,''  saying,  1  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of 
this  just  person  :  see  ye  to  it. 

25  Then  answered  all  the  ]ieo])le,  and  said.  His 
blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  cliildren.'' 

26  1  Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto  them  :  and 
when  he  had  scourged  Jesus,'  he  delivered  him  to 
be  crucified. 

27  Then  the  soldiers  of  the  governor  took  Jesus 
into  the  common  hall,*  and  gathered  unto  him  the 
whole  baud  of  soldiers. 

28  And  they  stripped  him,  and  put  on  him  a 
scarlet  rolie. 

29  And  when  they  had  platt(>d  a  crown  of  thorns, 
they  put  it  upon  his  head,  and  a  reed  in  his  right 
iiand :  and  they  bowed  the  knee  before  him,  and 
mocked  him,^  saying,  Hail,  King  of  the  Jews! 

30  And  they  spit  upon  him,  and  took  the  reed, 
and  smote  him  on  the  head.'' 

31  And  after  that  they  had  mocked  him,  they 
took  the  robe  otl'  I'rom  him,  and  put  his  own  rai- 
ment on  him,  and  led  him  away  to  crucify  him.^ 

32  And  as  tiiey  came  out,  tiiey  found  a  man  of 
Cyr(me,  Simon  by  name:  iiim  they  compelled  to 
bear  his  cross. 

33  1  And  when  they  were  come  unto  a  ]ilace 
called  Golgotha,  that  is  to  say,  A  place  of  a 
skull, 

34  'I'hey  gave  him  vinegar  to  drink,  mingled 
with  gall:'"  and  when  he  had  tasted  thmnj,  he 
would  not  drink. 

35  And  they  crucified  him,  and  parted  his  gar- 
ments, casting  lots:"  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  by  the  jirophet.  They  parted 
my  garments  among  them,  and  upon  my  vesture 
did  they  cast  lots." 

30  And  sitting  down,  they  watcheil  him  there; 

37  And  set  up  over  his  head  his  accusation  writ- 
ten, THIS  IS  JESUS  THE  KING  OF  THE 
JEWS. 

38  Then  were  there  two  thieves  crucified  with 
him:''  one  on  the  right  hand,  and  another  on  the 
left. 

39  t  And  they  that  passed  by  reviled  him,  wag- 
ging their  heads,"" 

09:19,20.  k  T«a.  40:7;  511:5;  .')3:3,  7.  1  Num.  15:.35;  1  Kinc«  21:10,  13; 
Act«  7:.W;  Hcb.  13:12.  m  p,a.  119:21.  «  l>«.i.  22:10;  Mark  l.'i:24,  etc.; 
Luko2a:3),  etc.;  John  19:21,  010.  o  Pna.  22:  la.  Pl»a.S3:12.  Il'»a.22:7j 
10U;25. 


ing  to  the  custom  of  compelling  malefactors  to  carry  their 
own  cross  to  the  place  of  exec  ution. 

.'!:!.  A  place  called  Gnlf:iillin  ;  witlidnt  the  city,  Hob.  l.S:  12. 
(iolgotliii  means  a  skull;  lint  why  the  place  boro  this 
name  is  not  ;igrecd. 

'.M.  I'liicfrnr — rninplcd  villi  i^iill ;  Murk  names  "  wine  min- 
glcil  willi  niyrrli,"  an  inlcimdy  bitter  suIiKtancc.  Tlunigh 
itni;iy  h;ive  been  intended  as  ;i  Ktii|icfyiiig  <lraiight,  it  still 
belonged  to  the  jiroccss  of  a  bloody,  ignoniiiiioiis,  ;uid 
agonizing  death.  Thus  was  fulfilled  tlie  prophecy  in  I'sa. 
69:21. 

.Vi.  Cnslinjrlnls;  to  dctcnniiie  which  soldier  shoiild  h;ivo 
the  garment.     I'sa.  Tl:  Ix. 

:iii.  Watched  liim  ;  this  w;ih  cnstomary,  to  see  that  none 
should  come  and  take  ilown  those  who  were  crucified  till 
it  Wiis  ordered. 

:iH.  Two  thieves  ;  thus  he  was  numbered  with  the  trans- 
gressors, according  to  Isa.  5:i:  12. 


The  dc'ith  of  Christ. 


MATTHEW  XXVII. 


A  guard  set  at  Ids  tomb. 


A.  D.33.  40  And  saying,  Thou  that  destroyest  the 
temple,  and  buildest  it  in  three  days,  save  thyself.  If 
thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come  down  from  the  cross. 

41  Likewise  also  the  chief  priests  mocking  Mm," 
■with  the  scribes  and  elders,  said, 

42  He  saved  others;  himself  he  cannot  save.  If 
he  be  the  King  of  Israel,  let  him  now  come  down 
from  the  cross,  and  we  will  believe  him. 

4:5  He  trusted  in  God  ;  let  liim  deliver  him  now, 
if  ho  will  have  him:''  for  he  said,  I  am  the  Son  of 
God.= 

44  The  thieves  also  which  were  crucified  with 
liim,  cast  the  same  in  his  teetii. 

45  1  Now,  from  the  sixth  hour  there  was  dark- 
ness over  all  the  land  unto  the  ninth  hour.** 

46  And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sabachthani  ? 
that  is  to  say.  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou 
forsaken  me?'-' 

47  Some  of  them  that  stood  there,  when  they 
heard  that,  said.  This  man  calleth  for  Elias. 

48  And  straightway  one  of  them  ran,  and  took 
a  sponge,  and  filled  it  with  vinegar,  and  put  it  on 
a  reed,  and  gave  him  to  drink.'' 

49  The  rest  said.  Let  be,  let  us  see  whether 
Elitvs  will  come  to  save  him. 

50  1  Josus,  when  he  had  cried  again  with  a  loud 
voice,  yielded  up  the  ghost. 

51  And  liehold,  the  veil  of  the  temple'^  was  rent 
in  twain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom;''  and  the 
eartli  did  quake,  and  the  rocks  rent; 

52  And  the  graves  were  opened;'  and  many 
bodies  of  the  saints  wdiich  slept  arose,' 

53  And  came  out  of  the  graves  after  his  resur- 
rection,'' and  went  into  the  holy  city,  and  appear- 
ed unto  many. 

54  Now  when  the  centurion,  and  they  that  were 


•  Job  13:9 

P 

a.  3.) 

Hi; 

Isi.28: 

22;  Luke  IS 

:!2. 

b  I'sa. 

.3:2; 

22:8;  42:10; 

71 

•II. 

c  .lo 

in 

5:17. 

i^\ 

10::!0,  :30,     J  Amos  (<:9. 

f    P.Sl 

22: 

;  Isa. 

53:10; 

Lim. 

■Ai. 

n- 

<!.  G9 

•>1. 

sExod 

2S:31  ;  Lev 

10: 

2,15;  •. 

1:23 

2Chr 

3:14 

h 

Isa.. 

25:7. 

' 

Isa.  -25:8 

■26:19; 

Hos.  l:i:14; 

J  oh 

n  5:25- 

2-<. 

J  Dan. 

12:2; 

40.  Destroyest  the  temple;  their  false  accusation,  chap. 
2G:(il;  .loiin  2:19-21. 

42.  King  of  Israel ;  the  Messiah. 

41.  Cast  the  same  in  liis  teeth ;  they  upbraided  him  in  tlie 
same  way. 

4.).  Sirthhour;  twelve  o'clock,  noon.  Ninth  hour;  three 
o'cloclc  in  tlie  afternoon. 

4(i.  El?,  Eli,  lama  sabachtliani  ?  a  phrase  in  the  Clialdaic 
lan;;uage,  as  tlien  spoken  in  Judea;  explained  in  tlio  last 
part  of  the  verse.     Psa.  22 : 1. 

50.  Yielded  up  the  ghost ;  gave  up  his  life. 

.^1.  Veil  of  the  temple;  which  separated  the  most  holy 
place  from  the  other  parts  of  the  temple.  By  this  w;is 
si;;i>.ilied  that  now  tlie  way  into  God's  presence  was  opened 
by  the  blood  of  Christ.      Ileb.  9:7,  8;  10:19,  20. 

;')2.  Which  slept;  who  were  dead.  Jru.vc,- not  now,  but, 
as  is  added  in  the  ne.Kt  verse,  after  his  resurrection. 
These  were  the  earnest  of  the  general  resurrection  at  the 
l;ist  day.  The  whole  transaction  was  designed  to  show 
that  through  the  resurrection  of  Christ  his  disciples  shall 
also  attain  to  a  glorious  resurrection. 

53.  Tiie  holy  citij;  Jerusalem. 

54.  Centurion;  the  Roman  officer  in  command  on  that 
occasion.     The  Son  of  God ;  as  he  had  professed  to  be. 

57.  Even;  evening — some  time  after  three  o'eloek. 
60.  His  own  new  tomb;  thus  Christ,  according  to  projih- 
eey,  was  "  witli  the  rich  in  his  death."     Is;i.  5H:I). 
(>2.  Day  (f  Ihe  preparation  ;  for  keeping  the  p;iss<)ver. 
64.  Until  the  third  day ;  this  shows  what  was  then  meant 


with  him,  watching  Jesus,  saw  the  earthquake,  and 
those  things  that  were  done,  tiiey  feared  greatly, 
saying.  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God.' 

55  And  many  women  were  there  beholding  afar 
off,  which  followed  Jesus  from  Galilee,  minister- 
ing unto  him:'" 

56  Among  which  was  Mary  Magdalene,  and 
Mary  the  mother  of  James  and  Joses,  and  the 
mother  of  Zebcdee's  children. 

57  TT  When  the  even  was  come,  there  came  a  rich 
man  of  Arimathea,  named  Joseph,  wdio  also  him- 
self was  Jesus'  disciple : 

58  He  went  to  Pilate,  and  begged  the  body  of 
Jesus."  Then  Pilate  commanded  the  body  to  be 
delivered. 

59  And  when  Joseph  had  taken  the  body,  he 
wrapped  it  in  a  clean  linen  cloth, 

60  And  laid  it  in  his  own  new  tomb,"  which  he 
had  hewn  out  in  the  rock :  and  he  rolled  a  great 
stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  and  departed. 

61  And  there  was  Maiy  Magdalene,  and  the 
other  Mary,  sitting  over  against  the  sepulchre. 

62  1  Now  the  next  day,  that  followed  the  day  of 
the  preparation,  the  cliief  priests  and  Pharisees 
came  together  unto  Pilate, 

63  Saying,  Sir,  we  remember  that  that  deceiver 
said,P  while  he  was  yet  alive,  After  three  days  I 
will  rise  again. i 

64  Command  therefore  that  the  sepidchre  be 
made  sure  until  the  third  day,  lest  his  disciples 
come  by  night,  and  steal  him  away,"'  and  say  unto 
the  people.  He  is  risen  from  the  dead :  so  the  last 
error  shall  be  worse  than  the  first. 

65  Pilate  said  unto  them.  Ye  have  a  watch:  go 
your  way,  make  it  as  sure  as  ye  can. 

66  So  they  went,  and  made  the  sepulchre  sure, 
sealing  the  stone,*  and  setting  a  watch. 


1 

The 

ss.  4:14 

k  i  Cor.  15 

20. 

1 

Mark 

15:39; 

Luke 

2.3:47, 

etc.     m 

T.nk« 

H 

2,3 

n  Mark  1.5:42 

;  Luke 

23 

50 

John 

9:38. 

0  Isa 

53:9. 

P  John 

7:1-2, 

4 

;  2 

:or.  fi:S 

qoh 

10:21 

17 

•ii 

20:1! 

;  Luke  24:0, 

7;  Joh 

n2:19. 

'eh! 

2-:  13. 

>  Dan. 

0:17. 

by  three  days,  or  three  days  and  three  niglits,  wdiich  Jesus 
said  he  should  be  in  the  heart  of  the  earth,  or  the  grave. 
Chap.  12:40.  The  last  error;  that  of  taking  liim  ix way,  and 
then  pretending  that  he  was  risen  from  the  dead.  This  they 
saiil  would  be  worse  than  his  pretending  to  be  the  Messiah. 

65.  A  watch ;  soldiers  to  watch  his  grave. 

66.  Sealing  the  stone;  so  that  no  one  could  open  the  sep- 
ulchre without  breaking  the  seal. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  The  evil  of  cdmniitting  known  sin  is  greater  than 
sinners  imagine;  while  the  pleasure  which  they  derive 
from  it  is  less,  and  is  nothing  compared  with  the  pain 
which  it  will  give  them. 

The  commission  of  one  ^in  not  only  opens  the  door  and 
prepares  the  way  for  the  commission  of  others,  but  leads 
to  consequences  which  the  simicr  liltie  imagined,  and  the 
contemplation  of  which  fills  liini  with  horror. 

A  deep  conviction  of  sin,  and  the  most  pungent  distress 
on  account  of  it,  full  coiifesBion  <if  guilt,  and  readiness  to 
return  the  wages  of  iniquity,  may  all  exist  without  true 
repentance,  without  any  love  to  God  and  holiness,  or  any 
preparation  for  heaven. 

4.  Tempters  to  ini(iuity  are  hard-hearted  and  cruel; 
they  will  get  men  into  trouble,  but  will  not  relieve  them. 
They  are  of  their  father  the  devil,  and  like  him  they  will 
tempt  men  to  sin,  and  then  torment  them  on  account  of  it. 

5.  There  are  two  kinds  of  sorrow  on  account  of  sin. 
One  is  in  view  of  its  having  been  committed  against  God  : 
this  is  godly  sorrow,  which  worketh  repentance  unto  sal- 

1115 


The.  two  Marys 


MATTHEW  XXVIII. 


at  the  tomb. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  Christ's  resurrection  is  declared  bv  an  an^el  to  the  women.  0  He 
himself  appeareth  unto  them.  1 1  'fhe  chief  priests  give  tlie  soldiers 
money  to  say  that  he  was  stolen  out  of  his  sepulchre.  16  Christ  ap- 
peareth to  his  disciples,  19  and  sendeth  them  to  baptize  and  teach  all 
nations. 

IN  the  end  of  the  Sabbath,"  as  it  began  to  dawn 
toward  the  first  day  of  the  week,  came  Marj- 
Magdalene  and  the  other  Mary  to  see  the  sepul- 
chre.'' 

2  And  behold,  there  was*  a  great  earthquake: 
for  tlie  angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven, 
and  came  and  rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door, 
and  sat  upon  it. 

3  His  countenance  was  like  lightning,''  and  his 
raiment  white  as  snow: 

4  And  for  fear  of  him  the  keepers  did  shake, 
and  became  as  dead  men. 

5  ^Vnd  tlie  angel  answered  and  said  unto  the 
women,''  Fear  not  ye:  for  I  know"  that  ye  seek 
Jesus,"  which  was  crucified. 


»  .Mark  10:1  ;  Luke  21:1,  etc.;  John  20:1,  etc.     t  ch.  27:50.     •  Or,  had 
brcn.     t  I'sa.  104:4;  Ezek.  1:4-U;  Dan.  1U:G;  Rev.  1:14-10.     dHeb.l:14. 


vatioii,  and  needeth  not  to  be  repented  of.  The  other  is 
Borrow  on  account  of  the  evil  to  whicli  sin  exposes  the 
sinner,  and  is  wholly  selfish.  This  is  the  sorrow  of  the 
world,  which  worketli  death.  2  Cor.  7:10.  The  sorrow  of 
I'eter  e.vemplitied  the  one,  and  that  of  Judas  the  other. 

C.  Hypocrites  and  formalists  arc  sonietinics  exceedingly 
scrupulous  about  little  things,  wliile  they  commit  the 
greatest  and  most  aggravated  transgressions  without  hes- 
itation, and  without  remorse.  While  practising  the  gross- 
est deception,  and  even  killing  the  friends  of  God,  they 
profess  to  be  doing  him  service. 

12.  !^lan<ler  and  abuse,  reviling  and  persecution  may 
sometimes  be  best  met  by  silence  ;  and  perfection  of  char- 
acter requires  such  a  control  over  one's  own  spirit  as  to 
be  able  not  to  speak,  when  it  is  manifest  that  no  good  will 
result  from  it. 

IS.  The  indulgence  of  envy  is  a  great  sin. 

21.  All  efforts  of  unrigliteous  iii;igistrates  to  screen 
themselves  from  guilt  in  knowingly  condemning  the  inno- 
cent or  acquitting  the  guilty,  will  be  fruitless.  They  may 
deceive  themselves  and  their  fellow-men,  but  they  cannot 
deceive  God.  He  will  hold  them  responsible  ;  and  the 
measures  they  take  to  hide  their  guilt  will  only  increase 
their  wickedness,  and  aggravate  tlieir  condenniation. 

It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  incur  the  guilt  of  blood.  \Vhe?i 
unrighteously  shed,  it  rises  to  lir:iven  for  vengeance.  Pi- 
late was  stripped  of  his  atithority,  and  died  in  exile,  it  is 
said  by  his  own  hand.  The  stiite  of  tlie  .lews  for  eighteen 
hundred  years  shows  that  the  guilt  of  shedding  the  blood 
of  Christ  was  awful,  and  that  (iod  is  just. 

31.  In  persecuting  the  Saviour,  accusing  and  condemn- 
ing him;  in  giving  him  vinegar  and  gall  to  drink,  parting 
his  garments  among  them  and  casting  lots  on  liis  vesture, 
and  never  ceasing  to  afllict  him  till  he  gave  up  the  ghost, 
all  concerned  were  free  and  accoinit:iblc ;  and  tliough 
doing  it  with  wicked  hands  and  wicked  licarts,  they  were 
fulfilling  the  predictions  of  God,  and  tlius  proving  that 
.lesns  was  the  .Messiah. 

.OH.  .Icsus  Christ  retained  his  life  and  endured  his  agony 
till  he  had  finished  the  work  which  (Jod  gave  him  to  <lo. 
He  suffered  all  that  w;is  needful  in  orilcr  to  become  the 
author  of  eternal  sidvation  to  all  who  believe  on  him.  He 
then  voluntarily  gave  up  his  life. 

51.  The  rending  veil  of  the  temple,  the  quaking  earth, 
the  bursting  rocks,  the  oi)enii)g  graves,  and  the  rising 
dead,  all  testified  to  the  greatness  of  the  event  of  the 
S.iviour's  death  ;  and  heaven  and  earth  seemed  to  sympa- 
thi/.e  with  their  expiring  Lord. 

.11.  The  object  of  (Jod  in  suffering  the  wickedness  of 
men,  is  totally  different  from  theirs  in  eommitting  it.  They 
mean  it  for  evil,  and  it  is  evil,  and  they  are  evil  in  com- 
1116 


6  He  is  not  here:  for  he  is  risen,  as  he  a.d  33. 
said.'    Come,  see  the  place  wliere  the  Lord  lay. 

7  And  go  quickly,  and  tell  liis  disciples  that  he 
is  risen  from  the  dead;*-'  and  behold,  he  gocth  be- 
fore you  into  Galilee;  there  shall  ye  see  him:''  lo, 
I  have  told  you. 

8  And  they  departed  quickly  from  the  sepulchre 
with  fear  and  great  joy ;  and  did  run  to  bring  his 
disciples  word. 

9  lAnd  as  they  went  to  tell  his  disciples,  be- 
hold, Jesus  met  them,  saying.  All  hail.'  iVnd  they 
came  and  held  lain  by  the  feet,  and  wor.sliippcd 
him. 

10  Then  said  Jesus  unto  tiiein,  Be  not  afraid :  go 
tell  my  brethren  that  they  go  into  Galilee,^  and 
there  shall  they  see  me. 

11  H  Now  when  they  were  going,  behold,  some 
of  the  watcli  came  into  the  city,  and  showed  unto 
the  chief  priests  all  the  things  tluit  were  done. 

12  And  when  they  were  assembled  with  the  el- 


e  I'sa.  105:3,  4.    '  ch.  27:0:3.     «  Luke  24:34;  1  Cor.  1S:4.     hver.  10,17. 
i  John  20:19.     J  Heb.  2:11. 


niitting  it ;  and  without  repenfcuiee  and  forgiveness,  they 
will  be  for  ever  jiunished  as  evil-doers,  liut  d'od  means 
to  overrule  it.  and  he  will  overrule  it  for  good.  In  all 
that  he  suffers  to  be  done,  as  well  as  in  all  that  he  does 
himself,  he  is  good.  Joseph,  Mordecai,  Daniel  and  his 
three  friends,  :xnd  Christ  and  his  discijiles,  are  ;dl  striking 
illustrations  of  this  great  and  momentous  truth.  Chap. 
28:18;  Gen.  50:20;  Esther  7:10;  Dan.  :i:20,  :» ;  (!:1C,  28. 

57.  Sometimes  there  are  friends  of  Christ  among  the  rich, 
and  in  cireunistances  where  wo  .should  least  expect  them. 
Tliey  may  be  associated  with  the  wicked,  and  yet  through 
gr;ice  be  kept  from  being  jiartakers  of  their  sins.  On  the 
otlier  hand  there  may  be  hypoerilcs,  and  the  basest  of 
men,  connected  with  the  people  of  God.  It  is  not  wise 
or  safe  to  judge  of  bodies  of  men  by  cerfciin  individuals 
who  belong  to  them — to  approve  or  condemn  the  wdiole 
on  account  of  the  character  and  conduct  of  a  pari. 

02.  Men  cannot  by  any  efforts  thwart  the  purposes  of 
(Jod.  A  man's  heart  deviseth  his  way,  but  the  Lord 
directcth  his  steps.  I'rov.  10:9.  There  are  many  devices 
in  a  in;ni's  heart ;  nevertheless  the  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
that  shall  stand.     I'rov.  19:21. 

fiC.  All  the  efforts  of  the  Jews  to  show  that  Jesus  Christ 
was  guilty,  only  tended  more  clearly  to  show,  and  more 
strikinglv  to  illustnite,  his  innocence  and  their  own  guilt; 
and  ;ill  their  efforts  after  he  was  de;id  to  jireveiit  his  res- 
urrection, only  tended  more:  clearly  tn  denioiislrate  that 
he  hiiil  risen.  So  God  takcth  the  wise  in  llicir  own  crafti- 
ness, and  the  counsel  of  the  froward  is  ciuried  headlong. 
Job  5:13. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1.  In  the  end  of  the  Scihhnlli ;  after  the  S;ddiath.  As  it 
began  tn  dawn;  at  break  of  d;iy.  The  alhcr  Man/;  Mary 
the  wife  of  ('leo|ilias,  and  mother  of  James  the  less,  or 
younger,  and  Jcises.  The  other  James  was  the  son  of 
Zcbedee,  and  brother  of  John. 

2.  There  was;  there  had  been  before  tlie  arrival  of  tho 
women. 

(i.    Thr  lytrd ;  of  angels  as  well  as  men. 

9.  Held  him  hij  the  jfect ;  fell  at  his  feet  and  eriibr;ued 
them.     And  vmsliipped  him  ;  John  5:2!!. 

II).  Ml/  lirclhren;  his  disciples.  He  slill  Ciills  llirm 
brelhrcn',  though  in  tlif  hour  uf  his  distress  they  had 
deserted  him. 

11.  Thr  irnlcJi;  the  soldiers  who  had  been  apjiointeil  to 
watcli  the  sei>ulehre,  and  see  that  his  disciples  did  nut 
conic  and  steal  him  away. 

12.  Taken  cnunsrl ;  in  what  way  they  cinild  prevent  tho 
knowledge  of  his  resurrect  ion.  ;iiiil  thus  keep  the  people 
from  receiving  him  as  the  Messiah. 


The  mountain  in  Galilee. 


MATTHEW  XXVIII. 


Christ's  last  command. 


A.  D.  33.  dcrs,  and  had  taken  counsel,  they  gave  large 
money  unto  the  soldiers, 

13  Saying,  Say  ye.  His  disciples  came  by  night, 
and  stole  him  away  while  we  slept." 

14  And  if  this  come  to  the  governor's  ears,  we 
will  persuade  him,  and  secure  you. 

15  So  tlioy  tooic  the  money,  and  did  as  tliey 
were  taught:  and  tiiis  saying  is  commonly  report- 
ed among  the  Jews  until  tliis  day. 

16  1  Then  the  eleven  disciples  went  away  into 
Galilee,  into  a  mountain  where  Jesus  had  appoint- 
ed tliem.'' 

aCK;!7:6l.  b  ch.  aO::3-2.  tch.l(J:-2S.  d  I'si.  2:0;  !<9: 10;  1 10:I-;3;  Isa. 
9:6.  7;  Dan.  7:U;  ch.  11:27;  Luke  1:32;  John  17:2;  Rom.  14:9;  Epli. 
1:20,  21;  Heb.  2:8;  1  Pet.  3:22;  Rev.   11:15.     =  Mark  16:15.     •  Or,  make 


14.  Persuade  htm  ;  not  to  punish  them  for  sleeping  on 
duty,  wliich  by  the  Roman  law  was  death. 

15.  This  saying;  that  the  disciples  came  by  night  and 
stole  him  away.  Until  this  day ;  the  time  when  Matthew 
wrote  this  gospel. 

17.  Worshipped  him;  as  the  Son  of  God  and  the  Saviour 
of  men.    Some  doubted ;  whetlier  his  resurrection  was  real. 

18.  Alt  power;  power  is  here  used  in  the  sense  of  author- 
ity.    Is  given  unto  me;  as  mediator,  God  and  man. 

19.  Teach;  disciple  all  nations;  proclaim  to  them  the 
gospel,  for  the  purpose  of  persuading  them  to  become  my 
disciples.  The  Father — the  Son,  and — the  Holy  Ghost;  the 
one  only  living  and  true  God. 

20.  lam  with  you;  in  this  work,  to  guide,  comfort,  sanc- 
tify, and  sustain  you  ;  to  render  you  successful  in  awak- 
ening the  attention  of  men,  convincing  them  of  sin,  and 
turning  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power 
of  sin  unto  God.  I  will  be  with  you  and  all  who  succeed 
you  in  preaching  the  gospel,  to  tlie  end  of  time.  Amen; 
so  let  it  be,  and  so  it  shall  be.     Amkn. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  No  soldiers  are  so  intrepid,  but  that  a  single  angel 
can  cause  them  to  quake  witli  fear,  and  liecome  as  dead 
men.  He  can  even  strike  dead  a  hundred  and  eighty-five 
thousand  in  a  night.     Isa.  37:36. 

5.  The  angels  of  the  Lord  excel  iu  strength,  and  whether 
for  judgment  or  mercy,  they  do  his  commandmeiit.s,  hearlc- 
ening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word.  P.sa.  103:20.  Safe  then 
amidst  all  their  trials  are  his  people,  to  whom  angels  are 
ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  by  him  to  minister  to  the 
heirs  of  salvation.     Heb.  1 :  14. 

6.  The  evidence  is  conclusive,  that  while  Jesus  Christ 
died  for  our  sins  according  to  the  Scriptures,  on  the  tliird 
day  he  rose  again  for  our  justification  according  to  the 
Scriptures.     Rom.  4:25. 


17  And  when  tliey  saw  him,''  they  worshipped 
him :  but  some  doubted. 

18  1  And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  say- 
ing, All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in 
earth.* 

r.)  Go  ye  therefore,''  and  teach  all  nations,*''  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost: 

20  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  what- 
soever I  have  commanded  you  :^  and  lo,  I  am 
with  you  alway,**  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
Amen. 


disciples,  OT  Christians,  (if  nil  nations,     f  Isa.  52:10;  Rom.  10:18.     ff  Acta 
2;42;  1  Cor.  11:2.     h  ch.  1S:2U;  Rev.  1:1S. 


9,  17.  While  no  holy  man  or  angel  ever  suffered  himself 
to  be  worshipped,  Christ  received  divine  worship,  and 
never  said  any  thing  against  it,  nor  has  God  the  Father, 
or  the  Holy  Spirit.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  the  distinguish- 
ing trait  of  true  believers,  that  they  invoke  his  name,  and 
serve  the  Lord  Christ.  Acts  9:14;  Col.  3:24.  In  doing 
this,  they  follow  the  direction,  chapter  4:10,  "  AVorship 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve;"  and 
the  direction,  Heb.  1:6,  "Let  all  the  angels  of  God  wor- 
ship him." 

13.  The  Jews  did  not  deny  the  resurrection  of  Christ  for 
want  of  evidence  to  prove  it,  nor  did  they  hire  the  soldiers 
to  tell  a  lie  because  they  believed  it  or  could  substantiate 
it ;  but  only  to  keep  the  people  from  knowing  the  truth. 

False  teachers  are  afraid  to  trust  the  people  witli  the 
means  of  knowledge,  or  to  have  them  become  acquainted 
witli  facts.  They  do  not  wish  to  have  them  examine, 
think,  and  judge  for  themselves,  but  to  have  them  leave 
this  to  their  teachers,  who  wish  thus  to  rule  over  them. 

18.  As  Christ  has  authority  over  all,  and  power  to  direct 
and  govern  all,  they  wlio  put  their  trust  in  him  will  be  for 
ever  safe. 

19.  Tlie  making  of  all  nations  the  disciples  of  Christ 
should  be  the  great  object  of  all.  Some  should  labor  for 
it  in  one  way,  and  some  in  another,  as  the  Lord  shall  call 
tlicra.  But  all  should  strive  together  that  the  Scriptures 
may  be  translated  into  every  tongue,  and  the  gospel  be 
preached  to  every  creature. 

20.  Christ,  with  his  divine  presence  and  aid,  will  be  with 
his  people  in  doing  his  will,  to  the  end  of  time ;  and  after 
having  inclined  and  enabled  tliem  to  servQ  him  and  their 
generation  according  to  the  will  of  God,  will  receive  them 
to  himself,  th.at  where  he  is  tliey  also  may  be,  to  behold 
liis  glory,  the  glory  wliich  he  had  with  the  Father  before 
the  world  was.     John  17 :  24. 


iin 


THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 


MARK. 


AvciENT  tradition  unanimously  ascribes  this  gospel  to  "John  whose  surname  was  Mark,"  who  is 
referred  to  in  the  following  passages  :  Acts  12  :  12,  25  ;  13  : 5,  13  ;  15  :  31,  39  ;  (Jol.  4:10;  2  Tim.  4:11; 
Pliile.  24  ;  and  as  is  generally  supposed,  1  Pet.  5:13,  where  Peter  calls  him  his  son,  that  is,  in  the  gospel. 
He  was  the  son  of  Mary  the  sister  of  Barnabas,  and  accompanied  Paul  and  Barnabas  in  their  first  mis- 
sionary journey  as  far  as  Pamphylia,  whence  he  returned  from  them  to  Jerusalem.  For  this  reason  J^aul 
rejected  him  as  a  companion  for  his  second  missionary  tour,  but  was  afterwards  recoucilod  to  him,  and 
spoke  of  him  in  honorable  terms.     Col.  4:10;  2  Tim.  4:11. 

It  was  the  universal  belief  of  the  ancient  church  that  he  wrote  his  gospel  under  the  special  influence 
of  Peter.  It  has  been  further  thought  that  he  had  the  gentile  converts  more  particularly  in  mind,  and 
that  this  may  account  for  his  careful  explanation  of  Jewish  customs,  as  in  chap.  7:3,  4,  and  his  omission 
of  all  genealogical  notices  of  our  Lord,  and,  to  so  great  an  extent,  of  quotations  from  the  Old  Testament. 
Ho  records  fewer  incidents  than  Matthew  or  Luke,  but  his  narratives  are,  as  a  general  fact,  remarkably 
full  and  circumstantial.  Thus,  in  the  account  of  one  of  the  Saviour's  voyages  across  the  sea  of  Galilee, 
chap.  4,  he  gives  the  circumstances  that  "there  were  also  with  him  other  little  ships,"  and  that  when  the 
storm  arose,  "he  was  in  the  hinder  part  of  the  ship,  asleep  on  a  pillow."  This  character  marks  his  narra- 
tives as  being  either  those  of  an  eye-witness,  or  derived  immediately  from  eye-witnesses. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  The  oEBce  of  John  the  B.%ptist.  9  Jesus  is  baptized,  12  tempted,  M 
he  preaoheth;  16  calleth  relcr,  Andrew,  James,  and  John;  '2'.i  heal- 
elli  one  tliat  had  a  devil,  29  Peter's  motlier-in-law,  32  many  diseased 
persons.  41  and  cleanseth  the  leper. 

THE  beginnin.Gf  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God;" 

2  As  it  is  written  in  the  prophets.  Behold,  I  ?eiul 
my  messenger  before  thy  fiice,  whicii  shall  ))rc- 
[lare  thy  way  before  thee.'' 

3  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wihlerness,  Pre- 
pare ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  his  paths 
straight.*^ 

4  John  did  baptize  in  the  wilderness,''  and  preach 
the  baptism  ofrepoiitanee  for' the  remission  of  sins.'^ 

.')  And  there  went  out  unto  him  all  the  land  of 
Judoa.and  tiicyof  Jeru.salem,  and  were  all  baptized 
of  !iim  in  the  river  of  Jordan,  confc,<.-ing  their  sins.' 

6  And  John  was  clothed  with  camels'  hair,  and 
with  a  girdle  of  a  skin  about  his  loins;  and  he 
did  eat  locu.sts  and  wild  honey;" 

7  And  lireachcd,  saying, There  comcth  one  migh- 
tier than  [  after  me,  the  latchet  of  who.sc  shoes  1  am 
not  wortliy  to  stoop  down  and  unloose." 

•  a-^b.  1:1,2.  •>  Mai.  3:1.  t  I«a.  t0:3.  J  Matt.  3:1;  l,ulto3:3;  John 
.l:'i).  •  Or,  unlo.  •AcU!«:in.  '  LeT,  2«;40-42;  Pm.  3'2;S;  ProT,  !*<:13; 
lJohnl:»-IO.  (  Uv.  Il:',£i.  !■  Mall.  3:11  :  John  1:27;  Acts  13:45.  '  Jool 
2:*f;  Acu  1:.'-;  2:4,  17:4.'i;  10:l.'j,  IB;  1  Cor.  12:13.     J  Malt,  3:13;  Luko 

2.  Intheprovliets;  l8a.40:.3;  Mal.3:l;  Matt.3:3;  11:10. 
3-8.  John  the  Haptist.     Matt.  .■1:1-12. 
9-11.  JesuB  bapti/A'd.     Matt.  :j:  l:i~17. 
12.  Drivcth  him  ;  conHtraiiicth   or  incliiieth  him.     The 
aame  word,  iu  Matt.  9 :  :i8,  is  translated  "  send  forth." 
1118 


8  I  indeed liave  baptized  you  with  water:  a, i>. 27. 
but  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost.' 

9  *i  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  Jesus 
came  from  Nazareth  of  Galilee,  and  was  baptized 
of  John  in  Jordan.-' 

10  And  straightway  coming  up  out  of  the  water, 
he  saw  the  heavens  ojiened,*  and  the  Spirit  like  a 
dove  descending  upon  him:'' 

11  And  there  came  a  voice  from  heaven,  sayins. 
Thou  art  my  beloved  Son,'  in  whom  I  am  well 
pleased. 

12  1  And  immediately  the  S])irit  driveth  him 
into  the  wilderness. 

13  And  he  was  there  in  the  wilderness  forty 
days,  tempted  of  Satan;'"  and  was  with  tlu;  wild 
beasts;  and  the  angels  minislei'ed  unto  him. 

14  1i  Now,  after  that  Joiiii  was  put  in  ]u-ison, 
Jesus  came  into  Galilee,"  preaching  the  gospel  of 
the  kingdom  of  God," 

1.5  And  saying,  The  time  is  fuHilled,  and  the 
kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand:"  repent  ye,''  and  be- 
lieve the  gos|)el.'' 

16  1  Now  as  he  walked  by  the  sea  of  Galilee,  he 


3:21.  t  Or,  rlarrn,  nr  rtnl.  »  l>a,  42: 1 ;  John  I::i2.  I  Pia.  2:7.  '»  Mali. 
4:1, etc.;  Luke  4:1,  etc.  n  Malt.  1:21  oLiikoS:!.  I>  Dan.  2:44;  U;25; 
Gal.  4:4;  Eph.  1:1U.     qAcu2:3i*.     r  Rom.  10:20. 


H.  Put  in  prison;  Matt.  14:3. 

15.  Tlie  lime  is  fulfilled ;  tlic  time  for  the  coming  of  the 
JfcsHiali,  as  ]>reditte(l.     llan.  9:24-27. 

lfi-20.  iJiHciplcs  of  Christ  called.  .Matt.  4:18-22  ;  Luke 
5:1-11,  27,  28. 


Jesus  worketh  many 


MARK  I. 


miraculous  ewes. 


A.  D  30.  saw  Simon  and  Andrew  his  brother  casting 
a  net  into  the  sea:"  for  they  were  fishers. 

17  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Come  ye  after  me, 
and  I  will  make  you  to  become  fishers  of  men. 

1 8  And  straightway  they  forsook  their  nets,  and 
followed  him. 

19  And  when  he  had  gone  a  little  further  thence, 
he  saw  James  the  son  of  Zebedee,  and  John  his 
brother,  who  also  were  in  the  ship  mending  their 
nets. 

20  And  straightway  he  called  them :  and  they 
left  their  father  Zebedee  in  the  ship  with  the  hired 
servants,  and  went  after  him. 

21  And  tiicy  went  into  Capernaum  ;  and  straight- 
way on  the  sabl^ath-day  he  entered  into  the  syna- 
gogue, and  taught. 

22  And  they  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine:" 
for  he  taught  them  as  one  that  had  authority,  and 
not  as  the  scribes. 

23  1  And  there  was  in  their  synagogue  a  man 
with  an  unclean  spirit;"^  and  he  cried  out, 

24  Saying,  Let  us  alone;  what  have  we  to  do 
with  thee,  thou  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?  art  thou  come 
to  destroy  us?  I  know  thee  who  thou  art,  the 
Holy  One  of  God. 

25  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying.  Hold  thy 
peace,  and  come  out  of  him. 

2(5  And  when  the  unclean  spirit  had  torn  him, 
and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  he  came  out  of  him. 

27  And  they  were  all  amazed,  insomucli  that  they 
questioned  among  themselves,  saying.  What  thing 
is  this?  what  new  doctrine  is  this?  for  with  au- 
thority coramandeth  he  even  the  unclean  spirits, 
and  they  do  obey  him. 

28  And  immediately  his  fame  spread  abroad 
throughout  all  the  region  round  about  Galilee. 

29  if  And  forthwith,  when  they  were  come  out 
of  the  synagogue,  they  entered  into  the  house  of 
Simon  and  Andrew,  with  James  and  John. 

30  But  Simon's  wife's  mother  lay  sick  of  a  fever ; 
and  anon  they  tell  him  of  her. 

31  And  he  came  and  took  her  by  the  hand,  and 


»  Mitt.  4:18.  etc.;  Luke  5:4,  etc.    b  Matt.  7:35.    c  Luke  4:33.  etc.   <1  Matt. 
8:14;   Luke  4:38.     •  Or,  (o  say  t/ial  theij  knew  kirn.     '  laa.  61:1,  2;  John 


22.  As  one  that  had  aiithority;  Matt.  7:29. 

24-.  To  destroy  us;  he  speaks  in  the  iiiiriie  of  himself  and 
the  otlior  demons-.     Holij  One  of  God;  the  Messiah. 

25.  Ho/d  thij  peace ;  the  demons  everywhere  recognized 
Jesus  as  the  Messiah,  but  he  uniformly  commanded  them 
to  hold  their  peace.  It  was  neither  the  time  to  proclaim 
his  Mcssiixhship,  nor  were  they  tlie  proper  heralds. 

20.  Torn  him  ;  convulsed  him.  Luke  adds  that  he  "  hurt 
him  not,"  chap.  4:3.5. 

27.  New  doctrine;  it  was  not  merely  the  new  revelations 
of  truth  that  Jesus  made  which  e.xcited  their  astonisli- 
mer.t,  but  also  the  new  manifeslations  of  divine  power 
that  accompanied  it.  With  authority;  in  his  own  name, 
and  with  sovereign  power:  he  commanded,  and  they 
obeyed. 

30.  Simon's  wife's  mother;  Matt.  8:14,  ir>. 

34.  They  knew  him;  they  knew  that  he  was  the  Messiah, 
but  lie  did  not  wish  them  to  proclaim  it.  See  note  on 
verse  25. 

37.  All  men  ;  this  is  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in  which 
the  word  all  is  sometimes  used  in  the  Bible,  meaning,  not 
literally  every  individuid,  but  very  many,  verse  5. 

38.  Therefore  came  I  forth;  that  he  might  preach  the 
gospel  in  various  places. 


lifted  her  up ;  and  immediately  the  fever  left  her, 
and  she  ministered  unto  them.'' 

32  1  And  at  even,  when  the  sun  did  set,  they 
brought  unto  him  all  that  were  diseased,  and 
them  tliat  were  possessed  with  devils. 

33  And  all  the  city  was  gathered  together  at  the 
door. 

34  And  he  healed  many  that  were  sick  of  divers 
diseases,  and  cast  out  many  devils;  and  sufl'ered 
not  the  devils  to  speak,  because  they  knew  him.* 

35  1  And  in  the  morning,  rising  up  a  great 
while  before  day,  he  went  out,  and  departed  into 
a  solitary  place,  and  there  prayed. 

36  And  Simon  and  they  that  were  with  him  fol- 
lowed after  him. 

37  And  when  they  had  found  him,  they  said  unto 
him,  All  men  seek  for  thee. 

38  And  he  said  unto  them.  Let  us  go  into  the 
next  towns,  that  I  may  preach  there  also :  for 
therefore  came  I  forth." 

39  And  he  preached  in  their  synagogues  through- 
out all  Galilee,  and  cast  out  devils. 

40  IT  And  there  came  a  leper  to  him,  beseeching 
him,  and  kneeling  down  to  him,  and  saying  unto 
him.  If  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean. 

41  And  Jesus,  moved  with  compassion,  jnit  forth 
his  hand,  and  touched  him,  and  saith  unto  him,  I 
will ;  be  thou  clean.' 

42  And  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken,  immediately 
the  leprosy  departed  from  him,  and  he  was  cleans- 
ed.s 

43  And  he  straitly  charged  him,  and  forthwith 
sent  him  away ; 

44  And  saith  unto  him,  See  thou  say  nothing  to 
any  man  :  but  go  thy  way,  show  thyself  to  the  priest, 
and  offer  for  thy  cleansing  those  things  which  Mo- 
ses commanded,''  for  a  testimony  unto  thoni.' 

45  But  he  went  out,  and  began  to  ])ublisli  it 
much,  and  to  blaze  abroad  the  matter,^  insomuch 
that  Jesus  could  no  more  openly  enter  into  the 
city,  but  was  without  in  desert  places :  and  they 
came  to  him  from  every  quarter." 


17:8.     (  Matt.  8:2;  Luke  5: la.     e  Psa.  33:9;  John  I5:.3.     h  Lev.  14:2-32. 
i  Rom,  15:1 ;  1  Cor.  1U:11.    j  Psa.  77:11,  12;  Titus  1: 10.     kch.2:13. 


40.  If  thou  wilt;  Matt.  8:2-4.  This  was  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  his  divine  power. 

41.  I  will;  this  was  the  claiming  and  exercising  of  divine 
power. 

43.  Straitly;  strictly. 

44.  Say  nothing  to  any  man;  about  the  cure.  See  note 
on  Matt.  8:4.  Show  thyself  to  the  priest;  Lev.  14:2.  This 
would  show  the  priest  thiit  tlie  cure  was  real,  and  give 
to  him,  as  well  as  others,  evidence  that  Jesus  was  the 
Messiah. 

45.  Blaze  abroad ;  openly  and  publicly  proclaim  it.  Cordd 
no  more;  this  shows  Ihe  manner  in  which  could,  could  not 
and  other  words  denoting  ability  or  inability,  are  some- 
times used  in  the  Bible — referring  not  to  natural  power, 
but  to  dillicultics  whicli  st.and  in  the  way,  and  the  dispo- 
sition of  a  person  to  encounter  and  overctune  them.  It 
was  said  of  Joseph's  brethren,  Gen.  37:4,  that  they  "could 
not  8|)e;ik  peaceably  unto  him."  This  was  for  want  of 
disposition,  not  of  power. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
3.  For  the  reception  of  spiritual  blessings,  preparation 
is  needful ;  and  those  things  wliich  tend  to  hinder  men 
from  feeling  this,  and  making  preparation,  should  bo  care- 
fully avoided. 

1119 


One  sick  of  the  palsy  cured. 


MARK  II. 


Publicans  and  s'nucrs  called- 


CHAPTER   II. 

1  Christ  healeth  one  sick  of  the  palsy,  14  calleth  Matthew  from  the 
reCfipt  of  custom,  l-O  eateth  witn  publicans  and  sinners,  18  excuseth 
his  disciples  for  not  fasting,  23  and  for  plucking  the  ears  of  corn  on  the 
Sabbath-day. 

AND  again  he  entered  into  Capernaum,  after 
some  days;  and  it  was  noised  that  he  was  in 
the  house. 

2  And  straightway  many  were  gathered  togetli- 
er,  insomucli  that  there  was  no  room  to  receive 
t/irm,  no,  not  so  mucli  as  about  tiic  door:  and  he 
preached  the  word  unto  tiieiii.'' 

3  *i  And  they  come  unto  him,  l.iringing  one  sick 
of  the  palsy,  which  was  borne  of  four. 

4  And  when  they  could  not  come  nigh  unto  him 
for  the  ]iress,  they  uncovered  the  roof  where  he 
was :  and  when  they  had  broken  it  up,  they  let 
down  tii(>  bed  wherein  the  sick  of  the  ]ialsy  lay.'' 

5  When  Jesus  saw  their  faith,''  he  said  unto  tlie 
sick  of  the  palsy,  Hon,  tliy  sins  be  forgiven  tiiee. 

6  But  tlicre  were  certain  of  tlie  scribes  sitting 
there,  and  reasoning  in  tiieir  hearts, 

7  Why  dotii  this  man  thus  speak  blasphemies? 
wlio  can  forgive  sins  but  God  only?'' 

8  And  immediately  when  .lesus  perceived  in  his 
spirit  that  tliey  so  reasoned  witliiii  themselves,  he 
said  unto  them,  Why  reason  ye  these  things  in 
your  hearts  ? 

!)  Whetlier  is  it  easier  to  say  to  the  sick  of  the 
])alsy,  T//y  sins  be  forgiven  thee;  or  to  say,  Arise, 
and  take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk? 

10  But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Bon  of  man 
hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins,""  (he  saith  to 
the  sick  of  the  palsy,) 

111  say  unto  thee,  Arise,  and  take  up  thy  bed, 
and  go  tliy  way  unto  thy  house. 

1"J  And  immediately  he  arose,  took  up  the  bod, 
and  went  forth  before  them  all ;  insomucli  that 
they  were  all  amazed,  and  glorilicd  God,  saying. 
We  never  saw  it  on  this  fashion.'' 

13  T  And  he  went  fortli  again  by  the  seaside; 
and  all  the  multitude  resorted  unto  him,  and  he 
taught  them. 


»  P«i.  40:9.     b  .Matt.  9:1.  PIC. 

;  Lultn  .'>:1M,  etc.     c  Acts  11:0;  Eph.  2:« 

■1  l.a.  4:t:-ri;  Dm.  !!:•).     e  Act«  .0 

:31.     '  John  ;::ll  ;  9:3-i,     •  Or.  nl  Ihr  jilwr 

whfre  tht  rtt^tom  was  rereived. 

«  .Matt.  9:9;  I.uko  5:v>;.      h  Matt.  9:11). 

etc.     1  L.ik«  15:1-5.     J  Matt.  9:1 

■i.  I.i;  Luko  .1;:ll,:l>      k   I,a.  1:1-;  .V):7; 

7.  The  more  men  receive  of  the  illuinnnitinK  ainl  purify- 
injc  iiifiueiice.s  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  tlic  more  Inmililc  will  be 
tlioir  views  of  themselves,  and  the  more  cxaltfil  tlieir 
view.s  of  the  Redeemer. 

13.  No  situation  in  this  world  is  free  from  temptation; 
and  in  solitude  men  are  often  more  exposed  to  it  tliiiii  in 
company. 

'I'hore  may  he  solicitations  to  evil,  and  no  incliiuition  In 
compl}'  with  them  ;  an<l  thus  men  may  be  KtroM;;ly  terniited. 
and  yet  not  commit  sin.  Resistance  of  temptation  ni;iy 
increase  their  holiness,  and  better  fit  them  for  the  duties 
of  life. 

IH.  Those  whom  Christ  calls  to  preach  the  Rospcl,  should 
fors.'ike  whatever  would  hinder  them ;  and  thoufjh  tlii'y 
relinquish  their  prospects  of  temporal  fjain  on  earth,  they 
may  expect,  if  fiithfiil,  eternal  fjain  in  heaven. 

30.  Whatever  may  bo  the  maladies  of  body  or  soul,  of 
ourselves  or  our  frieii'Is,  there  is  ciicoiiraj^ement  to  apply 
to  Jesus  Christ  for  relief,  and  no  difficulties  are  80  great 
that  he  cannot  remove  them. 

3.).  Early  risin;^,  for  the  purpose  of  enpapinK  in  secret 
praver  before  enterint;  on  the  duties  of  the  day,  is  the 
1120 


14  And  as  he  passed  by,  he  saw  Levi  the  a.  d  .■ii. 
son  of  Aljiheus  sittinsr  at  tiic  receipt  of  custom,' 
and  said  unto  him,  F(j11ow  me.'-'  And  he  arose, 
and  followed  him. 

15  *i  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  Jesus  sat  at 
meat  in  his  house,''  many  publicans  and  sinners  sat 
also  together  with  Jesus  and  his  disciples:'  for 
there  were  many,  and  they  followed  him. 

16  And  when  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  saw  him 
eat  witli  publicnns  and  sinners,  they  said  unto  his 
disciples,  IIow  is  it  that  he  eateth  and  drinkcth 
with  publicans  and  sinners? 

17  When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  sailh  unto  them, 
Tiiey  that  are  whole  have  no  need  of  the  jiliysi- 
cian,  but  they  that  are  sick :'  I  came  not  to  call  the 
righteous,  but  sinners  to  repentance.'' 

18  1  And  the  disciples  of  John  and  of  the  Phar- 
isees used  to  fast:  and  they  come  and  say  unto 
hiin.  Why  do  the  disciples  of  John  and  of  the 
Piiarisees  l\ist,  but  thy  disciples  fast  not  ? 

19  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Can  the  children 
of  the  bride-chamber  fast,  wiiile  the  bridegroom 
is  with  them?'  as  long  as  they  have  the  bride- 
groom with  them,  they  cannot  fast. 

20  But  the  days  will  come,  when  (h(>  bridegroom 
shall  be  taken  away  from  them,  and  then  shall 
they  fast  in  those  days.'" 

21  No  man  also  seweth  a  piece  of  new'  cloth  on 
an  old  garment;  else  the  new  piece  that  lilled  it 
up  taketh  away  from  the  old,  and  the  rent  is  made 
worse. 

22  And  no  man  putteth  new  wine  into  old  bot- 
tles ;  else  tlie  new  wine  doth  burst  the  bottles,  and 
the  wine  is  sjiilled,  and  the  bottles  will  bcniarrtHl :" 
but  new  wine  must  be  put  into  new  bottles. 

23  1  And  it  came  to  jiass,  that  he  went  through 
the  corn-lields  on  the  sabbath-day;"  and  his  disci- 
ples began,  as  they  went,  to  pluck  the  cars  of  corn.'' 

24  And  tiie  Pharisees  said  unto  him,  Behold,  why 
do  they  on  the  sabbath-day  that  which  is  not  lawful? 

25  And  he  said  unto  them,  llavt;  ye  never  read 
what  David  did,  wiien  he  had  need,  and  was  a 
hungered,  he  and  they  that  were  with  him  ?" 


Matt.  18:11;  Luko  19:11);  I  Cor.  0:0-11  :  lTim.l:I5.  )Matt.!«:l.  m  Acti 
13:-i.  t  Or.  raw.  or  uiiwroiiglil  n  Job  :W:H);  l'»a.  119:89,  is3.  »  Matt. 
12:1,  etc.;  Luko  11:1,  etc.     p  Ucul.  *J:-J5.     qlSam.anG. 


dictate  of  true  wisdom,  and  is  highly  conducive  to  health, 
excellence,  usefulness,  and  enjciyriieiit. 

CHAPTER   II. 

2.  Tlie  vnril ;  the  word  of  Cod,  the  truths  of  the  f^ospcl. 

X  Bnrnc  nffnur;  carried  by  four  niei).     Mutt.  !»:'.i-8. 

•1.  I'irt'i;  the  crowd  of  jieuple.  Vnmvcred  the  roof;  the 
roofs  of  the  houses  were  tlx'ii  fhit,  and  the  sick  man  could 
be  let  down  from  them  ii)1ii  the  i)reKei)ee  of. lesus. 

5.  Their  faillt;  their  confidence  in  his  williM(^nc88  and 
power  to  heiil. 

8.  Percfivetl  in  his  spirit ;  by  liis  knowledj^e  of  their  liearts. 

10.  Ilalli  povcr ;  authority,  ri};ht,  and  ability. 

11.  77/ (/  liril;  the  small  couch  on  which  he  lay. 

12.  On  tliisfi-ihinii ;  they  never  before  saw  any  cue  who 
could  thus  cure  the  palsy. 

}X  .Sot.siWc-  the  sea  of  Calilco.     Matt.  4:18. 
M.  /yCD!  ,•  the  same  as  Mattliew,  Matt.  3:9.    It  was  com- 
mon amoiif;  the  .lews  to  h;ive  two  or  more  names. 
V>-1'.  Christ  eats  with  laibliciUis.     .Matt  9:I0-1.X 
18-22.  Disciples  fastiii),'.     Matt.  !):  14-17. 
23-25.  Plucking  the  ears  of  corn.     Matt.  12:1-4. 


Ilealiiig  works  on  the.  Sahhath. 


MARK  III. 


Many  cures  wrought. 


A.  n.  31.  26  How  he  went  into  the  house  of  God,  in 
the  days  of  Abiathar  the  high-priest,  and  did  eat  the 
show-broad,  wliich  is  not  lawful  to  cat,  but  for  the 
priests,-''  and  gave  also  to  them  which  were  with 
him  ? 

27  And   he  said  unto  them.  The  sabbatli  was 
made  for  man,''  and  not  man  for  the  sabbath :'' 

28  Therefore  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  also  of  the 
sabbath." 


CHAPTER  III. 

i  Christ  healeth  the  -withered  hand,  10  and  many  other  infirmities;  11 
rebuketh  the  unclean  spirits;  13  chooseth  his  twelve  apostles;  22  con- 
vinccth  the  blasphemy  of  casting  out  devils  by  Beelzebub;  31  and 
showeth  who  are  liis  brother,  sister,  and  mother. 

AND  he  entered  again  into  the  synagogue ;  and 
there  was  a  man  there  which  had  a  withered 
hand." 

2  And  they  watclicd  him,  whether  he  would  heal 
him  on  the  sabbath-day;''  that  they  might  accuse 
him. 

B  And  lie  saith  unto  the  man  which  had  the 
withered  hand,  Stand  forth.* 

4  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Is  it  lawful  to  do 
good  on  the  sabbath-days,  or  to  do  evil  ?  to  save 
life,  or  to  kill?'''     But  they  held  their  peace. 

■  Exod.  20:30,  33;  Lev.  aliO.  b  Neh.  9:14;  Isa.  58:1.3;  Ezek.  20:12,  2U. 
<■  Col.  2:  IB.  d  John  9: 14 ;  Eph.  1 :  22 ;  Rev.  1 :  111.  e  Matt.  12: 9,  etc. ;  Luke 
6:0,etc.    fLukel4:l.    •  Gr.  .4ris£,  stand  forth  m  (Ac  midsl.   gHos.C:6.    t  Or, 


26.  Abiathar  the  high-priest;  in  the  days  of  Abiathar,  who 
was  afterwards  high-priest.  Itappears  from  1  Sam.  21 : 1-6, 
tliat  Ahimelech  was  high-priest  when  David  ate  the  sliow- 
broad.  But  Abiathar  his  son  shortly  after  succeeded  him, 
and  was  high-priest  when  David  was  king. 

27.  The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man;  at  the  creation,  Gen. 
2:2,  3,  for  his  benefit  and  happiness.  Not  man  for  the 
Sabbath;  it  is  not,  by  superstitious  observance,  to  be  per- 
verted to  a  denial  of  the  just  claims  of  mercy.  The  day 
ia  to  be  kept  in  such  a  manner  as  God  has  shown  to  be 
best  suited  to  make  men  holy,  and  fit  them  for  that  rest 
which  remains  for  his  people.     Heb.  4:9. 

28.  Therefore;  because  the  Sabbath  was  made  for  man. 
Tlie  argument  is  from  the  design  of  the  Sabbath.  Since 
it  was  made  for  man's  good,  the  Son  of  man,  who  is  God 
in  human  nature,  who  has  come  to  redeem  man,  and  who 
has  all  things  pertaining  to  man's  good  in  his  own  hands, 
must  also  be  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath.  Let  the  reader 
compare  this  passage  with  Matt.  12 : 1-8,  and  see  how  the 
argument  continually  rises.  First,  the  Saviour  justifies 
his  disciples  from  an  exceptional  case,  that  of  David  when 
he  was  hungry;  secondly,  from  the  standing  custom  of 
profaning  the  Sabbath  in  its  outward  letter  by  the  prepa- 
ration of  sacrifices,  etc.,  Matt.  12:5;  thirdly,  from  the  design 
of  the  Sabbath  ;  finally,  from  his  own  character  and  office, 
as  God  come  in  human  nature  to  redeem  man. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

a.  Sickness  is  often  the  means  of  leading  men  to  feel 
their  need  of  divine  help ;  and  application  to  Christ,  with 
strong  confidence  in  him,  is  the  way  to  obtain  it. 

!).  The  manner  in  which  Jesus  Christ,  when  on  earth, 
l)erformed  miracles,  showed  that  he  was  able  to  forgive 
sins,  and  of  course  was  truly  divine. 

13.  Hope  of  temporal  blessings  will  often  draw  together 
multitudes  of  people;  and  when  they  .are  assembled,  min- 
isters of  the  gospel,  if  they  have  fit  opjiortunity,  should 
address  them  on  the  superior  value  of  spiritual  blessings, 
and  point  out  the  way  to  obtain  them. 

16.  Kind  social  intercourse  at  proper  times,  with  all 
sorts  of  persons,  in  order  to  do  them  good,  is  essential 
to  the  highest  excellence  and  the  greatest  usefulness ; 
and  none  are  so  exalted,  that  they  ought  to  think  it  be- 
neath them. 


5  And  when  he  had  looked  round  about  on  them 
with  anger,  being  grieved  for  the  hardness^  of 
their  hearts,  he  saith  unto  the  man.  Stretch  forth 
thy  hand.  And  he  stretched  it  out :  and  his  hand 
was  restored  whole  as  the  other. 

6  1  And  the  Pharisees  went  forth,  and  straight- 
way took  counsel  with  the  Ilcrodians  against  him,'' 
how  they  might  destroy  him. 

7  But  Jesus  withdrew  himself  with  his  disciples 
to  the  sea:  and  a  great  multitude  from  Galilee 
followed  him,  and  from  Judea, 

8  And  from  Jerusalem,  and  from  Idumea,  and 
f}-om  beyond  Jordan ;  and  they  about  Tyre  and 
Sidon,  a  great  multitude,  when  they  had  heard 
what  great  things  he  did,  came  unto  him.' 

9  And  he  spake  to  his  disciples,  that  a  small 
ship  should  wait  on  him  because  of  the  multitude, 
lest  they  should  throng  him. 

10  For  he  had  healed  many ;'  insomuch  that 
they  pressed*  upon  him  for  to  touch  hiin,  as  many 
as  had  plagues. 

11  And  unclean  spirits,  when  they  saw  him,  fell 
down  before  him,  and  cried,  saying,  Thou  art  the 
Son  of  God.'' 

12  And  he  straitly  charged  them  that  they  should 
nbt  make  him  known.' 

blindness.    hMatt. 23:16.    iLuke6:17.    j  Matt.  12:15;  14:14.    IOl,rusked. 
k  ch.  1:24;  Matt.  14:33;  Luke  4:41 ;  Jas.  2:19.    I  ch.  1:25,  34. 

17.  From  all  the  occurrences  of  life  we  should  endeavor 
tcjdraw  important  instruction,  and  as  we  have  opportunity, 
should  communicate  it  for  the  benefit  of  others. 

27.  As  the  Sabbath  was  made  for  the  whole  human  race, 
they  have  a  right  to  its  rest  and  privileges.  This  right 
does  not  come  from  men,  but  from  God,  and  its  exercise 
is  essential  to  their  present  and  future  good.  It  should 
therefore  be  highly  prized,  and  faithfully  used,  according 
to  his  command,  Exod.  20:8. 

28.  As  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  and  the  day 
belongs  to  him,  he  has  a  right  to  direct  as  to  the  time  and 
manner  of  observing  it.  Those  who  devote  it  to  worldly 
business,  travelling,  or  amusement,  or  who  spend  it  in  idle- 
ness, are  guilty  of  robbing  the  Saviour,  and  expose  them- 
selves to  his  cm-se. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1-5.  The  withered  hand.     Matt.  12:9-13. 

4.  Is  n  lawful;  which  was  most  proper:  to  do  good,  as 
Jesus  contemplated,  or  to  do  evil,  as  the  Pharisees  intend- 
ed? to  save  the  man's  life  by  removing  his  disease,  or  to 
leave  him  to  die?  They  held  their  peace;  no  wonder,  for 
they  could  not  answer  without  condi'nniing  themselves. 

5.  With  anger;  holy  indignation,  just  displeasure  against 
their  sins,  and  grief  on  accoiuit  of  them. 

7.  The  sea;  the  sea  of  Galilee.  Judea;  the  southern  and 
more  thickly  settled  part  of  the  country. 

8.  Jerusalem ;  the  chief  city.  Idumea ;  that  is,  the  land 
of  Edom,  which  was  south  of  l'alcs(ine,aiid  was  settled  by 
the  descendants  of  Esan.  During  the  Babylonish  captiv- 
ity, they  took  the  south  part  of  Palestine  as  far  as  the 
city  of  Hebron.  This  part  of  the  country  was  afterwards 
called  Idumea,  and  it  is  to  this  that  Mark  refers.  Ileijond 
Jordan ;  the  east  side  of  that  river.  Tyre  and  Sidon  ;  Matt. 
11:21. 

11.  Unclean  spirits;  the  persons  whom  evil  spirits  pos- 
sessed. Their  prostration  of  themselves  before  Jesus,  and 
their  acknowledgment  of  him  as  the  Son  of  God,  are  as- 
cribed to  the  unclean  spirits,  because  those  acts  were 
done  under  their  impulse. 

12.  Not  make  him  known;  not  proclaim  him  as  the  Mes- 
siah, because  the  proper  time  for  this  had  not  yet  come, 
nor  were  thev  the  proper  heralds.    Sec  note  on  chap.  1 :  25. 

1121 


The.  ticdve  apostles  rJiosen. 


MARK  IV. 


T.'.e  pr.rahk  of  the  sower. 


13  1  And  hegoetli  up  into  a  mountain,"  and calleth 
unto  him  whom  he  would  :''  and  tlioy  came  unto  liim. 

1-1  And  he  ordained  twelve,  that  they  should  be 
witii  him,  and  that  he  miajht  send  them  forth  to 
preach, 

15  And  to  have  power  to  heal  sicknesses,  and  to 
cast  out  devils: 

16  And  Simon  lie  surnamed  Peter;'' 

17  And  James  the  son  of  Zeliedec,  and  John  the 
brother  of  James  ;  and  he  surnamed  them  Boaner- 
ges, which  is.  The  sons  of  thunder:'' 

18  And  Andrew,  and  Philip,  and  Bartholomew, 
and  Matthew,  and  Thomas,  and  James  the  so7i  of 
Alpheus,  and  Thaddeus,  and  Simon  the  Canaanite, 

19  And  Judas  Iscariot,  which  also  betrayed  him : 
and  they  went  into  a  house.* 

20  And  the  multitude  cometh  together  again,  so 
that  they  could  not  so  much  as  cat  in-ead.'^ 

21  And  when  his  friends*  heard  of  if,  they  went 
out  to  lay  hold  on  him :  for  they  said,  He  is  beside 
himself." 

22  T  And  the  scribes  which  came  down  from 
Jerusalem  said.  He  hath  Beelzebub,  and  by  the 
prince  of  the  devils  casteth  he  out  devils.'' 

23  And  he  called  them  unto  him,  and  said  unto 
them  in  parables,  How  can  Satan  cast  out  SatanV 

24  And  if  a  kingdom  lie  divided  against  itself, 
that  kingdom  cannot  stand. 

25  And  if  a  house  be  divided  against  itself,  that 
house  cannot  stand. 

26  And  if  Satan  rise  up  against  himself,  and  be 
divided,  he  cannot  stand,  but  hath  an  end. 

27  No  man  can  enter  into  a  strong  man's  house, 
and  spoil  liis  goods,  exce])t  he  will  first  bind  the 
strong  man;''  and  then  he  will  spoil  his  house. 

28  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  All  sins  shall  be  for- 
given unto  the  sons  of  men,'  and  blasphemies 
wherewith  soever  they  shall  blaspheme: 

29  But  he  that  shall  blaspheme  against  the  Holy 
Gliost  hath  never  forgiveness,'  but  is  in  danger  of 
eternal  damnation : 

30  Because  they  said.  He  hath  an  unclean  spirit. 

31  '[Therecame  then  his  brethren  and  his  mother, 
and  standing  without,  sent  unto  him,  calling  him.'' 


•  M»U.I0:1.  bJohnl3:18.  tJohnl:42.  <l  I»a.  58:1 ;  Jor.  K):'*.  'Or, 
home.  ech.  8?31.  \  Or.  kintmtn.  '  Iltw.  9:7;  John  1IJ:-J0.  (Matt.  9:.1I; 
10:2.i;  I-.':*!;  Luke  11:13;  John  7:31;  HAti.h'i.  Ii  l«a.  1(1:21,21);  01:1; 
Malt.  12:29.     i  .Malt.  12:31  ;  I.tiko  12:10.     J  Hob.  10:29.     k  Mut.  12:48-lN; 


13-19.  The  apostles  chosen.     Matt.  10:1-4. 

20.  Not  so  much  as  eat  bread ;  they  had  no  time  for  tlioir 
rcs'ilar  meals. 

21.  Ilisfriciuh ;  his  relations.  Lniihnlil  on  him  ;  conRtrain 
him  to  retire  from  the  miiltitmle  ami  take  rest.  lie.iuk  him- 
self; (lerariKed,  because,  in  tlicir  view,  lie  in  liis  labors  ex- 
ceedeil  all  reasonalile  l)i)Hn<lH. 

22-27.  Casting  out  devils  by  Beelzclmb.    Matt.  12:21-20. 

28.  All  .lini  slwll  he  forgiven  ;  llieir  sins  are  pardoniiblc. 
Tiiey  may  rejient,  and  on  repentance  and  faith  in  Christ, 
receive  forgiveness. 

2!).  Hiilh  never  forfrivene.is ;  he  has  done  despite  to  the 
Holy  Oliost,  the  author  of  all  f;race.  fie  will  never  have 
CTacc  to  repent,  liclieve  on  the  Haviour,  and  receive  par- 
don, but  will  die  impenitent, an'l  |>erish.    Hee  Matt.  \2:'A2. 

30.  He  liiith  an  unclean  spirit;  they  said,  he  is  po88eBsc<l 
of  the  devil,  and  tlirouf;li  Satanic  influence  works  these 
miracles.  Thus,  by  .ascribin-;  the  work  of  (iod's  Spirit, 
Matt.  12:28,  to  Ueelzebub,  they  blasphemed  against  the 
Uoly  Ghost. 

1122 


A  ND  he  began  again  to  teach  by  the  seasidi 
1\.  and  there  was  gathered  unto  hiin  a  gr 


32  And  the  multitude  sat  about  him,  and  .\.d.3i. 
they  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thy  mother  and  thy 
brethren  without  seek  for  thee. 

33  And  he  answered  them,  saying.  Who  is  my 
mother,  or  my  brethren? 

34  And  he  looked  round  about  on  them  which 
sat  about  him,  and  said,  ]>ehold  m_y  mother  and 
my  brethren ! 

35  For  whosoever  shall  do  Cue  will  of  God,  the 
same  is  my  brother,  and  my  sister,  and  mother.' 

CHAPTEIl  IV. 

1  Tlie  parable  of  the  sower,  1-1  and  the  meaning  tliereof.  21  We  must 
communicate  the  light  of  oiir  knowledge  to  others.  26  The  parable 
of  the  seed  growing  secretly,  30  and  of  the  mustard-seed.  3-5  Christ 
stilleUi  the  tempest  on  the  sea. 

seaside:™ 
rcat 

multitude,  so  that  he  entered  into  a  ship,  and  sat 
in  the  sea;  and  the  whole  multitude  was  by  the 
sea  on  the  land. 

2  And  he  taught  them  many  things  by  parables," 
and  said  unto  them  in  his  doctrine, 

3  Hearken  ;"  Behold,  there  went  out  a  sower  to 
sow: 

4  And  it  came  to  pas.=',  as  he  sowed,  some  fell  by 
the  way-side,  and  the  fowls  of  the  air  came  and 
devoured  it  up.'' 

5  And  some  fell  on  stony  ground,''  where  it  had 
not  much  earth ;  and  immediately  it  sprang  up, 
because  it  had  no  depth  of  earth : 

f)  But  when  the  sun  was  up,  it  was  scorched ; 
and  because  it  had  no  root,  it  withered  away.'' 

7  And  some  fell  among  thorns,-  and  the  thorns 
grew  up,  and  choked  it,  and  it  yielded  no  fruit. 

8  And  other  fell  on  good  ground,'  and  did  yield 
fruit  that  sprang  up  and  increased,"  and  brought 
forth,  some  thirty,  and  some  sixty,  and  some  a 
hundred. 

9  And  ho  said  unto  them,  He  that  hath  ears  to 
hear,  let  him  hear. 

10  lAnd  when  he  was  alone,  they  that  were 
about  him  with  the  twelve  asked  of  him  the  para- 
ble.^' 

Luke  8:19-21.  Ijiu.l:a5;  lJohna:17.  m  HUtt.  13:1,  elo.  ;'I.iike  8:4,  eto. 
n  l>»a.  78:2;  »cr.  34.     o  ver.  9,  2:1;  cli  7:  l(i.     POcn. 15:11.     q  Kzek.  11  :I9; 


,   ....34.     0  ver.  9,  2:1 ;  cli  7:1".     PUcn. 15:11.     q  Ki:« 

3(i:2fi.    'P»a.  1:4;  Jan.  1:11.    •Jer.4:3.    illeb.0:7,8.    iiCoI.l:6 
13:10,  etc. 


»  Matt. 


31-35.  Christ's  brethren.     Matt.  12:40-50. 

INSTRUCTlOXf!. 

2.  Hypocrites  and  persons  whn  ;ire  f;iiilty  of  great  wick- 
edness, are  often  disposed  to  liml  fault  with  and  condemn 
the  friends  of  (iod. 

5.  bidipnation  at  the  sins  of  men  is  perfectly  consistent 
with  the  ijccpest  coini)aHsion  for  their  souls;  and  no  oppo- 
sition or  danger  from  the  wicked  should  liinder  us  from 
doing  tliein  good,  as  we  have  o])porluiiity. 

21.  That  earnestness  in  the  service  of  (!od,and  that  ac- 
tivity and  perseverance  in  doing  good  which  true  religion 
inspires,  !ii)pear  to  many  to  be  indicatioim  of  ins;inity,  and 
awaken  in  thcni  solicitude;  wliilc  crpial  canicstncss  in  the 
pursuit  of  worldly  things  iiwakens  no  suclx  aiiiirehunsions, 
but  is  viewed  with  approbation. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

3-9.  Parable  of  the  sower.     M.att.  13:1-9. 
10-13.  Speaking  in  ]iiinibleB.     Matt.  13:10-17. 


Parable  of  the  sower  explained. 


MARK  IV. 


Tlie  corn,  and  the  mustard-seed. 


A. CM.  11  And  he  said  unto  fhcm,  Unto  you  it 
is  given  to  know  the  mystery  of  the  kingdom  of 
God:'''  but  unto  them  that  are  without,''  all  these 
things  are  done  in  parables: 

12  That  seeing  they  may  see,  and  not  perceive; 
and  hearing  they  may  hear,  and  not  understand ;'' 
lest  at  any  time  they  should  be  converted,  and 
their  sins  should  be  forgiven  them. 

13  And  he  said  unto  thcni,  Know  ye  not  this 
parable?  and  how  then  will  ye  know  all  parables? 

1-4  ^  Tlie  sower  soweth  the  word." 

15  And  these  are  they  by  the  way-side,  where 
the  word  is  sown ;  Init  when  they  have  heard, 
Satan  cometh  immediately j'^  and  taketli  away  the 
word  that  was  sown  in  their  hearts.' 

16  And  these  are  they  likewise  which  are  sown 
on  stony  ground ;  who,  when  they  have  heard  the 
word,  ininiediately  receive  it  with  gladness; 

17  And  have  no  root  in  themselves,*''  and  so  en- 
dure but  for  a  time :''  afterward,  when  affliction  or 
persecution  a riseth  for  the  word's  sake,  immediately 
they  arc  olfended.' 

18  And  these  are  they  which  are  sown  among 
thorns;  such  as  hear  the  word, 

19  And  the  cares  of  this  world,J  and  the  deceit- 
fidness  of  riches,''  and  the  lusts  of  other  things 
entering  in,'  choke  the  word,  and  it  becomcth 
unfruitful.*" 

20  And  these  are  they  which  are  sown  on  good 
ground  ;  such  as  hear  the  word,  and  receive  it,  and 
bring  forth  fruit,"  some  thirty-fold,  some  sixty,  and 
some  a  liundred. 

21  IT  And  ho  said  unto  tliera.  Is  a  candle  brought 
to  be  put  under  a  bushel,*  or  under  a  bed  ?  and 
not  to  be  set  on  a  candlestick? 


»  Eph.  1:9.  b  Col.  4:5;  IThess.  4:12;  1  Tim.  3:7.  c  Isa.  0:9,  10;  John 
12:40;  Acts  29:26,  27 ;  Rom.  11:8.  i  Isa.  32:20;  1  Pet.  1:25.  '  i  Pot.  5:8; 
Rc».  12:9.  fHeb.2:l.  eJobl9:23.  Iijob27:10.  i2Tim.l:15.  j  Lulce 
14:18-20;  1  Tim.  6:9, 17;  2Tim. 4:10.  kProv.23:S.  1  1  John 2: 16, 17.  mTsa. 
5:2,4.     n  Rom.  7:4;  Col.l:lU;  2  Pet.  1:8.    •  Qr.modius;  see  Matt.  5:15. 

11.  Mystery  of  the  kingdom;  the  deeper  truths  of  the 
gospel,  which  had  not  before  been  revealed.  Matt.  3:2. 
Them  that  are  without ;  without  the  circle  of  his  disciples. 
These  remained  in  ignorance  through  the  hardness  of  their 
hearts,  and  their  rejection  of  the  light.  This  made  it 
proper  that  the  Saviour  should  instruct  the  multitude  by 
parables,  into  the  meaning  of  which  the  candid  and  teach- 
able would  inquire,  and  thus  be  made  wise  to  salvation, 
while  the  careless  and  indiflferent  would  neglect  them. 

12.  Not  perceive;  because  thej  do  not  desire  to  know  the 
truth.  Not  understand ;  because  they  do  not,  in  the  right 
way,  use  proper  means.  Thus  they  are  not  converted  or 
turned  from  tlieir  evil  ways,  and  their  sins  are  not  forgiven. 

I'i.  Kitnir  ye  not  tliis  paralile?  which  is  so  plain  and  obvi- 
ous.  The  words  contain  a  gentle  reproof  for  their  dnlness. 
11-20.  Parable  of  tlic  sower  explained.    Matt.  13:18-23. 

21.  Is  a  candle  brou<^ht ;  spoken  here  of  the  candle  of 
Christ's  teachings,  liglited  in  the  souls  of  his  disciples  that 
they  may  let  the  light  of  their  knowledge  shine  on  others. 

22.  Nothing  hid,  a  Citiidlc  is  not  lighted  to  be  hid,  or  to 
shine  only  on  itself,  but  to  give  light  to  men.  So  Christ's 
instructions  were  explained  to  his  disciples,  not  for  their 
benefit  merely,  but  to  be  by  them  communicated  for  the 
good  of  others. 

23.  Let  Itim  hear;  let  him  who  has  opportunities  improve 
them,  not  only  for  his  own  sake,  but  for  the  s;ike  of  his 
fellow-men. 

24.  With  u-liat  measure — measured  to  you ;  the  measiu-e  of 
sincere  and  e:irnc8t  attention  which  yo>i  give  to  my  in- 
structions, will  be  the  measure  of  knowledge  which  will 
be  given  back  to  you. 


22  For  tliere  is  nothing  hid,  which  shall  not  be 
manifested;"  neither  was  any  thing  kept  secret^ 
but  that  it  should  come  abroad. 

23  If  any  man  have  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 
2-1  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  heed  what  ye 

hear:P  with  what  measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be 
measured  to  you;"  and  unto  you  that  hear  shall 
more  be  given. 

25  For  he  that  hath,  to  him  shall  be  given;  and 
he  that  hatli  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken  even 
that  which  he  hath.'' 

26  li  And  he  said.  So  is  the  kingdom  of  God,  as 
if  a  man  should  cast  seed  into  the  ground;' 

27  And  should  sleep,  and  rise  night  and  day,  and 
the  seed  should  spring  and  grow  up,  he  knoweth 
not  how. 

28  For  the  earth  bringctli  forth  fruit  of  herself;' 
first  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  after  that  the  full 
corn  in  the  car." 

29  But  when  the  fruit  is  brought  forth,*  immedi- 
ately he  putteth  in  the  sickle,  because  the  harvest 
is  come.^ 

30  IT  And  he  said,  Whereunto  shall  we  liken  the 
kingdom  of  God?  or  with  ■ivliat  comparison  sliall 
we  compare  it  ? 

31  It  is  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  which,  when 
it  is  sown  in  the  earth,  is  less  than  all  the  seeds 
that  be  in  the  earth : 

32  But  when  it  is  sown,  it  growctli  up,  and  be- 
coineth  greater  than  all  herbs,  and  shooteth  out. 
great  branches;™  so  that  the  fowls  of  the  air  may 
lodge  under  the  shadow  of  it." 

33  And  with  many  such  parables  spake  he  the 
word  unto  them,  as  they  were  able  to  hear  it.^ 

34  But  without  a  parable  spake  he  not  unto 


o  Eccl.  12:J4;  Matt.  10:20;  Luke  12:2;  1  Cor.  4:5.  p  1  Pet.  2:2.  q  Matt. 
7:2.  rLukeS:lS.  s  Matt.  1:S;24.  I  Gen.  1:11,  12.  u  Eocl.  3:1,  11.  t  Or, 
ripe;  Job  5:26.  "  Rev.  14:15.  w  Prov.  4:IS;  Isa.  11:9;  Dan.  2:44;  Mai. 
1:11.     J  MaU.  13:31,32;  Luke  13:18,  19.     yJohnl6:ia. 

25.  He  that  hath ;  hath  such  a  desire  for  divine  knowledge 
as  rightly  to  improve  his  opportunities,  shall  increase  it. 
Hath  not — shall  be  taken;  if  he  has  no  desire  to  improve  his 
opportunities,  they  will  be  taken  away,  and  their  benefits 
be  lost. 

26.  Kingdom  of  God;  the  reign  of  Christ  in  the  hearts  of 
men.  Matt.  3:2.  Should  cast  seed ;  the  seed  is  the  good  word 
of  God  sown  in  the  heart, and  made  fruitful  Ijy  God'sgrace. 

27.  Should  sleep,  and  rise  night  and  day;  should  sleep  by 
night  and  rise  by  day.  The  seed  does  not  come  suddenly 
to  maturity,  but  by  a  gradual  process,  while  ho  who  sowed 
it  pursues  his  ordinary  course  of  labor  and  rest. 

28.  Of  herself ;  by  the  power  which  God  gives,  not  man. 
First  the  blade;  sm;ill  shoot.  Then  the  ear;  the  Stalk  and 
hearl.     Full  corn ;  the  kernels  full  grt)wn. 

29.  Putteth  in  the  sickle;  he  gathereth  the  fruits  of  his 
labor.  Men  in  this  matter  are  workers  together  with 
God.  One  plants,  aiiolhcr  Witters  or  cultivates,  and  God 
gives  the  increase.  Po  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  re- 
ligion in  the  soul.  Men  must  preach  the  gospel.  Alen 
must  hear,  uiiderst;ind,  believe,  and  obey  it.  The  power 
which  leads  Ihem  to  do  Ihis,  is  of  God. 

To  illustrate  still  further  the  progressive  nature  of  his 
religion,  its  great  increase  from  a  small  beginning,  In: 
spoke  the  parable  of  the  mustard-seed. 

30-32.  Parable  of  the  muslard-seed.     Matt.  13:31,  32. 

33.  As  they  were  able  to  hear  it ;  as  they  were  able  to  un- 
derstanil  and  profit  by  his  instructions. 

31.  Without  a  parable  spake  he  not ;  in  his  i>ublic  instruc- 
tion of  the  mnltiludc.  hxpoundcd  all  things  to  his  disciples; 
that  thev  might  in  due  time  exjilain  them  to  others. 

1123 


The,  tern/pest  an  the  sea. 


MARK  V 


77ie  legion  of  devils. 


them:  and  when  they  were  alone,  he  expounded 
all  things  to  his  disciples. 

35  And  the  same  day,  when  the  even  was  come, 
he  saith  unto  them,  Lot  us  pass  over  unto  the 
other  side. 

36  And  wlien  they  had  sent  away  the  multitude, 
they  took  him  even  as  he  was  in  the  ship.  And 
there  were  also  with  him  other  little  ships. 

37  And  there  arose  a  groat  storm  of  wind,  and 
the  waves  beat  into  the  ship,  so  that  it  was  now 
full." 

38  And  he  was  in  the  liindor  part  of  the  ship, 
asleep  on  a  pillow :  and  they  awake  him,  and  say 
unto  him.  Master,  carest  thou  not  that  we  perish?" 

39  And  he  arose,  and  rebuked  tlie  wind,  and  said 
unto  the  sea.  Peace,  be  still.  And  the  wind  ceased, 
and  there  was  a  great  calm.'' 

40  And  he  said  unto  them,  Wliy  are  ye  so  fear- 
ful ?*  how  is  it  that  ye  have  no  faith  ? 

41  And  they  feared  exceedingly,"  and  said  one 
to  another,  What  manner  of  man  is  this,  that  even 
the  wind  and  the  sea  obey  him?"^ 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Christ  delivering  the  possessed  of  the  legion  of  devils,  13  they  enter 
into  the  swine.  25  He  healeth  the  woinun  of  the  bloody  issue,  35 
and  raiseth  from  death  Jairus'  daughter. 

AND  they  came  over  unto  the  otiier  side  of 
the  sea,  into  the  country  of  the  Gadaronos.'^ 

2  And  wlien  he  was  come  out  of  the  sliip,  imme- 
diately there  met  him  out  of  the  tombs  a  man  with 
an  unclean  spirit, 

3  Who  had /m- dwelling  among  the  tombs ; ''  and 
no  man  could  bind  him,  no,  not  with  chains: 

«  Malt.  8:2J;  Luka  8:2.3.     1>  p«a.  10:1|  Isa.  40;27;  Lam.  ;):8.      »  Psa. 
89:0;  Lam.  3:31,32.     J   l>si.  46:1,  2;  Isa.  43:2,     e  Jonah  1:10:16.      t  Job 
(Matt.  8:2S,  etc. ;  Luke  8:26.  etc.    I>  Isa.  63:4.    i  Fsa.  72:9.    J  Ads 


38:11. 


35.  Tlie  other  side;  of  the  Boa  of  Galilee. 

37-41.  Christ  stills  the  tempest.     Matt.  14:2.'5-33. 

40.  No  faith ;  why  is  it,  after  all  you  have  seen  and  heard, 
that  you  liave  not  such  confideiiee  in  me  as  to  prevent  your 
fear  ? 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Natural  objects  were  desig^ncd,  and  sliould  be  used, 
to  illustrate  and  enforce  spiritual  truths ;  and  the  provi- 
dences of  God  are  a  strikinj.;  commentary  on  his  word. 

7.  It  is  not  enough  to  be  e.xuitcd  under  preaching,  or  in 
reading  the  Scriptures  or  the  works  of  ])ious  men,  or  to 
be  much  engaged  in  religion  on  the  Sabbath.  Tlie  inlln- 
ence  of  the  Sabbath  must  be  carriid  through  the  week. 
Men  must  be  governed  by  tin:  will  of  (!od  in  their  1)nsi- 
11688,  as  well  as  in  their  religious  dnlics;  and  if  need  be, 
sacrifice  property,  case,  reputation,  and  even  life  itself,  to 
honor  him. 

10.  Tn  the  communication  and  reception  of  saving  know- 
ledge, human  agency  is  needful ;  and  would  men  be  wise 
unto  Balv:itiou,  they  must  improve  their  oi)portunities  to 
hear  and  undcrstiiiid  divine  truth. 

21.  JcHUB  Christ  does  not  impart  knowledge  to  men  that 
they  may  keep  it  to  themselves,  but  that  they  may  impart 
it  for  tlie  benefit  of  their  fellow-men. 

24.  If  men  do  not  improve  their  opiiortunities  to  obt'iin 
divine  knowledge  and  prepare  for  the  purity  and  blisH  of 
heaven,  these  opportunities  will  soon  cease,  and  they  will 
be  left  in  enfUess  darkness  and  woo. 

26.  No  one  should  be  discouraged  in  efforts  to  do  good, 
because  he  does  not  at  once  see  the  fruit  of  them.  Let 
him  go  seiisonably  to  rest  at  night,  rise  betimes  in  the 
rnoming,  and  spend  each  day  in  learning  and  doing  the 
will  of  God,  and  God  will  make  him  useful. 
1124 


4  Because  that  he  had  been  often  bound  a.  d.  31. 
with  fetters  and  chains,  and  the  chains  had  been 
plucked  asunder  by  him,  and  the  fetters  broken  in 
pieces :  neither  could  any  man  tame  him. 

5  And  always,  night  and  day,  he  was  in  the 
mountains,  and  in  the  tombs,  crying,  and  cutting 
himself  with  stones. 

6  But  when  he  saw  Jesus  afar  off,  he  ran  and 
worshipped  him,' 

7  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  said,  What 
have  I  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  the  most 
high  God?  I  adjure  thee  by  God,  that  thou  tor- 
ment mo  not. 

8  For  ho  said  unto  him,  Come  out  of  the  man, 
thou  unclean  spirit.^ 

9  And  he  asked  him.  What  is  thy  name?  And 
he  answered,  saying.  My  name  is  Legion:''  for  we 
are  many. 

10  And  he  besought  him  much  that  he  would 
not  send  them  away  out  of  the  country. 

11  Now  there  was  there  nigh  unto  the  mountains 
a  great  herd  of  swine  feeding.' 

12  And  allthe  devils  besought  him,"  saying.  Send 
us  into  the  swine,  that  we  may  enter  into  them. 

13  And  hjrtliwith  Jesus  gave  tlicm  leave."  And 
the  unclean  spirits  went  out,  and  entered  into  the 
swine:  and  tlie  herd  ran  violently  down  a  steep 
place  into  the  sea,  (they  were  about  two  thou- 
sand,) and  were  choked  in  the  sea. 

14  And  they  that  fed  the  swine  fled,  and  told  it 
in  the  city,  and  in  the  country.  And  they  went 
out  to  see  what  it  was  that  was  done. 

15  And  they  come  to  Jesus,  and  see  him  that  was 
possessed  with  the  devil,  and  had  the  legion,"  sit- 


l(i:18;  Hob.  2:14;  lJohny:8.     k  Matt.  12:45.     I  Lev.  11:7,  8;  Deul.  14:8. 
mjobl:10,  12;  2:5,0.    ■>  Rev.  13:7;  1  Pet.  3:22.    o  Isa.  49:25;  Col.  1:13. 


33.  Much  evil  may  bo  done  and  much  good  be  prevented 
by  an  untimely  communication  of  truths  whicli  men  will 
only  misunclcrKtand,  pervert,  and  abuse.  Time  and  man- 
ner deniund  attention,  and  call  fnr  wisdom  as  well  as  good- 
ness, discretion  as  well  as  courage. 

40.  That  course  of  Christ  in  his  providence  which  some- 
times loads  his  people  to  think  that  he  cares  less  for  them 
than  they  do  for  themselves,  is  designed  to  show  them 
their  unbelief,  and  that  what  thej' want  is  confidence  in  him, 
to  walk  by  failii.aiid  not  by  sight ;  remembering  that  as  the 
heavens  iire  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  his  ways  higher 
than  their  ways,  and  his  thoughts  than  their  tlioiigbts. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Tlic  other  side;  the  cast  side  of  the  sea  of  Galilee.  1 
2-20.   Legion  of  devils.     Malt.  8:2H-34;  20:53.                        | 

2.  A  man ;  Matthew  mentions  two  demoniacs.  Mark 
mentions  but  one,  and  describes  his  case  more  fully;  prob- 
ably because  it  was  the  more  remarkable. 

fi.  Worshipped  him  ;  bowed  down  before  him  in  acknow- 
ledgment ot  (lis  autliorily  and  power.  . 

7.  /  lid  jure  l/irc;  this  was  said  by  the  evil  spirit,  tlirough       I 
the  mouth  of  the  man.  * 

S.  Lcpion;  for  the  number  of  (he  Roman  legion,  see  note 
(m  Matt.  2B:.'>3.  'I'lie  word  is  here  used  simply  in  the  sense 
of  a  multitude.  H'c  arr  nwnij ;  the  man  speaks,  under  the 
influence  of  the  evil  spirits,  in  behalf  of  all  of  them.  So  in 
the  following  verse,  and  ver.  12. 

12.  All  the  devih;  Luke  says  many  devils  were  entered 
into  him.     Luke  8:30. 

\t>.  Satinf^,  and  clothed,  and  in  his  right  mind ;  this  was 
evidence  that  the  evil  spirits  had  gone  out  of  him,  and 
that  he  waB  cured. 


Jairus'  daushttr  raised. 


MARK  V. 


The  issue  of  Mood  healed. 


A.  D.  31.  ting,  and  clothed,  and  in  his  right  mind;  and 
they  were  afraid." 

16  And  they  that  saw  it  told  them  how  it  befell 
to  him  that  was  possessed  with  the  devil,  and  also 
concerning  the  swine. 

17  And  they  began  to  pray  him  to  depart  out  of 
their  coasts.'' 

18  And  when  he  was  come  into  the  ship,  he  that 
had  been  possessed  with  the  devil  prayed  him  that 
he  might  be  with  him. 

19  Howbeit  Jesus  suffered  him  not,  but  saith 
unto  him.  Go  home  to  thy  friends,  and  tell  them 
how  great  things  the  Lord  hath  done  for  thee,*" 
and  hath  had  compassion  on  thee. 

20  And  ho  departed,  and  began  to  publish  in 
Dccapolis  how  great  things  Jesus  had  done  for 
him :  and  all  mai  did  marvel. 

21  IT  And  when  Jesus  was  passed  over  again  by 
ship  unto  the  other  side,  much  people  gathered 
unto  him ;  and  he  was  nigh  unto  the  sea. 

22  And  behold,  there  cometh  one  of  the  rulers 
of  the  synagogue,''  Jairus  by  name ;  and  when  he 
saw  him,  he  fell  at  his  feet, 

23  And  besought  him  greatly,  saying,  My  little 
daughter  lieth  at  the  point  of  death:"  I  pray  thee, 
come  and  lay  thy  hands  on  her,  that  she  may  be 
healed ;  and  she  shall  live. 

24  And  Jrsus  went  witli  him ;  and  much  people 
followed  him,  and  thronged  him. 

25  T!  And  a  certain  woman,  which  had  an  issue 
of  blood  twelve  years,' 

26  And  had  suffered  many  things  of  many  phy- 
sicians, and  had  spent  all  that  she  had,  and  was 
nothing  bettered,"^  but  rather  grew  worse, 

27  Wl.en  she  had  heard  of  Jesus,  came  in  the 
press  behind,  and  touched  his  garment:'' 

28  For  she  said,  If  I  may  touch  but  his  clothes, 
I  shall  be  whole. 

29  And  straightway  the  fountain  of  her  blood 
was  dried  up;  and  she  felt  in  her  body  that  she 
was  healed  of  that  plague. 

30  And  Jesus,  immediately  knowing  in  himself 


a  Job  13: 11;  Psa.  14:5;  2 

Tim 

1:7. 

b  Job  21:14 

;  Luke  5 

B;  Acts  16:39. 

'Psa. 

Ii(i 

l(i 

Isi.  .'i3:I9.     d 

Matt 

!):18, 

etc.;  Luke  8:41.  etc. 

ePsa. 

107:18. 

ILev 

IS 

lU, 

etc.    e  Job  13:4;  Psa.  108 

12;  Jer.:iO: 

2.  13.     h 

2  Kings 

13:21; 

Matt. 

14 

:i(il 

Aols5:15;  lil: 

1-2.    . 

Luke 

6:19.    JPaa. 

3U:2.    k 

ch.  10:5 

i;  Acts 

17.  Him;  Jesus. 

18,  Prayed  him ;  besought  Je8U8  that  he  might  accom- 
pany him, 

20,  Decapolis ;  or  the  land  of  the  ten  cities  ;  a  country 
lying  east  of  the  river  Jordan,  but  iiichiding  also  Scy- 
thopolis  and  its  torritor_v  on  the  western  side, 

22-43,  Jairus'  daughter  restored  to  life.    Matt,  9:18-26, 

30,   Virtue;  heahng  power, 

34.  Thij  faith  liiith  made  thee  whole;  this  is  a  specimen  of 
t,liem;umer  in  wliich  the  Bible  speaks  of  the  effect  of  means 
when  rightly  used ;  it  is  designed  to  encourage  men  thus 
to  use  them, 

3.5,  Tlie  Master ;  Jesus  Christ, 

36.  Onlij  bcliere;  believe  that  I  am  able  to  restore  her  to 
life,  and  to  do  what  I  will, 

39.  Not  dead,  but  steepeth ;  her  death,  though  real,  is  yet 
like  sleep,  in  that  she  shall  soon  wake  to  life  again, 

41.  Taldha-rnmi;  these  were  two  words  in  Syro-Chal- 
daic,  the  language  in  which  Christ  spoke,  meaning,  Dam- 
sel, arise, 

43.  That  no  man  should  know  it;  that  they  should  not 
pulilish  the  particulars  of  this  cure,  the  time  for  greater 
manifestation  of  himself  not  having  come. 


that  virtue  had  gone  out  of  him,'  turned  him  about 
in  the  press,  and  said,  Who  touched  my  clothes  ? 

31  And  his  disciples  said  unto  him,  Thou  secst 
the  multitude  thronging  thee,  and  sayest  thou, 
Who  touched  mo  ? 

32  And  he  looked  round  about  to  see  her  that 
had  done  this  thing. 

33  But  the  woman  fearing  and  trembling,  know- 
ing what  Avas  done  in  her,  came  and  fell  down  be- 
fore him,  and  told  him  all  the  truth.'' 

34  And  he  said  unto  her.  Daughter,  thy  faith 
hath  made  thee  whole ; "  go  in  peace,'  and  be  whole 
of  thy  plague. 

35  "TT  While  he  yet  spake,  there  came  from  the 
ruler  of  the  synagogue's  house  certain  which  said. 
Thy  daughter  is  dead:'"  why  troublest  thou  the 
Master  any  further  ? 

36  As  soon  as  Jesus  heard  the  word  that  was 
spoken,  he  saith  unto  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue, 
Bo  not  afraid,  only  believe." 

37  And  he  suffered  no  man  to  follow  him,  save 
Peter,  and  James,  and  John  the  brother  of  James." 

38  And  he  cometh  to  the  house  of  the  ruler  of 
the  synagogue,  and  seeth  the  tumult,  and  them 
that  wept  and  wailed  greatly. 

39  And  when  he  was  come  in,  he  saith  unto  them. 
Why  make  ye  this  ado,  and  weep?  the  damsel  is 
not  dead,  but  sleepeth.'' 

40  And  they  laughed  him  to  scorn.     But  when 
he  had  put  them  all  out,  he  taketh  the  father  and 
the  mother  of  the  damsel,  and  them  that  were  ' 
with  him,  and  entereth  in  where  the  damsel  was 
lying. 

41  And  he  took  the  damsel  by  the  hand,  and  said 
unto  her,  Talitha-cumi ;  which  is,  being  interpret- 
ed. Damsel,  (1  say  unto  thee,)  arise. "i 

42  And  straightway  the  damsel  arose,  and  walk- 
ed ;  for  she  was  of  the  age  of  twelve  years.  And 
they  were  astonished  with  a  great  astonishment. 

43  And  he  charged  them  straitly  that  no  man 
should  know  it;''  and  commanded  that  something 
should  be  given  her  to  eat. 


14:9.  I  1  Sam.  1:17;  20:42;  a  Kings  5: 19.  m  John  5:25;  11 :25.  n  2  Chr. 
20:20;  John  11:40.  o  ch.  9:2:  14:33.  p  John  11:11-13.  qActsSI:40.  r  Matt, 
8:4;  12:16-18;  ch.  3;12;  Luke  6:14. 


INSTRUCTIONS, 

2,  Evil  spirits  are  active,  and  have  great  influence  in  the 
affairs  of  men.  Men  may  be  tempted  to  disbelieve  this,  yet 
all  have  reason  to  be  sober  and  vigilant,  and  steadfastly  to 
resist  their  adversary  the  devil,  wjio  goeth  al)out  as  a  roar- 
ing lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour,     1  Pet,  5:8,  9, 

17,  Men  under  the  jiower  of  evil  sjiirits  oppose  Jesus 
Christ,  and  wish  him  to  ilepart  from  them,  Covctousness 
leads  men  to  treat  him  in  the  same  wivy.     Matt,  8:34, 

20,  None  should  be  iifraid  or  ashamed  to  acknowledge 
their  indebtedness  to  Jesus  Christ,  and,  at  proper  times, 
to  make  known  what  he  hiith  done  for  them,  that  he  may 
be  honored,  and  that  others  may  apply  to  him  for  help. 

34,  Though  parchiii  and  salvation  come  to  us  through 
the  Redeemer,  and  his  work  is  the  meritorious  ground  on 
which  we  receive  them,  yet  the  exercise,  on  our  part,  of 
faith  in  him,  is  the  ajipointed  means  of  obtaining  them, 

40,  Those  who  have  no  faith  may  scoff  ;tt  the  idea  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  almighty,  and  able  to  supply  all  the  wants 
of  his  peo]>Ie;  they  ni;iy  mock  at  a  reliance  on  his  con- 
stant and  all-sufticieut  aid ;  but  in  due  time  his  people 
will  find  that  their  most  exalted  expectations  are  more 
than  realized. 

1125 


Christ  in  his  own  coarAr'ti. 


MARK  VI. 


Jokn  the  Baptist  beheaded. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


1  Christ  15  contemned  of  his  conrnrymen.      7  He  givcth  the  twelve 

giwer  over  unclt^an  spirits.  14  Divers  opinions  of  Christ.  27  John 
aptist  is  beheaJed,  29  and  buried.  30  The  apostles  return  from 
preaching.  tM  The  miracle  of  five  loaves  and  two  fishes.  4S  Christ 
walketh  on  the  sea;  53  and  healeth  all  that  touch  him. 

AND  he  went  out  from  tlience,  and  came  into 
his  own  country ;  and  liis  disciples  follow  him. 

2  And  when  the  sal)bath-day  was  come,  he  began 
to  teach  in  the  synagogue:"  and  many  hearing 
him  were  astonished,  saying,  From  whence  hath 
this  man  these  things?''  and  what  wisdom  is  this 
which  is  given  unto  him,  that  even  such  mighty 
works  are  wrought  by  his  hands  ? 

3  Is  not  this  the  carpenter,  the  son  of  Mary,  the 
brother  of  James,"  and  Joses,  and  of  Juda,  and 
Himon?  and  arc  not  his  sisters  here  with  us?  And 
they  were  offended  at  him." 

4  But  Jesus  said  unto  them,  A  prophet  is  not 
without  honor,  but  in  his  own  country,  and  among 
his  own  Idn,  and  in  his  own  house." 

5  And  he  could  there  do  no  mighty  work,*^  save 
that  he  laid  his  hands  upon  a  few  sick  folk,  and 
healed  them. 

(j  And  he  marvelled  because  of  their  unbelief.'^ 
And  he  went  round  about  the  villages,  teaching.'' 

7  IT  And  he  called  unto  him  the  twelve,  and  be- 
gan to  send  them  forth  by  two  and  two ;  and  gave 
tliem  power  over  unclean  spirits;' 

8  And  commanded  thorn  that  they  should  take 
nothing  for  their  journey,  save  a  staff  only;  no 
scrip,  no  bread,  no  money"  in  tfieir  purse: 

9  But  be  shod  with  sandals  ;'  and  not  put  on  two 
coats. 

10  And  he  said  unto  them,  In  what  place  soever 
yo  enter  into  a  house,  there  abide  till  ye  depart 
from  that  place. 

11  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you,  nor 
hear  you,  when  ye  depart  thence,  shake  off  the 
dust  under  your  feet  for  a  testimony  against  them.'' 
Verily  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  more  tolerable 
for  Sodom  and*  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment, 
than  for  that  city. 

12  And  they  went  out,  and  preached  that  men 
should  repent.' 

13  And  they  cast  out  many  devils,"'  and  anointed 
with  oil  many  that  were  sick,"  and  healed  them. 

14  1[  And  king  Herod  heard  o/'/jJm;  (for  his  name 


»  Matt.  l:);.>4,  etc.;  l.uko4;lli,  etc.  b  John  0:  li.  'Gal.  I:1U.  d  Malt. 
11:6.  .  Matt.  l;J:.')7;  John  •l:4't.  '  Gen.  11):22;  ch.  9:23.  It  I«a.  50: 10;  .lor. 
•J:l-2.  b  Matt.  9:3J;  Luke  13:'i2;  Acta  \t>:3a.  <  Matt.  10:1,  «ic.;  ch.  :1:I3, 
etc. ;  Luke  0:1,  etc. ;  1U:3,  etc.  *  The  word  nignifleH  a  piece  of  brass  money, 
in  value  somewhat  less  than  half  a  cent,  Matt.  10:0;  but  here  it  is  taken  in 
general  for  money ;  Luke  0:3.    J  Acts  I'J:^;  ICph.  0:15.     k  Neh.  5:13;  Acts 


CHAPTER  VI. 

l-fi.  His  own  cmtntrij;  Nazareth,    ifatt.  13:51-58. 

;!.  The  carpenter;  .Jesus,  before  ho  hcpin  hiu  minJBtry, 
«conis  to  have  wrought  at  the  employment  of  a  carpenter. 
.Maft.  1.-5:55. 

6.  Could  (here  do  no  mif^htij  work;  because  of  their  un- 
belief, as  is  adiled  liy  .Matthew,  .Matt.  13:58.  This  is  an 
instance  of  tlie  manner  in  which  tlie  words  can  and  can- 
not are  sometirneH  n.scd  in  the  liiblc':  he  could  not  con- 
sistently, or  with  |)ropritty,  there  do  inanymiKhty  works. 
He  healed  a  few,  but  not  many;  not  because  he  had  not 
power,  but  for  other  rea-sons. 

7-11.  The  twelve  apostles  sent  out.  Matt.  10:5-15;  Luke 
0:1-6. 

11.  More  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah;  because  the 
112G 


was  spread  abroad ;)  and  he  said,  That  John  a.  d.  si. 
the  Baptist  was  risen  from  the  dead,  and  therefore 
mighty  works  do  show  forth  themselves  in  him." 

lo  Others  said.  That  it  is  Elias.  And  others 
said.  That  it  is  a  prophet,  or  as  one  of  the  proph- 
ets." 

IG  But  when  Herod  heard  thereof,  he  said,  It  is 
John,  wlunn  1  beheaded  :  ho  is  risen  from  the  dead. 

17  For  Ilerod  himself  had  sent  forth  and  laid 
hold  upon  John,  and  bound  him  in  prison  for  Ile- 
rodias'  sake,  his  brother  Philip's  wife:  for  he  had 
married  her. 

18  For  John  had  said  untoIIcrod,It  is  not  law- 
ful for  thee  to  have  thy  brother's  wife.'' 

19  Therefore  Ucrodias  had  a  qn;irrcl'  :igainst 
him,  and  would  have  killed  him ;  but  she  could  not: 

20  For  Herod  feared  John,"'  knowing  that  he  was 
a  just  man  and  a  holy,  and  observed  him;*  and 
when  he  heard  him,  he  did  many  things,  and  heard 
him  gladly. 

21  And  when  a  convenient  day  was  come,  that 
Herod  on  his  birthday  made  a  supper  to  his  lords,' 
high  caiitaius,  and  c\ne{  estates  of  G;tlilcc; 

22  And  wh(m  the  daughter  of  the  said  Ilerodiag 
came  in,  and  danced,'  and  pleased  Ilerod  ami  them 
that  sat  with  him,  the  king  said  unto  the  damsel, 
Ask  of  me  whatsoever  thou  wilt,  and  I  will  give 
it  thee. 

23  And  he  swarc  unto  her,  AVhatsoevcr  thou 
shalt  ask  of  me,  I  will  give  ii  thee,  unto  the  half 
of  nij'  kingdom." 

24  And  she  went  forth,  and  said  unto  her  mother, 
What  shall  I  ask?  And  she  said.  The  head  of 
John  the  Baptist. 

25  And  she  came  in  straightway  with  haste  unto 
the  king,  and  asked,  saying,  I  will  that  thou  give 
me  by  and  by  in  a  charger  the  head  of  John  the 
Baptist.^' 

26  And  the  king  was  exceeding  sorry ;  yet  for 
his  oath's  sake,  and  for  their  sakes  which  sat  with 
him,  he  would  not  reject  her. 

27  And  immediately  the  king  sent  an  execution- 
er,' and  eunimandcd  his  head  to  be  brought:  and 
he  went  and  beheaded  him  in  the  prison; 

28  And  brought  his  head  in  a  charger,  and  gave 
it  to  the  damsel ;  and  the  damsel  gave  it  to  her 
mother. 

111:51.  t  (ir  or.  I  I.uko -Jl:!- ;  AcW -J::)-^ ;  :l:  10.  m  l.uk.,  10:17.  n  Jas. 
5;H.  0  Matt.  11:1,  •■ic;  l.iiko  0:7,  etc.  I>  Matt.  Hi:!'! ;  ch.  H:4-<.  q  Lev. 
Id:  10.  %0!,aninvnTd  K'hiIk".  r  Kiod.  11:3;  I'lwik.  2:5-7.  ♦  Or,  *f;(I  Aim, 
or  saved  him.  '  Ucn.  40:211.  <  lia.  3:10.  u  Kslh.  S:3,  0;  1:i.  v  Psa. 
37 :  14,  M .    I  Or,  one  of  his  guard. 


inhabitants  of  those  cities  ilid  luit  sin  against  as  great  light 
as  did  tliosc  who  rejc^i.ted  the  ajioslles. 

H-;!0.  .lohn  the  liai.list  beheaded,     .\talt.  11:1-12. 

14.  Ilerod;  Ilerod  Antiiias,  the  son  of  lUrod  the  (ireat. 
Heard  rif  him;  Jesus. 

17.  lie  had  married  her;  Ilerod,  as  wo  learn  fnnii  .lose- 
plms,  had  rcjicted  his  own  wife  lu  niiiny  the  wife  of  his 
brother  I'liilip  while  he  was  still  liviiif;. 

i!0.  (Jhsirml  him;  rather,  as  the  niaifjin,  "kopt  him," 
namely,  froiri  the  resentment  of  llirodias.  Did  many 
Ihiiif^s;  he  did  many  thinj;s  (o  which  .lohn  urged  him, 
but  he  would  not  pot  aw;iy  his  lirolher's  wife. 

'21.  A  r.onrenieiil  diiij;  Kuitalilc  for  the  i)Hr])osc  of  Ucro- 
dias, who  was  watchini;  lier  opportunity  to  destroy  John. 
The  danciiiK  of  her  daUKhter  before  Ilerod  and  his  lords 
was  probably  a  part  of  the  plan  Buggeated  by  her. 


Christ  feedetk  Jive  thousand, 


MARK  VI. 


and  walkdh  on  ll;e  sea. 


A.  D.  31.  29  And  when  his  disciples  heard  of  it,  they 
came  aud  took  up  bis  corpse,^  and  laid  it  iu  a 
tomb. 

30  IT  And  the  apostles  gathered  themselves  to- 
gether unto  Jesus,  and  told  him  all  things,  both 
what  tlioy  Iiad  done,  aud  what  they  had  taught.'' 

31  And"  he  said  unto  them.  Come  ye  yourselves 
apart  into  a  desert  place,  and  rest  a  while:  for 
there  were  many  coming  and  going,  aud  they  had 
no  leisure  so  much  as  to  eat. 

32  And  they  departed  into  a  desert  place  by  ship 
privately. 

33  And  the  people  saw  them  departing,  and  many 
knew  Iiim,  and  ran  afoot  thither  out  of  all  cities, 
and  outwent  tliem,  and  came  together  unto  him. 

34  1[And  Jesus,  when  he  came  out,  saw  much 
people,  and  was  moved  witli  compassion  toward 
them,  because  they  were  as  sheep  not  having  a 
shepherd:"  and  he  began  to  teach  them  many 
things. 

35  And  when  the  day  was  now  far  spent,  his  dis- 
ciples came  unto  him,  and  said,  Tliis  is  a  desert 
place,  and  now  the  time  is  far  passed : 

36  Send  them  away,  that  tliey  may  go  into  the 
country  round  about,  and  into  the  villages,  aud 
buy  themselves  bread:  for  they  have  nothing  to 
eat.* 

37  He  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Give  ye 
them  to  cat.  And  they  say  unto  him.  Shall  we  go 
and  buy  two  hundred  pennyworth'  of  bread,  and 
give  them  to  cat?" 

38  lie  saitli  unto  them,  How  many  loaves  liave 
ye?  go  and  see.  And  when  they  knew,  they  say. 
Five,  and  two  fislies. 

3'J  And  he  commanded  them  to  make  all  sit  down 
by  companies  upon  tlie  green  grass.' 

40  And  they  sat  down  in  ranks,  by  hundreds, 
and  by  fifties. 

41  And  when  ho  had  taken  tlie  five  loaves  and 
the  two  fishes,  he  looked  up  to  heaven,  aud  blessed, 
and  brake  the  loaves,  and  gave  them  to  his  disci- 


a  Acts  :J:a.     b  Luke  9:10,     c  ]  Kings  2-2:17.     d  Matt.  14:1.5,  etc. 

,   Luke 

9:12.  etc.;  John  0:5.  etc.    •  Gr.  denarion;  see  Matt.  1S:2H.    e  Num 

11:13, 

•22;  a  Kinsts  i-AX     <  Matt.  1.5:35;  oh.  b:(5.     I  1  Sam.  9:13;  Matt. 

20:20; 

l-uke  24:3U.    h  Deut.  8:3.    t  Or,  over  against  Eetlisaida.    ■  Matt. 

14:22, 

30.  Gathered  themselves^unto  Jesus;  upon  their  return 
from  their  mission,  ver.  T-l.S. 

31.  A  deseii  place;  a  place  less  frequented,  that  they 
mip;ht  be  more  retired. 

3t-l-l.  Five  thousand  fed,  near  the  shore  of  the  sea  of 
Galilee.     Matt.  14:15-21. 

31.  As  sheep  not  liavin/r  a  shepherd;  destitute  of  teachers 
who  cared  for  their  souls  and  were  able  to  teach  them  the 
truth. 

45-52.  Christ  walking  on  the  sea  of  Galilee.  Matt.  14 :  22- 
33. 

53-56.  The  sick  healed.     Matt.  14:34-.')(). 

53.  Geniiesaret;  a  small,  fertile,  and  beautiful  repion  on 
the  west  side  of  the  sea  of  Galilee,  which  is  thence  called 
the  lake  of  Genncsaret.     Luke  5:1. 

IXSTRUCTIOXS. 

5.  In  order  to  understand  correctly  the  meaning  of  words 
which  speak  of  ability  and  inability,  as  used  in  the  BiMe, 
we  mn.st  consider  the  subject  about  which  they  wore  spo- 
ken, the  connection  in  which  they  are  found,  and  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  speaker  and  writer  used  tliem. 

8.  Christ  sends  out  his  ministers  under  circumstances 
which  are  suited  to  teach  them  their  dopeudcuce  on  him — 


pies  to  set  before  them ;  and  the  two  fishes  divided 
he  among  them  all.° 

42  And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled.'' 

43  And  they  took  up  twelve  baskets  full  of  the 
fragments,  and  of  the  fishes. 

44  And  they  that  did  eat  of  tlic  loaves  were 
about  five  tliousand  men. 

45  IT  And  straiglitway  lie  constrained  his  disci- 
ples to  get  into  the  ship,  and  to  go  to  the  other 
side  before  unto  Bcthsaida,*  while  lie  sent  away 
the  people." 

46  And  when  he  had  sent  them  away,  he  depart- 
ed into  a  mountain  to  pray.J 

47  And  when  even  was  come,  the  sliip  was  in 
the  midst  of  the  sea,  and  he  alone  on  the  land. 

48  And  he  saw  them  toiling  in  rowing;''  for  the 
wind  was  contrary  unto  them  :  and  about  the  fourth 
watch  of  the  nigiit  he  cometh  unto  them,  walking 
upon  the  sea,  and  would  have  ])assed  by  them.' 

49  But  when  tliey  saw  iiim  walking  upon  the  sea," 
tliey  supposed  it  had  been  a  spirit,"  and  cried  out: 

50  For  they  all  saw  him,  and  were  troubled. 
And  immediately  he  talked  witli  tliem,  and  saith 
unto  them.  Be  of  good  cheer :  it  is  I ;  be  not  afraid." 

51  And  he  went  up  unto  them  into  the  sliip ;  and 
the  wind  ceased:''  and  they  were  sore  amazed  in , 
themselves  beyond  measure,  and  wondered. 

52  For  they  considered  not  the  miracle  of  the 
loaves;  for  their  heart  was  hardened.^ 

53  H  And  when  they  liad  passed  over,  they  camo 
into  the  land  of  Genncsaret,'  and  drew  to  the  sliore. 

54  And  when  they  were  come  out  of  tlie  ship, 
straightway  they  knew  him, 

55  And  ran  tlirough  that  wliole  region  round 
about,  and  began  to  carry  about  in  beds  those  that 
were  sick,  where  they  heard  he  was.' 

56  And  whithersoever  lie  entered,  into  villages, 
or  cities,  or  country,  tliey  laid  the  sick  in  the 
streets,  and  besouglit  him  that  they  miglit  touch  if 
it  were  but  the  border  of  his  garment:'  and  as 
many  as  touched  him*  were  made  whole." 


etc 

;  John  6:17, 

etc. 

J 

Matt . 

0:6; 

ch. 

1:35; 

T.u 

ke  0:12. 

k  Jonah 

1:13. 

1  L 

uke  24:23.    m 

Jobi) 

t 

D  Luke  24 

:i7. 

0  Isa. 

43 

2.    p  Psa. 

93:3,  4. 

<1  Isa. 

0:i: 

17.     T  Matt. 

14:. 34 

-■•  Matt 

4:24 

;  ch 

•i-A-i 

. 

t  Num.  15:3^,39. 

t  Or, 

it. 

u  Matt.  9:2C 

;  oh. 

5 

27,28; 

Acts  19: 

2. 

that  all  their  power  to  do  good  and  accomplish  the  objects 
for  which  he  employs  them,  comes  from  liiinself 

16.  A  guilty  conscience  awakened,  forebodes  dreadful 
evils  ;  and  transgressors  never  can  enjoy  permanent  peace 
unless  they  rejicnt,  and  believe  witli  the  heart  on  Him 
whose  blood  cleanseth  from  sin.     1  John  1:7. 

20.  To  show  reverence  towards  (iod's  ministers,  and  do 
many  things  gladly  at  their  suggestion,  avails  nothing  for 
the  salvation  of  the  soul  while  the  sin  which  God's  law 
forbids  is  cherished  and  ]iersisted  in. 

31.  Occasional  retirement  from  the  tumult  of  the  wiuld 
is  needful  for  all  men,  especially  for  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel. They  need  to  commune  much  with  their  own  hearts 
and  with  God,  that  by  wisdom  and  strength  derived  from 
him  in  private,  they  may  be  better  fitted  for  their  jjublic 
duties. 

52.  Ministers  of  Christ,  notwithstanding  all  the  displays 
of  his  power  and  grace,  have  much  remaining  unbelief  and 
hardness  of  heart.  They  need  the  constant  iiiliuences  of 
his  Spirit,  and  should  be  watcliful  and  prayerful,  lest,  after 
liaving  preached  to  others,  they  themselves  should  be  cast 
away. 

55.  It  is  not  enough  that  wo  come  to  Christ  ourselves ; 
WO  should  be  active  iu  bringing  our  fellow-men  to  him. 

1127 


The  Pharisees  reproved. 


MARK  VII. 


Tlic  Syrophoiician  woman. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  The  Pharisees  find  fault  at  the  disciples  for  eating  with  unwashen 
hands.  8  They  break  the  commandment  of  God  by  the  traditions  of 
men.  II  Meat  dehk-th  not  the  man.  24  He  healeth  the  Syrophe- 
nician  womait's  daughter  of  an  unclean  spirit,  31  and  one  that  was 
deaf,  and  stammered  in  his  speech. 

THEN  came  together  unto  him  the  Pharisees, 
and  certain  of  the  scribes,  wiiich  came  from 
Jerusalem/ 

2  And  when  they  saw  some  of  his  disciples  eat 
broad  with  defiled,'  that  is  to  say,  with  unwashen 
liands,  they  found  fault. 

'i  For  the  Pharisees,  and  all  the  Jews,  except 
they  wash  ihrir  hands  oft,^  eat  not,  holding  the 
tradition  of  the  elders.'' 

4  And  ivhen  they  come  from  the  market,  except 
they  wash,''  they  eat  not.  And  many  other  things 
there  be,  wliich  they  have  received  to  hold,  as  the 
washing  of  cups,  and  pots,*  brazen  vessels,  and  of 
tables.''^ 

5  Then  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  asked  him, 
Why  walk  not  tiiy  disciples  according  to  the  tra- 
dition of  the  elders,  liut  eat  bread  with  unwashen 
hands? 

G  He  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Well  hath 
Esaias  prophesied  of  j'ou  hypocrites,  as  it  is  writ- 
ten, This  people  honoretli  me  with  (heir  lips,  but 
I  heir  heart  is  far  from  me.'' 

7  Howbeit,  in  vain  do  they  wor.<hip  me,  teaching 
for  doctrines  tiie  connnandments  of  men. 

8  For  laying  aside  the  commandment  of  God,*^ 
ye  hold  tiie  tradition  of  men,  as  the  washing  of  pots 
and  cups  :  and  many  otlier  such  like  things  ye  do. 

9  And  he  said  unto  them.  Full  well  ye  reject' 
the  commandment  of  God,  that  ye  may  keep  your 
own  tradition. 

10  For  Moses  said,  Honor  thy  father  and  thy 
motiier  1*^  and.  Whoso  curseth  father  or  motiier,  let 
him  die  the  death  :" 

11  ]>ut  ye  say.  If  a  man  sliall  say  to  his  father 
or  motlicr.  It  is  Corban,  that  is  to  say,  a  gift,''  by 
whatsoever  thou  mightcst  be  profited  by  me ;  he 
shall  be  free. 

12  And  ye  siifTcr  him  no  more  to  do  aught  for 
his  father  or  his  motiior; 

13  Makingthe  word  of  t!od  of  none  effect  throiigli 
your  tradition,  wliicli  ye  have  delivered  :  and  many 
such  like  things  do  ye. 

14  1  And  when  he  iiad  exiled  all  the  people  iinto 
him,  he  said  unto  them,  Hearken  unto  me  every 
one  of  you,  and  understand:' 


»  M.Ttt.  I.i:l,etc.  •  Or,  common,  t  Or,  ditigentty;  Gr.  witk  Ifieftst — up  to 
Ihr  eUowr  Thcnrihylict.  b  Gal.  I;H;  Col.  2:f,  «.  23.  c  Job  9;3U.  31. 
I  h^«xtarit]B  1%  atiout  a  pint  and  a  half,  f  Or,  bfdi.  d  l*a.  20:13.  c  Iiia. 
I:li  I  Or,/ru)lrar«,-  vi:r.  13.  (  Exnd.  20:12;  D«ut.  4: 10.  «Exod. 21:17; 
Ler.  20:0;  Prov.  2U:2I).     I>  Malt.  I.',:9;  83:18.     i  Pror.  B:5;  I«a.  0:9;  AcU 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1-23.  Tratlitions  of  tho  Bcribcs  and  Pharisees.  Matt. 
15:1-20. 

4.  Tables;  (ho  word  in  the  original  signiiieB  couches,  on 
■which  they  were  accimtomcd  to  recline  at  meals. 

6.  Emms;  Inaiah.     Isa.  29:i:<-lfi. 

11.  Cnrh'in — profilnl  hij  me ;  wliiit  might  have  gone  to  thy 
maintenance  is  f'orlian,  tliat  is,  conHCcratcd  its  a  rcligioUB 
gift  to  the  service  of  tlie  sanctuary. 

19.  Entereth  not  into  his  heart ;  does  not  reach  or  pollute 
the  soul. 

24-30.  Syrophenician  woman.     Matt,  l.'i;  21-28. 
1128 


15  There  is  nothing  from  without  a  man,  a.  d.  32. 
that  entering  into  him  can  defile  him :  but  the  things 
which  come  out  of  him,  those  are  they  that  defile 
the  man. 

16  If  any  man  have  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear.^ 

17  And  when  he  was  entered  into  tlie  house  from 
tlie  people,  his  disciples  asked  him  concerning  the 
parable.'' 

18  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Are  ye  so  without 
understanding  also?  Do  ye  not  perceive,  that 
whatsoever  thing  from  without  entereth  into  the 
man,  it  cannot  detilc  him ; 

19  Because  it  entereth  not  into  his  heart,  but 
into  tho  belly,'  and  goeth  out  into  tlie  draught, 
purging  all  meats? 

26  And  he  said.  That  which  cometli  out  of  the 
man,  that  defileth  the  man. 

21  For  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  of  men, 
proceed  evil  thoughts,  adulteries,  fornications, 
murders, 

22  Thefts,  covetousness,  wickedness,'  deceit,  las- 
civiousness,  an  evil  eye,  blasphemy,  pride,  foolish- 
ness : 

23  All  these  evil  things  come  from  within,  and 
defile  the  man." 

24  If  And  from  thence  he  arose,  and  went  into 
the  borders  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,"  and  entered  into 
a  house,  and  would  have  no  man  know  it:  but  he 
could  not  be  hid." 

25  For  a  certain  womnii,  -wliose  young  daughter 
had  an  unclean  spirit,  heard  of  liiin,  and  came  and 
fell  at  his  feet: 

26  The  woman  was  a  Greek,"  a  Syrophenician  by 
nation  ;  and  she  besought  him  that  he  would  cast 
forth  the  devil  out  of  her  daugliter. 

27  But  Jesus  said  unto  her,  liCt  the  children  first 
be  filled:  for  it  is  not  meet  to  take  the  children's 
l)read,  and  to  cast  it  unto  the  dogs.'' 

28  And  she  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Yes, 
Lord :  yet  the  dogs  under  the  table  eat  of  the  chil- 
dren's crumbs." 

29  And  he  said  unto  her.  For  this  saying  go  thy 
way ;  the  devil  is  gone  out  of  thy  daughter.'' 

30  And  when  she  was  come  to  her  house,  she 
found  the  devil  gone  out,"  and  her  daugliler  laid 
ujion  tlie  bed. 

31  1  And  again,  dcpaiting  from  the  coasts  of 
Tyre  and  Sidon,  he  came  unto  the  sea  of  Galilee,' 
througli  tlie  midst  of  the  coast  of  Deca])olis. 

32  And  they  bring  unto  him  one  that  was  deaf, 


K:X.     J  Matt 
ivirke(fneMcn. 
elo.     »ch.  2: 
1S:8,  9;  Efh. 

11  :!.'>. 
m  Gun. 
.     •  Or 
2:12-14 

k  Matt.  15:15 

0:5;  Pia.M: 

Gfntilt :  Ii>a. 

r|.a.  00:2. 

etc.     11 
,3;  .'.3: 
49:12 
•  1  John 

Cor.  0:13.    1  Cot-rtou^ 
,3;  .ler.  I7:il.     "  Malt. 
1'  M,-iH.  7:0;  1(1:.'!,  U.     <1 
3:».     >  Mall.  15:211,  olo 

l.'):21. 
Rom. 

2C.  A  Greek;  that  is,  a  Gentile.  Sijrophenidan ;  belong- 
ing to  Syrfi[)hciiicia,  that  is,  tin-  Syrian  rlienicia,  so  called 
to  distiiigniHli  it  from  the  1  jbyaii  I'licnicia,  on  tlio  north 
coast  of  Africa. 

27.  Lfl  the  children;  God's  covenant  children,  that  is,  the 
.lows.  First  he  ftlhd;  the  gosiii'l  was  first  to  be  ofl'ered  to 
the  .lews,  ami  to  tlicin  our  Lord's  jiersonal  ministry  on 
earth  was  chiefly  restricted.  See  notes  on  ver.  29  and 
Malt.  10:.'-,,  fi. 

29.  For  thi.i  sayinp — gnrie  nut ;  though  our  Lord's  mission 
was"  to  the  lost  shc<'j>  of  the  Iiomni'  of  iHnirl."  .Miitl.  1.^:  24, 
yet  he  alwiiys  honored  personal  faith  in  himself  wherever 
found.    Matt.  8:6-13. 


A  deaf  man  healed. 


MARK  VIII. 


Four  thousand  fed. 


A.  D.  32.  and  had  an  impediment  in  his  speech ;  and 
they  beseech  him  to  put  his  hand  upon  him. 

33  And  lie  took  him  aside  from  the  multitude, 
and  put  his  fingers  into  his  ears,  and  he  spit,''  and 
touched  his  tongue; 

34  And  looking  up  to  heaven,*"  he  sighed,'^  and 
saith  unto  him,  Ephphatha,  that  is,  Be  opened. 

35  And  straightway  his  ears  were  opened,  and 
the  string  of  his  tongue  was  loosed,  and  he  spake 
plain.'' 

36  And  he  charged  them  that  they  should  tell 
no  man :  but  the  more  he  charged  them,  so  much 
the  more  a  great  deal  they  published  it ; 

37  And  were  beyond  measure  astonished,"  say- 
ing. He  hath  done  all  things  well:  he  maketh 
both  the  deaf  to  hear,  and  the  dumb  to  speak.'' 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Christ  feedeth  the  people  miraculously;  10  refuseth  to  give  a,  sign  to 
the  Pharisees;  14  admonishetli  his  disciples  to  beware  of  the  leaven 
of  the  Pharisees,  and  of  the  leaven  of  Heiod;  22  giveth  a  blind  man 
his  sight;  27  acknowledgeth  that  he  is  the  Christ,  who  should  suffer 
and  rise  again;  34  and  exhorteth  to  patience  in  persecution  for  the 
profession  of  the  gospel. 

IN  those  days  the  multitude  being  very  great, 
and  having  nothing  to  eat,''  Jesus  called  his 
disciples  unto  him,  and  saith  unto  them, 

2  I  have  compassion  on  the  multitude,  because 
they  have  now  been  with  me  three  days,  and  have 
nothiag  to  eat:'' 

3  And  if  I  send  them  away  fasting  to  their  own 
houses,  they  will  faint  by  the  way:  for  divers  of 
them  came  from  far. 

4  And  his  disciples  answered  him.  From  whence 
can  a  man  satisfy  these  men  with  bread  here  in 
the  wilderness?' 

5  And  he  asked  them.  How  many  loaves  have 
ye  ?    And  they  said,  Seven. 

6  And  he  commanded  the  people  to  sit  down  on 
the  ground :  and  he  took  the  seven  loaves,  and 
gave  thanks,  and  brake,  and  gave  to  his  disciples 
to  set  before  tliem;  and  they  did  set  them  before 
the  people. 

7  And  they  had  a  few  small    fishes:  and   he 


»  Ch.K;-J-i;  John  9:8.  b  ch.  6:41;  John  11:11;  17:1.  c  John  11 :3.3,  33. 
■1  Isi.  33:.'),«;  Matt.  11:5.  e  Psi.  W.IAA;  Acts  14:11.  f  Exod.  -1:10,  11. 
e  Matt.  1.5:32,  etc.  h  Psa.  145:8,  15;  Heb.  3:2.  i  ch.  0:36,  37,  etc.  J  Matt. 
14:19.     k  Psa.  107:5,  6;  145:16.     1  1  Kings  17:14-16;  2  Kings  4:2-7,  42-14. 


35.  The  string  of  his  tongue;  more  literally,  the  band  of 
hia  tongue,  meaning  that  which  hindered  its  use. 

INSTHUCTIONS. 

5.  Formal  and  hypocritical  teachers  of  religion  are  prone 
to  add  to  the  eonimanils  of  Ood  traditions  and  ceremonies 
of  their  own,  and  to  be  very  anxious  that  men  should  ob- 
serve them,  while  tliey  neglect  his  appointments,  and  con- 
nive at,  if  they  do  not  encourage,  similar  neglect  in  others. 

8.  Human  additions  to  the  word  and  worsliip  of  God 
tend  to  lessen  tlio  influence  of  divine  institutions,  and 
shoidd  ln^  carefully  avoided. 

14.  To  understand  divine  things,  men  must  hearken  dili- 
gently to  the  teacliings  of  Clirist  in  his  works,  his  word, 
and  his  iimvidence,  and  seek  of  him  lialiitually  Ihe  illumi- 
nating and  purifying  influences  of  his  Spirit. 

18.  ilea  may  take  any  kind  of  hciilthful  food  without 
spiritual  defilement,  whether  human  trailitions  allow  it  or 
not.  If  they  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  (io<l  in  giving 
it,  and  seek  his  blessing  upon  it,  they  may  expect  that  it 
will  promote  their  good. 


blessed,  and  commanded  to  set  them  also  before 
them.' 

8  So  they  did  eat,  and  were  filled:"  and  they 
took  up  of  the  broken  meat  that  was  left  seven 
baskets.' 

9  And  they  that  had  eaten  were  about  four  thou- 
sand: and  he  sent  them  away. 

10  IF  And  straightway  he  entered  into  a  ship 
with  his  disciples,  and  came  into  the  parts  of 
Dalmanutha."" 

11  And  the  Pharisees  came  forth,  and  began  to 
question  with  him,  seeking  of  him  a  sign  from 
heaven,  tempting  him." 

12  And  he  sighed  deeply  in  his  spirit,  and  saith, 
Why  doth  this  generation  seek  after  a  sign?  Ver- 
ily I  say  unto  you.  There  shall  no  sign  be  given 
unto  this  generation. 

13  And  he  left  them,  and  entering  into  the  ship 
again,  departed  to  the  other  side. 

14  T"  Now  the  disciples  had  forgotten  to  take 
bread,  neither  had  they  in  the  ship  with  them 
more  than  one  loaf. 

15  And  he  charged  them,  saying.  Take  heed, 
beware  of  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  and  of  the 
leaven  of  Herod." 

16  And  they  reasoned  among  themselves,  saying. 
It  is  because  we  have  no  bread. 

17  And  when  Jesus  knew  it,  he  saith  unto  them, 
Why  reason  ye  because  ye  have  no  bread  ?  per- 
ceive ye  not  yet,  neither  understand?''  have  ye 
your  heart  yet  hardened  ?'' 

18  Having  eyes,  see  ye  not?''  and  having  ears, 
hear  ye  not?  and  do  ye  not  remember?^ 

19  When  I  brake  the  five  loaves  among  five 
thousand,  how  many  baskets  full  of  fragments 
took  ye  up?'    They  say  unto  him.  Twelve. 

20  And  when  the  seven  among  four  thousand, 
how  many  baskets  full  of  fragments  took  ye  up?" 
and  they  said,  Seven. 

21  And  he  said  unto  them,  How  is  it  that  ye  do 
not  understand  ? 

22  TTAnd  he  cometh  to  Bethsaida;  and  they 
bring  a  blind  man  unto  him,  and  besought  him  to 
touch  him.^ 

m  Matt.  15:39.  n  Matt.  13:S9;  16:1,  etc. ;  John  6:30.  o  Exod.  12:20;  Lev. 
2:11;  Frov.  19:27;  Lulte  12:1;  1  Cor.  5:G-S.  p  ch.  0:52.  q  ch.  3:5;  16:14. 
r  Isa.  44:13.  '  2  Pet.  1:12.  '  ch.  6:38.  44;  Matt.  14:17-21;  I.nke  9:13-17; 
John  6:5-13.     "  ver.  1-9;  Matt.  15:34-38,     v  Matt.  8:3,  15. 

24.  The  various  ways  in  which  the  different  evangelists 
describe  the  same  transaction,  show  that  they  did  not 
copy  one  from  the  other.  Eacli  gives  a  true  account,  and 
relates  those  circumstances  which  impressed  his  own 
mind  under  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1-9.  Four  thonsand  fed.     Matt,  l.'j:  32-39. 

10.  DaliimnutJta  ;  ilatthew  says  lie  came  into  the  coasts 
of  Magdala.  These  two  places  were  near  together,  so  that 
either  might  be  mentioned  with  eipial  propriety. 

11-13.  A  sign  sought.     Matt.  10: 1-4. 

12.  Sighed  ikrj}li/ ;  on  account  of  their  wickedness. 

14-2L  The  leaven  of  the  I'liarisees.  Matt.  16:5-12. 
Prov.  19:27. 

1.').  T/ie  leaven  of  Herod;  that  is,  of  the  Herodians,  his 
partisans.  Though  tlic  I'liarisees  and  TTerodiaiis  disa- 
grceil  in  their  political  opinions,  they  agreed  in  being  ac- 
tuated by  corriqit  worldly  principles  and  a  hypocritical 
spirit,  wiiich  are  here  called  their  leaven. 

1129 


A  Hind  man  restored. 


MARK  IX, 


The  worth  of  the  sov!. 


23  And  he  took  the  blind  man  by  the  hand,  and 
led  him  out  of  the  town  :  and  when  he  had  spit  on 
his  cycs,^  and  put  his  hands  upon  him,  he  asked 
him  if  he  saw  auglit. 

24  And  he  looked  up,  and  said,  I  see  men  as 
trees,  walkins:.'' 

25  After  that  lie  put  his  hands  again  upon  liis 
eyes,  and  made  him  look  up ;  and  he  was  restored, 
and  saw  every  man  clearly.'^ 

26  And  he  sent  him  away  to  his  house,  saying. 
Neither  go  into  tiic  town,  nor  tell  if  to  any  in  the 
town. 

27  T^  And  Je?us  went  out,  and  liis  disciples,  into 
the  towns  of  Cesarea  riiiliiipi:'"  and  by  the  way 
he  asked  his  disciples,  saying  unto  them,  Whom  do 
men  say  that  I  am? 

28  And  they  answered,  John  the  Baptist:  but 
some  say,  Eiias ;  and  others.  One  of  the  proph- 
cts."= 

29  And  lie  saitli  unto  them.  But  whom  say  ye 
tliat  I  am?  Anil  Peter  answeroth  and  saitli  uuto 
liim.  Thou  art  tlie  Clirist.' 

30  And  he  charged  them  that  they  should  tell  no 
man  of  him. 

31  1i  And  he  began  to  teach  them,  tliat  the  Sou 
of  man  must  suffer  many  tilings,  and  be  rejected 
of  the  elders,  and  of  the  chief  priests,  and  scribes, 
and  be  killed,  and  after  three  days  rise  again. 

32  And  he  spake  that  saying  openly.  And  Peter 
took  him,  and  began  to  rebuke  him. 

33  But  wlien  he  liad  turned  about  and  looked  on 
his  disciples,  he  rebuked  Peter,''  saying.  Get  thee 

aCh.7:33.  bjujg.9:36;  Isa.  ai):18;  1  Cor.  13: 11,  12.  cProv.4:1.s;  Isa. 
3-J:3;  IPet.  2:9.  J  Matt.  lli:13,  etc. ;  Luke  9:13,  etc.  «  Mitt.  H:2.  f  John 
1:41-19;  fi:B9;  11:27;  Acl»  8;:i";  1  .Win  ."i:!.  e  Rev.  3:19  h  1  Cor.  f>:5. 
i  Malt.  10:31;  10:21;  Luke  9:2:!;  14:27;  Titus  2:12.     >  Esth.  4:1-1;  Matt. 

24.  Trees,  walking ;  he  saw  men  walking,  but  could  dis- 
tinguish tlieiii  from  trees  only  by  their  motion.  lie  did 
not  see  tliem  clearly. 

2.').  Put  Ills  hamh  agiiin — saw  crrri/  man  denrhj ;  why  the 
Saviour  did  not  heal  this  man  by  an  instantaneous  act,  as 
ill  so  many  other  cases,  we  are  not  inlbrined.  One  reason 
may  have  been,  to  shadow  forth  the  gradual  process  by 
which,  through  his  word  and  Spirit,  he  removes  spiritual 
blindness  from  men's  hearts. 

26.  T/ietou-ii;  Bethsaida,  where  so  many  of  his  mighty 
works  were  done.     Matt.  11:21. 

27-38.  Christ  foretells  his  death,  and  rcjirovcs  Peter. 
iMatt.  16:13-28. 

27.  Ccsarea  Philjppi ;  a  town  in  the  north  part  of  Oalilcc, 
and  near  mount  ITermoii.  Phili])  the  tetrareh  greatly  en- 
larged it,  ami  called  it  Ceaarea  in  honor  of  Tiberius  Cesar. 
Philippi  was  ailded  to  diHtingiiish  it  from  another  (Jesarea 
which  liiy  on  the  Mediterranean  sea.     .Matt.  16:1:!. 

32.  Openly;  publicly  and  more  plainly  than  he  had  done 
before. 

33.  Savorcst  not;  thinkcst  not.  Thy  thoughts  and  those 
of  God  do  not  agree.     Compare  Isa.  .").5:8, 9. 

34.  Ttike  up  his  cross;  in  allusion  to  the  practice  of  com- 
pelling malefactors  to  bear  their  own  cross  to  the  [dace 
of  execution.  The  meaning  is,  that  ho  must  make  any 
sacrifice,  submit  to  any  self-denial,  and  encounter  any 
diOiculty  which  may  be  needful,  in  order  to  obey  Christ's 
commands. 

3.5.  Save  his  life — lose  U ;  the  word  life  is  here  used  in  two 
senses:  tirst,  for  the  bodily  life;  secondly,  for  eternal  life. 

37.  In  exchanae  for  his  snul ;  as  the  price  of  its  redemp- 
tion. If  his  soul  be  lost,  there  is  no  price  which  ho  can 
pay  to  redeem  it.     It  must  be  lost  for  ever. 

38.  Ashamed  of  me;  ashamed  to  be  my  follower.  When 
lie  Cometh;  at  the  day  of  judgment. 

1130 


behind  me,  Satan:'' for  thou  savorest  not  a. d. .■iz 
the  things  that  be  of  God,  but  the  things  that  be 
of  men. 

34  1  And  when  he  had  called  the  jieople  unto 
him  ■with  his  discijiles  also,  he  said  unto  them. 
Whosoever  will  come  after  me.  let  him  deny  him- 
self, and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me.' 

35  For  Avhosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it; 
but  whosoever  shall  lo.sc  his  life  for  my  sake  and 
the  gospel's,  the  same  shall  save  it.J 

36  For  wliat  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  shall 
gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  ins  own  soul  ? 

37  Or  what  shall  a  man  aive  in  exchange  for  his 
soul  ? 

38  Wliosoever  therefore  shall  be  ashamed  of  mo 
and  of  my  words  iu  this  adulterous  and  sinful  gen- 
eration, of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  man  be 
ashamed,  when  he  cometli  in  the  glory  of  ids  Fa- 
ther with  the  lioly  angels.'' 

i 
CHAPTER  IX. 

2  Jesus  is  transfigured.  11  He  instructeth  his  disciples  concerning  the 
coming  of  Elias;  14  casteth  forth  a  dumb  and  deaf  spirit;  30  foretell- 
eth  his  death  and  resurrection;  33exhorteih  his  disciples  to  humility; 
3S  bidding  them  not  to  proliibit  such  as  be  not  against  them,  nor  u> 
give  ofTence  to  any  of  ihe  faithful. 

ND  he  said  iinlo  them, Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
That  there  be  sonic  of  Iheni  that  stand  here, 


A 


the  kingdom  of  God  come  with  power.'" 

2  1i  And  after  six  days,  Jesus  taketh  with,  him 
Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  and  Icadeth  them  up 


10:39 

16:25; 

Luke  (1:24 

17 

:33; 

John  1' 

>:a.5;  2 

Tim. 

2:11; 

4:0, 

it 

ReT. 

2:10; 

7:14-17. 

k  Luke  12 

:9; 

2T 

ira.  1:S. 

IJohn 

S:52 

Ueb. 

2:U. 

m 

.Matt. 

10:28 

Luke  9 

27. 

IXSTHUCTION'S. 

2.  In  following  Christ,  his  people  may,  for  a  time,  bo 
destitute  even  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  lint  he  is  never 
unnundful  ol'  their  wants,  and  in  duo  time  he  will  supply 
them. 

12.  Pious  men  are  grieved  at  the  deceit  and  hypocrisy 
of  the  wicked;  and  earnestly  desire  and  fervently  pray 
that  by  forsaking  their  sins  and  turning  to  Cod,  they  may 
be  )irepared  for  heaven. 

17.  Hardness  of  heart  and  blindness  <<(  mind  are  often 
found  to  a  great  extent  in  the  disciples  of  Christ ;  and  wero 
it  not  for  his  continual  intercession,  and  the  rich  blessings 
of  his  Spirit,  they  would  fall  away  and  perish. 

23.  Allliongh  Jesus  Christ  can  bestow  f;ivors  instantane- 
ously, and  without  the  use  of  means,  he  often  sees  it  best        i 
to  eiiii)loy  means,  and  to  grant  his  favors  graduuUy,  that       I 
those  who  receive  them  may  better  understand  his  char-        " 
acter,  and  more  wisely  improve  the  blessings  which  ho 
gives. 

33.  Those  who  think  that  some  other  course  would  bo 
better  than  that  which  Christ  takes,  savor  not  the  (hings 
wdiicli  be  of  Cod.  but  those  that  be  of  men.     This  was        | 
often  the  case  with  Peter,  and  it  showed,  that  notwith-        1 
standing  all  Christ  had  ilone  lor  him,  he  was  veiy  liable 
to  err. 

38.  If  men  would  be  owned  of  Christ  in  Ihe  day  of  judg- 
ment, they  must  bo  governed  by  his  will,  must  not  bo 
afraid  or  ashamed  to  a<knowli'dge  him  before  men,  and 
must  iJcrseveringly  obey  his  commands. 

ril.VI'TKll  IX. 

1.  Thekinfrthm  of  find  cninr  with  power ;  the  gospel  estab- 
lished, and  rendered  mightily  cllicacious  to  the  salvation 
of  men.     Matt.  3:2;  1«:2S. 

2-10.  The  transfiguration.    Matt.  17:1-9. 


Chnst  is  transfigured. 


MARK  IX. 


lie  caslelh  out  a  spirit. 


A. D.32.  into  a  high  mountain  apart  by  themselves: 
and  he  was  transfigured  before  them." 

3  And  his  raiment  became  shining,  exceeding 
•white  as  snow;''  so  as  no  fuller  on  earth  can 
white  them. 

4  And  there  appeared  unto  them  Elias  with 
Moses:  and  they  were  talking  with  Jesus. 

5  And  Peter  answered  and  said  to  Jesus,  Mas- 
ter, it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here  :'^  and  let  us  make 
three  tabernacles ;  one  for  thee,  and  one  for  Moses, 
and  one  for  Elias. 

6  For  he  wist  not  what  to  say ;''  for  they  were 
sore  afraid. 

7  And  there  was  a  cloud  that  overshadowed 
them:  and  a  voice  came  out  of  tlie  cloud,  saying. 
This  is  my  beloved  Son:^  hear  him.' 

8  And  suddenly,  when  they  had  looked  round 
about,  they  saw  no  man  any  more,  save  Jesus  only 
with  themselves. 

9  And  as  they  came  down  from  the  mountain,  he 
charged  them  that  they  should  tell  no  man  what 
things  they  had  seen,  till  the  Son  of  man  were 
risen  from  the  dead. 

10  And  they  kept  that  saying  with  tiicmselves, 
questioning  one  with  another  what  the  rising  from 
the  dead  should  mean.^ 

Ill  And  they  asked  him,  saying,  Why  say  the 
scribes  that  Elias  must  first  come?'' 

12  And  he  answered  and  told  them,  Elias  verily 
Cometh  first,  and  restoreth  all  things ;  and  how  it 
is  written  of  tiie  Son  of  man,  that  he  must  suffer 
many  things,'  and  be  set  at  naught.-" 

13  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  Elias  is  indeed 
come,  and  they  have  done  unto  him  whatsoever 
they  listed,  as  it  is  written  of  him.'' 

14  If  And  when  he  came  to  his  disciples,  he  saw 
a  great  multitude  about  them,  and  the  scribes 
questioning  with  them. 

15  And  straightway  all  the  people,  when  tlicy 
beheld  him,  were  greatly  amazed,  and  running  to 
him,  saluted  him. 

IG  And  lie  asked  the  scribes,  Wliat  question  ye 
with  tlicm?* 

17  And  one  of  the  multitude  answered  and  said, 
Master,  I  have  brought  unto  thee  my  son,  whicli 
hath  a  dumb  sjiirit;' 

18  And  wliQj'esoever  he  takctli  liim,  lie  tcareth 
him  :*  and  lie  foamcth,™  and  gnashctli  witii  his  teeth, 
and  pineth  away  :  and  I  spake  to  tliy  disciples  tliat 
they  should  cast  him  out ;  and  tiiey  could  not. 


•Matt.  17:1,  etc. ;  Luka  9:28,  etc.  >>  Dan.  7:9;  Matt.  •*>::!.  »  Psa.  GS:-.': 
84:10.  d  Dan.  10:15;  Rev.  1:17.  «  Psa.  2:7;  iMatt.  3:17;  2  Put.  1:17. 
'Deut.l9:13.  EActsl7:lH.  li.Mal.4:5.  i  Psa.  22:1,  etc. ;  Isa.  53:3,  etc. ; 
Dan.  9:26;  Zech.  13:7.  J  Psa.  74:22;  Luke  ■-'3:11;  Phil.  2:7.  k  Matt. 
11:14;  Luke  1:17.    •  Or,  among  yourselves.'    1  Matt.  12:22;  Luke  11:14. 


II).  WImt  tite  rising  from  the  dead  should  mean;  though 
('hrist  liad  clearly  foretold  his  resurrection  from  the  deatl, 
his  disciples  appear  not  to  have  understood,  or  not  to 
have  Ijelievml  it. 

ll-l:'..  Elms  must  first  come;  Matt.  17:10-13. 

12.  Restoreth  alt  thinrr.t;  the  word  "restore,"  used  also  in 
Matt.  17:11,  is  taken  fiom  the  Septii;i;;int  version  of  Mai. 
4:fi:  "Wiio  [Elias]  shall  restore  the  heart,  of  father  to  .son," 
etc.;  that  is,  bring  them  back  to  their  former  state  of  union 
in  Goil's  service.  For  tlie  meaning  of  this  ])rophecy,  see 
note  on  .Mai.  4:0.  And  how  it  is  written;  the  coming  of 
Klias  fulflla  the  prophecy  concerning  him,  and  also  brings 


19  He  answeretli  him,  and  saith,  0  faiihless  gen- 
eration," how  long  shall  I  be  with  you?  how  long 
shall  I  suffer  you  ?     Bring  him  unto  me. 

20  And  they  brought  him  unto  him:  and  when 
he  saw  him,  straightway  the  spirit  tare  him ;  and 
he  fell  on  the  ground,  and  wallowed  foaming. 

21  And  he  asked  his  father,  IIow  long  is  it  ago 
since  this  came  unto  him?  And  he  said.  Of  a 
child." 

22  And  ofttimes  it  hath  cast  him  into  the  fire, 
and  into  the  waters,  to  destroy  him :  but  if  thou 
canst  do  any  thing,  have  compassion  on  us,  and 
help  us. 

23  Jesus  said  unto  him.  If  thou  canst  believe,  all 
things  are  possible  to  liim  that  believeth.'' 

24  And  straightway  the  fatlier  of  the  child  cried 
out,  and  said  with  tears,''  Lord,  I  believe ;  help 
thou  mine  unbelief.'' 

25  When  Jesus  saw  that  the  people  came  run- 
ning together,  he  rebuked  the  foul  spirit,  saying 
unto  him.  Thou  dumb  and  deaf  spirit,  I  charge 
thee,  come  out  of  him,  and  enter  no  more  into  him. 

26  And  the  spirit  cried,  and  rent  him  sore,"  and 
came  out  of  him :  and  he  was  as  one  dead ;  inso- 
much that  many  said.  He  is  dead. 

27  But  Jesus  took  hiin  by  the  hand,'  and  lifted 
him  up ;  and  he  arose. 

28  And  when  he  was  come  into  the  house,  his 
disciples  asked  him  privately.  Why  could  not  we 
cast  him  out  ? 

29  And  he  said  unto  them.  This  kind  can  come 
fortli  by  nothing,  but  by  prayer"  and  fasting.^' 

30  If  And  they  departed  thence,  and  passed 
through  Galilee ;  and  he  would  not  that  any  man 
should  know  it. 

31  For  he  taught  his  disciples,  and  said  unto 
them.  The  Son  of  man  is  delivered  into  the  iiands 
of  men,  and  tliey  shall  kill  liim;  and  after  that  he 
is  killed,  he  shall  rise  tlie  third  day. 

32  But  they  understood  not  that  saying,  and 
were  afraid  to  ask  him." 

33  1  And  he  came  to  Capernaum  :"  and  being  in 
the  house,  he  asked  them.  What  was  it  that  ye  dis- 
puted among  yourselves  by  the  way  ? 

34  But  they  held  their  peace:  for  by  the  way 
they  had  disputed  among  themselves,  who  should 
be  the  greatest. 

35  And  he  sat  down,  and  called  the  twelve,  and 
saith  unto  them.  If  any  man  desire  to  be  first,  the 
same  shall  be  last  of  all,  and  servant  of  all.^ 


tOr,ilaslietkkhn.  mJudelS.  n  Dent.  32:20;  Psa.  7S:S;  Heb.  3: 10.  "Job 
5:7;  Psa.  51:5.  p  2Clir.  20:20;  Malt.  17:20;  ch.  11:23;  Luke  17:0;  John 
11:40;  Heb.  ll:(i.  I  Psa.  120:5.  r  Heb.  12:2.  •  Rev.  12:12.  tisa.  41:13. 
"El>h.(i:18.  viCnr.  9:27.  wjnhn  10:10.  »  Matt.  18:1,  etc.;  Luke  9:41), 
etc.;  22:24,  etc     y  .Matt.  20:20,  27  ;  ch.  10:43. 


in  its  train  the  accomplishment  of  tho  sufferings  predicted 
of  tho  Son  of  man. 

14-2!).  Dnnib  spirit  cast  out.     Matt.  17:14-21. 

14.  Qtieslinninir ;  disputing  or  debating  with  them. 

V>.  Ware  arcatlij  niiiii:cil ;  it  h;is  licen  supposed  that  a 
))ortion  of  the  sniiern;itin';d  brightness  of  tho  Saviour's 
couutcniince  on  the  niounl  of  transfiguration  yet  remained. 

24.  Help  thou;  teach  me  to  believe  more  fully  thy  will- 
ingness and  jiower  to  help. 

3n--i2.  Christ  foretells  his  death.     Matt.  17:22,  23. 

3:i-:i7.  ^VIlo  sliouhl  be  greatest.     Matt.  IS:  l-o. 

34.  Held  their -peace ;  they  were  silent ;  ashamed,  no  doubt, 

1131 


Tht  trw  friends  of  Christ. 


MARK   IX. 


Offences  to  be  avoided. 


36  And  he  took  a  child,  and  set  him  in  the  midst 
of  them:  and  when  he  had  taken  him  in  his  arms, 
he  said  unto  them, 

37  Whosoever  shall  receive  one  of  siicli  children 
in  my  name,  receiveth  me;"  and  whosoever  shall 
receive  me,  receiveth  not  me,  but  him  tliat  sent  me. 

38  T'And  John  answered  him,  sayiii.ii'.  Master, 
we  saw  one  casting  out  devils  in  thy  name,  and  he 
followeth  not  us :  and  we  forbade  him,  because  he 
followeth  not  ns.'' 

39  But  Jesus  said,  Forbid  him  not:  for  there  is 
no  man  whicli  shall  do  a  miracle  in  my  name,  that 
can  lisrhtly  speak  evil  of  me.'= 

40  For  he  that  is  not  against  us  is  on  our  part/' 

41  For  whosoever  shall  give  you  a  cup  of  water 
to  drink  ia  my  name,  because  ye  belong  to  Clu'ist, 
verily  1  say  unto  you,  he  siiall  not  lose  his  reward.'' 

42  And  whosoever  shall  oSend  one  of  f/iese  little 
ones  tiiat  believe  in  me,  it  is  better  for  liim  tliat  a 
millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  he  were 
cast  into  the  sea.*^ 

43  And  if  thy  hand  offend  thee,*  cut  it  off  :^  it  is 

"Luke9:4S.  b  Num.  ll:-.>8-iS.  c  l  Cor.  12:3.  d  Matt.  12::iO.  e  Matt. 
10:42;  2o:-IO.  I  Matt.  lS:li;  Luke  17:1,  2.  *  OT,eaust  Ihec  to  offend:  inj 
Mver.  4.3,  47.    E  Deut.  13:8;  Matt.  5:20.     h  Isa.  B0:24;  lUv.  11:11.     t  Sea 

as  men  always  have  reason  to  be  when  they  contend  which 
shall  be  the  greatest. 

38.  In  thy  name;  in  professed  reliance  on  thy  power. 
lie  followeth  not  tts;  he  did  not  with  them  attend  on  the 
Saviour. 

39.  Forbid  him  not ;  the  principle  which  the  Savionr 
hero  lays  down  is  one  of  wide  application.  When  a  man 
is  laboring  in  Christ's  cause  with  His  nianifL'st  presence 
and  blessing,  forbid  him  not  because  ho  does  not  in  all 
things  agree  with  you,  or  is  not  of  your  party. 

41,  42.  Whomever  shall  give  you  a  cup  of  water  to  drink 
in  my  name — whosoever  shall  offend;  the  charge  respecting 
the  man  that  followed  not  with  the  disciples,  naturally 
led  the  Saviour  to  spc;ik  of  the  great  prcciousness  in 
God's  sight  of  deeds  of  kindness  and  love  towards  his 
disciples,  especially  the  lowly  among  them,  and  the  great 
sin  of  offending  them. 

42-4S.  Warning  against  offences,  or  occasions  of  sin. 
Matt.  18:G-9. 

43.  Offend  thee;  load  thee  to  commit  an  offence.  The 
immediate  reforence  hero  is  to  offences  against  Christ's 
little  ones,  whereby  they  are  led  into  sin.  The  hand,  tho 
foot,  and  the  eye  represent  men's  strongest  desires  and 
the  earthly  objects  dearest  to  them. 

48.  Where  tlieir  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched ; 
language  borrowed  from  Isa.fiO:  24,  where  the  carcasses  of 
God's  enemies  are  represented  as  devoured  by  worms  that 
never  die,  and  fire  that  is  novor  quenched.  Tliis  terrible 
imagery  teaelios  that  in  hell  the  misery  of  the  wicked  will 
never  end. 

49.  For  every  one  shall  he  sailed  with  fire — salted  with  salt ; 
for  the  right  understanding  of  this  verse,  the  following  par- 
ticulars sliDuld  be  noted:  first,  the  whole  virse  is  better 
taken  as  aeompiirison,  thus:  For  every  one  h1i;i11  be  sailed 
with  fire,  as  every  sacrifice  shall  bo  salted  with  salt;  sec- 
ondly, the  introductory  word  "for,"  as  well  as  the  terms 
used,  shows  that  there  is  a  reference  l)ackw;ird  to  a  salt- 
ing with  the  fire  of  hell;  thirdly,  the  words  inunediately 
following,  "  salt  is  good,"  "have  salt  in  yourselves,"  make 
it  clear  that  the  present  verse  includes  also  the  salting  of 
God's  Spirit.  The  meaning,  then,  seems  to  be  this:  Allow 
yourselves  to  be  salted  witli  the  fire  of  God's  Spirit,  [whicli 
inclmles  the  fire  of  aHliction  and  severe  self-denial,]  or 
you  will  be  salted  with  the  fire  of  hell.  In  the  former  case, 
men  are  living  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  (jod,  seasoned  with 
the  salt  of  divine  grace,  as  the  Levitical  sacrifices  were 
seasoned  with  literal  salt.  Lev.  2:  Hi;  in  the  latter  case, 
they  are  Bacrifices  to  God's  wrath. 

■1132 


better  for  thee  to  enter  into  life  maimed,  than  a.  d.  s2. 
having  two  hands  to  go  into  hell,  into  the  fire 
that  never  shall  be  quenched : 

44  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  tho  fire  is 
not  quenched." 

45  And  if  thy  foot  oilVnd  thee.*  cut  it  off:  it  is 
licttcr  for  thee  to  enter  hall  into  life,  than  having 
two  feet  to  be  cast  into  hell,  into  the  fire  that 
never  shall  be  quenched : 

46  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is 
not  quenched. 

47  And  if  thine  eye  offend  thee,*  pluck  it  out:  it 
is  better  for  thee  to  cider  into  the  kingdom  of  God 
with  one  eye,  than  having  two  eyes  to  be  cast  into 
hell-iirc: 

48  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is 
not  quenched.' 

49  For  every  one  shall  be  salted  with  fire,  and 
every  sacrifice  shall  be  salted  with  salt.J 

50  Salt  is  good:  but  if  the  salt  have  lost  his 
saltness,"  wherewith  will  ye  season  it'.'  Have  salt 
in  yourselves,'  and  have  peace  one  with  another." 


ver.  43.    i  vcr.  44,  4(i;  Luke  l(i:24.    J  Lev.  2: 13;  Ezek.  43:24.    k  Matt.  6:13; 
Lukel4:34.    1  Col.  4:6.    m  Pea.  »1:U;  2Cor.  13:11 ;  Ueb.  12:14. 


50.  Wherewith  will  ye  season  it  ?  the  man  from  whose  soul 
the  salt  of  God's  grace  has  perished,  is  fit  only  to  be  salted 
with  the  fire  of  his  wrath.  Compare  Matt.  5:13.  Have  salt 
in  yourselves;  secure  the  |ireserving  iiiHuences  of  divine 
grace,  that  you  may  be  kci)t  henceforward  from  contests 
for  superiority  anil  from  all  evil,  and  live  in  harmony  and 
peace. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Tlie  assurance  of  the  speedy  lrium)>h  of  the  Redeemer 
is  a  source  of  great  encouragement  to  his  people,  and  pre- 
pares them  for  all  needful  labors,  hardships,  and  sacrifices 
in  his  cause. 

7.  The  great  bnshiess  of  men  is  to  hear  the  instructions 
of  Christ,  especially  those  wliicli  relate  to  his  sufl'erings  and 
death,  aiul  so  to  act  as  to  intluence  as  many  as  possible  to 
believe  on  him,  to  the  salvation  of  their  sinils. 

17.  Whatever  calamities  come  u|ion  children,  it  is  the 
]irivilcgc  and  duly  of  parenls  to  ajiply  for  llieiii  to  the 
Saviour;  and  all  their  ililiicultics,  however  grievous  or 
long-continued,  he  can  remove. 

'i'i.  There  is  oiten  an  ini]iortant  connection  between  tho 
faitli  of  parents  and  the  blessings  which  Christ  bestows  on 
cliildrcn;  and  never  in  this  world  will  children  fully  know 
the  benefits  which  their  parents,  througli  earnest  applica- 
tion to,  and  strong  faith  in  the  Hitdeenier,  have  been  insti'U- 
mental  in  procuring  for  them. 

34.  Desire  of  ]ire(;minence  is  a  besetfing  sin  even  in 
mirnsters  of  tlie  gospel.  It  is  an  evidence  of  worldly- 
niindcdness  which  their  Lord  observes  and  highly  disajj- 
proves,  however  iniobserved  by  men. 

:W.  Those  who  think  (hat  ;i  man  cannot  be  useful  because 
he  does  not  follow  Iheni,  and  wlio  are  thcrelbre  disi>osed 
to  hinder  his  doing  good,  dill'er  greatly  IVdiii  .lesns  Christ. 
.And  if  (Christ  works  by  his  serviints  in  overeoming  tho 
Jiowcr  of  evil,  ami  exterminating  wicked  proixMisities  and 

liabit«,  even  if  forbidden  by  Christians,  they  si Iil  not,  on 

this  account,  sus|)ond  their  labors,  or  IcsBun  their  eflorts 
for  the  good  of  men. 

4:i.  Whatever  sacrifices  the  tloing  of  the  will  of  God  may 
require,  it  is  wise  cheerfully  ;in<l  promiitly  to  make  them  ; 
for  the  trouble  it  will  occasion  in  this  world  is  nothing  to 
the  misery  which  the  neglect  of  it  will  occasion  in  the 
world  to  come. 

49.  Men  must,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  trials,  the  <lis- 
cipline  of  Providence,  and  thi;  word  of  truth,  be  jnirified 
from  sin  in  this  worhl.or  remain  under  ils  ])ower,and  sutler 
its  consequences  for  over  in  the  world  to  cuiue.  ileb. 
12:14;  Rev.  22:10-15. 


The  law  of  divorce. 


MARK  X. 


Tlie  rich  young  ruler. 


CHAPTER  X, 


2  Christ  disputeth  with  the  Pharisees  touching  divorcement;  13  bless- 
eth  the  children  that  are  brought  unto  him;  17  resolveth  a  rich  man 
how  he  may  inherit  life  everlasting;  23  telleth  his  disciples  of  the 
danger  of  riches;  28  promiseth  rewards  to  them  that  forsake  any 
thing  for  the  gospel ;  32  foretelleth  his  deatli  and  resurrection ;  3-5 
biddeth  the  two  ambitious  suitors  to  think  rather  of  suffering  with 
him;  46  and  restoreth  to  Bartimeus  his  sight. 

AND  he  arose  from  thence,  and  cometh  into  the 
coasts  of  Judea  by  the  farther  side  of  Jor- 
dan:'' and  the  people  resort  unto  him  again ;  and, 
as  he  was  wont,  he  taught  them  again. 

2  IT  And  the  Pharisees  came  to  him,  and  asked 
him.  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put  away  his  wife  ? 
tempting  him. 

3  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  What 
did  Moses  command  you? 

4  And  they  said,  Moses  suffered  to  write  a  bill 
of  divorcement,  and  to  put  her  away.*" 

5  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  For 
the  hardness  of  your  heart  he  wrote  you  this  pre- 
cept: 

6  But  from  the  beginning  of  the  creation,  God 
made  them  male  and  female." 

7  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and 
mother,  and  cleave  to  his  wife;* 

8  And  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh :°  so  then 
they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh. 

9  What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let 
not  man  put  asunder. 

10  And  in  the  house  his  disciples  asked  him 
again  of  the  same  matter. 

11  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  and  marry  another,  committcth 
adultery  against  her.^ 

12  And  if  a  woman  shall  put  away  her  husband, 
and  be  married  to  another,  she  committcth  adultery. 

13  IT  And  they  brought  young  children  to  him, 
that  he  should  touch  them;  and  his  disciples  re- 
buked those  that  brought  thcm.^ 

14  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  dis- 
pleased," and  said  unto  them.  Suffer  the  little  chil- 
dren to  come  unto  mo,  and  forbid  them  not :  for  of 
such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.' 

15  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall  not 


•  Matt.  19:1, etc.;  John  10:40.  b  Deut.  24: 1  ;  Malt.  5::31.  '^  V^m.X-.-n ; 
.■5:2;  Mai.  2:l.'i.  ■!  Gen.  2:24.  e  1  Cor.  0:16;  Eph.  5:31.  t  Matt.  .■j:32; 
19:9;  Luke  10:18;  Rom.  7:3;  1  Cor.  7:10,  11.  g  Matt.  19:13;  Luke  lS:ia. 
1>  Eph.  4:26.     i  Matt.  18:10;  1  Cor.  14:'i0;   1  Pet.  2:2;  Rev.  11:.5.     j  Matt. 


CHAPTER  X. 

1-12.  Divorcement.    Matt.  19:1-12. 

11.  Shalt  put  away;  privately,  without  just  cause,  antl 
without  due  form  of  law.  Committelh  advltery;  if  a  man 
could  not  marry  another,  after  he  had  unjustly  put  away 
liiK  wife,  witliout  committing  adultery,  he  could  not  do  it 
liefore  he  had  put  her  away.  And  as  adultery  was  always 
forbidden,  polygamy  of  course  was  forbidden. 

12.  Site  commitleth  adultenj ;  as  really  as  the  liusband  did 
ill  the  other  case.  Neither  has  a  man  right  to  have  two 
wives,  nor  a  woman  two  husbands. 

i;i-16.  Christ  blessing  children.     Matt,  19:13-15. 

13.  Touch  lliem ;  lay  liis  hands  on  them  and  bless  them. 

14.  Jesus  saw  it;  saw  that  the  disciples  disapproved  of 
children  being  brought  to  him  for  his  blessing.  Of  surk 
IS  the  kingdom  of  God;  both  in  this  world  and  in  heaven. 
Matt.  3:2. 

15.  Receive  the  kingdom  of  God ;  submit  to  tlie  guidance 
and  government  of  Christ  with  the  humble  and  docile 
spirit  of  a  little  child.     Matt.  3:2. 


receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he 
shall  not  enter  therein. 

16  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his 
hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

17  If  And  when  he  was  gone  forth  into  the  way, 
there  came  one  running,  and  kneeled  to  him,  and 
asked  him.  Good  Master,  what  shall  I  do  that  I 
may  inherit  eternal  life  1' 

18  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Why  callest  thou  me 
good  ?  there  is  none  good  but  one,  that  is,  God.'' 

19  Thou  knowest  the  commandments.  Do  not 
commit  adultery.  Do  not  kill,  Do  not  steal.  Do  not 
bear  false  witness,  Defraud  not.  Honor  thy  father 
and  mother.' 

20  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Master, 
all  these  have  I  observed  from  my  youth."' 

21  Then  Jesus  beholding  him  loved  him,  and 
said  unto  him.  One  thing  thou  lackest:"  go  thy 
way,  sell  whatsoever  thou  hast,  and  give  to  the 
poor,  and  thou  shaft  have  treasure  in  heaven:" 
and  come,  take  up  the  cross,  and  follow  me. 

22  And  he  was  sad  at  that  saying,  and  went 
away  grieved :  for  he  had  great  possessions. 

23  1  And  Jesus  looked  round  about,  and  saith 
unto  his  disciples.  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have 
riches  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  ! 

24  And  the  disciples  were  astonished  at  his 
words.  But  Jesus  answeroth  again,  and  saith 
unto  them,  Children,  how  hard  is  it  for  them  that 
trust  in  riches  to  enter  into  tlie  kingdom  of  Godl^ 

25  It  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye 
of  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

26  And  they  were  astonished  out  of  measure, 
saying  among  themselves,  Who  tlien  can  be  saved? 

27  And  Je.?us  looking  upon  them  saith.  With 
men  it  is  impossible,  but  not  with  God :  for  with 
God  all  things  arc  possible.'' 

28  IT  Then  Peter  began  to  say  unto  him,  Lo,  we 
have  left  all,  and  have  followed  thee. 

29  And  Jesus  answered  and  said.  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  there  is  no  man  that  hath  left  house,  or 
brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife, 
or  children,  or  lands,  for  my  sake,  and  the  gospel's, 


19:16,  etc.;  Luke  18:18,  etc.     k  Psa,  86:.5;  119:08.     1  Exod.  20;  Rom.  13:9. 
m  Isa.  58:2;  Ezek.  33:31,  32;  Mai.  3:8;  Rom.  7:9;  Phil.  3:6.     n  Jis.  2:10. 

0  Matt.  6: 19,  20;  Luke  12:33;  10:9.    pJob3l:a4;  Psa.  52:7;  62: 10;  IIab.2:9; 

1  Tim.  6:17;  Rev.  3:17.     q  Gen.  18:14;  Job  42:2;  Jer.  32:17;  Luke  1:37. 


17-22.  The  rich  young  man.     Matt.  19:16-22. 
23-31.  Danger  of  riches.     Matt.  19:23-30. 

21.  The7i  Jesus — loved  him ;  with  tliiit  natural  affection 
which  good  men  feel  towards  amiable  youth  who  are  cor- 
rect in  their  deportment,  though  destitute  of  true  religion. 
One  thing  thou  lackest;  that  one  thing  was  supreme  love  to 
God. 

22.  Grieved;  that  this  great  sacrifice  was  required  of 
him.  Thus  liis  idolatrous  love  of  wealth  was  immediatelj- 
revealed. 

24.  Tlicm  that  trust  in  riches;  by  these  words  the  Saviour 
explains  the  difficulty  that  lies  in  the  way  of  a  rich  man's 
salvation,  which  is  the  e.\treme  danger  that  lie  will  trust 
ill  his  riches ;  a  danger  against  which  nothing  but  the 
abundant  grace  of  God  can  guard  him. 

2(i.  OvI  nf  measure ;  greatly,  exceedingly. 

27.  With  God  aft  things  are  possible ;  he  can  bring  even  a 
rich  miin  to  renounce  his  dependence  on  riches,  and  to 
trust  in  the  living  God. 

29.  For  mij  sake,  and  the  gospel's;  from  attachment  to  me 
and  my  cause. 

1133 


\ 


Chrhl  foreleUeth  his  death. 


MARK  X. 


Bartivieus  receives  sig/il. 


30  But  he  shall  receive  a  hundred-fold  no-«-  in 
thi?  time,  liouses,  and  brethren,  and  sister?,  and 
niotiicrs,  and  cliildren,  and  lauds,  with  persecu- 
tions; and  in  the  world  to  come,  eternal  life. 

31  But  many  that  are  first  shall  be  last;  and  the 
last  first.'' 

32  1  And  they  were  in  the  way  going  up  to  Je- 
rusalem;'' and  Jesus  went  before  them:  and  they 
were  amazed;  and  as  they  followed,  they  were 
afraid.  And  he  took  again  the  twelve,  and  began 
to  tell  them  what  things  should  happen  unto  him, 

33  Sayin<r,  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem  f  and 
the  Son  of  man  shall  be  delivered  unto  the  chief 
priests,  and  unto  the  scribes ;  and  they  shall  con- 
demn him  to  death,  and  shall  deliver  him  to  the 
Gentiles: 

34  And  they  sliall  mock  him,''  and  shall  scourge 
him.  and  shall  spit  upon  him,  and  shall  kill  him; 
and  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again. 

35  If  And  James  and  John,  the  sons  of  Zebedee, 
come  unto  him,  saying,  ]S[aster,  we  would  that 
thou  shouldcst  do  for  us  whatsoever  we  shall  de- 
sire. 

36  And  he  said  unto  them,  AVhat  would  ye  that 
1  should  do  for  you  ? 

37  They  said  iiuto  him,  Grant  unto  us  that  we 
mav  sit,  one  on  thy  right  haud,  and  the  other  on 
thy  left  hand,  in  thy  glory. 

38  J5ut  Jesus  said' unto  them.  Ye  know  not  what 
ye  ask  :'■  can  ye  drink  of  the  cup  that  I  drink  of? 
"and  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  bap- 
tized with?' 

39  And  they  said  unto  him, We  can.  And  Jesus 
said  unto  them,  Ye  shall  indeed  drink  of  the  cup 
that  I  drink  of;'-'  and  with  the  bajilism  that  1  am 
baptized  withal  shall  ye  be  baptized:'' 

40  But  to  sit  on  my  right  hand  and  on  my  left 
hand  is  not  mine  to  give ;  but  it  shall  be  given  to 
them  for  whom  it  iS' prepared.' 


•  Malt.  20:16;  Luke  13:30.  b  Matt.  20:17,  etc.;  Luke  19:.3I,  ntc.  c  Acts 
mi-i-i  J  I'Hi.  2a:li,  7,  13.  cjan. 'LS.  (  Luke  1-J:30.  fell.  14:36.  h  Matt. 
10:a;:  John  17:11.  '  Matt.  23:31;  Heb.  11:10.  •  Or,  lliink  good,  i  Luke 
!ii:-i5.     k  Matt.  20:20,25;  ch.  »;3a;  Luke  S:4S.     I  John  13:11;  Phil.  2:7. 


30.  A  hundred-fold;  blcssinRs  aliundred-fold  greater  than 
was  the  sacrifice  lie  is  called  to  make. 

31.  First;  in  the  enjoyiiieiit  of  outward  privileges  and 
lilessings.  Last;  in  (Ihrist's  lionor,  because  they  have  not 
improved  these  privileges.     Matt.  20:10. 

32.  Went  before  them;  as  tlieir  Kiidcr.  The  words  indi- 
cate the  firinness  and  alacrity  witli  wliicli  he  went  to  the 
sacrifice  of  himself  on  the  cross.  Thrij  were  amazed ;  at 
the  calmness  and  intrepidity  with  whicli  lie  went  up  to 
Jerusalem,  when  he  knew  the  rage  and  malice  of  his  ene- 
mies. Tlieij  were  afraid;  on  account  of  the  dangers  to 
which  they  were  exposed. 

3.''>-l.''>.  P.eriucst  ofZel)cdee's  Bons.    Matt.  20:20-28. 

3.5.  James  and  John;  their  mother, as  appears  from  Mat- 
thew, spoke  for  them. 

•41.  Much  displeased;  the  apostles  were  displeased  at  the 
attempts  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee  to  obtain  superior  rank  ; 
and  (Jlirist  showed  them,  with  much  plainness,  that  it  was 
not  his  will  that  such  rivalry,  or  even  such  pre'eminence 
among  them,  sliould  exist. 

42.  IVhich  are  accounted  to  rule;  who  have  the  title  of 
rulers. 

46-52.  Blind  Bartimeus.     Matt.  20:29-34. 

.50.  Casting:  awnij  his  garment ;  liis  outer  garment,  that  he 
might  more  readily  go  to  Jesus. 

j2.  Till)  faith  hath  made  thee  whole;  the  blessing  which 
1134 


41  And  when  the  ten  heard  if,  they  began  a.  d.m. 
to  be  much  displeased  with  James  and  John. 

42  But  Jesus  called  them  to  him,  and  saith  unto 
them,  Ye  know  that  they  which  are  accounted'  to 
rule  over  the  Gentiles  cxrri'ise  lordship  over 
tliem;^  and  their  great  ones  exercise  authority 
upon  them. 

43  But  so  shall  it  not  be  among  you :  but  wh'v 
socver  will  be  great  among  you,  shall  be  your 
minister:'^ 

44  And  whosoever  of  you  will  lie  the  chiefest, 
shall  be  servant  of  all. 

45  For  even  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  min- 
istered unto,  but  to  minister,'  and  to  give  his  life 
a  ransom  for  many.'" 

46  Tf  And  they  came  to  Jericho:  and  as  he  went 
out  of  Jericho  with  his  disciples  and  a  great  num- 
ber of  people,"  blind  Bartimeus,  the  son  of  Timeus, 
sat  by  the  highway  side  begging. 

47  And  when  he  heard  that  it  was  Jesus  of  Naz- 
areth, he  began  to  cry  out,  and  say,  Jesus,  thou  son 
of  David,  have  mercy  on  me. 

48  And  many  charged  him  that  he  should  hold 
his  peace:  but  he  cried  the  more  a  great  deal." 
Thou  son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me.'' 

49  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  commanded  him 
to  be  called.  And  they  call  the  blind  man,  saying 
unto  him,  Be  of  good  comfort,  rise;  he  calleth 
thee.i 

50  And  he,  casting  away  his  garment,''  rose,  and 
came  to  Jesus. 

51  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  What 
wilt  thou  that  I  should  do  unto  thee?  The  blind 
man  said  unto  him,  Lord,  that  I  might  receive  my 
sight. 

52  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Go  thy  way ;  thy 
faith  hath  made  thee  whole."  And  immediately 
he  I'cceivcd  his  sight,  and  followed  Jesus  iu  the 
way. 

misa.  53:11,12;  Dan.  0:2(5;  2  Cor.  5:21;  Gal.;i:I3;  1  Tim.  2:6;  Titu!2:14. 
n  Matt.  20:20 etc.;  Luke  lS::i5.  oto.  o  Jer.  29:13.  P  IVa.  02:12.  1  John 
11:2'<.    r  Phil.  3:7-9.    ^  Ot,  saved  ihee.    •  Mall.  9:22;  ch.  5:34. 


Christ  granted  is  here  ascrilied  to  tlic  means  of  obtaining 
it,  as  is  often  the  case  in  tlie  liible.  Miittln'W  iiK'Utioiis  two 
who  were  cured.  Mark  niciitiiiiis  but  one.  He  may  have 
been  the  more  dLstiiiguished.  j 

iNsrni;cTroNS. 

4.  God  somotinies  sufl'ers  things  to  lake  jilaee  which  are 
violations  of  his  laws, and  gives  diroclioiis  suitoil  to  lessen 
in  some  measure  the  evils  of  those  violations,  while  men 
wickedly  continue  to  imlulge  tliiiii.  This,  however,  is  not 
to  V)c  interpreted  as  if  lie  ajiiiroved  of  those  violations,  or 
does  not  rerjuire  that  they  should  be  done  ;iway. 

i:i.  Chililrcii  frnni  their  eiirliesl  ye;irs  nrcd  the  blessing  of 
Jesus  ChriHl,  ami  he  is  gre;itly  iile;tsed  with  those  iiareiil.-i 
who  fetd  this,  and  bring  them  to  him,  in  i)rayer  and  faith. 
that  they  mtiy  receive  it. 

21.  Persons  may  be  amiable,  kind,  and  moral  in  their 
deportment,  anil  yet  not  be  in  he;irt  truly  pious.  .Siu-li 
persons  may  at  times  feel  anxious  for  their  salvation,  and 
yet  not  be  willing  to  make  the  sacrifices  and  perform  the 
duties  which  the  gospel  ref|uire8. 

2.5.  (Ureal  riches  vastly  increase  the  difficulties  in  the 
way  of  a  man's  salvation ;  and  so  long  as  the  jiossessor 
trusts  in  them  for  liappincss,  his  salvation  is  iinjiossiblr'. 

27.  As  find  is  tible  to  show  rich  men  that  their  wialdi 
belongs  to  hirn,  and  that  their  happiness  here,  as  well  as 
in  the  futun;  world,  reijnires  them  to  devote  it  to  his  ser- 


Christ  enters  Jerusalem. 


MARK  XL 


The  barren  fig-tree  witheral. 


A.D.33.  CHAPTER  XI. 

1  Christ  rideth  with  triumph  into  Jerusalem;  12  curseth  the  fruitless 
leafy  tree ;  15  purgeth  the  temple :  20  exhorteth  his  disciples  to  stead- 
fastness of  faitli,  and  to  forgive  their  enemies;  27  and  defendeth  tiie 
lawfulness  of  his  actions  by  the  witness  of  John,  wlio  was  a  man  sent 
of  Orod. 

AND  when  tbey  came  nigli  to  Jerusalem,  unto 
Bethpliage  and  Bethany,  at  tlie  mount  of 
Olive.-!,  he  sendeth  forth  two  of  his  disciples, 

2  And  saith  unto  them,  Go  your  way  into  the 
village  over  against  you:  and  as  soon  as  ye  be 
entered  into  it,  ye  shall  find  a  colt  tied,  whereon 
never  man  sat;  loose  him,  and  bring  him."- 

3  And  if  any  man  say  unto  yon.  Why  do  ye  this? 
say  ye  that  the  Lord  hath  need  of  hiin;''  and 
straightway  ho  will  send  him  hither. 

4  And  they  went  their  way,  and  found  the  eolt 
tied  by  the  door  without  in  a  place  where  two 
ways  met;  and  they  loose  him. 

5  And  certain  of  them  that  stood  there  said  unto 
them,  What  do  ye,  loosing  the  colt? 

fi  A.m\  they  said  unto  them  even  as  Jesus  had 
commanded :  and  they  let  them  go. 

7  And  they  brought  the  colt  to  Jesus,  and  cast 
their  garments  on  him  ;  and  he  sat  upon  liim.*^ 

8  And  many  spread  their  garments  in  the  way  ; 
and  others  cut  down  branches  off  tiie  trees,  and 
strewed  them  in  the  way. 

9  And  tliey  that  went  before,  and  they  that  fol- 
lowed, cried,  saying,  Ilosanna:  Blessed  is  he  that 
Cometh  in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord:** 

10  Blessed  be  the  kingdom  of  our  father  David,'' 
that  coraeth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord :  Ilosanna  in 
the  highest.'' 

11  And  Jesus  entered  into  Jerusalem,  and  into 
tlie  temple :  and  when  he  hf^d  looked  round  about 
upon  all  things,'^  and  now  the  eventide  was  come, 
he  went  out  unto  Bethany  with  the  twelve. 

12  1l  And  on  the  morrow,  when  they  were  come 
from  Bethany,  he  was  hungry:" 

13  And  seeing  a  fig-tree  afar  off  having  leaves, 
he  came,  if  haply  he  might  find  any  thing  thereon : 
and  when  he  came  to  it,  he  found  nothing  but 
leaves ; '  for  the  time  of  figs  was  not  yet. 

14  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  it.  No 

a  Matt.  21:1,  etc.;  Luke  19;-29,  etc.;  John  12:14,  etc.  b  Acts  17:2.5. 
':Zcch.fl;9.  a  I'sa.  118:28.  e  Isa.  9:7;  Jer.  .3.'!:15.  tPsa.  143:1.  B  Ezek. 
8:9:  Zeph.  1:12.  h  Matt.  21:18,  etc.  ilsi.5:7.  J  Dent.  14:2.'5,  20.  k  Malt. 
21:12,  etc. ;  liUke  19:45,  etc. ;  John  2:14,  etc.    '  Or,  a  house  of  prayer  for  all 


vice,  all  should  pray  that  God  will  lead  them  to  do  this, 
and  thus  honor  him  and  promote  their  own  good  and  that 
of  their  fellow-men. 

29.  No  one  makes  sacrifices  or  performs  labors  in  obedi- 
ence to  Christ,  and  for  the  purpose  of  honoring  him,  with- 
out receiving  great  benefits  in  this  world,  and  greater  in  the 
world  to  come. 

37.  Those  who  hope  to  be  great  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
by  being  exalted  to  worldly  authority  and  power,  will  be 
sadly  disappointed.  Their  seeking  greatness  by  these 
means  shows  that  they  are  governed  by  the  spirit  of  this 
worlil,  not  by  the  spirit  of  Thrist. 

43.  Till' way  to  be  great  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ  is  0]>en 
to  all ;  and  all  who  take  this  way,  and  perseveringly  pursue 
it,  will  obtain  the  prize. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1-11.  Christ  rides  into  Jerusalem.    Matt.  21 : 1-17. 

12-11.  The  fig-tree  cursed.     Matt.  21:18-22. 

13.  Any  tiling;  any  of  the  earlier  crop,  for  the  fig-treo 


man  eat  fruit  of  thee  hereafter  for  ever.  And  his 
disciples  heard  it. 

15  lAnd  they  come  to  Jerusalem:  and  Jesus 
went  into  the  temple,  and  began  to  cast  out  them 
that  sold  and  bought  in  the  temple,  and  overthrew 
the  tables  of  the  money-changers,-'  and  the  seats  of 
them  that  sold  doves ; " 

16  And  would  not  suffer  that  any  man  should 
carry  any  vessel  through  the  temple. 

17  And  he  taught,  saying  unto  them.  Is  it  not 
written,  My  house  shall  be  called,  of  all  nations, 
the  house  of  prayer?"'  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den 
of  thieves."' 

18  And  the  scribes  and  chief  priests  heard  it, 
and  sought  how  tjiey  miglit  destroy  him :  for  they 
feared  him,  because  all  the  people  was  astonished 
at  his  doctrine." 

19  And  when  even  was  come,  he  went  out  of 
the  city. 

20  IT  And  in  the  morning,  as  they  passed  by, 
they  saw  the  fig-tree  dried  up  from  the  roots. 

21  And  Peter  calling  to  remembrance,  saith  unto 
him.  Master,  behold,  the  fig-tree  which  thou  curs- 
edst  is  withered  away. 

22  And  Jesus  answering,  saith  unto  them,  Have 
faith  in  God.^ 

23  For  verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever 
shall  say  unto  this  mountain.  Bo  thou  removed, 
and  be  thou  cast  into  the  sea ;  and  shall  not  doubt 
in  his  heart,  but  shall  believe  that  those  things 
which  he  saith  shall  come  to  pass;  he  shall  have 
whatsoever  he  saith." 

24  Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  What  things  soever 
ye  desire,  when  ye  pray,  believe  that  ye  receive 
them,  and  ye  shall  have  them.'' 

25  And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive,  if  ye 
have  aught  against  any:''  that  your  Father  also 
which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your  tres- 
passes. 

26  But  if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven  forgive  your  trespasses.'' 

27  1  And  they  come  again  to  Jerusalem :  and  as 
he  was  walking  in  the  temple,  there  come  to  him 
the  chief  priests,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  elders, 

nations'  llsa.  50:7.  mjer.  7:11.  n  Matt.  7:2S;  oh.  1 :22;  Luke  4:32. 
t  Or,  Have  the  faith  of  God.  «  Matt.  17:29;  Luke  17:(>.  1'  Matt.  7:7;  Luke 
11:9;  18:1:  Johnl4:13;  15:7;  1G:24;  Jas.l:5,ti.  qMatt.6:14;  Col.;i:18. 
rMatt.  18:35. 


bears  crops  at  different  times.  Vie  time  of  Jigs;  of  the 
crop  which  this  tree  might  have  borne.  The  ciu-se  repre- 
sented the  fate  of  the  barren  church-member. 

15-19.  Traffickers  driven  from  the  temple.  Matthew 
21:12-17. 

16.  Am/  vessel;  any  vessel  used  in  or  connected  with 
their  traliic. 

23.  Tin's  mountain;  U\  remove  a  mountain  was  a  common 
phrase  for  the  most  dillirnlt  Ihiiig.  Jlc  shall  hare  lehiilsocvrr 
he  saith;  the  things  which,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  under  the 
guidance  of  his  Spirit,  and  with  the  faith  of  miracles,  he 
shall  attemjit,  he  shall  accom]ilish;  as  when  Peter  said  to 
the  lame  man,  "  In  the  name  of  .lesus  Christ,  rise  up  and 
walk;"  and  to  Eneas,  who  had  been  confined  to  his  bed 
eight  years,  "Eneas,  Jesus  Christ  maketh  thoo  whole." 
Acts  3:(;;  9:34. 

ps-  soever  ye  desi, 
■a  of  tiotl,  ye  si 

25,  26.  Forgiveness  in  prayer.     Matt.  6:12-15. 

27-33.  Christ's  authority.     Matt.  21:2:1-27. 

1135 


24.  What  things  soever  ye  desire;  in  accordance  with  the 
will  and  promises  of  tiotl,  ye  shaU  receive. 


Tht  priests  silefiued. 


MARK  XII. 


T)i£.  wicked  husbandmen. 


28  And  say  unto  him,  By  what  authority  doest 
thou  these  things  ?"  and  who  gave  thee  this  au- 
thority to  do  these  things?'' 

29  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  tliein,  I 
will  also  ask  of  you  one  question,*  and  answer  nie, 
and  I  will  tell  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these 
things. 

30  The  baptism  of  John,  was  it  from  heaven,  or 
of  men  ?  answer  mc. 

31  And  they  reasoned  with  themselves,  saying, 
If  we  shall  say.  From  heaven ;  he  will  say.  Why 
then  did  ye  not  believe  him  ? 

32  But  "if  we  j^hall  say,  Of  men:  they  feared  the 
people:  for  all  men  counted  John,  that  he  was  a 
prophet  indeed.'' 

33  And  they  answered  and  said  unto  Jesus,  We 
cannot  tell.''  And  Jesus  answering  saith  unto 
them,  Neitiier  do  I  tell  you  by  what  authority  I 
do  these  things." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1  In  a  parable  of  tlie  vineyard  let  out  to  unthankful  husbandmen,  Christ 
foretelleth  the  reprobation  of  the  Jews,  and  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles. 
13  He  avoideth  the  snare  of  the  Pharisees  and  Hcrodians  about  pay- 
ing tribute  to  Cesar;  18  convinceth  the  error  of  the  Sadducees,  who 
denied  the  resurrection;  28  resolveth  the  scribe,  who  questioned  of 
the  first  commandment ;  35  refutcth  the  opinion  that  the  scribes  held 
of  Christ;  3S  bidding  the  people  to  beware  of  their  ambition  and 
hypocrisy;  41  and  commenaeth  the  poor  widow  for  her  two  mites, 
above  all. 

AND  he  began  to  speak  uuto  them  by  parables. 
A  certain  man  planted  a  vineyard,  and  set  a 
hedge  about  it,  and  digged  a  place  for  the  wine-fat, 
and  built  a  tower,  and  let  it  out  to  husbandmen, 
and  went  into  a  far  country.' 

2  And  at  tlie  season  he  sent  to  the  husbandmen 
a  servant,  that  he  might  receive  from  the  husband- 
men of  the  fruit  of  the  vineyard." 

3  And  they  caught  him,  and  beat  him,  and  sent 
him  away  empty. 

4  And  again  he  sent  unto  them  another  servant ; 
and  at  him  they  cast  stones,''  and  wounded  him  in 
the  head,  and  sent  him  away  shamefully  liandJed. 

.5  And  again  he  sent  another;  and  him  they 
killed,  and  many  others;'  beating  some,  and  kill- 


ing some 


"  Num.  16;3.  b  Matt.  21:23,  etc. ;  Luke  80:1,  etc.  •  Or,  (Am?,  c  Malt. 
3:5,  6;  14:5;  ch.  8:21).  i  Is,!.  1:3;  !»:H;  J^r.  H:7;  lira.  4:0.  o  Liiko 
10:21,22.  '  Matt.  21:33;  Luko  20:9,  etc.  «  Soni;  S:ll;  Mic.  7:1:  Luke 
12:48;  John  15:1  J^.  hHcb.  11:37.  I  Nch.  9:30;  Jor.  7:2.'),  etc.  1  Matt. 
23:37.    k  Hcb.  1:1,  2.    I  Hcb.  13:12.    "•  Prnv.  1 :24-31 ;  Isa.  5:5-7;  Dan. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Christ  has  a  right  to  all  things,  because  he  made  all 
things,  and  by  him  all  consist.  Col.  I :  IG,  17.  IIi-  c;iii  so 
influence  the  hearta  of  men  that  they  will  comply  with 
his  wishes,  and  cheerfully  give  up  their  possessions  to 
iiny  extent  that  he  may  require. 

14.  Even  the  vcgetaVjle  creation  is  dependent  upon 
('hrist.  There  is  not  a  plant  or  flower  in  the  garden,  not 
a  tree  by  the  wayside,  in  the  orchard,  the  field,  or  tin: 
forest,  but  will  wither  away  if  not  supjiortcd  by  him. 

22.  Men  who  have  strong  and  living  faith  in  God,  who 
pray  for  things  agreeable  to  his  will,  and  which  he  has 
promised  to  grant  in  answer  to  pniyer,  may  confidently 
expect,  in  his  time  and  way,  to  receive  them. 

25.  In  order  to  pray  accept.-ibly,  we  must  have  a  kind 

and  forgiving  disposition.     If  we  do  not  forgive  others. 

our  heavenly  Father  will  not  forgive  uh.    To  ineulealo 

this  truth,  and  impress  it  npon  our  minds,  God  has  made 

1136 


6  Having  yet  therefore  one  son,  his  well-  a.  d.  33. 
beloved,  he  sent  iiim  also  last  unto  them,''  saying. 
They  will  reverence  my  son. 

7  But  those  husbandmen  said  among  themselves, 
This  is  the  heir;  come,  let  us  kill  him,  and  the 
inheritance  shall  be  ours. 

8  And  they  took  him,  and  killed  him,  and  cast 
him  out  of  the  vineyard.' 

9  What  shall  therefore  the  lord  of  the  vineyard 
do  ?  He  will  come  and  destroy  the  husbandmen,'" 
and  will  give  the  vineyard  unto  others." 

10  And  have  ye  not  read  this  scripture;  The 
stone  whicli  the  builders  rtjected  is  become  the 
head  of  the  corner:" 

11  This  was  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvel- 
lous in  our  eyes  ? 

12  And  they  sought  to  lay  hold  on  him,  but 
feared  the  people;''  for  they  knew  that  he  had 
spoken  the  jiarable  against  them:  and  they  left 
him,  and  went  their  way. 

13  1  And  they  send  unto  him  certain  of  the 
Pharisees  and  of  the  Herodians,  to  catch  him  in 
his  words."" 

14  And  when  they  were  come,  they  say  unto  him, 
Master,  we  know  that  thou  art  true,  and  carcst  for 
no  man :  for  thou  regardcst  not  the  person  of  men, 
but  tcachcst  the  way  of  God  in  truth  :  Is  it  lawful 
to  give  tribute  to  Cesar,  or  not? 

15  .Shall  wo  give,  or  shall  we  not  give  ?  But  he, 
knowing  their  hypocrisy,  said  unto  them,  Why 
tempt  ye  me?  bring  me  a  penny,*  that  1  may  see  it. 

16  And  they  brought  it.  And  he  saitli  unto  them, 
Wiiose  is  this  image  and  superscription?  And  they 
said  unto  him,  Cesar's. 

17  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them.  Render 
to  Cesar  the  things  tliat  are  Cesar's,''  and  to  God 
the  things  that  are  God's."  And  they  uiarvclled 
at  him. 

18  1  Then  come  unto  him  the  Sadducees,' which 
say  there  is  no  resurrection;"  and  they  asked  him, 
paying, 

1 1)  Master,  Moses  wrote  unto  us,  If'a  man's  broth- 
er die,  and  leave  his  wife  behind  him,  and  leave  no 
children,  tliat  his  brother  should  lake  his  wife," 
and  raise  up  seed  unto  his  brother."' 


9:20.  Djor.l7:3.  »  T.a.  118:22.  p  ch.'.ll:18;  John  7::t0.  qMalt. 22:15; 
Luko  20:20,  etc.  t  In  valno  of  our  money,  14  cents  4  mills,  as  Matt.  2*2:19. 
rMalt.  17:25-27;  Rom.  13:7;  I  Pet.  2:17.  "Keel.  5:4,5:  ^I:ll.  l:fi.  l  Matt. 
22:23;  L»ko  20:27,  etc.    »Acti23:8.     »  Ruth  1:11,  13.    "  Deut.  25:8. 


it  our  duty  daily  to  pray,  "  Forgive  us  our  debta,  as  wo 
forgive  our  debtors."     Matt.  0:12-15. 

29.  Pertinent  and  discriminating  questions  may  lead 
opposers  to  see  the  truth  more  clearly  and  feel  it  more 
deeply  than  cogent  arguiiieiits  or  long  discussions.  Friends 
of  truth  who.  like  Christ,  are  called  to  meet  opposers, may 
wisely  imitate  him  by  ;isl<iMg  them  such  ap))ropriiitc  ques- 
tions as  tlioy  I'annot  siiiHWcr  without  acknowledging  the 
truth.  Then,  whether  tlicy  answer  or  not,  truth  will  tri- 
umph. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1-12.  Parable  of  the  vinev.ird.     Matt.  21 :  33-46. 
in.   Tilts  nrripturr ;  Vrh.  IIH-.TZ. 
l.(- 17.  Tribute  to  Cesar.     Matt.  22: 1.'>-22. 
17.   77/f  1/  nxirvcllcd  lU  him ;  on  account  of  his  wisdom  in 
60  easily  and  completely  avoiding  their  snares. 
18-27.  Denial  of  the  resurrection.     Matt.  22:23-3:i. 


Tin  Iwo  great  commands. 


MARK  XII. 


The  wicloto's  two  miles. 


AD.  33.      20  Now,  there  were  seven  brethren:  and 
the  first  took  a  wife,  and  dying  left  no  seed. 

21  And  tlie  second  took  licr,  and  died,  neither 
left  he  any  seed :  and  the  third  likewise. 

22  And  tlie  seven  had  her,  and  left  no  seed :  last 
of  all  the  woman  died  also. 

23  In  the  resurrection  therefore,  when  they  shall 
i-ise,  whose  wife  shall  she  be  of  them?  for  the  seven 
had  her  to  wife. 

24  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them,  Do  ye 
not  therefore  err,  because  ye  know  not  the  scrip- 
tures, neither  the  power  of  God  ? 

25  For  when  they  shall  rise  from  the  dead,  they 
neither  marry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage ;  but  are 
as  the  angels  whidi  are  in  heaven.'' 

26  And  as  touching  the  dead,  that  they  rise; 
have  ye  not  read  in  the  book  of  Moses,  how  in  the 
bush  God  spake  unto  him,  saying,  I  am  the  God 
of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God 
of  Jacob  ?'^ 

27  He  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  the  God 
of  the  living:  ye  tlierefore  do  greatly  err."" 

28  W  And  one  of  the  scribes  came,  and  having 
lieard  them  reasoning  together,  and  ])erceiving 
that  he  had  answered  them  well,  asked  him,  Which 
)3  the  first  commandment  of  all  ?"^ 

29  And  Jesus  answered  him.  The  first  of  all  the 
oommandments  is,  Hear,  0  Israel ;  Tiie  Lord  our 
God  is  one  Lord:'' 

30  And  tliou  shalt  love  the  Lord  tliy  God  with 
all  tliy  heart,  and  witli  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength:  this  is  the 
first  conunandment. 

31  And  the  second  is  like,  namely  this,  Thou 
shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.'  There  is  none 
i>thcr  commandment  greater  than  these. 

32  And  the  scribe  said  unto  him.  Well,  Master, 
thou  hast  said  the  truth:  for  there  is  one  God; 
and  there  is  none  other  but  h.e:^ 


•  1  Cor.  15:42-53.  b  Exod.  3:15.  c  vir.  24.  d  Mitt.  22:35.  e  Deut.  0:4, 
5;  Luke  10:27.  I  Lev.  1>):1S;  Mitt.  22:39;  Rom.  13:9.  e  Deut.  4:39;  Isa. 
45:5,  0,  14;  40:9.  h  1  Sara.  15:32;  llos.  6:6;  Mic.  6:6-3.  i  Malt.  22:40. 
)  Matt.  22:41  ;  Luke  20:41,  etc.    k  2  Sam.  23:2;  2  Tim.  3:16.    1  Psa.  110:1. 


■    26.  7ri  Mc  iM,«A.,-  the  burning  bush.     Exod.  3:6. 

27.  Do  i^rcatly  err ;  in  denying  tlio  resurrection  of  the 
body,  which,  according  to  their  views,  implied  also  that 
the  soul  docs  not  live  after  death. 

28.  First  commandment  of  all;  the  greatest  and  most  im- 
portant. 

29.  One  Lord;  other  nations  worshipped  many  gods,  but 
.lehovah,  the  God  of  Israel,  was  the  one  only  living  and 
true  God. 

31.  Neiglihor;  fellow-man.  Tliere  is  none  other  command- 
ment greater  than  these;  rightly  understood,  they  compre- 
hend the  substance  of  true  religion. 

33.  Is  more;  more  valuable  than  all  merely  external  ob- 
servances. 

34.  Discreetlu;  like  one  who  had  right  views  of  religion. 
Not  far  from  tKe  kingdom  of  God;  because  he  rightly  appro- 
horiiled  its  spiritual  nature,  and  what  the  service  of  God 
required  of  him. 

:!r)-37.  (Jhrist  David's  son  and  Lord.     Matt.  22:41-40. 

:;8-4n.  Warning  against  hypocrisy.     Matt.  23:1-12. 

1].  The  treasury;  the  ijlace  for  money  to  defray  the  ex- 
penses of  the  temple  service. 

42.  Two  mites;  a  very  small  sum. 

4:!.  More  in,  than  all  they;  more  in  proportion  to  her 
means— more  for  her,  and  more  in  God's  estimation,  than 
all  they  had  given  was  for  them. 


33  And  to  love  him  with  all  the  heart,  and  with 
all  the  understanding,  and  with  all  the  soul,  and 
with  all  the  strength,  and  to  love  his  neighbor  as 
himself,  is  more  than  all  whole  burnt-offerings  and 
sacrifices.'' 

3-i  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he  answered  dis- 
creetly, he  said  unto  him.  Thou  art  not  far  from 
the  kingdom  of  God.  And  no  man  after  that 
durst  ask  him  any  question.' 

35  IT  And  Jesus  answered  and  said,  while  he 
taught  in  the  temple,  How  say  the  scribes  that 
Christ  is  the  son  of  David  V 

36  For  David  himself  said  by  the  Holy  Ghost," 
Tlie  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my 
right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  foot- 
stool.' 

37  David  tlierefore  himself  calleth  him  Lord ; 
and  whence  is  he  then  his  son  ?  And  the  common 
people  heard  him  gladly. 

38  IT  And  he  said  unto  them  in  his  doctrine,"  Be- 
ware of  the  scribes,  which  love  to  go  in  long  cloth- 
ing, and  love  salutations  in  the  market-places, 

39  And  the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogues,"  and 
the  u])permost  rooms  at  feasts:" 

40  Which  devour  widows'  houses,''  and  for  a 
pretence  make  long  prayers:  these  shall  receive 
greater  damnation. 

41  ITAnd  Jesus  sat  over  against  tlie  treasury," 
and  beheld  how  the  peojile  cast  money*  into  the 
treasury :  and  many  that  were  rich  cast  in  much. 

42  And  there  came  a  certain  poor  widow,  and 
she  threw  in  two  mites,*  which  make  a  farthing. 

43  And  he  called  unto  him  his  disciples,  and 
saith  unto  them.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  this 
poor  widow  hath  cast  more  in,  than  all  they  which 
have  cast  into  the  treasury:'' 

44  For  all  they  did  cast  in  of  their  abundance;" 
but  she  of  her  want  did  cast  in  all  that  she  had, 
even  all  her  living.' 

■n  cti.  4:2.  n  Luke  11:43.  o  Matt.  23:1;  Luke  20:40,  clo.  p  2Tim.  3:n. 
4  Luke  21:1,  etc.  '  Gr.  a  piece  of  brass  money;  see  Matt.  10:9.  t  A  seventh 
partof  that  piece  of  brass  money.  r2Cor.H:2  12.  s  1  Chr.  29:3,  17;  2Chr. 
24:10.     t  Deut.  24:0. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  As  God  is  the  giver  and  o\vner  of  all  our  possossions, 
common  honesty  requires  that  they  sliould  be  employed 
in  his  service. 

9.  A  day  of  reckoning  is  coming,  when  Christ  will  call 
all  men  to  account  for  the  manner  in  which  they  have  used 
the  things  which  he  intrusted  to  them,  and  will  render  to 
each  according  to  his  works. 

17.  As  human  government  is  an  ordinance  of  God,  and 
magistrates  are  his  ministers  to  execute  so  much  of  lifs 
wrath  against  evil-doers  as  is  needful  to  protect  tliosc 
who  do  well,  it  is  his  will  that  men  who  enjoy  the  bene- 
fits of  goverimient  should  pay  for  its  support.  Magistrates 
have  a  right  to  compensation  for  their  services,  and  it  is 
as  really  wicked  to  defraud  the  government  as  it  is  to 
defraud  individuals. 

24.  Wicked  men  often  think  that  the  difiieulties  which 
they  suggest,  against  revelation  justify  them  in  rejecting 
it.  But  a  better  actpiaintanco  with  the  word  of  (lod  would 
show  them  their  folly,  and  the  wisdom  of  those  who  re- 
ceive and  obey  it. 

34.  Some  persons  are  much  nearer  the  kingdom  of  (Jod 
than  others.  Correct  views  of  his  character  and  require- 
ments, with  a  just  estimate  of  internal  rectitude  and  pu- 
rity, compared  with  fxternal  observances,  tend  to  prepare 

ll;n 


Deslriiciicn  of  the  temple. 


MARK  XIII. 


Persecutions  for  the  gcsjcl. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Christ  foretelleth  the  destruction  of  the  temple;  9  the  persecutions 
for  the  gospel ;  10  that  tlie  gospel  must  be  preaclied  to  all  iialions ; 
14  that  great  calamities  shall  happen  to  the  Jews;  2-1  and  the  manner 
of  his  coming  to  judgment:  3:^  ihe  hour  whereof  being  known  to  none, 
every  man  is  to  watch  and  pray,  that  we  be  not  found  unprovided, 
when  he  cometh  to  each  one  particularly  by  deatii. 

AND  as  he  went  out  of  the  temple,  one  of  his 
disciples  saith  unto  him,  blaster,  see  what 
manner  of  stones  and  what  Imildiiigs  are  here!'^ 

2  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  liim,  Seest  thou 
these  great  buildings?  tlierc  shall  not  be  left  one 
stone  upon  another,  that  shall  not  be  thrown 
down." 

3  1  And  as  he  sat  upon  the  mount  of  Olives, 
over  against  the  temple,  Peter  and  James  and 
John  and  Andrew  asked  him  privately, 

4  Tell  us,  when  shall  these  things  be  ?  and  what 
shall  he  the  sign  when  all  these  things  shall  be  ful- 
filled ? 

5  And  Jesus  answering  them,  began  to  say,  Take 
heed  lest  any  man  deceive  you:"^ 

6  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name,''  saying,  I 
am  Christ ;  and  shall  deceive  many. 

7  And  when  ye  shall  iiear  of  wars  and  rumors  of 
wars,  Ije  ye  not  troubled:"  for  such  things  must 
needs  be ;  but  the  end  shall  not  he  yet. 

8  For  nation  shall  rise  against  nation,  and  king- 
dom against  kingdom:  and  there  sliail  bo  earth- 
quakes in  divers  places,  and  there  shall  be  famines 
and  troubles:  these  are  the  beginnings  of  sorrows.' 

9  1i  But  take  heed  to  yourselves :  for  they  shall 
deliver  you  up  to  councils ;  and  in  the  synagogues 
ye  shall  be  beaten:''  and  ye  shall  be  brought  be- 
fore rulers  and  kings  for  my  sake,  for  a  testimony 
against  them. 

10  And  the  gospel  must  first  be  published  among 
all  nations." 

11  But  when  they  shall  lead  you,  and  deliver 
you  up,  take  no  thought  beforehand  what  ye  shall 
speak,  neither  do  ye  premeditate  :  but  whatsoever 
siiall  be  given  you  in  tiiat  hour,  tliat  s])eak  ye :  for 
it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the  Holy  Clhost." 

12  Now,  the  l)r<)ther  shall  betray  tli<^  lirotlier  to 
death,  and  tlie  father  the  sou;  and  ciiildren  shall 
rise  up  against  their  parents  and  shall  cause  them 
to  be  put  to  death.' 

13  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  7nen  for  my 
name's  sake:'  but  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the 
end,  the  same  shall  be  saved.'' 


•  Matt.2l:l,i!tc.;  I,uko  21 : 5.  etc.  b  ],uk»  10;44.  <:  Jcr. '^ib;  Eph.  .'):!!; 
2Then.  a:3;  Rpv.  aJiIiS.  d  ArU  5:3«-31);  lJohn4:l.  •  P«l.  •J7;:l;  40:1, 
2:  Prov.  3:2-5;  John  11:1,  27,  '  Tlia  word,  in  the  original,  importolh  l/ie 
minsof  awomnninirannil.  fMalt.  I0:l7,olc.;  Ilcv.li:IO.  *  ^latt. 'i*!:!!); 
Rev.  M:0.    !•  AcU  2:1 ;  4:r<,.'n  ;  0:10.    1  Mic.  <;«.    J  Luko  «:'J2;  John  17:11. 

the  mind  for  the  reception  of  ChriBt,  and  for  the  devotion 
of  heart  and  life  to  his  service. 

41.  .Icsus  Christ  is  witness  to  what  each  one  does  for 
his  cause.  From  the  privilege  and  benefit  of  giving  fur 
the  promotion  of  it,  none,  however  poor,  need  he  dclwr- 
red.  Tlie  value  of  their  gifts  in  his  estimation,  and  their 
reward,  will  depend  not  so  much  on  the  amount  as  on  (lie 
proportion  which  they  give,  and  their  motives  in  giving. 

f'll  A  I'TKl;     XIII. 

The  reader  shnuld  hiTf  consult  tlie  introductory  note 
to  the  twenty-fourth  chapter  of  Matthew. 

1-R.  Destruction  of  the  teinpli'.     Matt.  24:1-R. 
L  Manner  of  stones ;  stones  that  were  used  in  the  build- 
1138 


14  1  But  when  ye  shall  see  the  abomina-  a.d.ss. 
tion  of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  prophet,' 
standing  where  it  ought  not,  (let  him  Unit  readeth 
understand,)  then  let  them  that  be  in  Judea  flee  to 
the  mountains; 

15  And  let  him  that  is  on  the  house-top  not  go 
down  into  the  house,  neither  enter  therein,  to  take 
any  thing  out  of  his  house : 

10  And  let  him  that  is  in  the  field  not  turn  back 
again  for  to  take  up  his  garment. 

17  But  woe  to  them  that  arc  with  child,  and  to 
them  that  give  suck  in  those  days! 

18  And  pray  ye  that  your  fliglit  be  not  in  tlio 
winter. 

11)  For  in  those  days  shall  be  affliction,  such  as 
was  not  from  the  beginning  of  the  creation  which 
God  created  unto  this  time,  neither  shall  be.'" 

20  And  except  that  the  Lord  had  shortened 
those  days,  no  ilesh  should  be  saved:  but  for  the 
elect's  sake,  whom  he  hath  eliosen,  he  hath  short- 
ened the  days. 

21  And  then  if  any  man  shall  say  to  you,  Lo,  here 
is  Christ;  or,  JjO, /ic  m  there  ;  believe  A/??;  not:" 

22  For  false  Christs  and  false  ])ro])Iicts  shall  rise, 
and  shall  show  signs  and  wonders,  to  seduce,  if  it 
were  possible,  even  the  elect. 

215  But  take  ye  heed:"  behold,  I  have  foretold 
you  all  things. 

24  1  But  in  those  days,  after  that  tribulation," 
the  sun  shall  be  darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  not 
give  her  light, 

25  And  the  stars  of  heaven  shall  fall,''  and  the 
powers  that  are  in  heaven  shall  be  shak(;n. 

2(')  And  then  shall  they  see  tlie  Sun  of  man  com- 
ing in  the  clouds  with  great-  ]iower  and  glory."' 

27  And  then  shall  he  send  his  angels,  and  shall 
gather  together  his  elect  from  tiie  four  winds, 
from  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth  to  the  utter- 
most part  of  heaven. 

28  Now  learn  a  parable  of  the  fig-tree:  'WHicii 
her  branch  is  yet  tender,  and  pultetli  forth  leaves, 
ye  know  that  summer  is  near: 

21)  So  ye  in  like  nuinner,  when  ye  siiall  see  these 
tilings  conic  to  jiass,  know  that  it  is  nigh,  even  at 
the  doors. 

30  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  this  generation 
shall  not  pass,  till  all  these  things  be  done. 

31  Heaven  and  eartii  shall  pass  away:  but  my 
words  shall  not  pass  away." 


k  Dan.  12:12;  Rev.  2:10.  1  Dan.  0:27.  m  Dan.  12:1  ;  Joi-1  2:2.  n  Luk« 
17:23.  o2l'ct.  317.  P  Dan.  12:1 ;  Zcpti.  1:15-17.  q  I.a.  13:1U;  21:20,  23; 
Jer.  ■I:a'<;  2  Pet.  3:10,  12;  Hev.  0:12-1-1;  20:11.  r  Dan.  7:9-14;  Matt 
10:27;  21:30;  ch.  M:U2;  Actal:ll;  1  Thou.  4:10;  2  ThoM.  1:7,10;  Aav. 
1:7.     MKa.  40;«. 


ing  of  the  temple.  These  were  immensely  large.  Jose- 
phus  the  Jewish  historian,  who  lived  at  that  time,  says 
some  of  them  were  twenty-five  cubits  long,  eight  thick, 
and  twelve  hroad. 

4.  When  nil  llirsclliinfrsstitilthe  fulfilled;  Ihelhiiigs  which 
he  had  prcilictcd. 

'J~2:i.  IVrsecntions  foretold.     Matt.  24:!)-m 

II.  'J'dlcc  no  Ihoufrhl ;  avoid  anxiety.  Ncilhcr  do  yn  pre- 
mrdilitir;  you  need  not  pri'jiare  your  defence  licliinhand. 
Tlip  llnhj  (ihosi ;  he  shall  teach  ymi  what  to  say,  and  through 
you  shall  speak  the  right  things  in  the  right  way. 

21-:51.  Christ's  coming.     Matt,  2t:2'.)-.35. 

.'to.  All  tlicielliiiif^s;  the  things  about  whicli  he  had  bcou 
speaking. 


Chrisl's  second  comin";. 


MARK  XIV. 


He  is  anoinUd  at  Bethany. 


A.  D.  33.  32  1"  But  of  that  clay  and  that  iiour  know- 
eth  no  man,  uo,  not  the  angels  which  are  in  heaven, 
neither  the  Son,  but  the  Father. 

33  Take  ye  heed,  watch  and  pray :  for  ye  know 
not  when  the  time  is." 

3-i  For  the  Son  of  man  is  as  a  man  taking  a  far 
journey,  who  left  his  house,  and  gave  authority  to 
his  servants,  and  to  every  man  his  work,  and  com- 
manded the  porter  to  watch. 

35  Watch  ye  therefore:  for  ye  know  not  when 
the  master  of  the  house  cometh,  at  even,  or  at  mid- 
niglit,  or  at  the  cock-crowing,  or  in  the  morning: 

36  Lest  coming  suddenly  ho  iind  you  sleeping.'' 

37  And  what  I  say  unto  you,  I  say  unto  all, 
Watch.'= 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  A  conspiracy  against  Christ.  3  Precious  ointment  is  poured  on  his 
liead  by  a  wom:in.  10  JinJas  selletti  liis  I^Iaster  for  money.  12  Christ 
himself  foretelleth  how  he  shall  be  betrayed  by  one  of  his  disciples;  '22 
after  the  passover  prepared,  and  eaten,  instituteth  his  supper;  26 
declareth  aforehand  the  flif;ht  of  all  his  disciples,  and  Peter's  denial. 
43  Judas  betrayeth  him  with  a  kiss.  46  He  is  apprehended  in  the 
garden,  53  falsely  accused,  and  impiously  condemned  by  the  Jews' 
council ;  6-5  shamefully  abused  by  them ;  Q^  and  thrice  denied  by  Peter. 

AFTER  two  days  was  the  feast  of  the  passover, 
and  of  unleavened  bread :  and  the  chief 
priests  and  the  scribes  souglit  how  they  might 
take  liiin  by  craft,  and  put  him  to  death. 

2  But  they  said.  Not  on  the  feast-rfay,  lest  there 
be  an  uproar  of  the  people. 

3  1  And  being  in  Bethany,  in  the  house  of  Simon 
the  leper,  as  he  sat  at  meat,  there  came  a  woman 
having  an  alabaster-box  of  ointment  of  spikenard* 


»  Matt.  HAI;  25:13;  Luke  13:411;  21:34;  Rom.  13:11,  12;  1  Thess.  5:6; 
Rer.  Hi:  15.  b  Matt.  25:5.  c  ver.  33,  3a.  *  Or,  pure  nard,  or  liquid  imrd. 
d  Matt.  26:6,  etc.;  Luke  7:37;  John  12:1,  etc.     f  See  Matt.  18:2b.     e  Deut. 

32.  Neither  the  Son ;  it  was  said  to  Mary,  "  The  Holy 
Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest 
shall  overshadow  thee ;  therefore  " — on  account  of  his 
miraculous  conception  by  the  power  of  God — "  that  holy 
thing,"  or  child,  '•  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God."  Luke 
1:33.  The  Son,  as  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  or  as  man, 
might  be  said,  in  truth,  not  to  know  many  things  which 
the  Word,  who  "  was  in  the  beginning  witli  God,  and  was 
God,"  did  know.  John  1 : 1-3.  The  day  here  spoken  of 
was  one  of  those  things  which  the  Son,  as  man,  in  the 
sense  in  which  it  is  said,  he  "  increased  in  wisdom,"  Luke 
2:.'>2,  did  not  know;  as  man,  he  neither  knew,  nor  was 
commissioned  to  make  it  known.  Nothing  but  the  event 
would  reveal  it. 

33.  Watdi  and  pray  ;  Matt.  24:42-44. 

35.  Tlie  master  of  the  house;  who  here  represents  Jesus 
Christ. 

36.  Sleeping;  unprepared  to  meet  him. 

37.  Watch ;  that  when  your  Lord  shall  come,  you  may 
be  rcadv. 

LVSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  most  firm  and  stable  earthly  structures  are  but 
temporary,  and  the  most  enduring  earthly  possessions 
(•ome  to  :in  end.  No  one  therefore  should  look  to  them  as 
Ins  chief  good,  or  trust  in  them  for  happiness. 
'  13.  It  is  through  much  tribul;ition  th;it  Christians  niusi 
enter  tlie  kingdom  of  God.  Hut  they  should  not  be  anx- 
ious. Let  them  bo  found  at  all  times  in  the  path  of  duty, 
and  wlieii  trials  come  they  may  expect  to  be  prepared  for 
them.  God  will  suffer  no  caUvmities  to  come  upon  them, 
except  tliose  which  he  will  overrule  for  the  advancement 
of  his  glory  and  their  highest  good. 

14.  Men  must  not  only  jmiy  that  God  would  help  them, 
but  they  must  make  efforts  to  help  Ihemsclves.     God  au- 


very  precious ;  and  she  brake  the  box,  and  poured 
it  on  his  head.'' 

4  And  there  were  some  that  had  indignation 
within  tliemselves,  and  said.  Why  was  this  waste 
of  the  ointment  made  ? 

5  For  it  might  have  been  sold  for  more  than 
three  hundred  pence,*  and  have  been  given  to  the 
poor.     And  they  murmured  against  her. 

6  And  Jesus  said.  Let  her  alone ;  why  trouble  ye 
her  ?  she  hath  wrought  a  good  work  on  me. 

7  For  ye  have  tlie  poor  with  you  always,""  and 
wliensoever  ye  will  ye  may  do  them  good:  but 
me  ye  have  not  always. 

8  She  hath  done  what  she  could :  she  is  come 
aforehand  to  anoint  my  body  to  the  burying. 

9  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Wheresoever  this  gos- 
pel shall  be  preached  throughout  the  whole  world, 
this  also  that  she  hath  done  shall  be  spoken  of  for 
a  memorial  of  her. 

10  1  And  Judas  Iscariot,  one  of  the  twelve,  went 
unto  tiie  chief  priests,  to  betray  him  unto  them.'' 

11  And  wlicn  they  heard  it,  they  were  glad,  and 
promised  to  give  him  money."  And  he  sought  how 
he  might  conveniently  betray  him. 

12  1  And  the  first  day  of  unleavened  bread,*" 
when  they  killed*  the  passover,  his  disciples  said 
unto  him.  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  go  and  pre- 
pare, that  thou  maycst  cat  the  passover  ? 

13  And  he  sendeth  forth  two  of  his  disciples,' 
and  saith  unto  them.  Go  ye  into  the  city,  and  there 
shall  meet  you  a  man  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water : 
follow  him. 

14  And  wheresoever  he  shall  go  in,  say  ye  to  the 


15:11.  <  Malt.  26:14,  etc.;  Luke  22:3,  etc.;  John  13:2.  e  1  Kings  21:20; 
Prov.  1:10-16.  h  Bxod.  12:8,  etc.  t  Or,  sacrificed,  i  oh.  11:2,  3:  Heb. 
4:13. 


swers  prayer  in  such  a  way  as  to  encourage  the  perform- 
ance of  duty,  not  the  neglect  of  it. 

23.  The  minuteness  and  accuracy  with  which  Jesus 
Christ  foretold  the  events  which  preceded  the  destiniction 
of  Jerusalem,  and  the  perfect  fultilment  of  his  predictions 
with  regard  to  it,  arc  conclusive  evidences  that  he  is  "  the 
faithful  and  true  Witness  " — that  when  the  word  has  gone 
out  of  his  mouth,  it  standeth  for  ever.  See  Psalm  33: 11 ; 
Isa.  46:9-11. 

35.  As  wo  know  not  the  time  of  oirr  death,  and  no  man 
can  reveal  it  to  us,  duty  and  interest  require  that  wci 
should  so  live  as  to  be  always  ready.  Then,  whether  wo 
die  suddenly  or  after  lingering  illness,  no  sooner  shall  wo 
be  "  absent  from  the  boily,"  than  we  shall  be  "  jirescnt  with 
the  Lord,"  beholding  his  glory  and  rejoicing  in  the  fulness 
of  his  love. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

3-9.  Christ's  head  anointed.     M;itt.  26:1-13. 

5.  Three  hundred  pence;  in  the  (ireek,  three  hundred 
denarii.  The  denarius  is  commonly  estimated  at  about 
fifteen  cents.  Three  hundred  denarii,  then,  would  be 
about  forty-five  dollars. 

8.  She  linth  done  wliat  slie  could ;  showed  her  love  in  the 
best  wav  in  her  power. 

10,  II."  Judas  selleth  his  i\faster.     Matt.  26:14-16. 

12-16.  Passover  prepared.     M;itt.  26: 17-19. 

12.  Kdled  the  passover ;  killed  the  lamb  th;it  w;is  eaten  on 
that  oec;ision. 

13.  The  cilij  ;  Jerusalem. 

14.  Goodman;  the  nnister  of  the  liouse.  Guest-chamber: 
a  spare  room  for  the  use  of  visitors.  It  was  customary 
at  the  time  of  the  jiassover  to  keep  such  rooms  ready  fur- 
nished for  the  accommodation  of  strangers. 

1139 


The  Lord^s  suffer. 


MARK  XIV. 


Tlie  agony  in  the  garden. 


good  man  of  the  house,  The  Master  saith,*  Where 
is  the  gucst-chatnber,  wliere  I  shall  cat  the  pass- 
over  ■with  my  disciples?'' 

15  And  he  will  show  you  a  large  upper  room 
furnished  and  prej)ared :  there  make  ready  for  us. 

16  And  his  disciples  went  forth,  and  came  into 
the  city,  and  found  as  he  had  said  unto  them:"' 
and  they  made  ready  the  passover. 

17  And  in  the  evening  he  cometli  with  the  twelve. 

18  And  as  they  sat  and  did  cat.  .lesus  said.  Ver- 
ily I  say  unto  you,  One  of  you  which  catcth  witli 
mc  shall  betray  me."' 

19  And  they  began  to  bo  sorrowful,  and  to  say 
unto  him  one  by  one,  Is  it  I  ?  and  another  said.  Is 
it  I? 

20  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  //  is 
one  of  tiie  twelve,  that  dip])ctli  with  mc  in  the  dish. 

21  The  Son  of  man  indeed  goeth,  as  it  is  written 
of  him:  lait  woe  to  that  man  l)y  whom  the  Son  of 
man  is  lietrayed !  good  were  it  for  that  man  if  lie 
had  never  been  born." 

22  ^  And  as  they  did  eat,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
blessed,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  to  them,'  and  said, 
Take,  eat;*-'  this  is  my  body. 

23  And  he  took  the  cup.  and  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  gave  it  io  them  :  and  they  all  drank  of  it. 

24  And  he  said  unto  them.  This  is  my  Idood  of 
the  new  testament,''  wliich  is  shed  for  many. 

25  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  drink  no  more 
of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that  day  tiiat  I  drink 
it  new  in  the  kingdom  of  God.' 

20  ^  And  when  they  had  sung  a  hymn,"  they 
went  out  into  the  moimt  of  Olives. 

27  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  All  ye  shall  be 
offended  because  of  me  this  night:  for  it  is  writ- 
ten,! will  smite  the  shepherd,  and  the  sheep  shall 
be  scattered.^ 

28  But  after  that  I  am  risen,  I  will  go  before 
you  into  Galilee.'' 

29  But  I'etcr  said  unto  him,  Although  all  shall 
be  offcnrlcd,  yet  tnill  not  i.' 

30  And  Jesus  saith  unto  lain,  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee,  That  this  day,  cvni  in  this  night,  before  the 
cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny  mc  thrice. 

31  But  he  spake  the  more  vehemently.  If  I  should 
die  with  llice,  I  will  not  deny  thee  in  any  wise. 
Likewise  also  said  they  all. 

32  And  they  came  to  a  place  which  was  named 
Gethscmane:'"  and  he  saith  to  his  disciples.  Sit  ye 
here,  while  I  shall  pray. 

33  And  he  takcth  with  him  Peter  and  James  and 


>  John  II  :2:<:  13:1.1.  ■>IUv.3:SU.  c  John  IO:'l.  '  Pu.  41:0;  SS:I^  14. 
•  Mitt.  18:0,7.  f  Matt.  28:26,  etc. ;  Luko -ia:  10;  1  Cor.  Il:'«,ctc.  IT  John 
«:4.'^'>-5.  ••  John  «:.W;  1  Cor.  10:10.  .>  Joel  S-.IH;  Aino.  0:1.),  11  •  Or, 
;;M/m.  J  Zfch.  1.1:7.  k  ch.  10:7.  I  Matt.  20;M,  34  ;  l.uko  •.-i-.-yi,  ;jl ;  .Win 
13:37,  38.    "  MiU.  20:30,  etc. ;  Luko  22:30,  nlo. ;  John  IH:  I,  clo.    »  John 


17-31.  Tlie  last  supper.     Sfatt.  2fi:  20-3.5. 

32-40.  Agony  in  tho  garden.     Matt.  2fi::{G-.'>0. 

36.  Ahlm;  a  Syriac  word,  meaiiiiiB,  Father.  TItis  nip; 
the  siiffcririKs  that  were  before  liirn. 

■II.  Sleep  on  tiow — it  1.5  enrniph ;  Home  take  the  first  clause 
interrogatively:  Do  ye  now  sleep  on  in  such  cirenm- 
Htances?  it  is  enough  tli;it  ye  have  slept,  etc.  Others  take 
the  first  elairno  ironirally.  and  the  second  earnestly:  Sleep 
on  now.  if  ye  can  in  siicli  cirenmBtances,  etc.  Others  still 
take  the  first  clause  iierniissively,  as  much  as  to  say,  .My 
season  of  praver  when  I  desired  vou  to  watch  is  ended : 
1140 


John,  and  began  to  be  sore  amazed,  and  to  a  11.33. 
be  very  heavy ; 

34  And  saith  nnto  them.  My  soul  is  exceeding 
sorrowful  unto  death:"  tarry  ye  here,  anil  watch. 

35  And  he  went  forward  a  little,  and  fell  on  the 
ground,  and  prayed  that,  if  it  were  possible,  the 
hour  might  pass  from  him." 

30  And  he  said,  Abba,  Father,''  all  things  arc 
possible  unto  thee;  take  away  this  cup  IVom  mc: 
nevertheless,  not  what  1  will,l)ut  what  thou  wilt.'' 

37  And  ho  comi'th,  and  iindeth  thcMn  sleeping, 
and  saith  unto  Peter,  Simon,  sleepcst  thou?  cotdd- 
est  not  thou  watch  one  hour? 

38  Watch  ye  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temp- 
tation. The  spirit  truly  is  ready,  but  the  fle.sh  is 
^\■cakJ 

39  And  again  he  went  away,  and  ])raycd,  and 
S])akc  tlie  same  words. 

40  And  when  he  returned,  he  found  them  asleep 
again,  (for  their  eyes  were  heavy:)  neither  wist 
tliey  what  to  answer  him. 

41  And  he  cometh  the  third  time,  and  saith  unto 
them.  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  yoxir  rest:  it  is 
enough,  the  hour  is  come ;"  ))ehold,  the  Son  of  man 
is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners. 

42  Rise  up,  lot  us  go;  lo,  he  that  bctrayctii  mc 
is  at  hand. 

43  1  And  immediately,  while  he  yet  spake,  com- 
eth Judas,  one  of  the  twelve,'  and  with  him  a  great 
multitude  with  swords  and  staves,"  from  the  chief 
priests  and  the  scribes  and  the  elders.'' 

44  And  he  that  betrayed  him  had  given  them  a 
token,  saying.  Whomsoever  1  shall  kiss,"  that  same 
is  he;  take  him,  and  lead  /li/n  away  safely. 

45  And  as  soon  as  he  was  come,  he  goeth  straight- 
way to  him,  and  saith,  Master,  Master ;"  and  kis.scd 
him. 

46  And  they  laid  theirhandsonhim, and  tookhim. 

47  And  one  of  them  that  stood  by  drew  a  sword, 
and  smote  a  servant  of  the  high-priest,  and  cut  oil' 
his  ear. 

48  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Arc 
ye  come  out,  as  against  a  thief,  with  swords  and 
with  staves  to  take  mc? 

49  I  was  daily  with  yon  in  the  tcm^jle  teaching, 
and  ve  took  me  not:  Init  the  scrii)tures  must  be 
fullilled.>' 

5(1  jVnd  they  all  forsook  him,  and  fled.' 

51  And  there  followed  him  a  certain  young  man. 

having  a  linen  cloth  cast  about  iris  naked  body ; 

and  the  young  men  laid  hold  on  him: 

12:27.  oHBb.3;7.  p  Rom.  8:15;  G.il.  4:0.  q  P.a.  40:8;  .lohn  4:34  ;  S:.!!); 
0:3^,30;  18:11;  I'hil.  2:S.  r  Horn.  7:  IH-25;  Oal.S;17.  •Jolin7::W|  H:20; 
13:1.  I  Mall.  20:47;  Lnko22:47,etc.;  John  l8:3,i-lc,  "  I'.a.  3;  1.  2.  »  I'-a 
2:2.  »  2Kam.2U:U;  IVa..'>3:21;  Prov.  27:0.  «  Liiko  0:4(1.  y  I'na.  22:1, 
etc.;  Iia.53:3,  «to. ;  I.uko  24:44.     «  P«a.  BS:8;  l.a.  03:3;  vcr.  27. 

sleep  on  for  the  rest  of  the  time  before  the  betrayer  comes. 
And  then,  after  a  pause,  as  he  sees  .Tudas  coming.  It  \n 
enough  tliat  you  have  slept,  etc.  The  latter  is  pcrliajm 
the  jireferable  view. 

V>.  Miisirr,  Master;  iipiiearing  lo  acknowledge  him  as 
his  Lord,  and  to  be  rejoicid  to  see  him. 

40.  Tlir  scriptures  must  lie  fiilfiUeil ;  those  Hcrilitiires  wlii(  li 
forelohl  that  he  would  be  tiiken  and  ]iiit  to  diittli. 

.10.  All  fnrsnoli  Inm,  iind  fteit ;  all  the  diseiplcH,  h'St  Ihc^y 
should  be  taken  also. 

t>\.  A  certain  yoting  man;  who  this  young  man  was  wo 


Christ  before  tU  high-priest. 


MARK  iV. 


Peter  denies  him,  and  repents. 


A.  D.  33.  52  And  lie  left  the  linen  cloth,^  and  fled 
from  them  naked. 

53  T  And  they  led  Jesus  away  to  the  high- 
priest:''  and  with  him  were  assembled  all  the 
chief  priests  and  the  elders  and  tlic  scribes. 

5-1  And  Peter  followed  him  afar  oif,  even  into 
the  palace  of  the  higii-priest :  and  he  sat  with  the 
servants,  and  warmed  liimself  at  the  fire. 

55  And  the  chief  priests  and  all  the  council 
sought  for  witness  against  Jesus  to  put  him  to 
death  ;  and  found  none. 

56  For  many  bare  false  witness  against  him,"^  but 
tiieir  witness  agreed  not  together. 

57  And  there  arose  certain,  and  bare  false  wit- 
ness against  him,  saying, 

58  We  heard  liim  say,  I  will  destroy  tliis  temple 
that  is  made  with  hands,  and  within  tliree  days  I 
will  build  another  made  witiiout  hands.'' 

59  But  neither  so  did  their  witness  agree  to- 
gether. 

60  And  the  high-priest  stood  up  in  the  midst, 
and  asked  Jesus,  saying,  Answerest  thou  notli- 
ing?  what  is  it  vhich  these  witness  against  tliee?'' 

61  But  he  held  his  peace,  and  answered  notli- 
iug.''  Again  tlie  higli-priest  asked  him,  and  said 
unto  him.  Art  tliou  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
Blessed  ? 

62  And  Jesus  said,  I  am :  and  ye  shall  sec  the 
Son  of  man  sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  power, 
and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  lieaveu.'"' 

6o  Then  the  higli-priest  rent  his  clothes,''  and 
saith,  What  need  we  any  further  witnesses? 

64  Ye  have  heard  the  blasphemy :  Avhat  think 
ye?  And  they  all  condemned  him  to  be  guilty  of 
death. 

65  And  some  began  to  spit  on  him,  and  to  cover 


1).    b  Malt. '^6:57,  etc.;  Lukea2:.5), etc.;  John  18:13,eto.    c  Psa. 
.  15:20;  John  2:19.    e  Matt.  20:62,  etc.     f  Psa.  39:9;  Isa.  53:7: 

r  T\-.^     T.  1  O  .    IX.T^if     O  1  .O/i .    .1/;.  i;  I  .    T  ..!._  •!.».  nri  .    -n  ^..     i     m         w   i     _ 


iiCh.  13:1G. 
3j:  II.     d  ch.  1j;  .;:»,  juiiii  ^.iit.     V  lYiuiu.  :;u;u:i,  blo.     '   raa.  oy:  y ;  isa.  aj:  /  ; 
lPet.2:S3.    5Din.7:I3;  Matt.  24:30;  20:04 ;  Luke22:69;  Rev. 1:7.    h  Isa. 

have  no  means  of  knowing.  He  had  perliaps  been  awak- 
ened by  the  tumult,  hastily  left  his  bed,  cast  a  loose  cov- 
eiMng  over  him,  and  joined  the  crowd.  Young  men;  the 
soldiers  or  servants.  Lnid  Imld  on  him  ;  seized  him,  as  if 
he  were  one  of  Christ's  disciples. 

55.  T/ic  council;  the  sanhedrim,  which  was  the  highest 
Jewish  tribunal.  Found  none;  none  that  testified  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  answer  their  purpose. 

58.  Made  with  hands ;  tliis  was  not  true.  What  he  did 
say,  and  what  he  meant,  is  stated  John  2:19-21. 

ii'J.  Oacoflhfm;  one  of  the  disciples  of  Jesus. 

70.  Thij speecli  agreeth  thereto;  he  spoke  like  a  Galilean. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  When  men's  hearts  are  set  upon  doing  mischief,  their 
minds  will  be  fruitful  in  resources  to  accomplish  it.  In 
doing  evil,  as  well  as  in  doing  good,  it  is  generally  true, 
that  ■'  where  there  is  a  will,  there  is  a  way." 

:J.  Love  is  fruitfid  in  ways  of  expressing  itself  towards 
the  object  beloved.  That  which  would  be  thought  by 
otlicrs  cpiite  too  expensive,  and  requiring  too  much  seli- 
denial,  is  performed,  under  the  influence  of  true  affection, 
with  alacrity  and  delight. 

4.  Persons  may  bo  in  the  same  society,  and  yet  their 
liearts  bo  going  out  towards  totally  different  objects. 
Alary,  in  the  fervor  of  love  (in-  the  Saviour,  was  anointing 
him  with  very  prcciotis  ointment,  while  Judas  was  saying, 
"\Vhercfore  is  this  waste?"  and  preparing  to  go  to  liis 
murderers  with  the  question,  "What  will  ye  give  me, 
and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you  ?"  Surely,  "  He  will  sep- 
arate them  one  from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his 
aheep  from  the  goats." 


his  ftxce,  and  to  buffet  him,  and  to  say  unto  him. 
Prophesy:  and  the  servants  did  strike  him  with 
the  palms  of  their  iiands.' 

66  *lf  And  as  Peter  was  beneath  in  the  pal- 
ace, there  cometh  one  of  the  maids  of  the  high- 
priest  : 

67  And  wlien  slic  saw  Peter  warming  himself, 
she  looked  upon  him,  and  said,  And  thou  also 
wast  with  Jesus  of  Nazareth.^ 

68  But  he  denied,''  saying,  I  know  not,  neither 
understand  I  wliat  thou  sayest.  And  he  went  out 
into  the  porcli ;  and  the  cock  crew. 

69  And  a  maid  saw  him  again,  and  began  to  say 
to  them  that  stood  by,  Tliis  is  one  of  them. 

70  And  he  denied  it  again.  And  a  little  after, 
they  tliat  stood  by  said  again  to  Peter,  Surely 
thou  art  one  of  them :  for  tiiou  art  a  Galilean,'  and 
thy  speech  agreeth  thereto. 

71  But  lie  began  to  curse  and  to  swear,  saying,  I 
know  not  this  man  of  wliom  ye  speak. 

72  And  the  second  time  the  cock  crew.  And 
Peter  called  to  mind  tlie  word  tliat  Jesus  said 
unto  iiim.  Before  the  cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt 
deny  me  thrice.  And  when  he  thought  thereon, 
he  wept.*"' 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  Jc'sus  brought  bound,  and  accused  before  Pilate.  1-5  Upon  the  clamor 
ot  tlie  common  people,  the  murderer  Barabhas  is  loosed,  and  Jesus 
delivered  up  to  be  crucified.  17  He  is  crowned  with  thorns,  19  spit 
on,  and  moclced:  21  fainteth  in  bearing  his  cross:  27  liangeth  be- 
tween two  thieves:  29  sufferetli  tlie  triumphing  reproaches  ot  the 
Jews;  39  but  is  confessed  by  the  centurion  to  be  the  Son  of  Crod;  -iVj 
and  is  honorably  buried  by  Joseph. 

AND  straightway  in  tlie  morning  the  chief 
priests  held  a  consultation  with  tlie  elders 
and  scribes,  and  tlie  whole  council,  and   bound 


37:1.  i  Isa.  50:0;  ch.  l.J:19.  J  Malt.  20:69,  etc.;  Luke  22:5.5,  etc.;  John 
18:16,eto.  k  2  Tim.  2:12,  13.  I  Acts  2:7.  '  Ot,  he  weft  abundantly,  ot  ht 
Ije^an  to  loeep.     ni  2  Cor.  7:10. 


19.  The  thought  of  being  instrumental  in  betraying  Jesus 
Christ,  and  injuring  his  cause,  is  painfid  to  his  friends, 
and  should  lead  them  to  earnest  prayer  and  vigorous  effort, 
that  they  may  be  kept  from  the  commission  of  such  dread- 
ful sin. 

23.  The  "fruit  of  tlie  vine  "  is  a  proper  element  with 
which  to  celebrate  the  Lord's  supper.  It  is  a  representa- 
tion of  his  blood,  which  was  shed  for  many  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins.  All  his  friends  should  drink  of  it,  in  kind 
and  grateful  remembrance  of  him. 

29.  Great  self-confidence  in  a  disciple  of  Christ  is  the 
forerunner  of  a  speedy  downfall.  "He  that  trusteth  his 
own  heart  is  a  fool."     Prov.  2S:2(;. 

:15.  The  most  earnest  desires  and  fervent  jirayers  for 
deliverance  from  evils  are  entirely  consistent  with  perfect 
resignation  to  the  will  of  (iod  with  regard  to  them. 

50.  In  times  of  great  danger,  our  dependence  cannot 
safely  be  placed  on  men ;  not  even  on  good  men.  They 
cannot  trust  themselves.  Their  good  resolutions  may 
vani.sh,  and  their  courage  die.  There  is  no  safe  depend- 
ence but  on  God. 

G8.  No  one  knows  to  what  depths  of  iniquity  a  good 
n1an,when  left  to  himself,  will  fall.  He  may  deny  his  best 
friend,  desert  his  greatest  benefactor,  and  even  testifj-  and 
swear  to  a  known  lie.  \V'ere  it  not  for  the  grace  of  (lod, 
he  would  never  rise,  but  sink  lower  and  lower  in  wicked- 
ness and  woe  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1-20.  Christ  before  Pilate.  Matt.  27:1-31;  Luke  23:1- 
25;  John  1«:28  to  19:16. 

lUl 


Christ  is  condemned, 


MARK  XV. 


moc/ixd,  and  crucified. 


Jesus,  aud  carried  him  away,  and  delivered  him 
to  Pilate.^ 

2  And  Pilate  asked  him,  Art  thou  tlio  King  of 
the  Jews?  And  he  answering,  said  unto  him, 
Thou  saycst  it. 

3  And  the  chief  priests  accused  him  of  many 
things ;  but  he  answered  notliing. 

4  And  Pilate  asked  hiui  again,  saying,  Answerest 
thou  notliing?  behold  how  many  things  they  wit- 
ness against  thee. 

5  But  Jesus  yet  answered  nothing;''  so  that 
Pilate  marvelled. 

6  1  Now  at  that  feast  he  released  unto  them  one 
prisoner,  whomsoever  they  desired."^ 

7  And  tlicrc  was  one  named  Barabbas,  which  lay 
bound  witli  them  tliat  had  made  insurrection  with 
liim,  who  had  committed  murder  in  the  insurrec- 
tion. 

8  And  tlic  multitude  crying  aloud,  began  to  de- 
sire him  to  do  as  he  liad  ever  done  unto  tlicm. 

y  But  Pilate  answered  tiicm,  saying.  Will  ye  that 
I  release  unto  you  the  King  of  the  Jews  ? 

10  For  he  knew  tliat  the  chief  priests  had  deliv- 
ered liim  for  envy.'' 

11  But  the  chief  priests  moved  tlic  people,  that  he 
should  rather  release  Barabbas  unto  tlicm."" 

12  Anil  Pilate  answered,  and  said  again  unto 
them,  What  will  yo  then  that  I  shall  do  unto  him 
whom  ye  call  the  King  of  the  Jews?' 

13  And  they  cried  out  again,  Crucify  him. 

14  Then  Pilate  said  imto  them.  Why,  what  evil 
hath  he  done?*'  And  they  cried  out  the  more  c.x- 
ci'edingly.  Crucify  liini. 

15  II  And  so  Pilate,  willing  to  content  the  people, 
released  Baral)ba3  unto  them,  and  delivered  .Jesus, 
when  he  had  scourged  him,  to  bo  crueilied. 

IG  And  the  soldiers  led  him  away  into  the  hall," 
called  Pretorium ;  and  they  call  together  the  whole 
band. 

17  And  they  clothed  him  with  purple,  and  plat- 
ted a  crown  of  tliorns,  and  jiut  it  about  his  licad, 

18  And  began  to  salute  him.  Hail,  King  of  the 
Jews ! 

19  And  they  smote  him  on  the  head  with  a  reed, 
and  did  spit  upon  him,'  and  bowing  their  knees, 
worshijiped  liim. 

20  And  when  they  had  mocked  him.J  they  took 
oil"  the  purple  from  him,  and  jiut  his  own  clothes 
on  him,  and  led  him  out  to  crucify  him. 

21  And  they  compel  one  Simon  a  Cyrenian,  who 

'Va.'i.i;  M,H(,'i7:l,  tie  ;  Luki)  83rl,  olc, ;  John  IRri'f,  <!lo.;  Acl«3:13; 
*:-il\.  b  I«a.  W:?;  John  10:9.  «  Mall.  «:!.');  Luko  ■H:\l\  John  lS<:.m 
d  PfOT.a7:4i  Eccl.4:l;  Acu  1.1:45;  Titan  .1:.').  •  Act.  .1:14.  '  I'm.  •2:0; 
Jor.  !n:5;  AcU  5:31.  »  lua.  5:1:0.  h  Matt.  27:-i7;  John  l'":2S,  3:1;  10:9. 
>  ch.  I4:6S.     J  Job  13:0;  Pia.  35:10;  Matl.  -^9:19;  oh.  IO:.'M;  Luko  3:2:113; 

10.  Envy;  the  iiiioasiiness  which  they  felt  at  liie  superior 
excellence  and  iniTcaHinj;  influence. 

IG.  Prclornim;  the  hall  where  the  Koman  governor,  or 
praetor,  held  liin  court. 

19,  A  reed;  the  recti,  cir  Btaff,  which,  in  derision,  they 
had  put  into  his  hand  as  a  m.ejitrc".  IVorshippetl  liim  ;  proH- 
trated  thenisolves  in  deri»ion,  or  bowed  before  him,  as 
fcubjects  do  before  their  kinp. 

21-39.  The  crucifixion.     Matt.  27:32-04. 

23.  Ifinf;  .Matthew  says  vinegar.    It  was  probably  wine 
which  was  soiirod,  and  might  be  called  by  either  name. 
Mingled  with  myrrh ;  see  note  on  Matt.  27:34. 
1142 


passed  by,  coming  out  of  the  country,  the  a.d.  33. 
father  of  Ale.xander  and  Rufus,  to  bear  his  cross. 

22  And  they  bring  hiui  unto  the  place  Golgotha, 
which  is,  being  interpreted,  The  jilace  of  a  skull.'' 

23  And  they  gave  him  to  drink  wine  mingled 
with  myrrh :  but  he  received  it  not. 

24  li  And  when  they  had  crueilied  him,  they 
parted  his  garments,  casting  lots  upon  them,'  what 
every  man  should  take. 

25  And  it  was  the  third  hour,  and  they  crucified 
him. 

26  And  the  superscription  of  his  accusation  was 
written  over.  Till':  KING  OF  THE  JEWS. 

27  And  with  him  they  crucify  two  thieves;  the 
one  on  his  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  his  left. 

28  And  the  scripture  was  fullillcd,  which  saith,     » 
And  he  was  numbered  with  tli(^  trani^gre.s.sors.'" 

29  lAiid  they  that  ])assed  by  railed  on  him," 
wagging  their  heads,  and  saying.  Ah,  thou  that 
destroyest  the  temple,  and  buildest  it  in  three 
days,"" 

30  Save  thyself,  and  come  down  from  the  cross. 

31  Likewise  also  the  chief  priests  mocking,  said 
among  themselves  with  the  scribes,  Ho  saved  oth- 
ers; himself  he  cannot  save. 

32  Let  Christ  the  King  of  Israel  descend  now 
frtun  the  cross,  that  we  may  see  and  l)elicve.''  And 
they  that  were  crueilied  with  him  reviled  him. 

33  TAnd  when  the  sixth  hour  was  come,  there 
was  darkness  over  the  whole  land  until  the  ninth 
hour.'' 

34  And  at  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying,  Eloi,  Eloi,  lama  sabachthani? 
which  is,  being  interpreted.  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?'' 

35  And  some  of  them  that  stood  by,  when  thcj 
heard  it,  said.  Behold,  he  calleth  Elias. 

36  And  one  ran  and  filled  a  sponge  full  of  vine- 
gar, and  put  it  on  a  reed,  and  gave  him  to  drink," 
saying.  Let  alone ;  let  us  see  whether  Elias  will 
come  to  take  him  down. 

37  And  Jesus  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  gave 
u])  tlio  ghost.' 

38  And  the  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain 
from  the  top  to  the  bottom. 

39  1  And  when  the  centurion  which  stood  over 
against  him,  saw  that  he  so  cried  out,  and  gave  up 
the  ghost,  he  said,  Trulv  this  man  was  the  Son  of 
God. 

40  There  were  also  women  looking  on  afar  olT:" 


23:11,  .38.  k  Matt.  27:33.  oto. ;  I,uk«  23:33,  plc;  John  10:17,  .l.-.  I  Piia. 
■tl:\».  ml.a.  53:12.  »  r«a.  22:7.  o  oil.  l-i:.')3;  .tcihii  2:  IB.  P  linm.  3:3; 
2  Tim  2:13.  q  Matt.  27:4.'! ;  I.ukn  23:44.  '  I'.a  22:1;  42:0;  71:11;  I.am. 
1:12.     'Pia.  09:21.    ■  Matt.  27:50;  Luko  23:40;  John  10:30.     u]<ia.  38:11. 


2;').   Third  hour ;  nine  o'clock  in  the  muiniiif;. 

20.  T/ic  Kinp  of  llic  Jews;  the  crime  for  wliiili  tlir  chief 
priests  accused  him  before  I'ilatn  was,  lliat  he  claimed  to 
be  king  of  the  .lews,  and  thus  was  guilty  of  treason  against 
the  Homan  governm<'nt;  though  it  was  not  fur  this,  bnt 
for  blasphemy  in  claiming  to  bo  the  Son  of  Ood,  that  their 
council  condemned  him. 

2K   Tlie  srrijilure  wit  fulfdled ;  Isa.  iJS:  12. 

33.  iSixth  hour — untd  the  ninth  htrur ;  from  twelve  o'clock, 
or  noon,  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

40-47.  Christ's  burial.  Mult,  27:55-61;  Luko  23:60-36; 
John  19:31-42. 


Tht  burial  of  Christ. 


MARK  XVI. 


Appears  lo  his  disciples. 


A.  D.  33.  among  wliom  was  Mary  Magdalene,  and 
Mary  the  mother  of  James  the  less  and  of  Joses, 
and  Salome ; 

41  Wlio  also,  when  he  was  in  Galilee,  followed 
him,  and  ministered  unto  him;^  and  many  other 
women  wliich  came  up  with  him  unto  Jerusalem. 

42  ■[  And  now  when  the  even  was  come,  because 
it  was  the  preparation,  that  is,  the  day  before  the 
sabbath, 

43  Joseph  of  Ariraathca,  an  honorable  counsel- 
lor, which  also  waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God,'' 
came,  and  went  in  boldly  unto  Pilate,  and  craved 
the  body  of  Jesus. 

44  And  Pilate  marvelled  if  ho  were  already 
dead :  and  calling  unto  him  the  centurion,  he 
asked  him  whether  he  had  been  any  while  dead. 

45  And  when  he  knew  it  of  the  centurion,  he 
gave  the  body  to  Joseph. 

46  And  he  bought  fine  linen,  and  took  him  down, 
and  wrapped  him  in  the  linen,  and  laid  him  in  a 
sepulchre  which  was  hewn  out  of  a  rock,  and 
rolled  a  stone  unto  the  door  of  the  sepulchre. ° 

47  And  Mary  Magdalene  and  Mary  the  mother 
of  Joses  beheld  where  he  was  laid. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  An  angel  declareth  the  resurrection  of  Christ  to  three  women.  9 
Christ  himself  appearetli  to  Mary  Magdalene;  1'2  to  two  going  into 
the  country;  14  then  to  tlie  apostles,  15  whom  he  sendeth  forth  to 
preach  the  gospel;  19  and  ascendeth  into  heaven. 

A  ND  when  the  sabbath  was  past,  Mary  Mag- 
./"A.  dalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James,  and 
Salome,  had  bought  sweet  spices,"  that  they  might 
come  and  anoint  him. 

2  And  very  early  in  the  morning  the  first  day  of 


«  Luke  8:2,  3.     b  Luke  2:2-5,  3^.     c  ch.  10:3.  4.     d  Luke  2;):5e.     e:\Iatt. 
M:l,etc.;  Luke  24:1,  etc.;  John  2!1;1.  etc.     t  Psa.  71:21).     s  Luke  24:13. 


42.  The  preparation ;  the  first  day  of  the  feast  was  called 
the  day  of  preparation  ;  the  next,  commencing  at  tlie  set- 
ting of  the  sun,  was  tlie  Sabbath ;  and  it  was  a  rule  that 
the  body  of  a  malefactor  should  not  remain  on  the  cross 
over  the  Sabbath. 

4.S.  Waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God;  ho  believed  that 
.lesus  was  the  Messiah,  and  expected  that  be  would  soon 
set  up  his  kingdom.  Boldly;  he  was  inspired  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  with  courage, notwithstanding  the  Saviour  was  dead, 
thus  to  .show  liis  attachment  to  him. 

44.  The  centurion ;  the  officer  who  had  charge  of  the 
crucifixion.  Tlius  it  was  rendered  certain  that  Jesus  was 
truly  (lead. 

4().  Ilitrn  nut  of  a  rock;  God  so  ordered  things,  that  he 
was  not  buried  in  the  graveyard  of  common  malefactors, 
but  where  there  coiUd  be  the  fullest  evidence  that  on  the 
third  day  he  rose  from  the  dead. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

11.  When  men  who  have  the  Bible  and  profess  lo  be  re- 
ligious, prefer  a  robber  and  a  murderer  to  the  Prince  of  life, 
the  Saviour  of  men,  and  wish  the  one  to  be  set  at  liberty 
and  the  other  crucified,  they  show  that  "  the  heart  is  de- 
ceitful above  all  things,  and  desperately  wicked."  .ler. 
17:9.  No  one,  in  view  of  such  facts,  need  to  marvel  that 
men  must  bo  "  born  again,"  in  order  to  inherit  the  king- 
dom of  (iod. 

21.  .Men  may  be  perfectly  free,  and  accountable  for  their 
conduct,  may  commit  great  wickedness.  ;iud  be  ripening 
for  ruin,  and  yet,  in  doing  this,  be  fnllilling  jireilictlons 
whicli  were  uttered  hundreds  of  years  before  ;  tlius  ]irov- 
iiig  tlie  truth  of  the  Scriptures,  and  fulfilling  the  purposes 
of  God.     P,sa.  22:18. 

34.  As  Jesus  Christ  never  committed  ain,  but  was  in  all 


the  week,  they  came  unto  the  sepulchre  at  the 
rising  of  the  sun.° 

3  And  they  said  among  themselves.  Who  shall 
roll  us  away  the  stone  from  the  door  of  the  sepul- 
chre ? 

4  And  when  they  looked,  they  saw  that  the 
stone  was  rolled  away:  for  it  was  very  great. 

5  And  entering  into  the  sepulchre,  they  saw  a 
young  man  sitting  on  the  right  side,  clothed  in  a 
long  white  garment ;  and  they  were  afl'righted. 

6  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Be  not  affrighted :  ye 
seek  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  which  was  crucified :  he  is 
risen;''  he  is  not  here:  beliold  the  place  where 
they  laid  him. 

7  But  go  your  way,  tell  his  disciples  and  Peter 
that  he  goeth  before  you  into  Galilee :  there  shall 
ye  see  him,  as  he  said  unto  you. 

8  And  they  went  out  quickly,  and  fled  from  the 
sepulchre ;  for  they  trembled  and  were  amazed : 
neither  said  they  any  thing  to  any  711071;  for  they 
were  afraid. 

9  IT  Now  when  Jesus  was  risen  early  the  first  day 
of  the  week,  he  appeared  first  to  Mary  Magdalene, 
out  of  whom  he  had  cast  seven  devils. 

10  Jlnd'she  went  and  told  them  that  had  been 
with  him,  as  they  mourned  and  wept. 

11  And  they,  when  they  had  heard  that  he  was 
alive,  and  had  been  seen  of  her,  believed  not. 

12  1  After  that,  he  appeared  in  another  form 
unto  two  of  them,  as  they  walked,  and  went  into 
the  country .s 

13  And  they  went  and  told  if  unto  the  residue: 
neither  believed  they  them. 

14  H  Afterward  he  appeared  unto  the  eleven  as 
they  sat  at  meat,*''  and  upbraided  them  with  their 

■  Or,  together,     h  Luke  24:36;  1  Cor.  15:5. 


things  a  pattern  of  perfection,  and  yet  voluntarily  died  a 
most  shameful  and  agonizing  death,  he  must  have  died  a 
propitiation  for  the  sins  of  men,  "  the  just  for  the  unjust," 
"  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life."     1  Pet.  3:18;  John  3:15. 

37.  This  love  of  Jesus,  as  manifested  in  his  humiliation 
and  kindness,  his  sufferings  and  death  for  the  sins  of  men, 
is  great  beyond  all  finite  comprehension ;  and  to  bo  un- 
mhidful  of  such  love,  or  not  to  be  constrained  by  it  to  love 
and  serve  him,  is  guilt  unspeakably  great. 

43.  Jesus  Christ  sometimes  has  friends  where  we  should 
least  expect  them.  They  may  lie  associated  with  the 
wicked,  and  yet,  through  grace,  be  kept  from  being  par- 
takers of  their  sins.  On  tlie  other  liaiid,  exceedingly 
wicked  men  may  be  connecteil  with  the  ])Cople  of  God. 
In  the  council  which  condenineil  the  Saviour  was  Joseph 
waiting  for  the  kingdom  of  (iod  ;  while  among  the  apos- 
tles, Christ's  chosen  friends,  was  Judas  who  betrayed  him. 
Luke  23:51. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1-8.  The  resurrection.     Matt.  28:1-8. 

I.  Anoint  him;  it  was  customary  to  anoint  and  embalm 
dead  bodies  in  order  to  preserve  them. 

II.  Believed  not;  this  shows,  that  notwithstanding  all 
our  Lord  had  said  concerning  liis  rising  from  the  dead  on 
the  third  day,  his  disciples  did  not  expect  it. 

12.  Another  form;  one  ditfereiit  from  that  in  wdiich  ho 
had  appeared  before.     Luke  24:13-31. 

13.  The  residue;  those  disciples  who  remained  at  Jeru- 
salem. 

14.  The  eleven  ;  the  eleven  aytostles,  Judas  having  hung 
himself.     Upbraided  them;  sharply  rebuked  them  for  their 

1143 


Christ  blesses  his  disciples, 


MARK  XVI. 


a7id  ascends  into  heaven. 


nnbelief  and  hardness  of  heart,"  because  they  be- 
lieved not  them  wliich  had  seen  him  after  he  was 
risen. 

15  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all  the 
world, ^'  and  preach  the  gos[)el  to  every  creature.'' 

16  He  tliat  believeth  and  is  Ijaptized  shall  Ije 
saved ;''  but  he  that  believeth  not,  shall  be  damned."' 

17  And  these  signs  .shall  follow  them  that  be- 
lieve: In  my  name  shall  they  cast  out  devils;' 
they  shall  speak  with  new  tongues;^ 

»  Luke  fll:23.  b  Matt.  -23:19;  John  iU-.ll.  '  Rom.  10:18;  Col.  1:41. 
'  John  3:18.  3fi;  Acts  lU::il-.'!:);  Rom.  10:9:  1  Ppt.  .1:-21.  e  John  12:4^; 
2Thess.  2:1-2.     I  Luke  10:17;  Acu  5:10;  6:7;  lfi:IS;  19:12.     e  Acts  2:4 


unbelief,  in  not  receiving  the  testimony  of  those  who  had 
seen  him  after  his  resurrection. 

15.  All  the  world;  wlicrever  men  arc  found.  Preach  the 
gospel;  proclaim  tlic  glad  tidings  of  salvation  through 
repentance  of  sin,  and  faith  in  Jesus  Clirist.  Every  crea- 
ture; ever}' human  lacing  who  can  hear  and  understand  it. 

16.  He  that  believeth;  receives  the  testimony  of  (Jod,  and 
treats  it,  in  Ids  feelings  and  conduct,  as  true.  Is  baptizeil ; 
expresses  Ids  belief  in  God's  testimony  concerning  lii.s 
Son,  not  in  words  only,  but  in  actions,  according  to  Christ's 
directions.  S'latl  be  saved;  saved  from  the  practice  an<l 
consequences  of  sin ;  inclined  an<l  eiiable<l  to  practise 
holiness,  and  to  continue  in  it,  till,  tlirough  grace,  ho  is 
prepared  for,  and  raised  to  the  eternal  holiness  and  bliss 
of  heaven.  Jielicvethnot;  does  not  so  credit  the  testimony 
of  God,  especially  in  regard  to  his  Son,  and  the  way  of  life 
through  him,  as  to  love  and  obey  him.  Shall  be  dnmncd ; 
sliall  be  left  in  the  love  and  practice  of  sin  through  time, 
and  be  miserable  to  eternity. 

17.  In  mij  name;  in  reliance  on  my  power,  and  making 
it  known  that  it  is  I,  and  not  they,  who  perform  the  mira- 
cles. Acts  3:fi.  Speak  with  new  tons^ucs;  in  languages 
which  they  had  not  before  known.     Acts  2:1-11. 

18.  Serpents;  poisonous  reptiles.  They  would  be  able, 
when  needful,  to  handle  them  without  injury.  Acts  28:3-G. 
Deadly  thing;  mortal  poison.  Lay  hands  on  the  sick;  Acts 
■J:  17. 

19.  Received  up  into  heaven;  Acts  1:9.  Rirrht  hand  of 
God;  a  phrase  denoting  great  exaltation  and  honor. 

20.  The  Lord  working  with  tkcm;  by  miracles,  showing 


IS  They  shall  take  up  serpents;*'  and  if  a. d. a 
they  drink  any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt 
them;  tiicy  shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they 
shall  recover.' 

lU  *f  So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto 
them,  he  was  received  up  into  heaven,-'  and  sat  on 
the  right  hand  of  God.'' 

20  Aud  they  went  forth,  and  preached  every- 
where, the  Lord  working  with  //;fm,and  confirm- 
ing the  word  with  signs  following.'     Amen. 

10:46;  1  Cor.  12:10,  -28.  b  Luke  10:19;  Acts  -28:5.  i  Acts  5:15,  16;  23:9; 
Jas.  5:14,  15.  j  Luke  -24:51;  Actsl:a,3.  '  Psi.  110:1;  1  l'et..3:-22;  Rev. 
3:21.     1  Acts5:12;  14:3;  Ileb.  2:4. 

that  they  were  sent  of  him ;  by  removing  obstacles,  and 
giving  them  access  to  men ;  by  accompanying  the  procla- 
mation of  his  truth  with  his  own  power,  and  causing  it  to 
produce  divine  effects. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  When  men  love  the  Saviour  anil  wish  to  honor  him, 
they  will  often  meet  with  difliculties.  Hut  if  obstructed 
in  one  way,  let  them  honor  him  in  another ;  in  due  time 
ai)]iarently  insurmountable  obstacles  may  be  in  unexpect- 
ed w;iys  removed. 

7.  Though  the  friends  of  Clirist  may  have  deserted  and 
even  denied  him,  yet  when  they  repent  and  turn  to  him 
he  freely  forgives  them,  and  delights  in  removing  their 
sorrows  and  promoting  their  joys. 

14.  To  reject  competent  evidence  in  nratters  of  religion, 
is  a  great  sin.  It  shows  unbelief  and  hardness  of  heart, 
which  are  e.Kceedingly  offensive  to  God.  Without  faith 
in  what  he  has  revealed,  it  is  impossible  to  phase  him. 
Hell.  11:  B. 

15.  It  is  the  will  of  Christ  that  the  gospel  should  be 
preached  to  all  men.  By  repenting  of  sin  and  believing 
in  him  all  may  obt;iin  it;  and  if  they  do  not,  they  will,  by 
their  neglect,  be  self-destroyers. 

Hi.  Though  salvation  through  Christ  should  be  preached 
to  all  men,  yet  none,  without  believing  on  and  obeying 
him,  will  bo  saved. 

29.  As  God  has  shown  by  the  most  conclusive  evidence 
the  truth  of  his  gospel,  those  who  cimtinue  to  reject  it  iu-e 
without  excuse,  and  will  perish  with  an  awfully  aggra- 
vated destruction. 


1144 


THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 


LUKE. 


From  the  Acts  of  the  apostles  we  learn  that  Luke,  "the  beloved  physician,"  was  the  travelling  com- 
panion of  Paul.  Since  the  Acts  were,  in  all  probability,  published  about  the  close  of  the  period  whose 
history  they  record,  while  Paul  was  yet  living,  it  follows  that  the  gospel  of  Luke,  which  preceded  the 
Acts,  was  also  published  during  the  lifetime  of  Paul,  as  well  as  others  of  the  apostles.  There  is  no  rea- 
sonable ground  for  doubting  that  it  was  composed,  if  not  under  Paul's  immediate  superintendence,  yet 
with  his  knowledge  and  approbation.  From  the  very  first,  it  was  universally  received  by  the  churches 
as  an  authentic  history  of  our  Lord's  life  and  teachings.  Luke  does  not  profess  to  write  as  an  eye-wit- 
ness, but  as  one  who  has  carefully  collected  his  information  from  eye-witnesses.  Cliap.  1  : 1-4.  Though  he 
has  much  in  common  with  Matthew  and  Mark,  he  has  also  large  sections  peculiar  to  himself,  and  contain- 
ing some  of  the  most  precious  records  of  our  Lord's  words  and  deeds.  Though  dedicated  to  Theophilus, 
a  Christian  of  distinction,  it  is  certain  that  it  was  intended  for  the  general  use  of  the  churches.  If,  as 
seems  probable,  Theophilus  was  a  Gentile,  living  out  of  Palestine,  we  may  suppose  that,  like  Paul  with 
whom  he  was  associated,  he  had  more  particularly  in  mind  the  wants  of  the  Gentile  converts.  With  this 
agrees  the  general  character  of  Luke's  gospel.  As  commentators  have  remai-ked,  he  traces  the  gene- 
alogy of  our  Lord  back,  not  simply  to  Abraham,  but  to  Adam  ;  thus  indicating  that  Jesus  the  son  of 
Adam  had  come  to  be  the  Saviour  of  Adam's  lost  race.  His  narrative  is,  moreover,  particularly  full  in 
those  passages  which  show  the  kindly  aspect  of  the  gospel  towards  the  Gentiles.  See,  for  examples, 
chap.  4  :  25-27  ;  9  :  51-56  ;  11 :  15-19  ;  and  the  parables  of  the  good  Samaritan,  chap.  10  :  29-37  ;  and  of 
the  man  that  made  a  great  supper,  chap.  14  :  15-24.  Commentators  have  further  noticed  the  fact  that 
Luke  often  neglects  the  chronological  order  of  events,  arranging  the  incidents  which  he  records  rather 
according  to  their  internal  connection  with  each  other,  than  their  outward  relation  in  time.  Hence  ho 
often  introduces  his  narratives  with  indefinite  expressions,  as,  "It  came  to  pass  when  he  was  in  a  certain 
city  ;"  "  It  came  to  pass  as  he  was  alone  praying,"  etc. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  The  preface  of  Luke  to  his  whole  gospel.  5  The  ronceptton  of  John 
the  Baptist,  26  and  of  Christ.  39  The  prophecy  of  Elisabeth,  and  of 
Mary,  concernint;  Christ.  57  The  nativity  and  circumnision  of  John. 
67  The  prophecy  of  Zacharias.  both  of  Christ,  76  and  of  John. 

ri*4o?rT,:,,'';:  T  FORASMUCH  as  many  have  taken 
rfA"n"o'D„m;NL  .1  \vi  liauil  to  Pct  fortU  in  orilor  a  dec- 
laration of  those  things  wliich  are  most  surely  be- 
lieved among  us, 

>  John  15:27;  Heb.  2:3;  1  I'ct.   5:1;    2  Pet.  1:10;  1  John  1:1:     b  Rom. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Many  have  taken  in  hand  to  set  forth ;  others  wrote 
accouiit.s  of  the  times  besiiles  the  four  evangelists  wliose 
histories  have  onme  down  to  us,  but  tliesc  were  the  only 
men  designated  by  (!od  for  the  instnietion  of  the  world 
in  all  a!;es  in  respect  to  our  Lord's  life  and  teaehiiiRs, 
and  insjiired  by  the  Holy  Ghost  for  the  right  accomplish- 
ment of  this  work.  Among  us;  among  the  Christians  then 
living. 

2.  T7ici/;  the  persons  who  wore  cyc-witnesscB.   From  the 


2  Even  as  they  delivered  them  unto  us,  which 
from  tiie  beginning  were  eye-witnesses,"  and  min- 
isters of  the  word  j"" 

3  Itscemedgoodtome  also, having  had  pcrfectun- 
derstanding  of  all  things  from  thevery  first. to  write 
unto  thee  in  order,"^  most  e.xcellcnt  'rheopiiilus,* 

4  That  thou  mightest  know  the  certainty  of  those 
things  wherein  thou  hast  been  instructed." 

15:10;  Kph.S;7;  4:11,  13.     <:Aclsll:4.     J  Acts  1:1.     e  John  20:31. 

beginning;  the  beginning  of  the  things  which  they  describ- 
ed.    Ministers  of  the  word;  prc;xchers  of  the  gasiiel. 

3.  Tome;  Luke,  the  writer  of  this  gosjiel.  IJaring  Iiad 
perfect  understanding ;  literally,  liavmg  gone  to  the  source, 
and  accurately  traced  every  thing  from  the  first.  l\Iost 
exccUcnt ;  a  title  of  honor  given  to  men  in  ofKce.  Acts 
23:2(i;  24:3;  2G:2r).  Tlienphttus ;  friend  of  God  :  supposed 
to  be  the  name  of  a  distinguished  individual  of  Luke's 
acqiiaintiinco. 

4.  Those  things ;  the  things  pertaining  to  Christ  and  the 
gospel. 

1145 


The  vision  of  Zacharias. 


LUKE  I, 


Gabriel  appears  to  Mary. 


5  "Ii  T^HERE  was  in  the  days  of  Herod,"  the 

J_  king  of  Judea,  a  certain  priest  named 
Zacharias,  of  the  course  of  Abia:''  and  his  wile 
was  of  tlie  daughters  of  Aaron,  and  her  name  icas 
Elisabeth. 

6  And  they  were  both  righteous  before  God,'' 
walking  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances 
of  the  Lord  blameless.'' 

7  And  they  had  no  child,  because  that  Elisabeth 
was  barren ;  and  they  both  were  now  well  stricken 
in  years. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  while  he  executed  the 
j)riest's  office  before  God  in  the  order  of  his^course, 

9  According  to  the  custom  of  the  priest's  ohice, 
his  lot  was  to  burn  incense  when  he  went  into  the 
temple  of  the  Lord." 

10  And  the  whole  multitude  of  the  people  were 
praying  without  at  the  time  of  incense. "^ 

11  And  there  appeared  unto  liim  an  angel  of  the 
Lord  standing  on  the  right  side  of  the  altar  of 
incense.'' 

12  And  when  Zacharias  saw  him,  he  was  troub- 
led, and  fear  fell  upon  him." 

13  But  the  angel  said  unto  him.  Fear  not,  Zach- 
arias: for  thy  prayer  is  heard;  and  thy  wife  Elis- 
abeth shall  bear  thee  a  son,  and  thou  slialt  call  his 
name  John.' 

14  And  thou  shalt  have  joy  and  gladness;  and 
many  shall  rejoice  at  his  birth.-* 

15  For  he  shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,"  and  shall  drink  neither  wine  nor  strong 
drink;'  and  he  shall  be  fdled  witii  the  Holy 
Ghost,  even  from  his  mother's  womb.'" 

16  And  many  of  the  children  of  Israel  shall  he 
turn  to  the  Lord  their  fJod. 

17  And  he  shall  go  Ijcfore  him  in  the  spirit  and 
power  of  Elius,"  to  turn  tlie  hearts  of  the  fathers 
to  the  children,  and  the  disobedient  to'  the  wis- 
dom of  the  just;  °  to  make  ready  a  people  prepar- 
ed for  the  Lord."* 

18  And  Zacharias  said  unto  the  angel.  Whereby 


»  Matt.  2: 

.     b  1  Chr. 

2 

:1( 

:  Nnh.  I-, 

^-l, 

17.     c  G-n 

7  1 

1  1  Km 

?s  'J;l; 

o 

King.  20:3 

•1  1  Cor. 

11 

2; 

Phil.  3:(i. 

e 

EloJ.  30:- 

1  ^■ 

f   I,ev. 

10:17. 

I 

Exod.  30: 

;  Rov.  H:3 

4. 

b 

Juilg.   13:22 

ver.  211.     i 

ver. 

611,  (►!. 

J  vpr. 

5S.     k  ch.  7. 

•iri.     1  Nuni 

. 

(!:3. 

"»  Jcr.  1 

:5. 

»  Mai.  4 

5,  0 

iMatl. 

11:11; 

6.  Course  of  Abia ;  the  priests  were  divided  into  twenty- 
four  courses  or  classes.  1  Chron.  21:7-18.  Each  (jflici- 
ated  a  week,  from  one  Sabbath  to  the  next.  Tlie  course 
of  Aliia,  to  which  Zacharias  beloiiKcd,  was  the  eighth  in 
order.  iCIiron.  24:10.  Abia  in  Greek  is  tlie  same  as  Abijah 
in  Ileltrew. 

9.  His  lot  was — temple  of  tlie  Lord ;  more  literally,  he  was 
chosen  by  lot  to  burn  incense  going  into  the  temple  of  tlic 
Lord  ;  that  is,  to  go  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord  to  burn 
incense.  The  ofliie  of  burning  incense  was  esteemed  tlic 
most  honorable  of  all.  It  was  assigned  by  lot  for  each 
day  among  the  priests  of  the  course,  and  no  person  cuuld 
perform  it  more  tlian  once. 

II.  Anf^el  if  the  Lord;  it  had  been  about  four  hundred 
years  since  (iod  had  sent  the  Jews  a  prophet,  or  made  In 
them  any  direct  revelation.  .Malaclii  was  the  last,  and 
with  him  the  OM  Test;»ment  revelation  closed.  As  tlii^ 
Messiah  was  about  to  ajipear,  divine  communications 
were  again  opened,  and  this  angel  was  sent  to  announce 
his  approach,  the  birth  of  his  forerunner,  and  what  he 
would  do  to  "  prepare  the  way  of  the  I.rf)rd." 

I?,.  John  ;  the  meaning  of  this  word  is,  tho  grace  of  the 
Lord,  or  Jehovah  is  gracious. 

15.  Stiatl  drink  neither  wine  nor  strong  drink;  he  was  to 
1146 


shall  I  know  this  ?  for  I  am  an  old  man,  .i.^h  yM??erI.» 
and  my  wife  well  stricken  in  years.'       iS'AmJo'itom.'il: 

19  And  the  angel  answering  said  unto  him,  I  am 
Gabriel,''  that  stand  in  tlie  presence  of  God :  and 
am  sent  to  speak  unto  thee,  and  to  show  thee  these 
glad  tidings.' 

20  And  behold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb,'  and  not 
able  to  speak,  until  the  day  that  these  things  shall 
be  performed,  because  thou  believest  not  my  words, 
which  shall  be  fuUilled  in  their  season. 

21  And  the  jieople  waited  for  Zacharias,  and 
marvelled  that  he  tarried  so  long  in  the  temple. 

22  And  when  he  came  out,  he  could  not  speak 
unto  them:  and  they  perceived  that  he  had  seen 
a  vision  in  the  teiiiiilo ;  for  he  beckoned  unto  them, 
and  remained  speechless. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  soon  as  the  days 
of  his  ministration  were  accomjilishcd,  he  departed 
to  his  own  house. 

24  And  after  those  days  his  wife  Elisabeth  con- 
ceived, and  hid  luM-self  live  months,  saying, 

2o  Thus  hath  the  Lord  dealt  with  mo  in  the  days 
wherein  he  looked  on  mc,  to  take  away  my  re- 
proach among  men." 

26  IT  And  in  the  sixth  month  the  angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God  unto  a  city  of  Galilee,  named 
Nazareth, 

27  To  a  virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joscjjh,''  of  the  house  of  David ;  and  the  vir- 
gin's name  ivas  Mary. 

28  And  the  angel  came  in  unto  her,  and  said, 
Hail,  thou  that  art  highly  favored,'"'  tlie  Lord  is 
with  thee:"'  blessed  art  thou  among  women. 

29  And  when  she  saw^  him,  she  was  troubled  at 
his  saying,  and  cast  in  her  mind  what  manner  of 
salutation  this  should  be. 

30  And  the  angel  said  unto  her,  Fear  not,  JIary: 
for  thou  hast  i'ouiid  favor  with  God. 

31  And  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb, 
and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call  his  name 
JESUS.^ 


Mark9:12.13.  'Or, by.  o  l>i.a.  Ill  :I(1.  PlI'ot.2:n.  qGcn.  17:17.  rDan. 
»:l(i;  ver.  20.  ■  Hcl).  1:M.  I  Ez"k.  3:20.  u  G™.  30:23;  1  Sam.  1:8;  In. 
.54:1,4.  V  Matt.  1 :  18.  ^  Or,  i^rafiously  accepted,  ot  much  i;rattd.  w  Dan. 
9:23.     ijudg.  0:12.     y  I«l.  7: 14  ;  Matt.  1:21. 


be  under  tho  law  of  the  Nazarites  from  his  birth,  like 
Samson.     Judg.  II!:  17,  compared  with  Num.  (J:I-(;. 

17.  Go  before  him;  before  "the  Lord  their  (iod."  Lithe 
spirit  and  power  nfElias;  with  the  zeal  and  iiiticiiidity  of 
Klijah,  as  jiredicted  by  -Maiiichi,  .Mai.  i:C>.  Turn  the  hearts 
of  the  fathers  to  the  children;  see  note  on  Aliil.  4  :(>.  I'rcparcd 
fw  t/ic  Lord;  prepared  to  receive  ('liiiKl  at  liis  coming. 

I'J.  Giiliricl ;  this  is  cimijiosed  of  two  Ilcbicw  words, 
which  mean,  (lod's  strong  one,  or  man  <if  (iod  ;  and  is  the 
name  uf  the  angel  or  mcKsenger  sen  I  tu  I  laiiiel  lo  niiike  known 
to  him  things  concerning  the  Messiah.     Dan.  h-.H'i;  1):2I. 

22.  Jicckoiied  unto  thcin ;  he  showed  them  liy  signs  that 
he  liad  seen  a  vision. 

21.  Hid  herself ;  lived  in  retirement  and  seclusion. 

it).  To  take  oii'inj  mij  reproach  ;  to  liave  no  children  was 
considcreil  among  the  .lews  a  rei)roach,  while  a  f;iniily 
of  children  was  accounted  a  great  blessing.  Lev.  20:9; 
1  .Sam.  1:6;  I'sa.  Iia:9;   12«:3. 

2H.  I ligldij favored;  in  being  chosen  to  be  tho  mother  of 
.Jesus. 

29.  Troubled — cast  in  her  mind;  perplexed  at  such  a 
strange  Siihiliition,  and  wondered  wliiit  it  could  mciin. 

31.  Jesus;  Jesus,  in  (ireok,  is  tho  same  as  Joshua  in 
Ilcbrew,  and  means,  The  salvation  of  Jehovah. 


Mary  salutes  EUsaldh. 


LUKE  I. 


The  lirlh  of  Jcl,  n. 


,K^i^r.^'Sitl  32  He  shall  bo  great,-''  and  shall  be 
rrAo^oTo'™',!:  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest :"  and  the 
Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his 
father  David:" 

33  And  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob 
for  ever ;  and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end/' 

34  Then  said  Mary  unto  the  angel,  How  shall 
this  be,  seeing  I  know  not  a  man  ? 

35  And  the  angel  answered  and  said  unto  her, 
The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the 
power  of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee: 
therefore  also  that  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born 
of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Hon  of  God." 

36  And  behold,  thy  cousin  Elisabeth,  she  hath 
also  conceived  a  son  in  her  old  age ;  and  this  is 
the  sixth  month  with  her  who  was  called  barren: 

37  For  with  God  nothing  shall  be  impossible.'' 

38  And  Mary  said.  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the 
Lord;'^  be  it  unto  me  according  to  thy  v/ord.'' 
And  the  angel  departed  from  her. 

39  IT  And  Mary  arose  in  those  days,  and  went  into 
the  hill-country  with  haste,  into  a  city  of  Juda,' 

40  And  entered  into  the  house  of  Zacharias,  and 
saluted  Elisabeth. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Elisabeth  heard 
thesalutation  of  Mary,  the  babe  leaped  in  her  womb ; 
and  Elisabeth  was  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost: 

42  And  she  spake  out  with  a  loud  voice,  and 
said,  Blessed  art  thou  among  womcn,J  and  blessed 
is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb. 

43  And  wiience  is  this  to  me,  that  the  mother  of 
my  Lord  should  come  to  me?" 

44  For  lo,  as  soon  as  the  voice  of  thy  salutation 
sounded  in  mine  ears,  the  babe  leaped  in  my  womb 
for  joy. 

45  And  blessed  is  she  that  believed ;  for  there 
shall  be*  a  performance  of  those  things  which 
were  told  her  from  the  Lord. 

46  1  And  Mai-y  said,  My  soul  doth  magnify  the 
Lord,' 

47  And  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  God  my  Sav- 
iour.™ 

»Matt.  1-2:42.  l>Heb.l:2-S,  c  2  Sim.  7:  U,  13;  Isi.  9:fl,  7.  <lDan.7:14, 
'27;Mio.4:7.  e  Markl:l ;  John  l::i4.  f  Mitl.  19:2(i;  Rom.  4:21.  g  Psa. 
116:6.  hPsa.ll9::!S.  i  Josh.2l  :9-ll.  J  Judj.  5:24 ;  ver.  2^.  kjohn  13:13. 
•  Or,  whicit  believed  that  there  shall  be.  I  1  Sam.  2: 1 ;  Psa.  34:2,  3.  m  Psa. 
35:9;  Ilib.  3:IS.     o  Psa.  136:2:1.     o  Mai.  3:12;  ch.  11:27.      p  Gen.   17:1. 


32.  The  throne  of  hi -i  father  David;  David  wa.si,  by  God's 
appointment,  the  earthly  head  of  his  ancient  church,  and 
his  throne  typified  tlie  liigher  mediatorial  throne  of  Christ, 
who  was  David's  son  according  to  the  fiesh. 

33.  The  hou^e  of  Jacob ;  that  is,  the  church  of  God,  which 
before  Christ's  coming  consisted  of"  the  house  of  Jacob" 
with  the  proselytes  that  joined  themselves  to  it,  but  now 
inrhnles  all  who  by  lUitli  have  become  the  children  of 
Abraham.     Hum.  4:11-18;  Gal.  3:7-9. 

:».  That  hotij  thing;  the  child  whose  conception  was  to 
be  miraculously  caused  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

43.  Whence  is  this  to  me;  why  am  I  so  favored  as  to  be 
visited  by  the  mother  of  my  Lord? 

45.  Blessed  is  she  that  believed;  Mary,  a  poor  female,  on 
the  simple  declaration  of  (iod,  believed  things  much  more 
strange  than  those  which  staggorod  the  I'aith  of  Zacharias, 
the  aged  priest  of  the  Lord. 

48.  Call  me  blessed;  highly  favored  in  having  been  the 
mother  of  Jesus.  From  these  words  some  have  inferred 
that  it  is  proper  to  pray  to  Mary,  and  pay  her  divine 
honors.  That  this  is  an  error  is  evident  froiii  the  maimer 
in  which  tho  suine  phrase  in  the  original  Greek  is  used  in 


48  For  he  hath  regarded  the  low  estate  of  bis 
handmaiden :"  for  behold,  from  henceforth  all  gen- 
erations shall  call  me  blessed." 

49  For  he  that  is  mighty''  hath  done  to  me  great 
things;''  and  holy  is  his  name."' 

50  And  his  mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  liim,^  from 
generation  to  generation. 

51  He  hath  showed  strength  with  his  arm;'  he 
hath  scattered  the  proud  in  tho  imagination  of 
their  hearts." 

52  He  hatli  put  down  tho  mighty  from  their 
scats,  and  exalted  them  of  low  degree." 

53  He  hath  lilled  the  hungry  with  good  things, 
and  the  rich  he  hath  sent  empty  away.''' 

54  He  hath  liolpcn  his  servant  Israel,  in  remem- 
brance of  his  mercy ;'' 

55  As  he  spake  to  our  fathers,  to  Abraham,  and 
to  his  seed  for  ever.^' 

5C  And  ilary  abode  with  her  about  three 
months,  and  returned  to  her  own  house. 

57  1[  Now  Elisabeth's  full  time  came  that  she 
should  be  delivered ;  and  she  brought  forth  a  son. 

58  And  her  neighbors  and  her  cousins  heard  how 
the  Lord  had  showed  great  mercy  upon  her ;  and 
they  rejoiced  with  her."" 

59  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the  eighth  day 
they  came  to  circumcise  the  child  ;  and  they  called 
him  Zacharias,  after  the  name  of  his  father. 

GO  And  his  mother  answered  and  said,  Not  so; 
but  he  shall  be  called  John. 

01  And  they  said  unto  her.  There  is  none  of  thy 
kindred  that  is  called  by  this  name. 

02  And  they  made  signs  to  his  father,  how  he 
would  have  him  called. 

63  And  he  asked  for  a  writing-table,  and  wrote, 
saying.  His  name  is  John.'''  And  they  marvelled 
all. 

04  And  his  mouth  was  opened  immediately,  and 
his  tongue  loosed,''  and  he  spake,  and  praised  God. 

65  And  fear  came  on  all  that  dwelt  round  about 
them:  and  all  these  sayings*  were  noised  abroad 
throughout  all  the  hill-country  of  Judea. 


q  Psa  71:21;  126:2,  3;  Eph.  3:20.  rPsa.  111:0.  ■  Gen.  17:7;  Exod.  20:6; 
Psa.  103:17.  'Psa.  9^:1;  Isa.  51:9;  52:10;  (3:5.  «lSam.2:9;  Dan. 4:37. 
V  Job  5:11;  ch.  1S:14.  "  1  Sam.  2:.";.  i  Psa.  93:3.  y  Gen.  17:19;  Psa. 
132:11.     z  ver.  14.    a  ver.  13.     b  ver.  20.     t  Or,  things. 


other  parts  of  the  Bible.  They  who  "endure"  afflictions 
with  patience  according  to  the  will  of  God,  as  did  Job, 
•Tames  5:11,  the  "poor  in  spirit,"  "the  meek,"  those  who 
"  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,"  and  "  the  pure 
in  heart,"  Matt.  5:2-11,  are  all  called  "  blessed,"  the  orig- 
inal word  being  the  same.  But  neither  any  of  these,  nor 
Mary,  are  to  bo  prayed  to,  or  to  receive  divine  honors. 

51.  Showed  strength;  in  protecting  his  people  and  over- 
coming their  foes. 

55.  As  he  spake  to  onr  fathers;  Gen.  12:1-3;  22:10-18. 

58.  Cousins;  relations.  Great  mercy;  iu  giving  her  a 
son. 

59.  Eighth  day;  after  his  birth;  as  was  required  in  tho 
lawofjfoses.     Gen.  21:4;  Lev.  12:3. 

(!0.  He  shall  he  called  John ;  probably  her  husband  had 
informed  her  what  they  were  to  call  him,  verse  13. 

62.  Made  sign^ ;  from  this  it  would  seem  that  he  was 
deaf  as  well  as  dumb;  otherwise  it  would  not  have  been 
necessary  to  ask  him  this  (piestion  by  signs. 

04.  Ills  mouth  was  opened  immediatelij ;  the  promise  of 
(Jod  Iiy  Gabriel  having  been  now  fully  accomplislied, 
verso  20. 

1147 


Prophecy  of  Zacharias. 


LUKE  II. 


Tilt  decree  of  Augustus. 


66  And  all  they  that  heard  them  laid  them  up 
in  their  heart?,"  saying-,  "What  manner  of  child 
shall  this  be!  And  tlie  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with 
him." 

67  '':  And  liis  fatlior  Zacharias  was  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  prophesied,  saying:, 

68  Blessed  be  tlie  Lord  God  of  Israel ;  for  he 
liath  visited  and  redeemed  liis  people,'' 

69  And  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salvation  for  us 
in  the  house  of  his  servant  David  ;"' 

70  As  he  spaice  by  the  moiitli  of  liis  holy  proph- 
ets,' which  have  been  since  the  world  began : 

71  Tiiat  we  should  be  saved  from  onr  enemies, 
and  from  the  hand  of  all  that  hate  us;' 

72  To  perform  the  mercy  promised  to  our  fathers, 
and  to  remember  liis  holy  covenant ;*= 

73  The  oath  which  he  sware  to  our  father  Abra- 
ham.'' 

74  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we,  being 
delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might 
serve  him  without  fear,' 

75  In  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,JalI 
the  days  of  our  life." 

76  And  thou,  child,  shalt  be  called  the  Prqjihet 


asm.  thr 

.car  bi fore 
,  _,  ^  1  the  iiccoiint  cill- 
^  d  Anno  i^niuiuL 


»  Ch  •21<),51.  b  Psa.  80:17.  c  I'si.  72:19.  '  I'si.  111:9.  e  Jer.4!:.'>, 
6;  Dan.  9:>l.  '  Isa.  54:7-17;  Jer.  30:10,  II.  f  L"»  -XyA-i:  Tsa.  111.3:8-10; 
EzBk.  10:CO.     hGen.2i:18,  17.    ■  Rom.  0:32.    J  Titus  ■.>;11,  12;  1  Pet    1 :  14, 


66.  Haml  of  the  Lord;  the  gracious  infJueiicc  of  his  Spirit. 

69.  Horn  of  salval ion ;  a  mighty  .Suviour,  tlie  horn  being 
an  emblem  of  power.    In  the  home;  from  tlie  descendants. 

70.  Unlij  propliets;  Gen.  49:10;  Dout.  18:15;  Isa.  9:6,  7; 
53:2-12. 

76.  Thou,  child;  John.  Prepare  his  ways;  Isa..  iO:3;  Mai. 
4:5;  .M;itt.  3:3. 

78.  Daij-ipring;  the  beginning  of  the  glorious  light  of 
the  gosi)el.     Isa.  60:1-3. 

79.  /i(  r/nriiifM;  the  darkness  and  desolation  of  sin.  Psa. 
14:1-3;  l8a.59:2-14;  Kom. 3:9-18.  Theuvynf  peace ;  peace 
of  conscience  and  peace  with  (iod.     Prov.  3:17. 

80.  Thechdd;  John.  Waxed  stronfr  m  spirit ;  increased 
in  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness.  In  tlie  deserts;  he  lived 
in  retirement  in  the  wilderness  of  .ludea.  Matt.  3:1.  His 
s'lOirin/;  unto  Israel ;  showing  himself  to  be  the  forerunner 
of  the  Messiah,  and  entering  on  his  public  ministry.  Matt. 
3*  1—3 

IN'STRUCTIOXS. 

1.  There  are  certain  truths  taught  in  the  holy  Scriptures 
which  are  most  surely  believed  by  idl  true  Christians, and 
winch  arc  made  the  means  of  siinctifyiiig  Iheir  souls. 

6.  In  order  to  be  righteous  in  the  sight  of  (!od,  men 
must  not  only  believe  in  ('hrist  for  salvation,  but  be  dis- 
posed to  observe  all  his  commandments  and  ordinances, 
and  to  discharge  with  fidelity  their  private  as  well  as 
public  duties. 

18.  The  testimony  of  God  is  the  liiglicst  and  most  con- 
clusive of  all  evidence.  The  disbelief  of  it  exposes  men 
to  his  righteous  displeasure,  and  deprives  them  of  rich 
blessings  which  they  might  t)therwise  enjoy. 

31.  As  God  W.18  the  immediate  author  of  the  human 
body  and  soul  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  as  in  him  the  divine 
nature  and  the  human  nitiire  were  united,  so  that  "  the 
Word,"  who  "  was  in  the  begiiming  with  God,"  and  "  was 
God,"  "was  made  liesh  and  dwelt  among  us,"  it  was  on 
both  accounts  proper  that  he  should  be  called  "  the  Son 
of  God,"  and  also  be  declared  to  he  "  (jod  manifest  in  the 
flesh."     1  Tim.  3:16. 

43.  Distinguished  favors  of  God  to  his  people  lead  them 
to  feel  their  luiworthiness,  and  render  them  peculiarly 
humble  and  grateful. 

"  Why  wM  I  mft'Ic  tii  hoar  thy  voice 
An*I  enter  while  llierc'i  room, 
When  thoiinandfi  nnake  a  wretched  choice, 
And  rather  Hi;irve  than  come." 

1148 


of  the  Highest:  for  thou  shalt  go  before  ,,«(,"■, 
the  face  of  the  Lord  to  preparehisways 

77  To  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto  his  peo- 
ple by*  the  remission  of  their  sins,"' 

78  Through  the  tender  mercy*  of  our  God ; 
whereby  the  day-spring*  from  on  high  hath  vis- 
ited US, 

79  To  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and 
in  the  shadow  of  death,"  to  guide  our  feet  into  the 
way  of  peace. 

80  And  the  diild  grew,  and  waxed  strong  in 
spirit,  and  was  in  the  deserts  till  the  day  of  his 
showing  unto  Israel. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  Augustus  taxcth  all  the  Roman  empire.  6  Tlie  nativity  of  Christ. 
8  One  angel  relatelh  it  to  the  shepherds:  13  many  sing  praises  to  God 
for  it.  21  Ciirist  is  circumciseJ.  yj  Mary  punlicil.  'JS  Simeon  and 
Anna  prophesy  of  Ciirist ;  40  who  increaselli  in  wisdom,  -16  qnestioncth 
in  the  temple  with  the  doctors,  51  and  is  obedient  to  liis  parents. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  there 
went  out  a  decree  from  Cesar  Augustus,  that 
all  the  world  should  be  ta.xcd.* 

2  {Jind  this  taxing  was  first  made  when  Cyre- 
nius  Avas  governor  of  Syria.) 

15.  k  I!ev.  •-•:  Id.  lM.il.  :!:!.  'Or.  far.  m  Acts  .5:31.  i  Or,  boweLi  nf  the 
mtrnj.  1  Or.  sitn-riaing,  or  branch;  Ua..  J  1:1;  Zooh.  3;d;  0:12.  n  laa. 
9.2;  40:9.     S  Or,  tnrolkd. 

46.  The  virgin  Mary  found  no  source  of  joy  in  herself. 
She  ascribed  all  her  blessings  to  the  Lord,  and  rejoiced 
in  him  as  God  her  Saviour,  while  she  magniiied  his  grace 
in  so  distinguishing  her  thai  "all  generations  should  call 
her  blessed." 

47.  .\s  tiod  is  never  in  the  r.ible  called  the  Saviour  of 
angels  or  fif  holy  beings,  by  calling  him  her  Saviour,  Mary 
acknowledged  that  she  was  a  sinner,  and  needed  his  sal- 
vation; and  if  she  needed  salvation  herself,  she  cannot 
save  others. 

55.  The  coming  of  the  Messiah,  and  the  blessings  which 
have  followed  and  will  follow,  are  a  fulliliMent  of  the  prom- 
ises made  to  Abraham  and  his  siiirilual  seed,  true  Cliris- 
tians,  who  are  of  faith,  and  with  Abraham  heirs  of  the 
grace  of  life.    Gen.  12:3;  22:18;  26:4;  28:14;  Gal. 3:16,  29. 

59.  When  parents  receive  their  children  as  the  gifts  of 
God,  and  from  their  ciirliesf  years  imjilore  for  them  the 
blessings  of  his  grace,  they  have  reason  to  hojie  tliat  God 
will  renew  their  lie;irts,and  so  fill  them  with  his  Sjiiritas 
to  fit  them  for  usefulness  on  earth  and  for  glory  in  heaven. 

70.  The  more  men  are  aeiiii;tiiited  with  the  liilile,  and 
the  more  observant  they  are  of  )iriividenee,  the  more  they 
will  see  that  one  is  the  fiilfilnieiit  of  the  other  ;  and  the 
more  abumlant  and  eonelusive  will  a]i|)e,ar  the  evidence 
that  both  have  one  Author,  and  are  conspiring  to  the  pro- 
motion of  the  same  great  end. 

CITAPTKH   II. 

).  All  the  world;  \\w  words  in  lh<'  Greek  may  denote 
either  all  tin-  lioinaii  wurld,  that  is,  the  Koin;in  empire,  or 
Palestine  and  the  neighlioring  trounlries.  Shinilil  he  taxed; 
lilerally,  sluiuld  bo  enrolled,  lli:it  a  census  might  be  taken 
of  the  inhabiUmts  in  order  to  their  taxation.  This  enrol- 
ment was  a  practical  act  of  Uoinan  sovereignty,  and  a 
most  decisive  proof  that  the  sceptre  had  departed  from 
Jiiilah. 

2.  When  Cijrcnius  was  f;overnor  of  Si^ria;  it  is  known 
with  certainty  that  ("yrenius  was  appointed  govirnor  of 
Syria  several  years  after  our  S:iviour's  birth,  ;in(l  that  he 
then  made  an  enrolment  of  the  people.  Upon  the  suppo- 
sition that  this  was  the  enrcilnn'iit  here  referred  to,  some 
have  proposed  to  exidain  the  words  "  was  first  made,"  to 
mean,  was  first  e;irried  out  in  its  original  design  by  the 
actual  laying  of  a  l;ix  in  accordance  with  the  enrolment. 
But  recent  investigations  have  made  it  not  improbablo 


Angels  anTwunce  Christ's  birth. 


LUKE  II. 


His  circumdsicyn  in  the  tempk. 


fifth "..fb^eiSe    3  And  all  went  to  be  taxed,  every  one 
S'a"""d1"".  into  his  own  city. 

4  And  Joseph  also  went  up  from  Galilee,  out  of 
the  city  of  Nazareth,  into  Judea,  unto  the  city  of 
David,  wiiich  is  called  Bethlehem,  (because  he  was 
of  tlie  house  and  lineage  of  David,) 

5  To  be  taxed  with  Mary  his  espoused  wife,  be- 
ing groat  with  child. 

6  f  And  so  it  was,  that  while  they  were  there, 
the  days  were  accomplished  that  she  should  be 
delivered. 

7  And  she  brought  forth  her  first-born  son,"  and 
wrapped  him  in  swaddling-clothes,  and  laid  him 
in  a  manger ;  because  there  was  no  room  for  them 
in  the  inn. 

8  *ir  And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shep- 
herds abiding  in  the  field,  keeping  watch  over 
their  flock  by  night.* 

9  And  lo,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them, 
and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone  round  about  them  ; 
and  they  were  sore  afraid. 

10  And  tlic  angel  said  unto  them,  Fear  not:  for 
behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy, 
which  shall  be  to  all  people. 

11  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of 
David,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord.'' 

12  And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you;  Ye  shall 
find  the  babe  wrapped  in  swaddling-clothes,  lying- 
in  a  manger. 

■    13  And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  angel  a  multi- 
tude of  the  heavenly  host  praising  God,''  and  saying, 

14  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace."  good  will  toward  men. 

15  1[And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  angels  were 
gone  away  from  tliem  into  heaven,  the  shepherds* 
said  one  to  anotlier.  Let  us  now  go  even  unto 
Bethlehem,  and  see  this  thing  which  is  come  to 
))ass,  which  the  Lord  liatli  made  known  unto  us. 

16  And  they  came  with  haste,  and  found  Mary 
and  Joseph,  and  the  babe  lying  in  a  manger. 

17  And  wiien  tliey  iiad  seen  it,  they  made  known 
abroad  (he  saying  which  was  told  them  concerning 
this  child. 

18  And  all  they  tliat  heard  it  wondered  at  those 
things  which  were  told  them  by  the  shepherds. 


»  Matt.  1:L'.5.  •  Or.  the  night-watches.  1>  Isa,  9:6.  »  Psi.  103:20,  21  ; 
IVel.lAi.  <1  laa.  57:1!).  t  Gr.  the  men  the  shepherds,  e  Lev.  1  ■_>::!.  'Matt. 
1:21;  ch.  l::!l.  C  Lev.  la:a,  etc.  h  Exod.  13:12;  •»:-Jil;  Num.  8: 17.  ■  Mark 
1.5:43;  ver.  3-1.     j  Isi.  40:1.     k  I'sa.  U'J-AH;  Heb.  11:5.     1  Gen.  46:30;  I»a. 


that  Cyrenius  was  twice  president  of  Syria,  and  that  the 
onrolment  connected  with  our  Saviour's  birth  liajipened 
under  his  first  presidency.  This  will  exphiiii  why  it  is 
spoken  of  as  then  first  made,  because  another  enrolment 
followed. 

:i.  7'oic(Z;  enrolled  for  taxation.  His  own  city ;  tho  i)\a.ce 
where  his  ancestors  lived. 

11.  On  earth  peace;  as  the  result  of  the  Saviour's  advent. 
AH  who  receive  him  have  peace  with  Ood  and  tlie  spirit 
of  peace  towards  man;  and  the  prevalence  of  his  Ros|iel 
will  brinj;  peace  to  the  world.  Good  wilt  toivard  men; 
kiniluess,  compassion,  and  grace,  manifested  in  the  gift  of 
a  Saviour. 

19.  Pondered  litem ;  contmued  to  think  of  them  and  study 
their  meaning. 

22.  Daijs  of  Iter  purifiailinn;  after  the  birth  of  a  son,  a 
mother  among  the  Jews  was  rctpiired  to  remain  at  home, 
and  was  considered  as  unclean  forty  days.  These  were 
called  the  days  of  her  purification.   She  was  then  recpiired 


19  But  Mary  kept  all  these  things,  and  pondered 
thern  in  licr  heart. 

20  And  the  shepherds  returned,  glorifying  and 
praising  God  for  all  the  things  that  they  had 
heard  and  seen,  as  it  was  told  unto  them. 

21  lAnd  when  eight  days  were  accomplished 
for  the  circinncising  of  the  child,"  his  name  was 
called  JESUS,  which  was  so  named  of  the  angel 
before  he  was  conceived  in  the  womb.' 

22  And  when  the  days  of  her  purification  accord- 
ing to  the  law  of  Moses  were  accomplished,-  they 
brought  iiiin  to  Jerusalem,  to  present  him  to  the 
Lord ; 

23  (As  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
Every  male  that  openeth  the  womb  shall  be  called 
holy  to  the  Lord;") 

24  And  to  offer  a  sacrifice  according  to  that 
which  is  said  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  A  pair  of 
turtledoves,  or  two  young  ]iigeons. 

25  T  And  behold,  there  was  a  man  in  Jerusalem, 
whose  name  was  Simeon;  and  the  same  man  was 
just  and  devout,'  waiting  for  the  consolation  of 
Israel :'  and  the  Holy  Ghost  was  upon  him. 

26  xVnd  it  was  revealed  unto  him  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  that  ho  should  not  sec  death,"  before  he 
had  seen  the  Lord's  Christ. 

27  And  he  came  by  the  Spirit  into  the  temple: 
and  when  the  parents  brought  in  the  child  Jesus, 
to  do  for  him  after  the  custom  of  the  law, 

28  Then  took  he  him  up  in  his  arms,  and  blessed 
God,  and  said, 

29  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in 
peace,'  according  to  thy  word: 

30  For  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation," 

31  Which  thou  hast  prepared  before  the  face  of 
all  people ; 

32  A  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory 
of  thy  people  Israel." 

33  And  Joseph  and  his  mother  marvelled  at 
those  things  which  were  spoken  of  him. 

34  And  Simeon  blessed  thepi,  and  said  unto 
Mary  his  mother.  Behold,  this  child  is  set  for  the 
fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in  Israel;"  and  for 
a  sign  which  shall  be  spoken  against;'' 

35  (Yea,  a  sword  shall  pierce  through  thy  own 

.57:2;  Rev.  14:13.  "  Isa.  52:10;  ch.  3:0;  Acts  4:12.  »  Ua.  42:G;  49:6; 
(10:3;  Acts  13:47,  48.  o  Tsa.  8:14;  Rom.  9:32,  33;  1  Cor.  1:23,  24;  2  Cor. 
2:10;  1  Pet.  2:7,  8.     P  Acts  29:22. 


to  offer  for  a  burnt-offering  a  lamb,  and  for  a  sin-offering 
a  turtledove,  or  a  young  pigeon.  If  she  was  too  poor  to 
bring  a  lamb,  she  was  to  bring  two  turtledoves  or  young 
pigeons,  and  offer  one  for  a  burnt,  and  the  other  for  a  sin 
offering  ;  after  wliich  she  was  considered  as  clean.  Lev. 
12 : 2-8. 

23.  Holy  to  the  Lord;  consecrated  to  the  Lord  as  his 
peculiar  property.     Sec  Kxod.  13:12. 

25.  Cousoliition  of  Israel;  the  Messiah,  from  whom  con- 
solittion  comes. 

31.  Full;  ruin  by  rejecting  Clirist.  Rising  again;  sal- 
vation by  believing  in  liim.  A  sign ;  an  object  of  peculiar 
derision"     Lsa.  .''13:3;  Acts  28:22. 

35.  A  strord  ■'ihall  pierce  through  thij  oii'n  soul;  generally 
understood  of  the  anguish  which  she  would  be  called  to 
endure  as  a  witness  of  the  Saviour's  sufferings  and  death. 
The  thoughts  of  many  hearts  may  he  revealed;  by  their  treat- 
ment of  the  Saviour  they  will  show  the  character  of  their 
hearts. 

1149 


Christ  questianetk  the ' 


LUKE  III. 


doctors  in  the  temple. 


soul  also ;'')  that  the  thoughts  of  many  hearts  maj- 
be  revealed." 

36  IFAikI  there  was  one  Anna,  a  prophetess,  the 
dauii;htcr  of  Phanuel.  of  the  tribe  of  A<er :  she  was 
of  a  great  age,  and  liad  lived  with  a  husband  seven 
years  from  her  virginity ; 

37  And  she  iras  a  widow  of  about  fourscore  and 
four  years,  wliich  departed  not  from  the  temple, 
but  served  God  with  fastings  and  prayers  night 
and  day.*^ 

38  And  she  coming  in  tliat  instant,  gave  tlianks 
likewise  unto  the  Li>rd,  and  spai'CO  of  him  to  all 
them  tliat  looked  for  redemption  in  Jerusalem.*'' 

39  And  wlien  they  had  performed  all  tilings  ac- 
cording to  the  law  of  the  Lord,  tliey  returned  into 
Galilee,  to  their  own  city  Nazareth. 

40  And  the  child  grew,  and  waxed  strong  in 
Fpirit,  filled  with  wisdom ;"  and  tlie  grace  of  God 
Avas  upon  him. 

41  1i  Now  his  parents  went  to  Jerusalem  every 
year  at  tlie  feast  of  the  passover.'' 

42  And  when  he  was  twelve  years  old,  they  went 
up  to  Jerusalem  after  the  custom  of  the  feast. 

43  And  when  they  had  fullilled  flic  days,  as  they 
returned,  tlie  child  Jesus  tarried  behind  in  Jerusa- 
lem ;  and  Joseph  and  his  mother  knew  not  of  it. 

44  ]>ut  they,  supposing  him  to  have  been  in  the 
company,  went  a  day's  Journey ;  and  they  sought 
him  among  their  kinsfolk  and  acquaintance. 

4.5  And  when  they  found  him  not,  they  turned 
back  again  to  Jerusalem,  seeking  him. 
46  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  after  three  days 

»  John  19:25.  b  .Tudg.  5: 15,  IB;  1  Cor.  11:19.  «  Acts 'JB:/;  1  Tim.  3:5. 
•Or, Israel,  i  ver.  2.%  e  Isa.  11:2,  3;  ver.  52.  f  Exod.  2:M5;  Dsut.  16: 1. 
f  Pa.  119:99;  Matt.  7:28;  Mark  1:22;  ch.  4:22,  .•)2;  John  7:15,  4«.    Ii  John 

3C.  Aser ;  AshcT.  After  the  captivity  Rorrn.' of  tlio  rem- 
nant of  the  ten  tribes  were  found  united  with  the  Jews. 

37.  Departed  not;  s!ic  was  uniform  in  licr  daily  attend- 
ance upon  the  services  of  the  temjile. 

39.  I'key  returned  into  (iiililee;  in  brief  narratives  like 
the  present,  intervening  events  are  often  jiasscd  over  in 
silence.  We  know  from  .\fattliew  that  llio  wise  men  from 
the  East  found  the  Saviour  at  liethleliem  ;  that  afterwards 
he  was  carried  into  K^rypt;  and,  after  a  sojourn  Ihere  of 
some  time,  to  Nazareth  in  (jalilee,  whence  Mary  had  come 
with  Jo8ci)h  to  Betlilehem  before  his  birth. 

42.  Twelve  years  old ;  at  this  age  it  seems  sons  went  with 
their  parents  to  the  passover. 

43.  Fvlfiltcd  the  days;  the  eight  days  of  the  passover: 
one  for  preparation,  and  seven  for  the  observance  of  the 
feast.     Kxod.  12:15;  Lev.  23:.'),  (i. 

44.  Company;  relatives  and  friends  who  travelled  with 
them. 

49.  Wist ;  knew.  About  my  Father's  business ;  or,  among 
my  Father's  matters ;  wliich  was,  in  this  case,  studying 
his  Father's  law  in  his  Father's  house. 

50.  Understood  not  tlie  sayin/r ;  about  being  occupied  with 
his  Father's  business;  esi)ecially,\vhy  he  should  call  (jod 
his  Father  in  so  high  and  peculiar  a  sense. 

51.  Siihjcrl  unto  them  ;  i)erformed  the  appropriate  duties 
of  an  afl'ectionatc  and  obedient  child.  Tliese  snyings;  the 
sayings  of  .Jesus,  as  well  as  those  of  the  angel  and  of 
others  concerning  him. 

62.  Inrreaied  in  wisdom ;  this  is  spoken  of  Jesus  as  man. 
See  Matt.  24:30;  Mark  l:!:32. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
1.  Wicked  men,  in  the  [irosecution  of  their  sclfisli  pur- 
poses, without  intending  and  without  knowing  it,  take 
such  conrses  as  fulfil  the  predictions  and  accomplish  the 
benevolent  i)iirposc8  of  (Jod. 

13.  Those  manifestations  which  God  makes  of  himself, 
1150 


they  found  him  in  the  temple,  sitting  in  the  a.  d.  f. 
midst  of  the  doctors,  both  hearing  them,  and  asking 
them  questions. 

47  And  all  that  heard  him  were  astonished  at 
his  understanding  and  answers.' 

48  And  when  they  saw  him,  they  were  amazed: 
and  his  mother  said  unto  him.  Sou,  why  hast  tiiou 
thus  dealt  with  us '.'  behold,  thy  father  and  I  have 
sought  thee  sorrowing. 

49  And  he  said  uuto  them.  How  is  it  that  ye 
sought  me"?  wist  ye  not  that  I  must  be  about  my 
Father's  business?'' 

50  And  they  understood  not  the  saying  which  he 
spake  unto  them. 

51  1  And  he  went  down  with  them,  and  came  to 
Nazareth,  and  was  subject  unto  them :  but  his 
motiier  kept  all  these  sayings  in  her  heart.' 

52  And  Jesus  increasi^d  in  wisdom  and  stature,' 
and  in  favor  with  Gotl  and  man.-' 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  Tiip  prearhing  and  baptism  of  John:  1.5  his  testimony  of  Christ.  20 
Herod  irnprisoneth  Joim.  21  Christ  baptized,  receiveth  testimony 
from  heaven.  23  The  age,  and  genealogy  of  Christ  from  Joseph  up- 
ward.s. 

ATOW  ill  the  fineenlh  year  of  the  reign  of  Tibe- 
_L\1  rius  Osar,  Pontius  Pilate  being  governor  of 
Judea,  and  Herod  being  tetrarch  of  Galilee,  and 
his  brother  Philip  tetrarch  of  Iturca  and  of  the 
region  of  Trachonitis,  and  Lysanias  the  tetrarch  of 
Abilene, 
2  Annas  and  Caiaphas  being  the  high-priests,'' 

5:17;  9:4.  i  Dan.  7:23;  ver.  19.  t  Or,  affc.  J  1  Sam.  2:28;  ver.  40.  »  John 
U:49,  51;  18:31;  Acts  4:0. 

especially  in  the  person  and  work  of  his  Son,  are  deeply 
interesting,  not  only  to  his  people  on  carlh,  but  also  to 
the  inhabitants  of  heaven. 

II).  The  habit  of  treasuring  up  the  sayings  of  the  wise 
and  good,  especially  those  which  are  recorded  in  the 
Bible,  and  of  observing  the  dispensations  of  rrovidencc, 
is  a  source  of  rich  instruction,  and  may  be  made  a  means 
of  grace  to  ourselves  ;ind  (Uiicr.s. 

25.  Aged  persons  who  have  long  walked  uprightly  in 
piety  towards  God  ;itid  good  will  towards  men,  often  h;ive, 
as  they  approach  the  close  of  life,  remarkably  clear  and 
exalted  views  of  the  Saviour — views  which  disarm  death 
of  its  terrors,  and  prepare  them  to  ascribe  "  unto  Him  that 
loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood, 
and  hath  made  us  kings  and  jiriests  unto  tiod  and  his 
Father,"  "glory  and  dominion  for  ever  ;ind  ever." 

49.  Parents  who  regularly  and  conseieiitionsly  take  their 
children  with  them  to  the  house  of  God,  and  train  them 
in  the  way  they  should  go,  may  expect  that  they  will 
feel  it  to  be  a  duty,  and  will  esteem  it  a  )irivilege,  to  en- 
gage early  in  the  service  of  their  heavenly  Father.  Prov. 
22:0. 

51.  Those  children  who  cheerfully  obey  their  parents, 
in  this  respect  resemble  the  holy  child  Jesus. 

CHAPTER   III. 

1.  Tihcriw!  Cesar;  the  linman  emperor  who  succeeded 
Augustus.  Ileroil;  Herod  Antipas.son  of  Herod  the  (Jreal. 
Tetrarch;  literally,  ruler  of  a  fourth  jiart.  Ilnrea;  a  region 
of  country  east  of  the  .lordan.  Trachonitis ;  a  country 
north  of  Itiirea,  towards  Damascus.  Abilene;  this  lay  west 
of  Damasiuis  and  north  of  lialilee. 

2.  Ilif^h-priests;  Amias  had  l)een  high-priest,  and  was 
succeeded  by  his  son-iu-l;iw  Gaia])has.  I'oth  were  still 
living  atul  were  called  high-priests,  though  but  oiio  then 
officiated. 


John  prcachdh  repentance. 


LUKE  III. 


Chrisfs  baptism  and  genealogy. 


A.  D.  2ir  the  word  of  God  came  unto  John  the  son 
of  Zacharias  in  the  wilderness. 

3  And  he  came  into  all  the  country  about  Jor- 
dan," preachiny:  the  baptism  of  repentance  for  the 
remission  of  sins ;'' 

4  As  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  the  words  of 
Esaias  tlie  prophet,  saying.  The  voice  of  one  cry- 
ing in  the  wilderness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the 
Lord,  make  his  paths  straight. 

5  Every  valley  shall  be  filled,  and  every  moun- 
tain and  hill  shall  be  brought  low ;  and  the  crook- 
ed shall  be  made  straight,  and  the  rough  ways 
shall  be  made  smooth  ;° 

6  And  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God.'' 

7  Then  said  he  to  the  multitude  that  came  forth 
to  be  baptized  of  him,  0  generation  of  vipers,  who 
hath  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come?'' 

8  Bring  forth  therefore  fruits  worthy  of*  repent- 
ance, and  begin  not  to  say  within  yourselves.  We 
have  Al)raham  to  our  father:  for  I  say  unto  you, 
Tliat  God  is  able  of  these  stones  to  raise  up  chil- 
dren unto  Abraham. 

9  And  now  also  the  axe  is  laid  unto  the  root  of 
the  trees :  every  tree  therefore  which  bringeth  not 
forth  good  fruit,  is  hewn  down,  and  cast  into  the 
fire.f 

10  And  the  people  asked  him,  saying,  What  shall 
we  do  then  ? 

11  He  answereth  and  saitli  unto  them,  lie  that 
hath  two  coats,  let  him  impart  to  him  that  hath 
none ;  and  he  that  hath  meat,  let  him  do  likewise.*-' 

12  Then  came  also  publicans  to  be  baptized,''  and 
said  unto  him,  Master,  what  shall  we  do? 

13  And  he  said  unto  them.  Exact  no  more  than 
that  which  is  appointed  you.' 

14  And  the  soldiers  likewise  demanded  of  him, 
saying,  And  what  shall  we  do  ?  and  he  said  unto 
them,  Do  violence  to  no  man,'  neither  accuse  aiiy 
falsely;^  and  be  content  with  your  wages.*'' 


»  Mitt 

3: 

1;  Ma 

rk  1:1 

bch 

1:77. 

«  Isa 

40:3. 

dPsi. 

98: 

.';  Isi. 

40:.'5; 

49:0;  5i 

llj 

;    Horr 

.  10:1V. 

,  18. 

e  Mitt 

3:7. 

•Or, 

meet  for 

1 

Mitt. 

7:10; 

ch. 13:7, 

il. 

«  ch. 

11:41; 

2  Cor. 

b:14; 

John 

3:17. 

h  Mitt 

21 

32;  ch 

7:29, 

•  ch.   19:S; 

ICor 

0:10. 

t  Or, 

Put  no  man 

in  ft 

ar.    j  Exod 

.  23:1 

Lev. 

3.  Tlic  baptism  of  repentance ;  it  implied  the  necessity  of 
repentance  in  order  to  the  remission  of  sins. 

4.  The  words  of  Esaias  ;  Is.a.  40 : 3 ;  M  att.  3 : 3. 
7-9.  John's  preacliing.     Matt.  3:7-12. 

8.  Not  to  say — We  have  Abraham  to  our  father;  rely  no 
more  for  salvation  on  yonr  outward  relation  to  Abraham. 
Of  tliesc  stones — cluldren  vnto  Abraham;  he  who  formed 
Adam  out  of  the  dust  of  tlie  earth  in  liis  own  image,  can 
of  these  stones  raise  up  holy  men,  wlio  shall  be  Abraham's 
children,  not  by  fleshly  descent,  but  by  having  the  char- 
acter and  doing  the  works  of  Abraham.  Compare  .lohn 
8:39;  (!al.3:7.  This  is  a  clear  intimation  that  the  time  has 
come  when  Abraham's  seed  shall  no  longer  be  reckoned 
by  outwaril  descent,  but  by  character. 

10.  Wlial  shall  toe  do?  that  is,  in  order  to  bring  forth 
fruits  worthy  of  repentance.  Ver.  8.  He  enjoins  upon 
each  class  of  his  hearers  repentance,  and  the  fruits  of 
repentance  approjiriate  to  their  condition  in  life. 

13.  E.ract  no  more;  collect  no  more  than  is  required  by 
the  government. 

1.5.  In  expectation  ;  of  the  coming  of  the  Messiah. 

19-22.  John's  imprisonment  — Christ  baptized.  Matt. 
14:1-13;  3:13-17. 

23.  About  thirty  years  of  a^e;  the  age  at  which  the  priests 
entered  on  the  puulic  duties  of  their  oflice.  Num.  4:3,  47. 
As  was  supposed;  as  was  generally  thought  by  those  wlio 


15  IT  And  as  the  people  were  in  expectation,^  and 
all  men  mused'  in  their  hearts  of  John,  whether 
he  were  the  Christ,  or  not ; 

16  John  answered,  saying  unto  t/tcm  all,  I  indeed 
baptize  you  with  water ;  but  one  mightier  than  I 
cometh,  the  latchet  of  whose  shoes  I  am  not  wor- 
thy to  unloose :  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  with  fire: 

17  Whose  fan  is  in  his  hand,'  and  he  will  thor- 
oughly purge  his  floor,  and  will  gather  the  wheat 
into  his  garner  ;'"  but  the  chafl'"  he  will  burn  with 
fire  unquenchable." 

18  And  many  other  things  in  his  exhortation 
preached  he  unto  the  people. 

19  But  Herod  the  tetrarch,  being  reproved  by 
him  for  Herodias  his  brother  Philip's  wife,  and  for 
all  the  evils  which  Herod  had  done, 

20  Added  yet  this  above  all,  that  he  shut  up 
John  in  prison.'' 

21  1[  Now  when  all  the  people  were  baptized,  it 
came  to  pass,  that  Jesus  also  being  baptized,  and 
praying,  the  heaven  was  opened, 

22  And  the  Holy  Ghost  descended  in  a  bodily 
shape  like  a  dove  upon  him,  and  a  voice  came  from 
heaven,  which  said.  Thou  art  my  beloved  Son ;  in 
thee  I  am  well  pleased.'' 

23  1  And  Jesus  himself  began  to  be  about  thirty 
years  of  age,  being  (as  was  supposed)  the  son  of 
Joseph,''  which  was  the  .wn  of  Heli, 

24  Which  was  the  son.  of  Matthat,  which  was  the 
S071  of  Levi,  which  was  the  son  of  Melchi,  which 
was  the  son  of  Janna,  which  was  the  son  of  Joseph, 

25  Which  was  the  son  of  Mattathias,  which  was 
the  son  of  Amos,  which  was  the  son  of  Naum,  which 
was  the  son  of  Esli,  which  was  the  son  of  Nagge, 

20  Which  was  the  son  of  Maath,  which  was  the 
son  of  Mattathias,  which  was  the  so7r  of  Semei, 
which  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  which  was  the  son  of 
Juda, 


19:11.  1  Or,  allowance.  It  1  Tim.  6:S.  6  Or,  in  suspen.te.  II  Or,  reasoned, 
ordelialed.  1  Jer.  15:7,  19.  m  Mic.  4:12;  Matt.  13:30.  nPsa.  1:4.  o  Psa. 
21:9;  Mark  9:44,  48.  P  Matt.  14:3;  Mark  6:17.  q  Matt.  3:13,  etc.;  John 
1:32,  etc.    r  Matt.  13:55;  John  6:42. 


did  not  know  the  history  of  his  birth.  Tlie  son.  of  Heti; 
in  Matt.  1 :  16,  it  is  said,  "  .Jacob  begat  Joseph,  the  husband 
of  Mary."  Here  Joseph  is  called  "the  son  of  Heli."  Va- 
rious ways  have  been  proposed  for  reconciling  the  two 
genealogies  of  Matthew  and  Luke.  One  is,  that  Mary  was 
the  daughter  of  Heli ;  and  on  that  account  Joseph  is  c;illed 
his  son.  Luke,  it  is  then  sup]iosed,  gives  the  genealogy 
of  Mary,  while  Matthew  gives  that  of  Joseph. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Persons  who  spend  the  early  part  of  life  in  retirement 
from  the  noise  and  bustle  of  the  world,  are  often  prepar- 
ing for  great  usefulness.  In  due  time,  (lod  calls  them  to 
pubhc  stations,  and  to  the  discharge  of  duties  of  exten- 
sive and  lasting  benefit  to  ni;iMkind. 

3.  The  utter  moral  pollution  of  man  by  sin,  and  the 
necessity  of  sjiiritual  cleansing  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
through  re)ienlaiice  ;ind  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  are  funda- 
mental truths  taught  under  all  dispensations  ;  and  with- 
out a  deep  conviction  of  these  truths,  men  cannot  be  pre- 
pared to  embrace  the  Redeemer  and  become  partakers  of 
his  salvation. 

10.  That  repentance  which  is  unto  life,  leads  men  to 
desire  a  knowledge  of  their  duty  for  the  j)nr])ose  of  per- 
forming it,  to  break  off  their  sins,  antl  to  engage  in  doing 
good,  as  they  have  opportunity,  to  the  bodies  and  soula 
of  men. 

1151 


754e  genealogy  of  Christ. 


LUKE  IV. 


He  is  tempted  of  the  deed. 


27  Which  was  the  son  of  Joanna,  which  was  the 
.wn  of  Rhesa,  which  was  the  son  of  Zorobabcl, 
which  was  the  son  of  SalathicI,  whicli  was  the  son 
of  Neri. 

28  Whicli  was  the  son  of  Melchi,  wliich  was  the 
xon  of  Ackli,  wliich  was  the  son  of  Cosam,  which 
was  the  son  of  Elniodam,  wliich  was  the  son  of  Er, 

29  Which  was  the  son  of  Jose,  which  was  the  son 
of  Eliezer,  wliich  was  the  son  of  Jorim,  which  was 
the  son  of  Matthat,  whicli  was  the  son  of  Levi, 

30  Wliich  was  the  son  of  Simeon,  whicli  was  the 
son  of  Jiula,  which  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  which 
was  ///'■  xon  of  Jouan,  which  was  the  son  of  Eliakim, 

31  Which  was  the  son  of  Melea,  which  was  the 
son  of  Mcnan,  which  was  the  son  of  Mattatha,  which 
was  the  son  of  Nathan,"  which  was  the  soji  of  David, 

32  Which  was  the  son  of  Jesse,''  which  was  the  son 
of  Ohed,  which  was  the  son  of  Booz,  which  was  the 
son  of  Salmon,  which  was  the  .vo?i  of  Naasson, 

33  Which  was  the  son  of  Aminadab,  which  was 
the  son  of  Aram,  which  was  the  son  of  Esrom,  which 
was  the  son  of  Phares,  which  was  the  son  of  Juda, 

34  AVhicli  was  the  son  of  Jacob,  which  was  the 
.wn  of  Isaac,  which  was  Me  .toti  of  Abraham,''  which 
was  the  son  of  Tliara,  which  was  the  son  of  Nachor, 

35  Which  was  the  son  of  Saruch,  which  was  the 
son  of  Rai^au,  which  was  the  .50«  of  Phalcc,  which 
was  the  son  of  Hcbcr,  which  was  the  son  of  Sala, 

36  Which  was  the  son  of  Caiiian,  winch  was  the 
son  of  Arphaxad,''  which  was  the  son  of  Sem,  which 
was  the  son  of  Noe,  which  was  the  son  of  Lamech," 

37  Which  was  the  son  of  Mathusala,  which  was 
t/te  son  of  Enoch,  which  was  the  son  of  Jared,  which 
was  the  son  of  Alalelcci,  which  was  the  son  of  Cai- 
nan, 

38  Wliich  was  the  .ion  of  Enos,  which  was  the  son 
of  Setli.  which  was  the  son  of  Adam,  which  was  the 
son  of  God/ 


CHAPTER  IV. 

J  The  temptation  and  fasting  of  Christ.  13  Ho  overcometh  the  devil ; 
14  beginneth  t/>  preach.  IG  Ttic  people  of  Nazareth  admire  his  gra- 
cious words.  '13  Ho  cureth  one  possessed  of  a  devil,  38  Peter's  moth- 
er-in.law,  '10  and  diver*  other  siek  persons.  41  The  devils  aeknow- 
ledge  Christ,  and  are  reproved  for  it.  43  He  preacheth  through  the 
cities. 

AND  Jesus  beinfi^  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  re- 
turned from  Jordan,  and   was  led   by  (he 
Spirit  into  the  wilderness,'-' 

2  Being  forty  days  tempted  of  the  devil.  And 
in  those  days  hcdiil  eat  nothing-:''  and  when  they 
were  ended,  he  afterward  litniLifi-cd. 

3  And  the  devil  said  unto  him,  if  thou  be  the 
Son  of  God,  command  this  stone  that  it  be  made 
bread. 


•  Zoch  l-.'ia;  4S»m.  .'.iM.  b  n„ih  4:17-*J.  '  Gen.  ll:al-a).  d  C.n. 
II  IJ  •  Gon  5:'i>.  '  fjen.  1:28;  i:7  ;  1»a.  (H:«;  1  Cor.  15:15,  47.  It  Mat! 
I  l,otc.;  Mark  1:1:2.  etc.;  vcr  14.  Ii  Kxod.  :ll:'il3;  1  Kings  IO:l>.  >  Ui-iit. 
rt  3,  1  John  12:31  ;  \1:M;  Eph.  2:2;  Rov.  l.'l:2,  7.  '  Or, /all  down  tr/are 
mt.     k  Dout.  0:13;  10:20.     I|'.l.  »I:1I.     •"  Dnut.  6:10.     ■>  Hob.  2: 17,  IS; 


Cn AFTER  IV. 

1-13.  Christ's  fasting  and  temptation  in  the  desert   Matt. 
4:1-11. 

14.  In  tlie  ■pmDCr  of  tlir  fipiril ;  nridcT  his  powerful  sup- 
imrts,  and  amid  tlie  diHplavs  ol  lii.s  iiidiioiico. 

16.  To  read;  portions  of  tli«  Old  TcHtamciit  were  read 
in  Iho  Rvnagogiies  each  .Sabbath. 
1152 


4  And  Jesus  answered  him,  saying.  It  is  a.  p.:ii. 
written,  That  man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone, 
but  by  every  word  of  God.' 

5  And  the  devil,  taking  him  up  into  a  high 
mountain,  showed  unto  him  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  world  in  a  moment  of  time. 

(5  And  the  devil  said  unto  him,  All  this  power 
will  I  give  thee,  and  the  glory  of  them:  lor  that 
is  delivered  unto  inc;J  and  to  whomsoever.!  will, 
I  give  it. 

7  If  thou  therefore  wilt  worship  me,' all  shall  be 
tliiiic. 

8  And  .Icsus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Get 
thee  behind  me,  Satan:  for  it  is  written,  'I'liou 
slialt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only 
slialt  thou  serve." 

9  And  he  brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  and  set  him 
on  a  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  and  said  unto  him.  If 
thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  east  thyself  down  from 
hence: 

10  For  it  is  written,  He  shall  give  his  angels 
charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee: 

11  And  in  theii-  hands  they  shall  bear  thee  up, 
lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.' 

12  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  him.  It  is 
said.  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God."' 

13  And  when  the  devil  had  ended  all  the  temp- 
tation," he  departed  from  him  for  a  season. 

14  IT  And  .Icsus  returned  in  the  power  of  the 
Spirit  into  Galileo:"  and  there  went  out  a  fame 
of  him  through  all  the  region  round  about. 

1.')  And  lie  taught  in  their  synagogues,  being 
glorified  of  all. 

16  1i  And  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had 
been  brought  up:"*  and,  as  his  custom  was,  he 
went  into  the  synngogiie  on  the  sabbath-day,''  and 
stood  u]i  for  to  read. 

17  And  there  was  delivered  unto  hiin  the  Ijook 
of  the  prophet  P]saias.  And  w'heii  he  hail  opened 
the  book,  lie  found  the  place  where  it  was  written, 

18  The  Spirit  of  the  J^ord  is  upon  mc,  because 
he  hath  anointed  mo  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the 
poor;''  lie  hath  .sent  nie  to  heal  the  broken-heart- 
ed," to  preach  deliverances  to  the  captives,  and  re- 
covering of  sight  to  the  liliiiil,'  to  s(;t  at  liberty 
them  that  arc  bruised," 

li)  To  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord." 

20  iVnd  he  closed  the  book,  and  he  gave  //  again 
to  the  minister,  and  sat  down.  And  the  eyes  of 
all  them  that  were  in  the  synagogue  were  fastened 
on  him. 

21  And  he  began  to  say  unto  them,  This  day  is 
this  scripture  fulfilled  in  your  ears. 

22  And  all  bare  him  witness,  and  wondered  at 

4:15,  ".lohn  1:13;  Acts  10:37.  p  M.\lt  2:2.).  q  Matt.  I:l:.')4;  John  18:20: 
Anu  13:14;  17:2.  '  Isa.  01:1.  •  2  Chr.  31:27;  IVa  31:18;  51:17;  147:.1; 
Im.  07:IS.  I  I'm  H'I:H;  Isa.  20:18.  »  I«a.  42:3;  Malt.  12:2U.  <Isa.  01:3; 
03:4. 


17.  Dclivrred  unio  turn;  by  tlio  niini«t('r  or  porsoii  who 
liad  the  rare  of  tlic  sacred  rccnnlH.  'J'lic  ptarc  witerc  it  wn.i 
wrtllcu  ;  isa.  Gl :  1-3. 

21.  Tiii^  scripture;  the  Bcripturc  which  ho  had  just  read, 
and  wliicli  ho  said  w;ih  tliat  il;iy  fiilfillcil,  was  written  more 
flian  seven  hundred  ycarH  licTiire,  iiml  Htrikingly  described 
bis  character  and  work  as  llie  Mcssiali. 

22.  Gracioui  words ;  words  of  kindness  and  compassion 


He  preacheth  in  Galilee, 


LUKE  IV. 


and  XBorketh  many  cures. 


A  D.3I.  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded  out  of 
his  mouth."    And  they  said,  Is  not  this  Joseph's 


son 


7b 


23  And  lie  said  unto  them,  Ye  will  surely  say 
unto  me  this  proverb.  Physician,  heal  thyself: 
whatsoever  we  have  heard  done  in  Capernaum,'' 
do  also  here  in  thy  country. 

24  And  he  said,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  No  proph- 
et is  accepted  in  his  own  country .*• 

25  But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  many  widows  were 
in  Israel  in  the  days  of  Elias,"  when  the  heaven 
was  shut  up  three  years  and  six  months,''  when 
great  famine  was  throughout  all  the  land ; 

26  But  unto  none  of  them  was  Elias  sent,  save 
unto  Sarepta,  a  city  of  Sidon,  unto  a  woman  that 
was  a  widow. 

27  And  many  lepers  were  in  Israel  in  the  time 
of  Eliscus  the  prophet;  and  none  of  them  was 
cleansed,  saving  Naaman  the  Syrian." 

28  And  all  they  in  tlie  synagogue,  when  they 
heard  these  things,  were  iillod  with  wrath, 

29  And  rose  up,  and  thrust  him  out  of  tiie  city, 
and  led  him  unto  the  brow*  of  the  hill  whereon 
their  city  was  built,  that  they  might  cast  him  down 
headlong.*" 

30  But  he,  passing  through  the  midst  of  them,' 
went  his  way, 

31  And  came  down  to  Capernaum,  a  city  of  Gal- 
ilee, and  taught  them  on  the  saVibath-days. 

32  And  they  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine; 
for  his  word  was  with  power.-i 

33  1  And  in  tlie  synagogue  there  was  a  mun 
which  had  a  spirit  of  an  unclean  devil,''  and  cried 
out  with  a  loud  voice, 

?A  Saying,  Let  us  alone ;+  what  have  we  to  do 
with  thee,  thmi  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?'  art  thou  come 


»  P-a.  4.3:4;  Isa.S0:4;  Matt.  13:54;  Mark  0:2;  ch.  2:4".  b  John  6:4-2. 
<:  Mall.  4:1-!;  n:-j:i.  etc.  d  Matt,  l:!:.!?;  John  4;44.  elKingsl7:9.  fjas. 
5:17.  r  :;Kinss5:14.  'Or. edse.  1>  Pja.  ."i?:  14,  32,  .M.  i  John  S:,l9;  I(l::i9 
J  Jer.  2.J:-.'9;  Malt.  7:28,29;  Titus  2:15;  Heb.  4:12.     k  Mark  1:23.     t  Or, 

which  he  uttored  as  he  explained  to  them  the  spiritual 
meaning  of  tlie  prophecy,  and  the  salvation  which  lie,  as 
the  Me.ssiah,  would  grant  to  his  people. 

2:i.  Heal  tliijself ;  this  was  a  jiroverb,  the  meaning  of 
which  Iiere  was,  What  you  are  said  to  have  done  among 
strangers,  do  here  among  your  acquaintance. 

24.  No  prophet  is  accepted;  those  who  have  known  him 
when  a  boy,  especially  if  in  circumstances  beneath  their 
own,  are  less  likely  than  strangers  to  receive  and  honor 
him. 

2,1.  I  tell  ijon ;  he  told  them,  in  illustration  of  what  he 
had  said  and  of  the  propriety  of  his  conduct,  of  two  cases 
recorded  in  their  scriptures  where  miracles  were  wrought 
by  the  prophets  Elijidi  and  Ehsha,  not  upon  their  fellow- 
countrymen,  but  n])on  foreigners:  one,  that  of  tlie  widow 
of  Sarepta,  a  gentile  town  between  Tyre  and  Sidon ;  the 
other,  that  of  Naaman  the  Syrian.  1  Kings  17:9-24;  2  Kings 
5:14-17. 

27.  Eliscus;  this  is  the  Greek  manner  of  spelling  the 
IFebrew  word  Elisha,  as  Elias  is  that  of  Klij;ili. 

25.  Heard  tlieaethinf^s;  the  things  he  liad  spoken  in  proof 
of  the  truth  of  what  he  had  said,  and  in  justification  of  his 
having  wrought  more  miracles  at  Capernaum  than  at  Naz- 
areth. The  most  eminent  Old  Testament  )iropliets,  by  the 
direction  of  Cod,  had  gone  not  only  from  their  own  town, 
bnt  from  their  country,  and  wrought  miracles  among  the 
lieathen.  lie  might  justly  do  the  same  in  the  displays  of 
his  grace.  Thus  he  showed,  that  he  claimed  and  exercised 
the  right  to  bestow  his  unmerited  favors  upon  such  per- 
sona and  places  as  he  saw  best ;  that  they  had  no  just 


to  destroy  us?    I  know  thee  who  thou  art,""  the 
Holy  One  of  God." 

35  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying,  Hold  thy 
peace,  and  come  out  of  him.  And  when  the  devil 
had  thrown  him  in  the  midst,  he  came  out  of  him, 
and  hurt  him  not. 

36  And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  spake  among 
themselves,  saying.  What  a  word  is  this !  for  with 
authority  and  power  he  commandeth  the  uncleau 
spirits,  and  they  come  out." 

37  And  the  fame  of  him  went  out  into  every 
place  of  the  country  round  about. 

38  IT  And  he  arose  out  of  the  synagogue,  and 
entered  into  Simon's  house.  And  Simon's  wife's 
mother  was  taken  with  a  great  fever  ;P  and  they 
besought  him  for  her. 

39  And  he  stood  over  her,  and  rebuked  the  fever ; 
and  it  left  her :  and  immediately  she  arose  and 
ministered  unto  thorn, 

40  1  Now  when  the  sun  was  setting,  all  they 
that  had  any  sick  with  divers  diseases  brought 
them  unto  him ;  and  ho  laid  his  hands  on  every 
one  of  them,  and  hpaled  them. 

41  And  devils  also  came  out  of  many,  crying  out, 
and  saying.  Thou  art  Christ  the  Son  of  God.  And 
he  rebuking  thc7n,  sufl'ered  them  not  to  speak:  for 
they  knew  that  he  was  Christ.*  | 

42  And  when  it  was  day,  he  departed  and  went 
into  a  desert  place:  and  the  people  sought  him, 
and  came  unto  him,  and  stayed  him.,  that  he  should 
not  depart  from  them. 

43  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  must  preach  the 
kingdom  of  God  to  other  cities  also :  for  therefore 
am  I  sent." 

44  And  he  preached  in  the  synagogues  of  Gali- 
lee. 


Att'ny.     I  ,r.as.  2:19. 
3:14.     n  1  I'et.  3:22 


m  ver.  41.     n  Psa.  10:10;  Dan.  9::!4;  ch.  1:35;  Acts 
P  Matt.  f-:14,elc-:  Mark  1:29,  etc.     1  Ol,  to  say  lliat 
Iheij  klleiohimto  beCllTisl.     qMarkl:3J. 


claim  to  his  wonderful  works;  and  that  his  salvation  was 
intended  for  the  Gentile  as  well  as  the  Jew.  Filled  vnth 
wrath;  very  angry  at  his  teaching  such  doctrines. 

29.  Til  rust  liirn  out;  by  force  and  violence.  Down  limd'-^ 
tons;  to  destroy  him. 

31-44.  Devil  cast  out— Peter's  wife's  mother  and  others 
healed.    Mark  1:21-39. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Temptations  try  human  character.  Though  God  often 
brings  men  into  situ:itions  where  temptations  to  sin  ;ire 
strong,  he  also  gives  them  the  means  of  resisting  and  over- 
coming them ;  and  if  they  do  overcomo  them,  they  will 
both  honor  him  and  benefit  themselves. 

16.  Followers  of  Christ,  liy  imitating  his  example  in 
habitually  attending  the  luiblic  worship  of  God  on  the 
Salibatii,  will  find  his  promises  to  believers  fiilfiUeil  in 
tliemselves;  and  that  while  worshipping  in  the  way  of 
his  aiipointnieiit  on  earth,  they  are  preparing  to  worship 
him  for  ever  in  heaven. 

28.  \VhenGod  bestows  more  of  his  unmerited  favors  on 
some  thiin  he  does  on  others,  many  are  teniided  to  com- 
plain, liiit  tliey  should  consider,  "that  for  all  which  he 
does,  he  has  the  wisest  and  best  reasons.  Wisdom,  duty, 
and  interest,  therefore,  require  tliat  we  should  acquiesce, 
and  say,  "Kven  so.  Father;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
sight." 

It  is  an  evidence  of  great  depravity,  wlien  men  com- 
plain tliat  blessings  are  bestowed  on  others  which  tliey 
themselves  reject. 

1153 


The  great  draught  of  fishes. 


LUKE  V. 


One  sick  (f  Ike  palsy  healed. 


CHAPTER  V. 


1  Christ  teachfth  the  people  out  of  Peter's  ship;  4  in  a.  miraculous  tak- 
in"  of  fishes,  showclh  ho  .v  he  will  make  him  and  his  partners  fi^hers 
of'men;  I'J  cleariseih  the  leper;  16  prayeth  in  the  wilderness;  IS 
healeth  one  sick  of  the  palsy;  T,  calleih  Matthew  the  publican;  '^9 
eateth  with  sinners,  as  being  the  physician  of  souls;  34  foretelleth 
the  fastings  and  afflictions  of  the  aposiles  after  his  ascension;  36  and 
likeneth  fainthearted  and  weak  disciples  to  old  bottles  and  worn  gar- 
ments. 

A  ND  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  the  people  pressed 
Jr\.  upon  him  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  lie  stood 
by  the  lake  of  Gcnnesarct," 

2  And  saw  two  .ships  standing  by  the  lake:  but 
the  fishermen  were  gone  out  of  them,  and  were 
washing  their  nets. 

3  Ani.1  he  entered  into  one  of  the  ships,  which 
•was  Simon's,  and  prayed  him  that  he  would  tiiriist 
out  a  little  from  the  land.  And  he  sat  down,  and 
taught  the  people  out  of  the  ship. 

4  1  Now  when  he  had  left  speaking,  he  said  unto 
Simon,  Launch  out  into  the  deep,  and  let  down 
your  nets  for  a  drauglit.*" 

5  And  rfimon  answering  saidunto  him,  Master,  we 
have  toiled  all  tlie  night,  and  have  taken  notliing :" 
nevertheless,  at  thy  word  I  will  let  down  the  net. 

6  And  when  they  had  this  done,  they  enclosed  a 
great  multitude  of  fi.-ihes:''  and  their  net  brake. 

7  And  they  lieckoned  unto  tlicir  partners,  which 
•were  in  the  other  .^hip,  that  tliey  should  come  and 
help  them.''  And  they  came,  and  liilod  both  the 
ships,  so  that  tliey  began  to  sink. 

8  When  Simon  Peter  saw  //,  he  fell  down  at 
Jesus'  knees,''  saying,  Depart  from  me ;  for  I  am  a 
sinful  man,  0  Lord. 

9  For  he  was  astonished,  and  all  that  were  with 
him,  at  the  draught  of  the  fishes  wliich  they  had 
taken:" 

10  And  so  teas  also  James  and  John  the  sons  of 
Zebedee,  which  were  partners  with  Simon.  And 
Jesus  said  unto  Simon,  Fear  not;  from  henceforth 
thou  slialt  catch  men. 

11  And  when  they  had  brought  their  ships  to 
land,  they  forsook  all,  and  followed  him.'' 

12  ^  And  it  came  to  |)ass,  when  lie  was  in  a  cer- 
tain city,  Ijchold  a  man  full  of  leprosy  ;  who  seeing 
Jesus,  fell  on  liis  face,  and  besought  him,  saying. 
Lord,  if  tliou  wilt,  tlinu  canst  make  nie  clean.' 

13  And  he  put  forth  Itis  hand,  and  touclicrl  him, 
saving,  1  will:  be  thou  clean.-'  And  immediately 
the  leprosy  departed  from  him. 

14  And  he  charged  him  to  tell  no  man  :  but  go, 
and  show  thyself  to  the  priest,  and  oiler  for  thy 
cleansing,  according  as  Mose.s  commanded,''  for  a 
testimony  untt)  tiicm. 

15  But  so  much  the  morn  went  there  a   fame 


■  Matt. 'I; I ».  etc.;  Mark  1:10,  etc.  *>  John  4I:0.  '  P«a.  18?:!,  2;  K-wk. 
37:11,12.  i  Eccl.  ll:lt;  Gal  (1:9.  •  Exod.  SH:.'.;  Gal.  0:2;  Prov.  In:J1. 
'Juclg.  U-.-H;  •iHa.m  0:9;  1  King«17:lS;  Ina.  «:.'>.  It  l'.a.  8:0,  «.  h  Malt. 
4:2U;  19:27;  Phil.  ••»:-,  h.  i  Malt.  S:2,oic. ;  Mark  1 :10,  nlc.  J  2  KinRn  .'>:  Id, 
U.    k  Ler.  14:4,  etc.    I  Mall.  4:25;  Mark  3:7;  John  0:2.    ■»  Mall.  11:23; 


CHAPTER  V. 

2.  rtfo  .sAip.?;  fishinK-hoats. 

8.  Depart  from  mc ;  tliJH  was  orcasionod  by  the  display 
of  his  (livinity  wliioh  .Icsus  had  made,  and  Peter's  convit- 
tion  of  his  own  iinwnrttiiiiPKs. 

10.  Cntrh  mrn ;  tiy  |>riirl;iiriiing  to  them  the  gospel,  and 
thus  bringing  them  from  the  service  of  Satan  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Christ. 

1154 


abroad  of  him:  and  great  multitudes  came  a.d.si. 
together  to  hear,'  and  to  be  healed  by  him  of  their 
infirmities. 

16  t  And  he  withdrew  himself  into  the  wilder- 
ness, and  prayed.'" 

17  And  it  came  to  ]xiss  on  a  certain  day,  as  he 
was  teaching,  that  there  were  Pharisees  and  doc- 
tors of  the  law  sitting  by,  which  were  come  out  of 
every  town  of  Galilee,  and  Judea,  and  Jerusalem: 
and  the  power  of  the  Lord  was/)7T4fnno  heal  them." 

18  And  behold,  men  brought  in  a  bed  a  man 
which  was  taken  with  a  palsy:"  and  they  sought 
means  to  bring  him  in,  and  to  lay  ///;/(  before  him. 

10  And  when  they  could  not  find  by  what  vay 
they  might  bring  him  in,  because  of  the  multitude, 
tliey  went  upon  the  house-top,  and  let  him  down 
through  the  tiling  with  his  couch  into  the  midst 
before  Jesus. 

20  And  when  he  saw  their  faith,  he  said  unto 
him,  llan,  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee. 

21  And  the  scribes  and  tiie  Pharisees  began  to 
reason,  saying,  Who  is  this  which  s]ie;dv(>tli  blas- 
phemies?  Who  can  forgive  sins,  but  God  alone?'' 

22  But  when  Jesus  perceived  their  thoughts,  he 
answering  said  unto  them.  What  reason  ye  in 
your  hearts  ? 

23  Whether  is  easier,  to  say,  Tiiy  sins  be  for- 
given thee;  or  to  say.  Rise  up  and  walk? 

24  Hut  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of  man 
hath  power  upon  eartii  to  forgive  sins,  (he  said 
unto  the  sick  of  the  jjalsy,)  I  say  unto  thee.  Arise, 
and  take  up  thy  coucii,  and  go  unto  thy  house.'' 

25  And  immediately  he  rose  up  before  them, 
and  took  up  that  wlicreon  he  lay,  and  dei)artcd  to 
his  own  house,  glorifying  God. 

2G  And  liiey  were  all  amazed,  and  they  glorified 
God,'  and  were  filled  with  fear,"  saying,  We  have 
seen  strange  tilings  to-day. 

27  lAnd  after  these  things  he  went  forth,  and 
saw  a  publican,  named  Levi,  sitting  at  the  receipt 
of  custom:  and  he  said  unto  him,  Follow  me.' 

28  And  he  left  all,  rose  up,  and  followed  him. 

29  And  L(!vi  made  him  a  great  feast  in  his  own 
house:  and  there  was  a  great  company  of  publi- 
cans and  of  others  that  sat  down  with  them." 

30  But  their  scribes  and  Pharisees  murmured 
against  his  disciples,  saying.  Why  do  ye  eat  and 
drink  with  publicans  and  sinners? 

31  And  .lesus  answering  said  unto  them.  They 
that  are  whole  need  not  a  physician  ;  but  they 
that  are  sick.'' 

32  f  canu;  not  to  call  the  righteou.<.  but  sinners 
to  repentance.'" 

Mark  0:40.  "  John  3:JI.  o  Matt.  11:2,  etc  ;  Mark  2:3,  etc.  P  Pna.  32:5; 
103:3;  130:4;  Un  1:18;  43:4).  1  John  5:8,  12.  '  Acti  4:21;  Gal.  1:24. 
'vor.8.  I  Malt.  9:0,  cite;  Mark  2:  l:l.  "  ch.  1.'):1,  cic.  vj,.r.(,:22.  >»  ch. 
13:7,  10;  1  Cor.  0:9-11;  1  Tim.  1:15;  2 Pol.  3:9. 

12-1,').  The  leper  cleansed — the  sickhcnlcd.  Matt.  8: 1-4  ; 
9:1-7. 

111.  lie  withlrew  himself  into  the  mlderness,  and  prayed ;  it 
was  his  custom  to  do  this,  as  tlic  original  implies,  which 
might  be  rendered,  He  was  in  tlie  habit  of  witlidrawiiig 
himself,  etc. 

19.  Tlietilintr;  Mark  2:1.  Tiles  were  flat  pieces  of  dried 
clay  with  wliii-h  the  house  was  covered. 

27-32,  Levi,  or  Matthew,  called.     Matt.  9:9-13, 


Faslliit;  and  the  Sabbalh. 


LUKE  VI. 


T/ic  twelve  apostles  chosen. 


A.  D.  31.  33  1  Anrl  they  said  unto  liim,  Why  do  the 
disciples  of  John  fast  often,  and  make  prayers,  and 
likewise  the  disciples  of  tlie  Pharisees ;  but  thine  eat 
and  drink?" 

34  And  lie  said  unto  tliem.  Can  ye  make  the 
cliildrcn  of  tlie  bride-elianibcr  fast,  while  the 
bridegroom  is  with  tlieui  ? 

35  But  the  days  will  come,  when  the  bridegroom 
shall  be  taken  away  from  them,  and  then  shall 
they  fast  in  those  days." 

3(5  *!  And  he  spake  also  a  parable  unto  them : 
No  man  puttetii  a  piece  of  a  new  garment  upon  an 
old;'^  if  otlierwise,  tlieu  botli  the  new  maketh  a 
rent,  and  the  piece  that  was  tdcen  out  of  the  new 
agreeth  not  witii  tlie  old.'' 

37  And  no  man  putteth  new  wine  into  old  bot- 
tles; else  the  new  wine  will  burst  the  bottles,  and 
be  spilled,  and  the  bottles  shall  perish. 

38  But  new  wine  must  be  put  into  new  bottles; 
and  both  are  preserved. 

39  No  man  also  having  drunk  old  iwine,  straight- 
way desireth  new ;  for  he  saith,  The  old  is  better." 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Christ  reproveth  the  Pharisees'  blindness  about  the  observation  of  the 
sabbath,  by  scripture,  reason,  and  miracle;  13  chooseth  twelve  apos- 
tles; 17  healeth  the  diseased;  '2Q  preacheth  to  his  disciples  before  the 
people  of  blessings  and  curies;  '27  how  we  must  love  our  enemies; 
4(5  and  join  the  obedience  of  good  works  to  the  hearing  of  the  word  ; 
lest  in  the  evil  day  of  temptation  we  fall  like  a  house  built  upon  the 
face  of  the  earth,  without  any  foundation. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  on  the  second  sabbath 
after  the  first,  that  he  went  tlirougli  the 
corn-fields;  and  his  discii)les  plucked  the  ears  of 
corn,  and  did  eat,  rubbing  fhcm  in  their  hands. "^ 

2  And  certain  of  the  Pharisees  said  unto  them, 
Wiiy  do  ye  tliat  whicli  is  not  lawful  to  do  on  the 
sabbath-days?''' 

3  And  Jesus  answering  them  said,  Have  ye  not 
read  so  much  as  this,  wliat  David  did,  when  him- 
self was  a  hungered,  and  thev  which  were  with 
him;" 

4  How  he  went  into  the  hou^  of  God,  and  did 

»  Ch.  7::M,  35.  b  |sa.  3'3;1'2.  t  Ma't.  9:11),  17;  Mark  2.21,  22.  i  Lev. 
I!):iyjDeut  -"rll;  2Cor.  6:10.  ejer.  6:l(i.  f  Miit.  12:1,  etc. ;  Mark 
2:a.3,etc.    BExod.  20:10;   Isa.  .?»:13.    hlSam.21:6.    ■  Lev.  24:B.     J  Matt. 

3.V39.  Disciples  fastiiif;.     Matt.  9:14-17. 

3.'5.  And  thcij  said  unto  him;  in  Malt.  9:14,  this  question 
is  put  by  the  disciples  of  John  ;  in  Mark  2 :  18,  by  the  dis- 
ciiilcs  of  John  and  of  the  Pharisees.  Jesus  gives  a  general 
answer  to  both.  For  the  meaning  of '\%r.  34-38,  sec  notes 
on  Matt.  9:11-17. 

INSTRUCTIONS.' 

I.  The  common  people  are  often  more  eager  than  their 
rulers  to  hear  the  truths  of  the  gospel.  These  truths, 
[iliiinly  and  kindly  exhibited,  meet  their  wants  as  sinners, 
and  cninmciid  themselves  to  every  man's  conscience  in  the 
sight  of  (lod. 

■).  Ministers  of  the  gospel  who  liave  preached  and  la- 
bored long  withont  apparent  effect,  should  not  be  discour- 
aged ;  bnt  according  to  Christ's  directions  slioukl  continue 
to  labor  in  humble  dependence  on  him,  and  with  believing 
expectations  that  in  his  own  time  and  way  ho  will  give 
them  success. 

l.j.  Informal  ion  of  the  effects  of  Christ's  power  and 
grace  upon  some,  is  often  instrumental  in  awakening  the 
.attention  of  others,  and  leading  tliem  to  apply  to  him,  and 
thus  to  become  partakers  of  his  salvation. 

10.  Tlic  pure  and  sinless  Saviour  needed  habitual  com- 


take  and  eat  the  show-bread,  and  gave  also  to 
them  that  were  with  him ;  which  it  is  not  lawful 
to  eat  but  for  the  priests  alone  ?' 

5  And  he  said  unto  tliem.  That  the  Son  of  man 
is  Lord  also  of  the  sabbath. 

6  1  And  it  came  to  pass  also  on  another  sabbath, 
that  he  entered  into  tlie  synagogue  and  taught: 
and  there  was  a  man  whose  right  hand  was  with- 
ered.^ 

7  And  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  watched  him, 
wliether  he  would  heal  on  the  sabbath-day;''  that 
they  might  find  an  accusation  against  him. 

8  But  he  knew  their  thoughts,'  and  said  to  the 
man  which  had  the  withered  hand.  Rise  up,  and 
stand  forth  in  the  midst.  And  he  arose  and  stood 
forth. 

9  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them,  I  will  ask  you  one 
thing :  Is  it  lawful  on  the  sabbath-days  to  do  good, 
or  to  do  evil?  to  save  life,  or  to  destroy  zY/"" 

10  And  looking  round  about  upon  them  all,  he 
said  unto  the  man,  Stretcli  forth  tiiy  hand."  And 
he  did  so :  and  his  hand  was  restored  whole  as  the 
other. 

11  And  they  were  filled  with  madness  ;  and  com- 
muned one  with  another  what  they  might  do  to 
Jesus." 

12  IT  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  lie 
went  out  into  a  mountain  to  pray,''  and  continued 
all  night  in  prayer  to  God. 

13  And  when  it  was  day,  he  called  jmto  him  his 
disciples:  and  of  them  he  chose  twelve,"  whom 
also  lie  named  apostles; 

14  Simon,  (wliom  he  also  named  Peter,')  and 
Andrew  his  brother,  James  and  John,  Philip  and 
Bartliolomew, 

15  Matthew  and  Thomas,  James  the  son  of  Al- 
pheus,  and  Simon  called  Zclotes, 

16  And  Judas  the  brother  of  James,'*  and  Judas 
Iscariot,  which  also  was  the  traitor. 

17  1  And  he  came  down  with  tiiem,  and  stood  in 
the  plain ;  and  the  company  of  liis  disciples,  and 
a  great  multitude  of  people  out  of  all  Judea  and 

12:10,  etc.;  Mark  3:1,  etc.;  ch.  13:14;  14:3.  k  John  0:10.  1  Job  42:2. 
■n  ch.  14:3;  Exod.  20:10.  nMark3:5.  '>Psa.2:l,2.  p  Matt.  0:0;  14:23. 
q  Matt.  10:1.  clc;  Mark  3:13;  6:7.     rJohnl:4a.     sjudel. 


munion  with  his  heavenly  Father  to  prepare  him  for  the 
right  discharge  of  the  duties  of  liis  ministry.  How  much 
more  do  Christ's  ministering  servanl.s,  who  are  but  sinful 
men,  need  such  communion ! 

23.  The  works  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  on  earth,  showed 
that  he  had  power  to  forgive  sins  and  is  truly  divine. 

39.  When  men  are  tauglit  of  Clu-ist,  and  know  by  expe- 
rience the  preciousness  of  his  salvation,  they  will  never 
give  up  his  religion  for  any  other.  (Jood  as  the  advocates 
of  other  religions  may  think  theirs  to  be,  the  friends  ot 
Christ  know  his  to  be  better. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1-5.  Plucking  the  ears  of  corn  on  the  Sabbath. 


JIatt. 


12:1-19;  Mark  2:23-28. 

1.  Second  Sabbath  after  the  first ;  the  first  was  that  which 
occiirretl  on  the  second  ihiy  of  the  feast  of  the  Passover. 
The  second  Sabbath  was  the  next,  and  was  tlie  first  of  the 
seven  that  were  to  precede  the  feast  of  Pentecost.  Lev. 
23:15-21. 

(i-ll.  Ileiiling  the  withered  hand.  Malt.  12: 10-13;  Mark 
3:1-5. 

13-lU.  .\postles  chosen.     M;itt.  10:1-4. 

1155 


The,  golden  law  of  love. 


LUKE  VI. 


The  tree  known  ly  its  fruit. 


Jerusalem,  and  from  tlie  sea-coast  of  Tyre  and 
Sidon,"  which  came  to  hear  him,  aud  to  be  liealed 
of  their  diseases ;'' 

18  And  they  that  were  vexed  with  unclean  spir- 
its: and  they  were  healed. 

19  And  the  whole  multitude  soun:ht  to  touch 
him;''  for  there  went  virtue  out  of  him,''  and 
healed  them  all. 

20  1  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  ou  his  disciples, 
and  said,"  Blessed  be  ye  poor:'  for  yours  is  the 
kino'dom  of  God. 

21  Blessed  are  ye  that  hunger  now  :'■'  for  ye  shall 
be  filled."  Blessed  are  ye  that  weep  now :'  for  ye 
shall  laugh. 

22  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  hate  you,^  and 
when  they  shall  separate  you  from  their  company, 
and  shall  reproach  yuu,  and  cast  out  your  name  as 
evil,  for  the  Son  of  man's  sake.'' 

23  Rejoice  ye  in  that  day,'  and  leap  for  joy :  for 
behold,  your  reward  is  great  in  heaven :  for  in  the 
like  manner  did  their  fathers  unto  the  prophets."' 

24  But  woe  unto  you  that  are  rich  !"  for  ye  have 
received  your  consolation." 

2.5  Woe  unto  you  that  are  full!''  for  ye  shall 
hunger.  Woe  unto  you  that  laugh  now!'  for  yo 
shall  mourn  and  weep. 

20  Woe  unto  you,  when  all  men  shall  speak  well  of 
you  !■■  for  so  did  th(nr  fathers  to  the  ialse  prophets. 

27  1  But  I  say  unto  you  wliich  hear.  Love  your 
enemies,"  do  good  to  tliem  wliich  hate  you, 

28  Bless  them  tiuxt  curse  you,  aud  pray  for  them 
wliich  despitefully  use  you.' 

29  And  unto  him  that  smiteth  thee  on  the  one 
check,  offer  also  the  other;"  and  him  that  taketh 
away  thy  cloak,  forbid  not  to  take  thy  coat  also." 

3(7  Give  to  every  man  that  asketh  of  thee;'''  and 
of  him  that  taketh  away  thy  goods,  ask  them  not 
again. 

31  And  as  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you, 
do  ye  also  to  them  likewise." 

32  For  if  ye  love  them  which  love  yon,  what 
thank  have  ye?  for  sinners  also  love  those  that 
love  them. 

>  Mitt.  J:i3.  etc. ;  .Mirka.i,  eic.  b  Pai.  Iu:l:a:  IU/:l7-au.  '  Num.  SI  :B, 
«;  Matt.  N;.1(i;  John  :i:\i,ir,.  d  Mark  •'):.10;  cK.  8;40.  •  Matt.  5:-J,  oto. 
'Ja».i:5.  Itlw.SS:!.  h  Tua.  107:9.  i  I»a.  (il  :3;  Rov.  21  :J.  JJohn  17:14. 
k  1  Pel.  •i.\V,-iO;  .1:14;  4:14.  I  Acts  .'):41;  Col.  l;ai;  .las.  1:-J.  m  Aoi» 
7:.W;  Hcb.  ll;:IJ-.30.  »  Hib.  •i:0;  .Ia»  .'5:1.  o  di.  I(l:-J.'i.  p  I«a. -Ai:?;  li.'i:  l:t. 
q  I'rov.  14:13;  Eph.  r,A.  'John  l.'):ll);  I  John  4:5.  •  Exod.  ■£>:■{,  iS;  I'rov. 
•Jjrii;  Matt,  5:44;  ver.  :M;  Rom.  IJ:'20.     I  ch.  -i^lM;  AcU  4  Ul)      u  Malt 

I'J.   Virtue;  hcalinj.;  jiower. 

20-49.  See  Bcrinoii  on  the  mount,  Matt.  5 :  39-48 ;  7:1-27; 
alBo  M:itt.  10:24;  12:35;  LI:  14. 

20.  lUesseil  be  ije  poor;  for  tlie  meaning  of  these  beati- 
tudes and  tlieir  opixisite  woes,  ver.  20-26,  see  notes  on  the 
beatitii'lfs  in  .Matt.  y::i-12. 

24.  YuH  lliat  are  rich ;  ricli  in  this  world's  goods,  and 
trnst  in  them  tor  happiness. 

2.'>.  You  thai  are  full;  are  satisfied  with  eartlily  (■rijoy- 
ments, and  desire  notliing  better.  Laugh;  live  in  lliouglit- 
IcHSTiess  and  sinful  mirth. 

2fi.  Whrn  all  men  sbiill  xpenk  well  of  you ;  on  account  of  your 
cotiformity  to  tliis  world  in  your  teaching  and  conduct. 

40.  The  disciple  is  not  above  his  mailer;  this  maxim  wa.s 
repeatedly  usfd  by  our  Lord,  in  diflcreiit  conncctioiiH. 
Compare  itatt.  10:24,  2.'.;  .lolin  13:1(1;  1.5:20.  Here  its 
obvious  meaning  is,  that  tin-  disciple  cannot  be  oxpcctcil 
to  go  beyond  his  master  in  altjtinments.  If  the  master  be 
blind,  the  disciple  must  be  blind  also.  Thai  is  perfect;  fully 
instructed  in  the  doctrine  uf  his  master. 
1156 


33  And  if  ye  do  good  to  them  which  do  a.  d.  si. 
good  to  you,  what  thank  have  ye?  for  sinners 
also  do  even  the  same. 

34  And  if  ye  lend  to  them  of  whom  ye  hope  to 
receive,  what  thank  have  ye?  for  sinners  also 
lend  to  sinners,  to  receive  as  much  again. 

35  But  love  ye  your  enemies.'  and  do  good,  and 
lend,^  hoping  for  notliing  again  ;  and  your  reward 
shall  be  great,  and  ye  shall  be  the  children  of  the 
Highest:"  for  he  is  kind  unto  the  unthankful  and 
to  the  evil. 

36  Be  yc  therefore  merciful,  as  your  Father  also 
is  merciful. 

37  Judge  not,  and  ye  shall  not  be  judged :''  con- 
demn not,  and  ye  shall  not  be  condemned :  for- 
give, and  ye  shall  be  forgiven: 

38  Give,  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you;'^  good 
measure,  pressed  down,  and  shaken  together,  and 
running  over,  shall  men  give  into  your  bosom.'' 
For  with  the  same  measure  that  ye  mete  withal,  it 
shall  be  nieasured  to  you  again.'' 

39  And  he  spake  a  }>arable  unto  thorn;  Can  the 
Idiud  load  the  blind?''  shall  tlioy  not  both  fall 
into  the  ditch? 

40  The  disciple  is  not  above  his  master:"  but 
every  one  tliat  is  perfect  shall  be  as  his  master." 

41  And  why  beholdcst  thou  the  mote  that  is  in 
thy  brother's  eye,  but  perceivest  not  the  beam  that 
is  in  tliiiK!  own  eye? 

42  Kitiier  how  canst  thou  say  to  thy  brother, 
Brother,  let  me  pull  out  the  mote  that  is  in  thine 
eye,  wiicii  thou  thyself  beholdost  not  the  beam  that 
is  in  thine  own  eye?  Thou  hyjiocrite,  cast  out 
first  tiic  beam  out  of  thine  own  eye,''  and  then 
siialt  thou  see  clearly  to  pull  out  the  mote  that  is 
in  thy  brother's  eye. 

4:')  For  a  good  tree  bringoth  not  forth  corrupt 
fruit;'  noitlior  doth  a  corrupt  tree  bring  fortii 
good  fruit. 

44  For  every  tree  is  known  by  his  own  fruit.^ 
For  of  thorns  men  do  not  gather  iigs,  nor  of  a 
bramble-bush  gather  they  grapes.^ 

45  A  good  man  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  his 


.');:;!).  >■  I  Cor.  ly.T.  "  Ueut.  l.i:7,i-,  111;  I'rov.  1(1:17;  ii-.M:  Matt.  5:4-J, 
olc.  I  Mall.  7:|-.'.  y  VHt.  i7.  «  I'«a.  :l7:al;  I  0.^:5.  »  Matt.  5:4.i.  b  Matt. 
7:1.  c  I'rov.  111:17;  Matt,  1(1:4-.'.  <1  l'«a.  :i):  l-J,  '  Matt.  7:2;  Mark  4:-J4; 
J.is.  a:l:l  f  Matt.  15:14.  «  .Matt  10:^1 ;  John  1-1:  III;  15:20.  •  Ur,  .</inH 
//r  jier/rrtftt  a!f  his  ma.^tfr.  h  I'rov.  18:17  ;  Horn.  *J:  I,  2],  etc.  i  Malt.  7:1(1, 
17.    /Malt.  12:a3.    t  (Jr.  o  yrape. 


•  INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Works  of  iiocdfiil  mercy,  and  that  attention  to  our 
borlily  and  niciit;d  wants  wliich  the  api'mpriatc  cliitics  of 
the  Saljbalh  roipiire,  were  always  )H'niii(ti'd  by  the  fourth 
cominandnu'iit,  luid  arc  not  forbidden  under  the  gospel. 
Num.  2S:!I,  10;  .lolin  7:22,  V'X 

7.  Men  may  make  tluir  Kcriipiiluus  observance  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  their  atlintion  to  other  external  duties  of 
religion,  a  grDiind  of  Kolf-riglifcoiiHneKs,:ind  acoverimdc'r 
wliich  they  may  indulge  in  great  wickedneKS. 

II.  (Jreiil  /.e;il  for  hiiiiian  tniilitionH  and  the  coiiiiikuhI- 
ments  of  iiieii  may  consiHt  wilji  ciiniity  (o  (lod  and  <i(ep 
m;digiiil,y  against  tho.so  who  (dicy  him. 

19.  Doing  g(H)d  to  the  bodies  of  men  often  opens  the 
way  for  lieiiefitiiig  their  souls;  and  the  one  should  be 
done'  for  the  sake  of  promoling  the  other. 

23.  Patience  under  trials,  especially  when  occasioned  by 
those  whom  we  have  liibored  to  benelil,  and  a  disposition 
to  do  them  good  in  all  practicable  ways  notwithstanding 


The  house,  on  a  rock. 


LUKE  VII. 


The  widotv's  son  raised. 


AD.  31.  heart  bringeth  forth  that  which  is  good;" 
and  ail  evil  man  out  of  the  evil  treasure  of  his 
heart  bringeth  forth  tliat  which  is  evil:  for  of  the 
abundance  of  the  heart  his  rnoutli  speaketh. 

46  TAnd  why  call  ye  me,  Lord,  Lord,  and  do 
not  the  things  which  I  say  ?'' 

47  Whosoever  cometh  to  me,  and  heareth  my 
sayings,  and  doeth  them,  I  will  show  you  to  whom 
he  is  like : 

48  He  is  like  a  man  wliich  built  a  house,  and 
digged  deep,  and  laid  tlie  foundation  on  a  rock:"" 
and  when  the  flood  arose,  the  stream  beat  vehe- 
mently upon  tliat  house,  and  could  not  shake  it;'' 
for  it  was  founded  upon  a  rock." 

49  But  he  that  hearetli,  and  doeth  not,^  is  like  a 
man  that  without  a  foundation  built  a  house  upon 
the  earth,  against  which  the  stream  did  beat  ve- 
hemently, and  immediately  it  fell;*-'  and  the  ruin 
of  that  house  was  great. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Christ  findeth  a  greater  faith  in  the  centurion  a  Gentile,  than  in  any 
of  the  Jews;  10  healeth  his  servant  being  absent;  11  raiseth  from 
death  the  widow's  son  at  Nam ;  19  answereth  John's  messengers  with 
tlie  declaration  of  his  miracles;  24  testifieth  to  the  people  what  opin- 
ion he  held  of  John;  30  inveigheth  against  the  Jews,  who  with  nei- 
ther the  manners  of  John  nor  of  Jesus  could  be  won  ;  36  and  showeth 
by  occasion  of  Mary  Magdalene,  how  he  is  a  friend  to  sinners,  not  to 
maintain  them  in  sms,  but  to  forgive  them  their  sins,  upon  their  faith 
and  repentance. 

NOW  when  he  had  ended  all  his  sayings  in 
tlie  audience  of  tlie  people,  he  entered  into 
Capernaum.'' 

2  And  a  certain  centurion's  servant,  who  was 
dear  unto  him,  was  sick,  and  ready  to  die.' 

3  And  when  he  heard  of  Jesns,  he  sent  unto  him 
the  elders  of  the  Jews,  beseeching  him  that  he 
would  come  and  heal  his  servant. 

4  And  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  they  besought 
him  instantly,  saying.  That  he  was  worthy  for 
whom  he  should  do  this: 

5  For  he  loveth  our  nation,^  and  he  hath  built 
us  a  synagogue. 

6  Then  Jesus  went  with  them.  And  when  he  was 
now  not  far  from  the  house,  the  centurion  sent 
friends  to  him,  saying  unto  him.  Lord,  trouble  not 
thyself;"  for  I  am  not  worthy  that  thou  sliouldest 
enter  under  my  roof: 

7  Wherefore  neither  thouglit  I  myself  worthy  to 
come  unto  thee:  but  say  in  a  word,  and  my  ser- 
vant shall  be  healed.' 

8  For  I  also  am  a  man  set  under  authority,  hav- 
ing under  me  soldiers,  and  I  say  unto  one,"  Go, 
and  he  goeth ;  and  to  another,  Come,  and  he  com- 
etli ;  and  to  my  servant.  Do  tliis,  and  he  doeth  it. 

•  Matt.  ia:;).>.  b  Mil.  1:0;  Mitt.  7:21 ;  2.5:11  ;  ch.  13:2.5;  Gal.  0:7.  =  Matt. 
7:25,20.  ■!  2  P»t.  1: 10;  JuJe  21.  e  Psa.  40:1-.'!;  02:2.  '  Jas.  1  : 24-20. 
e  Trov.  28:1S;  Hos.  4:14.  h  Matt.  S:5,  etc.  >  Job  31:15;  Prov.  29:21. 
i  1  Kings  5:1  ;  Gal.  5:0;  1  John  3:14;  5:1,  2.  k  ch.  f:49.  I  Psa.  107:20. 
•  Gr.  (All  >7i(in.    XO!,toffm.    ■"  ch.  «:.5t;  Acts  9:40;  Rom.  4: 17.    '>2Kings 


tlieir  opposition,  are  peculiarly  pleasing  to  God,  and  pre- 
pare the  soul  for  the  special  enjoyment  of  his  love. 

31.  A  freipient  recognition  of  the  ni;uincr  in  which  \vc 
ought  to  wish  that  others  should  tre;it  ns,  will  help  us  to 
see  the  way  in  wliich  we  should  treat  them  ;  and  all  hojies 
of  heaven  which  do  not  l(>ad  im  to  strive  h;iliitually  to  do 
to  otliers  as  we  would  that  they  should  do  to  us,  will 
fail  at  the  givinj;  up  of  the  ghost.  Job  11:20;  Prov. 
1U:28;  Matt.  25:40-46. 


9  When  Jesus  heard  these  things,  he  marvelled 
at  him,  and  turned  him  about,  and  said  unto  the 
people  that  followed  him,  I  say  unto  you,  I  have 
not  fouird  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in  Israel. 

10  And  they  that  were  sent,  returning  to  the 
house,  found  the  servant  whole  that  had  been  sick. 

11  *r  And  it  came  to  pass  the  day  after,  that  lie 
went  into  a  city  called  Nain  ;  and  many  of  his  dis- 
ciples went  with  him,  and  much  people. 

12  Now  when  he  came  nigh  to  the  gate  of  the 
city,  behold,  tliere  was  a  dead  man  carried  out,  the 
only  son  of  his  mother,  and  she  was  a  widow :  and 
much  people  of  the  city  was  with  her. 

13  And  when  the  Lord  saw  her,  he  had  compas- 
sion on  her,  and  said  unto  her.  Weep  not. 

14  And  he  came  and  touched  the  bier  :*  and  they 
that  bare  him  stood  still.  And  he  said,  Young 
man,  I  say  unto  thee.  Arise." 

15  And  he  that  was  dead  sat  up,"  and  began  to 
speak.    And  he  delivered  him  to  his  mother. 

16  And  there  came  a  fear  on  all :  and  they  glori- 
fied God,  saying,  That  a  great  prophet  is  risen  up 
among  us ;°  and,  That  God  hath  visited  his  people." 

17  And  this  rumor  of  him  went  forth  througliout 
all  Judea,  and  throughout  all  the  region  round 
about. 

18  II  And  the  disciples  of  John  showed  him  of 
all  these  things. 

19  And  John  calling  unto  Jiim  two  of  Ins  disci- 
ples, sent  than  to  Jesus,"  saying.  Art  thou  lie  that  ■ 
shoiilil  come?''  or  look  we  for  anotlier? 

20  Wlien  the  men  were  come  unto  him,  tliey 
said,  John  the  Baptist  hath  sent  us  unto  thee, 
saying.  Art  thou  he  that  should  come?  or  look 
we  for  anotlier  ? 

21  And  in  tliat  same  hour  he  cured  many  of  their 
infirmities  and  ]ilagucs,  and  of  evil  spirits ;  and 
unto  many  that  iccre  blind  lie  gave  siglit. 

22  Then  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them,  Go 
your  way,  and  tell  John  what  tilings  ye  have  seen 
and  heard ;'  how  that  the  blind  see,'  the  lame 
walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  deaf  hear,  the 
dead  are  raised,  to  the  poor  the  gospel  is  preached." 

23  And  blessed  is  he,  whosoever  shall  not  be 
offended  in  me.'' 

24  "l  And  when  the  messengers  of  John  were  de- 
parted, he  began  to  speak  unto  the  people  concern- 
ing John,  What  went  ye  out  into  the  wilderness 
for  to  see?     A  reed  shaken  with  the  wind? 

25  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see?  A  man 
clothed  in  soft  raiment?  Behold,  they  which  are 
gorgeously  apparelled,  and  live  delicately,  are  in 
kings'  courts." 

4:32-37;  13:21:  John  11:44.  och. 24:19.  Pch.l:08.  qMatt.ll:2.  ry.,.cli. 
9-9.  'John  1-40.  1  I«a  .35:5,0.  "ch.  4:18;  Jas.  2:5.  v  Isa.  b:  14,  15;  M:itt. 
11:8;  13:57;  ch.2:34;  John  0:00;  1  Cor.  1:21-2S.  "  2  Sam.  19:35;  Ksth. 
1:3,11. 


CHAPTER  Vn. 

1-10.  Tlie  centurion's  servant,  i  Matt,  8:5-13. 

I.  Audience;  hearing. 

II.  Niiin;  in  (lalilee,  south-west  from  Capernaum. 

l(i.   J'ifiileil  his  people;  showed  them  mercy  in  sending 
one  who  could  perform  such  miracles. 

l'j-3;).  Disciples  of  John  sent  to  Jesus — Christ's  testi- 
mony of  John.     Matt.  11:2-1!). 

115V 


ChrisCs  testimony  of  John. 


LUKE  VII. 


Anointed  in  Simonh  house. 


26  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see  ?  A  proph- 
et?" Yea,  I  say  unto  you,  and  niucli  more  than  a 
propliet. 

27  This'  is  he,  of  whom  it  is  written,  Bcliold,  I 
send  my  messenger  bcl'ore  thy  lace,  which  shall 
prepare  thy  way  before  thee.'' 

2S  For  I  say  unto  you.  Among  those  that  are 
born  of  women,  there  is  not  a  greater  prophet 
than  John  tlie  Baptist:  but  he  that  is  least  in  the 
kingdom  of  God  is  greater  than  he. 

29  And  all  the  people  that  heard  him,  and  the 
publicans,  justified  God,"^  being  baptized  willi  the 
baptism  of  John.'' 

30  But  the  Pharisees  and  lawyers  rejected'  the 
counsel  of  God  against  themselves,* °  being  not 
baptized  of  him. 

31  1  And  the  Lord  said,  Whereunto  then  shall  I 
liken  the  men  of  tliis  generation  ?  and  to  what  are 
they  like?' 

32  They  are  like  unto  children  sitting  in  the 
market-place,  and  calling  one  to  another,  and  say- 
ing, We  have  piped  unto  you,  and  ye  have  not 
danced ;  we  have  mourned  to  you,  and  ye  have 
not  wept. 

33  For  John  the  Baptist  came  neither  eating 
bread  nor  drinking  wine;^  and  ye  say.  He  hath  a 
devil. 

34  The  Son  of  man  is  come  eating  and  drinking ; 
and  ye  say,  Beliold  a  gluttonous  man,  and  a  wine- 
bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners!'' 

35  But  wisdom  is  justified  of  all  her  children.' 

36  IT  And  one  of  the  Pliarisces  desired  him  that 
he  would  cat  with  him.J  And  he  went  into  the 
Piiarisee's  house,  and  sat  down  to  meat. 

37  And  behold,  a  wouum  in  tlio  city,  which  was 
a  sinner,'' when  she  knew  that  .Irsus  sat  at  meat  in 
the  Pharisee's  house,  brought  an  alabaster-bo.\  of 
ointment, 

38  And  stood  at  his  feet  behind  him  weeping, 

•  Ch.  l:7(i.  b  Mai. 3:1;  ch.  1:15-17.  c  p,a.  31: 1 ;  Rom.  .3:4.  J  .Matt. 
:)  S,  0;  ch.  3:12.  '  Or, /ruxlmud.  \  Ot.  within  thtmstlven.  e  Acts  •-'0:a7. 
'Mill.  ll;l«.  etc.  f  Malt.  3:4;  Markl:();  ch.l:15.  hJohn2:3;  l-.':-J;  vcr. 
38.     I  Prov.  6:3J-.1«;  17:10.     i  Matt.  ■.>fl:0,  etc, :  Mark  14:3,  etc. :  John  11 :2, 


and  began  to  wash  his  feet  with  tears,  and  ad.  ai 
did  wijieMcm  with  the  hairs  of  her  head,  and  kissed 
his  feet,  and  anointed  tlicm  with  the  ointment. 

39  Now  when  tiie  Pliarisec  which  had  bidden 
him,  saw  it,  he  spake  within  himself,  saying.  This 
man,  if  he  were  a  propliet,'  would  have  known 
who  and  what  manner  of  woman  this  is  that  toucli- 
eth  him ;  for  she  is  a  sinner.'" 

40  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  him,  Simon, 
I  have  somewhat  to  say  unto  tiiee.  And  he  saith, 
Master,  say  on. 

41  There  was  a  certain  creditor  which  had  two 
debtors:  the  one  owed  live  hundred  pence,*  and 
the  other  fifty. 

42  And  when  they  had  nothing  to  pay,  he  frankly 
forgave  them  both."  Tell  me  theretbre,  which  of 
them  will  love  him  most? 

43  Simon  answered  and  said,  T  suppose  that  he, 
to  whom  he  forgave  most.  And  he  said  unto  him, 
Tliou  hast  rightly  judged." 

44  And  he  turueil  to  tiie  woman,  and  said  unto 
Simon,  Sccst  tiiou  this  woman?  I  entered  into  thy 
house,  thou  gavest  me  no  water  for  my  feet :  but 
she  hath  wasiied  my  feet  with  tears,  and  wiped 
them  with  the  hairs  of  her  head. 

45  Thou  gavest  me  no  kiss:  but  this  woman, 
since  the  time  I  came  in,  hath  not  ceased  to  kiss 
my  feet. 

4G  My  head  witli  oil  Ihou  didst  not  anoint:''  but 
this  woman  hath  anoiiiti>d  my  feet  with  ointment. 

47  Wherefore  I  say  unto  tiiee.  Her  sins,  which 
arc  many,  are  forgiven;  for  she  loved  much:  but 
to  wlioni  little  is  forgiven,  the  same  lovetli  little. 

48  And  he  said  unto  her.  Thy  sins  arc  forgiven. 

49  And  they  that  sat  at  meat  with  him  began  to 
say  within  themselves,  Who  is  this  that  forgivetli 
sins  also?'' 

50  And  he  said  to  (he  woman.  Thy  faith  hath 
saved  thee;''  go  in  peace. 

etc.  k  oh.  5:32;  ver.  34;  1  Tim.  1:1.'5.  '  .Min  9:24.  m  ch.  \i:%.  I  Se« 
Mill.  1-':2S.  n  Psa.  40:7,  8;  Rom.  5:0.  o  p,a.  1I6:I()-1,1;  1  Cor.  15:9; 
2Cor.  5:14;  ITim.  1:1:)-18.  P  Psa.  S3:5.  q  Matt.  9:2,  3;  Mark  2:7.  r  Hab. 
2:4;  Matt.  9:22;  Mark  5:34;  10:52;  ch.  S:4S;  Is:42;  Eph.  2:». 


29.  Justified  God;  by  acknowledging  John  iis  a  propliet 
sent  by  God,  and  approving  of  the  counsel  of  God  in  send- 
ing him.  Being  baptized;  the  evangelist  moans  to  say  that 
tliey  now  acted  consistently  with  their  former  conduct  in 
submitting  themselves  to  his  baptism. 

30.  Lnwiiers;  these  were  the  interpreters  of  the  Jewish 
law,  especially  their  traditionary  law.  They  belonged  to 
the  sect  of  the  Pharisees,  and  were  one  with  them  in 
spirit.  Rejeded  the  counsel  of  God;  his  counsel  as  shown 
in  the  mission  of  John.  Against  lliemselves ;  to  their  own 
hurt. 

31-35.  Children  sitting  in  the  market-place.  Matthew 
11:18-19. 

30.  One  of  the  Pharisees;  his  name  was  iSimon. 

37.  A  sinner;  one  who  had  been  notoriously  wicked. 

38.  Sinoil  at  his  feet  behind  him ;  as,  according  to  custom, 
he  reclined  at  the  table. 

39.  fipake  vtlhtn  himself;  ho  thought  80,  though  he  did 
not  ox])reas  it  in  words. 

41.  I  entered  into  thij  hoJise ;  by  invitation.  Water  fir  mij 
feel;  to  provide  water  for  ;tvaHhing  the  feet,  was  one  of  tht^ 
rites  of  hospitality;  to  kiss  an  invited  guest  was  another; 
and  to  anoint  or  rub  the  hair  with  olive  oil,  which  im- 
part"! smoothness  and  fragrance,  was  another.  Hut  for 
some  reason,  Simon  had  omitted  these.  Yet  this  woman, 
whom  he  thought  to  be  such  a  sinner  that  her  presence 
must  bo  polluting,  had  kissed  his  feet,  washed  tlicra  with 
1158 


tears,  and  anointed  them  with  very  ])recioiis  ointment.  If 
she  had  been  as  great  a  sinner  as  i^imon  supposed,  j'ct  her 
conduct  sliowcil  that  she  was  penitent,  tliat  her  love  was 
great,  and  she  was  accepted. 

47.  For  she  loved  much ;  according  to  tlio  pariible,  much 
love  is  the  fruit  of  having  been  forgiven  much.  This 
woman  shows  much  love,  which  should  be  to  Simon  a 
manifest  proof  that  she  had  been  forgiven  much.  Our 
Lord's  wortls,  then,  may  bo  thus  paraplirased:  Her  sins, 
which  are  many, are  forgiven;  for,  as  tlioii  seest, she  hath 
loved  much. 

48.  Thij  sins  are  forgiven ;  Christ  had  jiowcr  and  author- 
itv,  even  in  his  deepest  hiiinilialion,  to  forgive  the  sins  of 
men.     M;itl.  !l:fi  ;  Mark  2: 10;  bake  .'■):24. 

4'.t.  Who  islliinl  a  very  ]ierlinent  ipiestion  ;  and  the  (rue 
answer  is,  "(ind  over  all,  blessed  for  ever."     liom.  !!:.'). 

flO.  TInj  fulh  hath  saved  thee;  faith,  "  which  woikcfh  by 
love,"  was  the  means  of  her  salv;ition,  as  it  will  lie  of  ;tll 
who  exercise  if.     JIark  liiilfi. 

INSTUrCTIOXS. 

."?.  The  condition  of  scrv;uits,  when  sick,  is  often  very 
ilistressing.  Having  no  relatives  to  care  for  them,  it  is 
the  duly  of  their  employers,  as  far  as  is  iiracticable,  to 
siipidy  their  w;ints;  and  wIm  ii,  uniler  a  deep  conviction 
of  tliiir  own  nnworthincss  ;iili1  insiilliiMeney,  any  apjily  to 
Christ  for  help  to  tliose  uniler  their  care,  he  delights  to 
bestow  the  blessings  which  they  need. 


Parahle  of  the.  sower. 


LUKE  VIII. 


Chrisl  sli'kth  a  tempest. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


3  Women  minister  unto  Christ  of  their  substance.  4  Christ,  after  he 
had  preached  from  place  to  place,  attended  with  liis  apostles,  pro- 
poundeth  the  parable  of  the  sower,  16  and  of  the  candle;  'Jl  declareth 
who  are  his  mother,  and  brethren;  '22  rebuketh  the  winds;  26  casteth 
the  legion  of  devils  out  of  the  man  into  the  herd  of  swine;  37  is 
rejected  of>,he  G-adarenes ;  43  healeth  the  woman  of  her  bloody  issue, 
49  and  raiseth  from  death  Jairus'  daughter. 

AND  it  carac  to  pass  afterward,  that  he  went 
throughout  every  city  and  village,  preaching 
and  showing  the  glad  tidings  of  tlic  kingdom  of 
God:  and  tlie  twelve  vcre  with  him, 

2  And  certain  women,  which  had  been  healed  of 
evil  spirits  and  infirmities,  Mary  called  Magda- 
lene," out  of  whom  went  seven  devils,'' 

3  And  Joanna  the  wife  of  Chuza,  Herod's  stew- 
ard, and  Susanna,  and  many  others,  which  minis- 
tered unto  liim  of  their  substance."^ 

4  "i  And  when  much  people  were  gathered  to- 
gether, and  were  come  to  him  out  of  every  city,  he 
spake  by  a  parable : 

5  A  sower  went  out  to  sow  his  seed :''  and  as  he 
sowed,  some  fell  by  the  way-side;  and  it  was  trod- 
den down,  and  the  fowls  of  the  air  devoured  it." 

G  And  some  fell  upon  a  rock ;''  and  as  soon  as  it 
was  sprung  up,  it  witiiercd  away,  because  it  lacked 
moisture. 

7  And  some  fell  among  thorns  ;i^  and  the  thorns 
sprang  up  with  it,  and  clioked  it. 

8  And  other  fell  on  good  ground,  and  sprang  np, 
anil  bare  fruit  a  hundred-fold.''  And  when  he  had 
said  these  things,  he  cried,  He  that  hath  ears  to 
hear,  let  him  hear.' 

9  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying,  What 
might  this  parable  be? 

10  And  ho  said.  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know 
the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God :  but  to  oth- 
ers in  parables;  that  seeing  they  might  not  see, 
and  hearing  they  might  not  understand.' 

11  Now  tlie  parable  is  this:"  The  seed  is  the 
word  of  God.' 

12  Those  by  the  way-side  are  they  that  hear; 
then  coineth  the  devil,  and  taketh  away  the  word 
out  of  their  hearts,"'  lest  they  should  believe  and 
be  saved. 

13  They  on  the  rock  are  they,  which,  when  they 
hear,  receive  the  word  with  joy ;"  and  these  have 
no  root,"  wliich  for  a  while  believe,  and  in  time  of 
temptation  fall  away. 

»  Matt. '27:35.  t  Mark  lti;9;  ver.  Jll.  ''JCor.  ft:U.  J  Matt.  13:^.  ele. ; 
Mark  4:3,  etc.  «  Paa.  119:118;  Matt.  5:13.  'Jer.5:3,  sjer.4:.').  Ii  (ion. 
2(i:l2.  i  Prov.  20:12;  Jer.  13:15;  -^.5:4.  j  Isa.  6:0.  k  Matt.  13:1S;  Mark 
4:U,  etc.  1  1  Pet.  1:23.  m  Pn,v.  ■1:5;  ha.  Ii.j;ll;  Jas.  1:2.1,  24.  ■>  I'.ia. 
1U():12,13;  Isa.  53:2;  Gal. 3:1,. I;  4:15.  o  Prov.  12:3;  Hos.  0:4.  pi  Tim. 
(i:9,  10;  aTim.  4:10;  1  John  2:15-17.     q  John  15:0.    r  Jer.  32:39.     »  Hcb. 


12.  No  sorrows  of  a  Christian  mother,  especially  a  wid- 
owed mother  on  the  death  of  an  oidy  son,  cseape  the  tender 
and  sympathizing  notiee  of  the  Saviour.  His  liosom  swells 
with  pity ;  and  when  she  (hinks  not  of  it,  he  is  preparing 
to  jionr  into  her  wounded  spirit  the  balm  of  eonsolation, 
and  cause  the  desolate,  sorrowing;  heart  to  sitiK  for  joy. 

111.  The  dealings  of  Christ  wilh  his  jieople  are  often 
exeeedingly  mysterious,  lie  Kumetiincs  leaves  them  for 
a  while  to  the  most  distressing  I'alamities ;  and  judging 
only  from  present  tvppearanecs,  they  may  be  tempti'd  to 
think  that  lie  has  forgotten  them.  But  at  sui.-h  times  he 
calls  (hem  to  eonaiiler  his  character  and  declarations  ;  not 
to  be  olfendeil  at  any  thing  which  he  either  does  or  omits  to 
do;  but  to  feel  that  his  ways  are  perfect,  ;ind  that  blessed 
for  ever  will  be  all  those  who  put  their  trust  in  him. 


14  And  that  which  fell  among  thorns,  are  they. 
which,  when  they  have  heard,  go  forth,  and  are 
choked  with  cares  and  riches  and  pleasures  oi  this 
life,''  and  bring  no  fruit  to  perfection.'* 

15  But  that  on  the  good  ground  are  they,  which 
in  an  honest  and  good  heart,''  having  heard  the 
word,  keep  iV,  and  bring  forth  fruit  with  patience.* 

16  H  No  man,  when  he  hath  liglited  a  candle, 
covcreth  it  with  a  vessel,  or  putteth  it  under  a 
bed ;  but  setteth  it  on  a  candlestick,  that  they 
which  enter  in  may  see  the  ligiit.' 

17  For  nothing  is  secret,  that  shall  not  be  made 
manifest;  neither  any  thing  hid,  that  shall  not  be 
known  and  come  abroad." 

18  Take  heed  tiicrefore  how  ye  hear  :^'  for  who- 
soever hath,  to  him  shall  be  given  ;  and  whosoever 
hath  not,  from  him  sliall  be  taken  even  that  which 
lie  sceiucth  to  have.*" 

19  IT  Then  came  to  him  his  mother  and  his  breth- 
ren, and  could  not  come  at  him  for  the  press. 

20  And  it  was  told  him  ly  certain,  whicli  said, 
Thy  mother  and  thy  brethren  stand  without,  de- 
siring to  see  thee. 

21  And  lie  answered  and  said  unto  them.  My 
mother  and  my  brethren  arc  these  wiiicii  hear  the 
word  of  God,  and  do  it.^ 

22  II  Now  it  came  to  pass  on  a  certain  day,  that 
he  went  into  a  ship  with  his  disciples:^  and  he 
said  unto  them.  Let  us  go  over  unto  the  other  side 
of  the  lake.     And  they  launched  forth. 

23  But  as  they  sailed  he  fell  asleep:  and  there 
came  down  a  storm  of  wind  on  the  lake ;  and  they 
were  filled  7vifh  icater,  and  were  in  Jeopardy. 

24  And  they  came  to  him,  and  awoke  him,  say- 
ing. Master,  Master,  we  perish.  Then  he  arose, 
and  rebuked  the  wind  and  the  raging  of  the  water : 
and  they  ceased,  and  there  was  a  calm.^ 

25  And  lie  said  unto  them.  Where  is  your  faith? 
And  they  being  afraid,  wondered,  saying  one  to 
another.  What  manner  of  man  is  this  !  for  he  com- 
inandcth  even  the  winds  and  water,  and  they  obey 
him. 

26  •[  And  they  arrived  at  tlie  country  of  the 
Gadarencs,"  wiiich  is  over  against  Galilee. 

27  And  when  he  went  forth  to  land,  there  met 
iiim  out  of  the  city  a  certain  man,  whicli  had  dev- 
ils long  time,  and  wore  no  clothes,  neither  abode 
in  any  house,  but  in  the  tombs. 

l(l::jr);  Jas.  1:4.  t  Matt.  5: 15;  Mark  4:21  ;  oh.  11  :■«.  "  liccl,  12:1 1 ;  M:ut, 
10:20;  ch.  12:2;  1  Cor.  4:5.  v  Jaa.  1:21-25.  •  Ov,  Ikinketk  that  he  Imtli. 
».  Matt.  13:12;  25:29;  ch.  19:20.  i  Matt.  12:48,  etc.;  Mark  3::i2.  etc. 
y  Matt.  8:23,  etc.;  Mark  4:35,  etc.  2  I'sa.  44:23j  Isa.  51:9,10.  «  Malt. 
a-.-iS.  etc.;  Mark5:l,  etc. 


40.  Jesus  Christ  is  more  pleased  and  honored  by  the 
affectionate  offerings  of  penitent  and  grateful  hearts,  even 
of  those  who  have  been  very  great  sinners,  than  by  the 
most  costly  entertainments  of  the  most  distinguished  self- 
righteous  worldlings. 

(niAPTER  VIII. 

2.  Called  Mn<x(hilcnc;  from  Magd;vla,a  town  south  of  Ca- 
pernaum, on  the  sea  of  (hdilee. 

4-1.'-..  Parable  of  the  sower.     Matt.  13:1-23. 

16-18.  Candle  under  a  bushel.     Mark  4:21-25. 

lli--.;i.  Christ's  brethren.     Matt.  12:46-,')0. 

22-25.  The  tempest  on  the  sea  of  Gennesaret  stilled. 
Matt.  8:2.'!-27. 

26-39.  Tliu  legion  of  devils.     Matt.  8:28-34. 

1159 


Legion  of  devils  cast  out. 


LUKE  VIII. 


Jairus'  daughter  raised. 


28  When  he  saw  Jesus,  he  cried  out,  and  fell 
down  before  him,  and  with  a  loud  voice  said,  What 
have  I  to  do  witli  tliee,  Jesus,  t/iou  .Son  of  God 
most  high  ?   I  beseech  thee,  torment  me  not.'' 

29  (For  he  had  commanded  the  unclean  spirit 
to  come  out  of  the  man.  For  oftentimes  it  iiad 
cauglit  him:  and  he  was  kept  l)ound  with  chains 
anil  in  fetters;  and  he  brake  tlie  bands,  and  was 
driven  of  the  devil  into  the  wilderness.) 

30  And  Jesus  asked  him,  saying.  What  is  thy 
name?  And  he  said,  Legion:  "because  many  dev- 
ils were  entered  into  him. 

31  And  they  besought  him  that  he  would  not 
command  them  to  go  out  into  the  deep.*" 

32  And  there  was  there  a  herd  of  many  swine 
feeding  on  the  mountain:  and  they  besought  liim 
that  he  would  suffer  them  to  enter  into  them. 
And  he  suffered  them. 

33  Then  went  the  devils  out  of  the  man,  and 
entered  into  the  swine:  and  the  herd  ran  vio- 
lently down  a  steep  place  into  the  lake,  and  were 
choked. 

3-i  Wiien  they  tliat  fed  them  saw  wiiat  was  done, 
they  fled,"  and  went  and  told  it  in  the  city  and  in 
the  country. 

35  Then  they  went  out  to  see  what  was  done ; 
and  came  to  Jesus,  and  found  the  man  out  of  whom 
tlic  devils  were  departed,  sitting  at  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  clothed,  and  in  his  riglit  mind:''  and  they 
were  afraid. 

3tj  Tliey  also  wliich  saw  it,  told  them  by  what 
means  he  that  was  possessed  of  the  devils  was 
healed. 

37  Then  the  wliole  multitude  of  the  country  of 
the  Gadarencs  round  aljout  besought  him  to  de- 
part from  them;''  for  they  were  taken  with  great 
fear:  and  he  went  up  into  the  ship,  and  returned 
back  again. 

38  Now  the  man  out  of  whom  the  devils  were  de- 
parted, besought  liira  that  he  might  be  with  him:' 
but  Jesus  sent  him  away,  saying, 

39  Return  to  thine  own  house,"  and  show  how 
great  things  God  hath  done  unto  thee.''  And  he 
went  his  way,  and  published  throughout  the  whole 
city  how  great  things  Jesus  hail  done  unto  him. 

40  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Jesus  was  re- 
turned, the  jK'oplc  i^ladhj  received  him;  for  they 
were  all  waiting  for  him. 

•  I«a.  ir?:!;  Jm.  a:llP;  Rev.  2U:I0.  ^TUi.-Di:-].  «  Aclj  19:10,  17.  ■!  P.a. 
.'>I:1U.  •  Act!  10:30.  f  Dout.  IO:'JO,  41;  P«a.  118:14,  10.  (  1  Tim.  5:H. 
Ii  Ph.  120:4,  3.  I  Mitt.  9:18,  etc.;  M»rlc  5:44,  etc.  J  2  Chr.  10:14;  Job 
13:4;  1«».  55:4.      k  Mitt.  B:3;  4U:34;  ch.  13:1.).      I  ch.  0:19;  I  Pet.  4:U. 


•10-56.  Jairus'  daughter,  and  the  woman  with  an  issue  of 
blood.     Matt.  9:18-4:J. 

4.1.  Wtio  touched  meJ  said  not  for  his  own  8;ikc,  Vmt  to 
draw  out  the  woman  from  liur  jirivacy,  and  bring  her  to 
an  open  acknowledgment  of  liim. 

47.  Cametreml>ling ;  slie  liad  obtained  healing  from  .lomis 
in  a  stealthy  way;  and  for  tlii.s  shi'  feared  liis  rebuke. 
INSTItUCTION'.'^. 

2.  The  gospel  raises  women  from  tlic  deep  degradation 
of  being  the  slaves,  to  tlic  privili'ge  and  lionor  of  being  the 
companions  and  most  valued  friends  of  men;  and  often  to 
be  tlie  most  devoted,  self-denying,  and  useful  followers  of 
the  JjOrd  .Ichuh. 

10.  The  manner   in  which  tlie   Siiviour  communicatcH 
instruction  is  suited  to  impart  knowledge  to  those  who 
desire  it,  who  seek  for  it  as  men  seek  for  silver,  and 
1160 


41  If  xVnd  behold,  there  came  a  man  named  a.  d.  si. 
Jairus,  and  he  was  a  ruler  of  the  synagogue ;'  and 
he  fell  down  at  Jesus'  feet,  and  besought  him  that 
lie  would  come  into  his  house : 

42  For  he  had  one  only  daughter,  about  twelve 
years  of  age,  and  she  lay  a  dying.  But  as  he  went 
the  people  thronged  him. 

43  'i  And  a  woman  having  an  issue  of  blood 
twelve  years,  wliich  had  spent  all  her  living  upon 
pliysicians,J  neither  could  be  healed  of  any, 

44  Came  behind  /mn,  and  touched  the  border  of 
his  garment;  and  immediately  her  issue  of  blood 
stanched.'' 

45  And  Jesus  said.  Who  touched  me  ?  When  all 
denied,  Peter  and  they  that  were  with  him  said, 
Master,  the  multitude  tlirong  thee  and  press  t/iee, 
and  sayest  thou,  Wiio  touched  me? 

46  And  Jesus  said.  Somebody  hath  touclied  me; 
for  I  perceive  that  virtue  is  gone  out  of  me.' 

47  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  she  was  not 
hid,""  she  came  trembling,"  and  falling  down  before 
him,  she  declared  unto  him  belbre  all  the  people 
for  what  cause  she  had  touched  him,  and  how  she 
was  healed  immediately. 

48  And  he  said  unto  her.  Daughter,  be  of  good 
comfort:  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole;  go  in 
peace. 

49  1[  While  he  yet  spake,  there  cometh  one  from 
the  ruler  of  the  synagogue's  house"  saying  to 
him.  Thy  daughter  is  dead ;  trouble  not  tiie  Mas- 
ter." 

50  But  when  Jesus  heard  //,  he  answered  him, 
saying.  Fear  not;  believe  only,''  and  she  shall  be 
made  wlude. 

51  And  when  he  came  into  the  house,  he  suffered 
no  man  to  go  in,  save  Peter,  and  James,  and  John, 
and  the  father  and  the  mother  of  the  maiden. 

52  And  all  wept,  and  bewailed  her:  but  lie  said, 
Weep  not;  she  is  not  dead,  but  slcejieth.' 

53  And  they  laughed  him  to  scorn,'  knowing 
that  she  was  dead. 

54  And  he  put  them  all  out,  and  took  her  by  the 
hand,  and  called,  saying.  Maid,  arise.' 

55  And  her  spirit  came  again,  and  she  arose 
straightway  :  and  he  commamled  to  give  her  meat. 

5(i  Anil  iicr  parents  were  astonished:  but  ho 
diargcd  them  that  they  should  tell  no  man  what 
was  done." 


m   P»a 

38'!l 

Ho> 

r,n.    n  1,1 

00:4;  Ho« 

13:1  ; 

Acta 

10 

49.    o 

ver. 

41, 

44. 

I'  Malt 

9:4:) 

etc. 

Mark  .5:35, 

eto. 

q  John 

11:45 

;  Horn 

.4 

17.    r 

John 

11 

11 

I.X     ■ 

P.!.  44:7; 

«h.  10:14. 

1  ch 

7:14; 

John 

11:43. 

Matt 

S:4 

9:30; 

Mark  5 

:43. 

search  for  it  as  they  do  for  hidden  treasures ;  while  those 
who  despise  it,  he  leaves  in  ignoranec,  darkness,  degrada- 
tion, and  deiitli. 

21.  None  are  so  neiir  to  .lesus  Christ  ;i8  those  who  hear 
the  word  of  (lod  and  do  it.  The  union  between  him  and 
them  will  live  when  all  other  ties  are  Kuiiilered,  and  will 
grow  more  intimate  ami  delightful  for  ever. 

2;').  lielievers,  nntwilliHUindiiig  their  union  to  Christ  and 
his  dee)!  interest  in  tlicir  wclf;iii-,  nuiy  nevtrthelcss  be  in 
great  danger ;  and  nothing  will  keep  tliiiii  from  torment- 
ing fears,  but  living  and  li:ibitiial  faith  in  liini. 

:i7.  Those  who  regard  Iho  posHessioii  and  security  of 
pro|)erty  more  than  tlie  ]Ji<seiiee  and  favor  of  I'lirist,  de- 
prive themselves  of  ineHlim;ible  blessings  ;  and  never, 
without  a  great  change,  can  they  be  prepared  for,  or  be- 
come partakers  of,  the  bliss  of  heaven. 


The  apostles  sent  forth. 


LUKE  IX. 


Christ's  transfiguration. 


CHAPTER  IX 


1  Christ  senJeth  his  apostles  to  work  miracles,  and  to  preach.  7  Herod 
desired  to  see  Christ.  17  Christ  feedeth  live  thousand;  18  inquireth 
what  opinion  the  world  had  of  him;  foretelleth  his  passion;  'J3  pro- 
poseth  to  all  the  pattern  of  his  patience.  28  The  transfiguration.  37 
He  healeth  the  lunatic;  43  again  forewarneth  his  disciples  ol  his  pas- 
sion; 46  commendeth  humility;  51  biddeth  them  to  show  mildness 
towards  all,  without  desire  of  revenge.  57  Divers  would  follow  him, 
but  upon  conditions. 

f'T^HEN  he  called  his  twelve  disciples  together, 
X   and  gave  them  power  and  authority  over  all 
devils,  and  to  cure  diseases." 

2  And  he  sent  them  to  preach  the  kingdom  of 
God,  and  to  heal  the  sick. 

3  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  nothing  for  your 
journey,  neither  staves,  nor  scrip,  neither  bread, 
neither  money ;"  neither  have  two  coats  apiece. 

4  And  whatsoever  house  ye  enter  into,  there 
abide,  and  thence  depart. 

5  And  whosoever  will  not  receive  you,  when  ye 
go  out  of  that  city,  shake  off  the  very  dust  from 
your  feet  for  a  testimony  against  them.'= 

6  And  they  departed,  and  went  through  the 
towns,  preaching  the  gospel,  and  healing  every- 
where. 

7  1  Now  Herod  the  tetrarch  heard  of  all  that 
was  done  by  him :  and  he  was  perplexed,  because 
that  it  was  said  of  some,  that  John  was  risen  from 
the  dead;* 

8  And  of  some,  that  Elias  had  appeared ;  and  of 
otliers,  that  one  of  the  old  prophets  was  risen  again. 

9  And  Herod  said,  John  have  I  beheaded :  but 
who  is  this,  of  whom  I  hear  such  things?  And  he 
desired  to  see  hiin.° 

10  ^  And  the  apostles,  when  they  wore  returned, 
told  him  all  that  they  had  done.  And  he  took 
them,  and  went  aside  privately  into  a  desert  place 
belonging  to  the  city  called  Bethsaida. 

11  And  the  people,  when  they  knew  iff  followed 
him  :  and  he  received  them,'-'  and  s])ake  unto  them 
of  the  kingdom  of  God,''  and  healed  them  that  had 
need  of  healing.' 

12  And  when  the  day  began  to  wear  away,  then 
came  the  twelve,  and  said  unto  him,  Send  the  mul- 
titude away,  that  they  may  go  into  the  towns  and 
country  round  about,  and  lodge,  and  get  victuals  ;' 
for  we  arc  here  in  a  desert  place.'' 

1.3  But  he  said  unto  them,  Give  ye  them  to  eat. 
And  they  said.  We  have  no  more  but  five  loaves 
and  two  fishes  ;  except  we  should  go  and  buy  meat 
for  all  this  people. 

14  For  they  were  about  five  thousand  men.  And 
he  said  to  his  disciples,  Make  them  sit  down  by 
fifties  in  a  company.' 


»  Matt.  10:1,  etc.;  Mark  3:13,  etc.;  6:7,  etc.  b  ch.  10:4,  etc.;  i'2:ii. 
'  Neh.5:13;  Aols  13:51;  IS;6.  d  Matt.  14:1,  etc.;  Mark  6:14,  etc.  '  ch. 
•23:-<.  '  Rom.  10:14,  17.  e  John  6:37.  h  Acts  28:31.  i  ch.  1  :.W;  5:31  ; 
Heb.  4:16.  j  Matt.  14:1.5,  etc.;  Mark  6:3.5,  etc.;  John  6:.5,  etc.  k  Psa. 
7=:19,  20;  Ezek.:)4:a5;  Ho3.  13:5.    11  Cor.  14:40.     m  Psa.  107:9.     ■>  Matl. 


43.  Tliat  faith  in  Christ  which  works  by  love  leads  those 
will)  have  it  to  apply  to  him  for  wliat  they  need.  And 
tliDiigh  tlicir  case,  in  the  view  of  men,  may  be  hopeless, 
in  the  Saviour  they  will  find  sure  and  all-sufficient  aid. 

CHAI'TER  IX. 

1-1).  Twelve  apostles  sent  out.     Matt.  10:1-42. 

7-9.  Herod  desires  to  see  Christ.     Matt.  14:1,  2. 

10-17.  Five  thousand  fed.     Matt.  14:  i:{-21. 

10.   Went  aside  privately;  he  went  by  ship.  Matt.  14:13; 


15  And  they  did  so,  and  made  them  all  sit  down. 

16  Then  he  took  the  five  loaves  and  the  two 
fishes,  and  looking  up  to  heaven,  he  blessed  them, 
and  brake,  and  gave  to  the  disciples  to  set  before 
the  multitude. 

17  And  they  did  eat,  and  were  all  filled:'"  and 
there  was  taken  up  of  fragments  that  remained  to 
them  twelve  baskets. 

IS  II  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  alone  pray- 
ing, his  disciples  were  with  him;  and  he  asked 
them,  saying,  Whom  say  the  people  that  I  am  ?" 

19  They  answering  said,  John  the  Baptist;  but 
some  say,  Elias ;  and  others  say,  that  one  of  the 
old  prophets  is  risen  again." 

20  He  said  unto  them.  But  whom  say  ye  that  I 
am  ?    Peter  answering  said.  The  Christ  of  God.'' 

21  And  he  straitly  chai-gcd  them,  and  command- 
ed them  to  tell  no  man  that  thing ; 

22  Saying,  The  Son  of  man  must  suffer  many 
things,  and  bo  rejected  of  the  elders  and  chief 
priests  and  scribes,  and  be  slain,  and  be  raised 
the  third  day." 

23  %  And  he  said  to  t/iem  all,  If  any  mari  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up 
his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me."' 

24  For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it: 
but  whosoever  will  lose  his  life  for  my  sake,  the 
same  shall  save  it. 

25  For  what  is  a  man  advantaged,  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lose  himself,  or  be  cast  away  ? 

26  For  whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  mc  and 
of  my  words,  of  him  shall  the  Son  of  man  be 
ashamed,  when  he  shall  come  in  his  own  glory, 
and  ill  his  Father's,  and  of  the  holy  angels.^ 

27  But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  there  be  some  stand- 
ing here  which  shall  not  taste  of  death  till  they 
see  the  kingdom  of  God.' 

28  T  And  it  came  to  pass  about  an  eight  days 
after  these  sayings,"  he  took  Peter  and  John  and 
James,  and  went  up  into  a  mountain  to  pray." 

29  And  as  he  prayed,  the  fashion  of  his  counte- 
nance was  altered,  and  his  raiment  was  white  and 
glistering. 

30  And  behold,  there  talked  with  him  two  men, 
wliich  were  Moses  and  Elias : 

31  Who  appeared  in  glory,  and  spake  of  his  de- 
cease which  he  should  accomplish  at  Jerusalem. 

32  But  Peter  and  they  that  were  with  him  were 
heavy  with  sleep:''  and  when  they  were  awake, 
they  saw  his  glory,"'  and  the  two  men  that  stood 
with  him. 

33  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  departed  from 


16:13,  etc.;  Mark  8:27,  etc.  o  Matt.  14:3;  ver.  7.  8.  p  John  6:60.  ■!  Matt. 
16:-)1;  17:22.  r  Matt.  10:;!4;  10:24;  Mark  S::i4;  ch.  14  27;  llnm.  8:13; 
Col.  3:5.  •  Matt.  10:33;  Mark  S::j8;  2  Ti)n.  2:12.  t  Matt.  1U:2h;  Mark 
9:1;  John  S:.52;  Heb.  2:'J.  'Or, things.  "  Matt.  17: 1,  etc. ;  Mark  !1:2,  etc. 
»Dan.  8:18;  10:9.     "John  1:14. 

Mark  6:32;  John  G:l.  licthxnida;  there  were  two  phices 
of  this  name.  That  best  known  wa.i  on  the  western  sido 
of  the  sea  of  fialilee.  The  other  was  on  the  northern  shore 
of  the  same  lake  ;  and  to  that  the  present  passage  refers. 

18-21.  Peter  ei)nfeH.se.s  Christ.     Matt.  Ifi:  13-20. 

22-27.  Christ  foretells  liis  death.     Matt.  l(;:21-28. 

28-30.  The  transfiguration  of  Christ.  .Matthew  17:1-9; 
.Mark  9:2-10. 

31.  His  decease;  literally,  departure,  meaning  his  death. 

32.  Were  lieavy  with  steep;  the  transfiguration  seems  to 

1161 


An  unclean  spirit  cast  out. 


LUKE  IX. 


IIuic  lu  follow  Christ. 


him,  Peter  said  unto  Jesu?,  Master,  it  is  good  for 
us  to  be  here:"  and  let  us  make  three  tabernacles: 
one  for  tliee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias : 
not  knowing  what  he  said.'' 

;54  Wlule  he  tlms  spake,  there  came  a  cloud,  and 
overshadowed  tlicm :  and  they  feared  as  they  en- 
tered into  the  cloud. 

35  And  there  came  a  voice  out  of  the  cloud,  say- 
ing, This  is  my  beloved  ^ow."  hear  him.* 

80  And  Avhen  the  voice  was  past,  Jesus  was 
found  alone.  And  they  kept  if  close,  and  told  no 
man  in  those  days  any  of  those  things  which  they 
had  seen.'' 

37  1l  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the  next  day, 
•when  they  were  come  down  from  the  hill,  much 
people  met  him.' 

38  And  behold,  a  man  of  the  company  cried  out, 
saying,  Master,  I  beseech  thee,  look  upon  my  son; 
for  he  is  mine  only  child.'' 

31)  And  lo,  a  spirit  takcth  him,  and  he  sudilenly 
criethout ;  andittearellj  him  thai  he  fnaineth  again, 
and  bruising  him.  hardly  dcpartelli  fnjm  him. 

40  And  I  besought  thy  disciples  to  cast  him  out ; 
and  they  could  not."* 

41  And  Jesus  answering  said,  0  faithless  and 
perverse  generation,'  how  long  shall  I  be  with 
yon,  and  suffer  you?-'    Bring  thy  son  hither. 

42  And  as  ho  was  yet  a  coming,  the  devil  threw 
Iiim  down,  and  tare  him.  And  .Jesus  rebuked  the 
unclean  s))irit,''  and  iu-aled  tlie  child,  and  delivered 
him  again  to  his  father. 

4^5  '  And  they  were  all  amazed  atthe  mightypow- 
er  of  Go  1.'  But  while  they  wondered  every  one  at 
all  things  which  Jesus  did,  he  said  unto  his  disciples, 

44  IjCt  these  sayings  sink  down  into  your  ears: 
for  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  delivered  into  the 
bands  of  men.'" 

4.5  But  thi'v  understood  not  this  saying,  and  it 
•was  hid  from  them,  that  they  perceived  it  not: 
and  they  feared  to  a.sk  him  of  that  saying." 

40  If  Then  there  arose  a  reasoning  among  them, 
whicii  of  them  should  lie  greatest." 

47  And  Jesus.  ]iereeiving  the  thought  of  their 
heart,  took  a  child,  and  set  him  by  him, 

•  Pil.  -n-.i;  7.1:W.  b  Mark  10:38.  «  Matt.  .1:17;  2  Pet.  1:17,  18.  <!  D.>ut. 
IS:!.'),  Act«.'}:2a.  eEccl.3:7.  '  Malt.  17;  II,  oto. ;  Mark  0:17,  etc.  »  Zech. 
1->:IIJ.  h  AoUl9:l3-lfl.  I  Doiit.  32:5;  P<a.  7M:8.  )  John  a0:27;  Heb.  •I:a. 
k  Mark  l:-.'7.     1  Pm.  139:14;  Zech.  8:0.     m  S  Sam.  2I:M;  Malt.   17:22. 


have  tiiken  place  in  the  night  season,  which  will  explain  the 
Btatcment  of  vor.  '.M,  that  they  came  down  from  llio  mount 
on  tlic  next  ihiy.  While  the  Saviour  was  en^ra^eil  in  |ii;iyer, 
tliey  slept;  but  they  were  awaked  to  lnhuld  his  glory. 

?il-AVi.  Lunatic  healed.     Matt.  17:M-:il. 

4t.  T/icse  .lai/infr^;  the  words  of  Jesns  Christ,  especially 
■with  regard  to  his  death,  which  would  shortly  t:d<i'  jilicc. 

i't.  Unilerxinml  niil ;  they  expected  the  Havioiir  would  he 
a  great  worldly  couqiieror, and  live  for  ever;  and  they  did 
not  understand  how  it  could  be  that  he  would  die. 

4C-.00.  Who  should  be  greatest.     Matt.  lS:l-r.. 

61.  Received  up;  into  heaven.  Sleu(lfa.<!l/ij  set  lii-i  fate; 
rcsrdutely  determined  to  go. 

'it.  iSe/it  mesfeiiprr.s;  in  the  original  it  is  angels,  which 
showM  the  manner  in  which  this  word  angels  is  sometimes 
used  in  the  liible,  meaning  piTsons  who  are  sent.  Make 
really;  provide  lodging  and  refrcKhment. 

.53.  llm  fare  wn.t;  they  saw  th;it  his  purpose  w.is  lo  go 
to  Jcrusalcra,  and  as  they  were  great  enemies  to  the  Jews, 
to  whom  ho  was  going,  they  would  not  entertain  him. 
1162 


48  And  said  unto  them,  Whosoever  shall  a.  d.si. 
receive  this  child  in  my  name,  receiveth  me:  and 
whosoever  shall  receive  mo,  rec(>iveth  him  that 
sent  me:''  for  he  that  is  least  among  you  all,  the 
same  shall  be  great.'' 

49  H  And  John  answered  and  said.  Master,  we 
saw  one  casting  out  devils  in  thy  name;''  and  we 
forbade  him,  because  he  followeth  not  with  us. 

50  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Forbid  him  not :  for 
he  that  is  not  against  us  is  for  us.'' 

51  lAnd  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  time  was 
come  that  he  should  be  received  up,'  he  steadfastly 
set  his  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem, 

52  And  sent  messengers  before  his  face:  and  they 
went,  and  entered  into  a  village  of  the  Samaritans," 
to  make  ready  for  him. 

53  And  they  did  not  receive  him,  because  his 
face  was  as  though  ho  would  go  to  Jerusalem. 

54  And  when  his  disciples  James  and  John  saw 
this,  they  said,  Loi'd,  wilt  thou  tliat  we  command 
lire  to  come  down  from  heaven,  and  consume  them, 
even  as  Elias  did  '."' 

55  But  he  turned,  and  rebuked  them,  and  said, 
Ye  know  not  what  manner  of  sjjirit  ye  are  of. 

56  For  the  Son  of  man  is  not  come  to  destroy 
men's  lives,  but  to  save  them.''''  And  they  went  to 
another  village. 

57  'l  And  it  came  to  jiass,  that  as  they  went  in 
the  way,  a  certain  man  said  unto  him,  Lord,  1  will 
follow  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest.'^ 

58  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Foxes  have  holes, 
and  birds  of  the  air  have  nests;  but  the  Son  of 
man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head. 

5!)  And  he  said  unto  another.  Follow  me.  But 
he  said.  Lord,  sufl'er  me  first  to  go  and  bury  my 
father.-^' 

Oil  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Let  the  dead  liury  their 
dead  ;  but  go  thou  and  jjreach  the  kingdom  ol'tiod. 

01  And  another  also  said.  Lord,  1  will  I'ollow 
thee ;  but  let  me  first  go  bid  them  farewell  which 
are  at  home  at  my  house. 

02  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  No  man,  having  put 
his  hand  to  the  ])lough,  and  looking  back,  is  fit 
for  the  kiiiy-dom  of  God. 


".Mark  0:32 

ch.  •• 

:.W; 

1S:34.     oMalt. 

16:1. 

elo. 

;  Mark  0:31.  etc. 

P  Matt. 

1U:40;  John 

12:44 

13 

2(1. 

q  Matt.  23: 

1,12 

ch 

14:11.     rNum, 

11:27-29 

■  Mall.  12:30;  ch. 

10:13. 

1  Mark  1«:U 

;  Ada  1 : 

i.    «  John  4:4. 

»  2  King. 

1:10,12.    »• 

John 

1:17 

12 

47.     «  Mnll. 

H:lil 

clo 

y  1  Kings  19: 2C 

.54.  Saw  this;  saw  that  the  Pamaritaiis  would  not  enter- 
tain Christ.     Elias;  Elijah.     2  Kings  1:10-12. 

fi2.  Iliivitiji  put  his  lianil  In  Ihr  phiin^li,  null  lonhiiif;  hark; 
the  husbaiiilinaii  who  puts  his  hands  to  the  )iloMgh  Miust 
keep  them,  and  his  eyes  too,  fixed  upon  it.  If  he  hjoks 
back,  as  for  examjile  to  converse  with  those  behind  liiin, 
his  work  will  be  ]ioorly  done.  The  .'Syrian  jiloiigh,  being 
light,  refpiired  the  weight  of  the  ploughman's  body  on  it 
to  keep  it  in  the  furrow.  If  he  looked  oil',  it  would  start 
aside.  So  he  who  would  be  a  worthy  servant  of  Christ 
must  give  Him  his  whole  heart  and  his  whole  time.  J''it 
for  llie  kiiipiimn  of  (iod ;  lit  for  the  iniiiislry  of  Christ's  gos- 
pel in  his  kingdom.  Such  was  ]dairily  Ihe  originiil  iijipli- 
cation  of  Ihese  words,  lint  they  apply  with  ecpud  I'cirie 
to  every  kind  of  servii-e  which  CIhIhI  ncpiires.  No  man 
I  who  is  not  ready  to  le;iv(iill  when  Chrinl  calls,  is  prepared 
to  serve  him  on  earth,  or  eiij(]y  him  in  heaven. 
IN'S'I'KCCTION.S. 

1.  The  ]iower  and  iuithority  of  ministers  to  preach  the 
gospel  and  administer  its  ordinances,  come  from  Jesus 


The  seventy  sent  forth. 


LUKE  X. 


Their  instructions  and  return. 


CHAPTER  X. 


1  Christ  seiideth  out  at  once  seventy  disciples  to  work  miracles,  and  to 

preach;  17  aJiiiunislieth  them  to  be  humble,  and  wherein  to  rejoice; 

21  than'teth  his  Father  for  hisj^race;  23  luagnitielh  the  happy  estate 
■     of  his  church;  20  teacheth  the  lawyer  how  to  attain  eternal  life,  and 

to  take  every  one  for  his  neijjiibor  that  needeth  his  mercy;  41  repre- 

hendeth  Martha,  and  cominendeth  Mary  her  sister. 

AFTER  these  things  tlie  Lord  appointed  other 
sovciity  also,  and  sent  them  two  and  two 
befirc  his  face  into  every  city  and  phace,  whither 
he  Iiiinself  would  come.'' 

2  Therefore  said  he  unto  them,  The  harvest  truly 
is  great,*"  but  the  laborers  are  few  •.'^  pray  ye  there- 
fore the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  would  send 
forth  laborers  into  his  harvest. 

3  Go  your  ways:  behold,  I  send  you  forth  as 
lambs  among  wolves. 

4  Carry  nei  ther  purse,  nor  scrip,  nor  shoes ;''  and 
salute  no  man  by  the  way." 

5  And  into  whatsoever  house  ye  enter,  first  say, 
Peace  be  to  this  house. 

6  And  if  the  son  of  peace  be  there,''  your  peace 
shall  rest  upon  it:°'  if  not,  it  shall  turn  to  you 
again. 

7  And  in  the  same  house  remain,  eating  and 
drinking  such  things  as  they  give:  for  the  laborer 
is  worthy  of  his  hire.''  Go  not  from  house  to 
house.' 

8  And  into  whatsoever  city  ye  enter,  and  they 
receive  you,  eat  such  things  as  are  set  before 
you:^ 

9  And  heal  the  sick  that  are  therein,  and  say 


«  Matt.  Ill;l,  etc. ;  .Mark  IJ:7 

etc.     1' .Malt.  <);:I7:  Jciliii  ■!;  I.>.    »  1  Unr.  .i: !i ; 

1  Tim.  5:17,     <i  ch.  9:3.  etc. 
'  Ifi    0:(i.      S  2  Thess.  3:10 

e  lien.  84:3:),  58;  2  Kings  i:X)\  Prov.  1:2.5. 

Ja^.  3:1H,      h    1  Cor.    9:1-Ul   1   Tim.    5:1S. 

ilTim.  5:1.'^    J  1  Cor.  10:27. 

»  Matt.  3:2      1  eh.  9:.5.     m  Matt.  1 1  :-JI,  etc. 

Christ.  On  him  they  are  dependent,  and  to  him  they 
should  look  for  sncce.S8  in  their  work. 

9.  None  are  so  high  in  authority  or  power  as  to  be  above 
the  upbraidings  of  conscience  ;  and  none  continue  so  long, 
or  sink  so  low  in  wickedness,  as  permanently  to  stifle  its 
voice.  It  may  for  a  time  appear  to  slumber,  and  then  tiwake 
to  whisper  vengeance,  or  utter  thunder-tones  of  wrath. 

13.  The  inexhaustible  fulness  and  all-sufficiency  of  the 
Saviour  lay  a  permanent  foundation  for  the  peace  and 
quietness  of  all  who  trust  in  him ;  and  though  destitute 
of  resources  in  themselves,  they  may  always  find  in  him 
unfailing  supplies. 

23.  To  deny  one's  self  some  things  for  the  sake  of  ob- 
taining others  more  valuable,  instead  of  lessening,  greatly 
increases  enjoyment.  This,  to  be  a  follower  of  Christ,  a 
person  must  do  daily,  and  thus  be  daily  promoting  his 
highest  good. 

3.S.  When  disease  fastens  on  a  child,  and  all  human  aid 
fails,  the  ])rivilege  of  applying  to  Christ  witli  the  assurance 
of  his  ability  to  help,  is  a  blessing  whii.-li  awakens  the 
gratitude,  and  will  for  ever  call  forth  the  praises  of  every 
piotis  parent. 

.'"il.  .lesus  Christ,  when  the  time  had  come,  was  no  less 
intent  upon  dying  at  Jerusalem  than  the  Jews  were  (Ui 
jinlliug  him  to  ileath.  Their  object  was  to  show  that  he 
was  nut  the  Mcssi:vh,and  thus  to  prevent  the  people  from 
receiving  him.  His  object  was  to  die  for  their  sins  and 
the  sins  of  the  world;  to  show,  with  absolnte  certainty, 
that  he  was  tlio  Messiah,  and  lead  uninmdiered  millions 
to  believe  in  him,  experience  his  salvation,  and  eternally 
adore  him.  Hence,  before  the  time  had  come,  he  woidd 
not  commit  himself  to  them,  and  after  it  had  come,  he 
would  let  nothing  hinder  him  from  doing  it. 

GO.  The  claims  of  Jesus  Christ  to  immediate  and  unre- 
served obedience  are  supreme  ;  and  no  earthly  connections 
or  engagements  can  justify  any  in  delaying  to  give  him 
the  homage  of  their  hearts  and  the  service  of  their  lives. 


unto  them,  The  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh 
unto  you.'' 

10  But  into  whatsoever  city  ye  enter,  and  they 
receive  you  not.  go  your  ways  out  into  the  streets 
of  the  same,  and  say, 

11  Even  the  very  dust  of  your  city,  which  cleav- 
eth  on  us,  we  do  wipe  ofi"  against  you:'  notwith- 
standing, be  ye  sure  of  this,  that  the  kingdom  of 
God  is  come  nigh  unto  you. 

12  But  I  say  unto  yon,  that  it  shall  be  more  tol- 
erable in  that  day  for  Sodom,  than  for  that  city. 

13  1  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin!  woe  unto  thee, 
Bethsaida !'"  for  if  the  mighty  works  had  been  done 
in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  which  have  been  done  in  you, 
they  had  a  great  while  ago  repented,  sitting  in 
sackcloth  and  ashes." 

14  But  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Tyre  and 
Sidon  at  the  judgment,  than  for  you. 

15  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  exalted  to 
heaven."  shalt  be  thrust  down  to  hell.'' 

16  He  that  hcaretli  you,  heareth  me;i  and  he 
that  despiseth  you,  des])iseth  me;''  and  he  that 
despisefh  me,  despiseth  him  that  sent  me.^ 

17  1  And  the  seventy  returned  again  with  joy, 
saying.  Lord,  even  the  devils  are  subject  unto  us 
through  thy  name. 

18  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  beheld  Satan  as 
lightning  fall  from  heaven.' 

19  Behold,  I  give  unto  you  power  to  tread  on  ser- 
pents and  scorpions,"  and  over  all  the  power  of  the 
enemy  :  and  nothing  shall  by  any  means  hurt  you. 


n  Ezek.  3:(i.  o  Isa  14:13-1  i;  Jer.  :3):.)3;  Amos  !l;2.  3.  p  Kzek.  2.:2  ; 
31:18.  q  John  13:20.  r  Acts  5:4.  'John  5:23.  I  Rev.  12:S,  9.  u  Mark 
10:18;  Acts  28:5. 


CHAPTER  X. 

1.  Other  seventy;  in  addition  to  the  twelve  whom  he  bad 
before  appointee!.  Chap.  9:1,2.  Into  cvcrij  city  and  place; 
in  order  to  prepare  the  people  for  his  coining. 

2.  The  harvest;  the  need  and  opportunity  of  preaching 
the  gospel.     Laborers;  preachers.     Matt.  9:30-38. 

3.  Lambs  among  wolves  ;  Matt.  10:16. 

4.  Purse — scrip ;  Matt.  10:9, 10.  Salute  no  man ;  the  mode 
of  salutation  then  was  more  formal  than  now.  He  wmild 
not  have  them  hindered  by  giving  or  receiving  salutations, 
but  would  have  them  proceed  directly  to  their  work. 

5-16.  Instruction  to  the  seventy  disciples.  Matthew 
10:11-15,  40;  11:20-21. 

G.  Son  of  peace  be  there;  a  man  of  a  peaceful  siiirit,  who 
will  kindly  receive  you,  and  to  whom  you  may  give  the 
blessing  of  God's  peace. 

9.  The  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh  unto  you;  the  oppor- 
tunity is  given  to  embrace  the  Messiah  and  experience  his 
salvation. 

17.  Subject  vnto  us  through  thy  name;  when,  in  reliance  on 
thee,  we  command  them  to  come  out,  they  obey. 

18.  I  beheld  Satan— fall  from  heaven;  the  casting  of  Sattxn 
from  heaven — ]irobably  with  allusion  to  his  original  f;dl 
from  heaven — means  casting  him  tnit  of  his  power  over 
this  world.  Comjiare  Kev.  12:7-9.  This  the  Savitnir  saw 
from  eternity  in  its  begiiuiing  and  completion.  Every  time 
that  he  encountered  h'atan,  he  overcame  him  ;  and  the  (list- 
ing out  of  devils  in  his  name  was  a  sign  ami  idedgc  that 
Satan,  the  prince  of  devils,  shall,  through  the  progress  of 
His  gospel,  be  fnially  east  out  of  all  his  power  over  this 
world. 

19.  To  tread  on  serpents  and  scnrpinn.i;  to  tread  on  litertd 
serpents  and  scorpions  without  harm,  and  to  overcoiiio 
wicked  men,  who  are  like  serpents  and  scorpions  in  char- 
acter. Nothing  shall  by  am/  nirans  hurt  yon;  the  chief 
reference  of  these  wortls  is  to  the  spiritual  victory  which 

1163 


Christ  rejoiceth  in  spirit. 


LUKE  X. 


The  good  Samaritan. 


20  Notwithstandinf^,  in  this  rejoice  not,  that  the 
spirits  are  subject  unto  you ;  but  rather  rejoice, 
because  your  names  are  written  in  iieaven." 

21  IT  In  that  hour  Jesus  rejoiced  in  spirit,  and 
said,  I  thanlv  thee,  0  Fatlier,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  that  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  tlie 
wiso  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto 
babes:  even  so,  Father ;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in 
thy  sight. 

22  *A11  things  are  delivered  to  me  of  my  Father :'' 
and  no  man  knovreth  who  the  Son  is,  but  the  Fa- 
ther ;  and  who  the  Father  is,  but  the  Son,  and  he 
to  whom  the  Son  will  reveal  him.'' 

23  1i  And  he  turned  him  unto  his  disciples,  and 
said  privately.  Blessed  are  the  eyes  which  see  the 
tilings  that  ye  see: 

24  For  I  tell  you,  that  many  prophets  and  kings 
have  desired  to  see  those  things  whicli  ye  see,  and 
have  not  seen  them;  and  to  hear  those  things 
which  ye  hear,  and  have  not  heard  thcm.^ 

25  II  And  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood  up,  and 
tempted  iiim,  saying.  Master,  what  shall  I  do  to 
inherit  eternal  life?'' 

26  He  said  unto  him,  Wliat  is  written  in  the 
law  ?  how  readest  thou  ? 

27  And  he  answering  said.  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  witii  all  thy 
mind:''  and  tiiy  neighbor  as  thyself>' 

28  And  lie  said  unto  him,  Tiiou  hast  answered 
right;  this  do,  and  thou  shalt  live.'' 

2!)  But  he,  willing  to  justify  himself,'  said  unto 
Jesus,  And  who  is  my  neiglibor?^ 

31)  And  Jesus  answering  said,  A  certain  man 
went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho,  and  fell 
annHig  thieves,  which  stripped  him  of  liis  rainiciil, 
and  wounded  him,  and  departed,  leaving  him  half 
dead. 


•  Eiod.  :H:M;  P«i.  U'J:-i^;  Ui.  4:3;  lUn.  I;!:l;  I'lul.  -1:3;  lleb.  l-J:-il; 
R«».  13:8,  l!U:l.J;  21:27.  •  Minr  ancient  copips  add,  And  turning  to  his 
ditriplts.kt  taiil.  1>  Matt.  2'*:  H ;  John  3:35.  c  John  6:44,  ■l(i.  illPct.l:U). 
e  Act.  1(1:30,  31;  Gal  3:  IH.  '  Dcut.  0:5.  rLcv.l9:lK.  h  Lev.  lt!:5;  Neh. 
9:29;  Ezelc.  2I):11,  21  ;  Rom.  10:5;  Gal.  3: 12.  i.lDb32:2;  ch.  1(1:15;  Rorn. 
4:2;  Gal.  3:11  ;  .la..  2:21.     J  Matt.  5:43,  44.     k  Pia.  .3'^:11.     i  P«a.  100:2.5; 


ChriBt  gives  his  servants  over  all  evil,  of  which  the  out- 
ward deliverances  sometimes  vouclisafed  to  them  in  tliis 
world  are  symbols  and  pledges.     CoMi]i;iro  Itoiii.  8:28,  :i7. 

20.  Yournamcs  arcwritlenin  heaven ;  as  heirs  of  eternal  lifV. 

21,  22.  Tilings  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent.  Matt. 
11:2.^-27. 

r.i,  24.  Things  seen  by  the  disciples.     Matt.  i:j:16,  17. 

2').  A  certain  lawyer;  one  whose  business  it  was  to  study, 
explain,  and  tcatli  the  divine  law.  Tempted  him ;  put  his 
wis  lorn  to  the  test. 

27,28.  Love  to  God  and  man.  Matt.  22:37-40;  Lev. 
19:18;  Dcut.  C:4,  5. 

29.  Jimlifij  himielf;  maintain  that  he  could  not  be  con- 
demned for  having  broken  the  divine  law.  Ifhii  is  mi/ 
neif^hhnr?  who  is  the  person  whom  I  am  to  love  as  niysijIfV 

30.  Jericho ;  about  twenty  miles  north-east  of  Jerusalem, 
and  seven  from  the  .Jordan.  Fell  amonf;  thieves ,-  more  ex- 
actly, fell  among  roblicrs.  Tlie  road  from  .lerusalem  to 
Jericho  led  through  a  wilderness  abounding  in  narrow 
and  rocky  passes,  and  was  anciently, as  now,  infested  with 
robbers. 

31.  Ri/  chance ;  without  any  design  to  help  the  Jew,  or 
knowledge  of  his  condition. 

32.  A  Levile ;  the  Levites  assisted  the  priests  in  the  ser- 
vices of  the  temple. 

35.  Two  pence;  in  value  about  twenty-eight  cents,  or  the 
1164 


31  And  by  chance  there  came  down  a  cer-  a.  p  32. 
tain  priest  that  way :  and  when  he  saw  him,  he 
passed  by  on  the  other  side.'' 

32  And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he  was  at  the 
place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and  passed  by  on 
the  other  side.' 

33  But  a  certain  Samaritan,""  as  he  journeyed, 
came  where  he  was ;  and  wlicu  he  saw  him,  he  had 
compassion  on  him," 

34  And  went  to  him,  and  bound  up  his  wounds," 
pouring  in  oil  and  wine,  and  set  him  on  his  own 
beast,  and  brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  look  care 
of  him. 

3.5  And  on  the  morrow  when  he  departed,  he 
took  out  two  pence,*  and  gave  them  to  the  host, 
and  said  unto  him.  Take  care  of  him;  and  what- 
soever thou  spendest  more,  when  I  come  again,  I 
will  repay  thee.^ 

36  Which  now  of  these  three,  thiiikest  thou,  was 
neighbor  unto  him  that  fell  among  the  thieves? 

37  And  he  said,  lie  that  showed  mercy  on  him.'' 
Then  said  Jesus  unto  him.  Go,  and  do  thou  like- 
wise. 

38  1  Now  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  went,  that  ho 
entered  into  a  certain  village :  and  a  certain  wom- 
an named  Martha  received  him  into  her  house.'' 

39  And  she  had  a  sister  called  Mary,  which  also 
sat  at  Jesus'  feet,"  and  heard  his  word. 

40  But  Martha  was  cumbered  about  much  serv- 
ing, and  came  to  him,  and  said,  Lord,  dost  thou 
not  care  that  my  sister  hath  left  me  to  serve  alone? 
bid  her  therefore  that  she  help  me. 

41  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her,  Mar- 
tha, Martha,  thou  art  careful  and  troubled  about 
many  things:' 

42  But  one  thing  is  needful;"  and  Mary  hath 
chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken 
away  from  her. 


Prov. 27:10.  niJohn4:'J.  n  KxoJ.  •J:(i.  "  l'»a.  147:3;  l»a.  1  :l).  t  Seo  Matt. 
20:2.  P  Prn».  19:17;  ch.  14:14.  1  Prov.  14:21;  Hoi.  Ii:«;  Mic.  0:S;  Matt. 
2:!:a3.  r.I.>hn  11:1;  12:2.  3.  ■  ch.  8:35;  Acta  22:3.  t  Mark4:19;  ch.  21 :3I ; 
1  Cor.  7:12,35.  u  Psi.  27:4;  73:25;  Eccl.  12:13;  Mark  8:30;  ch.  18:22: 
1  Cor.  13:3. 


price  of  two  days'  labor.  Matt.  20 : 2.  The  host ;  the  keeper 
of  the  inn. 

3G.  Was  neighbor;  the  ruler,  who  would  have  restricted 
the  word  neighbor  to  a  very  ii;irrow  circle  of  friends,  is 
shown  that  all  men  whom  he  has  the  power  of  beiidiliiig 
are  his  neighbors,  and  Ihat  he  owes  to  all  ;t  debt  of  lovo 
and  self-denial. 

38.  A  certain  viltaiic;  Bethany.     Matt.  21:17. 

40.  Cumhercil;  busily  (leeui)ied.  Much  serving;  in  pro- 
viding eiilurtainmeiit  lor  her  guests. 

41.  Caicftil ;  anxious,  jierplexiMl.  Many  things;  with 
regard  to  this  world. 

42.  One  thing  is  needful;  needful  esiieeially,  above  all 
other  things.  That  gnad  purl;  the  favor  of  (jod,  through 
love  and  ob(Mlleiice  to  his  commands.  Not  be  taken  away; 
Job  17:9;  J(din  4:14;  10:27-30. 

INSTRUCTIONf. 

1.  When  Christ  is  about  to  visit  a  jilaee  in  mercy,  he, 
in  his  providence,  often  prepares  the  way  for  it;  and  the 
manner  in  which  the  manifestations  of  his  will  are  trcaliil, 
shows  the  ch.iracter  of  its  inh;ibitants,  and  the  way  in 
which  Ihey  w'ill  receive  him. 

12.  Those  who  reject  the  gospel  reject  the  Saviour ;  and 
the  greater  their  light,  if  they  do  nut  iinprovi!  it.  llio 
greater  will  be  their  guilt  and  the  more  dreadful  their 
coDdcinnation.     Chap.  12:47,  48. 


Christ  teacheth  to  pray, 


LUKE  XI. 


and  castcth  out  a  devil. 


CHAPTER  XI, 


A.  D,  33. 

1  Christ  teacheth  to  pray,  and  that  lustaiuly;  11  assuring  that  God 
so  will  give  us  good  things.  14  He,  casting  out  a  dumb  devil,  rebuk- 
eth  the  blasphemous  Pharisees;  28  and  showeth  who  are  blessed;  29 
preacheth  to  'he  people.  37  and  reprehendeth  the  outward  show  of 
holiness  in  the  Pharisees,  scribes,  and  lawyers. 

A  ND  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  he  was  praying  in 
X\.  a  certain  place,  when  he  ceased,  one  of  his 
disciples  said  unto  him,  Lord,  teach  us  to  pray,  as 
John  also  taught  his  disciples. 

2  And  he  said  unto  them,  When  ye  pray,  say, 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,"  Hallowed  be  thy 
name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done,  as 
in  heaven,  so  in  earth. 

3  Give  us  day  by  day*  our  daily  bread. 

4  And  forgive  us  our  sins;  for  we  also  forgive 
every  one  that  is  indebted  to  us."  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation;  but  deliver  us  from  evil. 

5  And  ho  said  unto  them,  AVhich  of  you  shall 
have  a  friend,  and  shall  go  unto  him  at  midnight, 
and  say  unto  him,  Friend,  lend  mo  three  loaves; 

6  For  a  friend  of  mine  in  his  journey*  is  come  to 
me,  and  I  have  nothing  to  set  before  him: 

7  And  he  from  within  shall  answer  and  say, 
Trouble  me  not:  the  door  is  now  shut,  and  my 
children  are  with  me  in  bed  ;  I  cannot  rise  and 
give  thee? 

8  I  say  unto  you.  Though  he  will  not  rise  and 
give  him  because  he  is  his  friend,  yet  because  of 
his  importunity  he  will  rise  and  give  him  as  many 
as  he  ncedeth." 

9  And  I  say  unto  you.  Ask,  and  it  shall  bo  given 
you;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find;  knock,  and  it  shall 
be  opened  unto  you.'' 

10  For  every  one  that  asketh,  receiveth  ;  and  he 
that  secketh,  findeth ;  and  to  him  that  knocketh, 
it  shall  be  oi)enod. 

11  If  a  son  shall  ask  bread  of  any  of  you  that  is 
a  father,  will  he  give  him  a  stone?  or  if  he  ask  a 
fisJi,  will  he  for  a  fish  give  him  a  serpent? 

12  (3r  if  he  shall  ask  an  egg,  will  he  ofler*  him 
a  scorpion? 

13  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 


»  Malt.  0:i),  etc.  •  Or, /or  Ike  day.  >>  Mark  11:45,  20.  1  Or.  out  of  his 
way.  '  ch.  1S:1-S.  <1  .Matt.  7;7;  ai:2'2;  John  15:7;  Jas.  1 :3;  1  John  .i-.H. 
1  lir.  aioe.     e  Matt.  9:32;  12:-2->,  etc.     !  Gr.  Bedzebul,  and  so  ver.  IS,  I'J. 


19.  Christ  is  able  to  give  his  ministers  all  the  aid  which 
they  need  for  fhe  discharge  of  their  duties.  In  his  name 
and  strength  they  may  commence  their  work,  ami  go  on 
from  conquering  to  conquer,  till  every  knee  shall  bow,  and 
every  tongue  confess  that  he  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God 
the  Father. 

2().  The  attention  of  those  who  inquire  what  they  shall 
do  to  be  saved,  should  be  directed  to  the  great  fact,  that 
liy  the  Works  of  tlie  law  they  cannot  be  justified,  ;ind  that 
till-  only  way  of  salv;ition  is  tlirough  faith  in  Jesus  ('hrist, 
who  is  "the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  everyone 
that  believeth." 

:iH.  The  love  which  the  law  of  God  requires,  leads  those 
wlio  have  it  to  do  good,  not  meri-ly  to  their  friends  or 
countrymen,  but,  as  they  have  oiiiiortinjity,  to  all,  in  imi- 
tation of  Him  wiio  m;Uie8  his  sini  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
on  the  good,  and  semis  his  rain  on  the  j\ist  and  on  the  un- 
just, and  '-who,  though  he  was  rich,  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  we  tlirough  his  poverty  might  be  rich." 

40.  Though  diligence  in  business  and  ju-oper  regard  to 
f;tmily  concerns  are  duties  whicli  should  by  no  means  be 
neglected,  yet  we  may  be  so  engrossed  in  them,  and  so 
tronliled  about  them,  as  gre;itly  to  displease  the  Haviour, 
and  injure  ourselves.    Our  first  regard  should  be  for  God, 


U'ifts  unto  your  children;  how  much  more  shall 
your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  him  ? 

14  And  he  was  casting  out  a  devil,  and  it  was 
dumb."  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  devil  was 
gone  out,  the  dumb  spake;  aud  the  people  won- 
dered. 

15  But  some  of  them  said.  Ho  casteth  out  devils 
through  Beelzebub^  the  chief  of  the  devils. 

16  And  others,  tempting  him,  sought  of  him  a 
sign  from  heaven. "^ 

17  But  he,  knowing  their  thoughts,'^  said  unto 
them.  Every  kingdom  divided  against  itself  is 
brought  to  desolation  ;  and  a  house  divided  against 
a  house  falleth." 

18  If  Satan  also  be  divided  against  himself,  how 
.shall  his  kingdom  stand  ?  because  ye  say  tliat  I 
cast  out  devils  througli  Beelzebub. 

19  And  if  I  by  Beelzebub  cast  out  devils,  by 
whom  do  your  sons  cast  thc7n  out?  therefore  shall 
they  be  your  judges. 

20  But  if  I  with  the  finger  of  God  cast  out  dev- 
ils,' no  doubt  the  kingdoui  of  God  is  come  upon 
you. 

21  When  a  strong  man  armed  keepeth  his  pal- 
ace, his  goods  are  in  peace : 

22  But  when  a  stronger  than  he  shall  come  upon 
him,  and  overcome  him,J  he  taketh  from  him  all 
his  armor  wherein  he  trusted,  and  divideth  his 
spoils. 

23  He  that  is  not  with  me  is  against  me ;  and  he 
that  gathereth  not  with  me  scattereth. 

24  When  the  unclean  spirit  is  gone  out  of  a  man, 
he  walketh  through  dry  places,  seeking  rest;  and 
finding  none,  he  saith,  I  will  return  unto  my  house 
whence  I  came  out. 

25  And  when  he  cometh,  he  findeth  it  swept  and 
garnished. 

26  Then  goeth  he,  and  taketh  to  him  seven  other 
s])irits  more  wicked  than  himself;  and  they  cuter 
in,  and  dwell  there:  and  the  last  state  of  that  man 
is  worse  than  the  first." 

f  Malt.  12:3S;  n;:l.  PJolin2:23.  h  Malt.  12:25;  Mark  3:24  iExod.«:l9. 
Jlsa.  53:12;  Col.  2:13.     k  John  5:14;  Heb.  6:4;  10:26,27;  2  Pet.  2:20,  21. 


and  our  chief  concern  to  learn  and  do  his  will.  He  will 
then  so  order  his  providence,  that  we  never  shall  want 
any  thing  essential  to  our  highest  good. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

2-4.  The  Lord'e  prayer.     Uraft.  fi:3-13. 

7.  fihut ;  bolted,  as  tlie  origin;d  w(M-d  implies. 

8.  Because  of  A/-<  impnrtuniti/  he  will  rise  and  pive  him ;  the 
point  of  the  parable  is  to  show  the  power  of  importunity 
in  prayer.  If  it  prov;iils  willi  sellish  men,  how  much  more 
with  God,  who  loves  his  children,  and  takes  pleasure  in 
granting  their  reijuests. 

!l-l:!.  Asking  of  God  in  prayer.     Matt.  7:7-11. 

it.  Ask,  and  it.  sliall  he  friven ;  now  comes  the  application 
of  the  paral)le.  lie  imiiorlunate  in  asking,  seeking,  and 
knocking  at  (Jod's  door,  and  3'ou  will  be  heard  and  an- 
sweix'd.  God  often  delays  answering  prayer,  that  he  may 
try  the  faith  and  e;irnestncss  of  the  snp]diant. 

12.  Scorpion;  a  jioisonons  reptile,  with  eight  legs,  eight 
eyes,  and  a  sting  in  its  tail,  wliich  iiillicts  great  pain. 

i:j.  Gir-c  the  Htihj  Spirit ;  this  is  the  gift  of  gifts,  including 
in  itself  all  needed  good. 

14-2:i.  Casting  out  devils  by  Beelzebub.    Matt.  12: 22-30. 

24-26.  Return  of  the  unclean  s|iirit.     Matt.  12:43-45. 

1165 


The  Pharisees  reproved, 


LUKE  XI. 


also  scribes  and  lawyers. 


27  lAnd  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  spake  these 
thinf;:s,  a  certain  woman  of  the  company  lifted  up 
her  voice,  and  said  unto  him.  Blessed  is  the  womb 
that  bare  thee,  and  the  paps  which  thou  hast  suck- 
ed.••> 

28  But  he  said,  Yea,  rather,  blessed  are  they  that 
liear  the  word  of  God,  and  keep  it.** 

29  1"  And  when  the  people  were  gathered  thick 
together,  he  began  to  say.  This  is  an  evil  genera- 
tion :  they  seek  a  sign  ;  and  there  shall  no  sign  be 
given  it,  but  the  sign  of  Jonas  the  projjhet." 

30  For  as  Jonas  was  a  sign  unto  the  Ninevites,* 
so  shall  also  the  Son  of  man  be  to  this  genera- 
tion. 

31  The  queen  of  the  south  shall  rise  up  in  the 
judgment  with  the  men  of  this  generation,  and 
condemn  them:  for  she  came  from  the  utmost 
parts  of  the  earth  to  hear  the  wisdom  of  Solomon ; '' 
and  behold,  a  greater  than  Solomon  is  here. 

32  The  men  of  Nineveh  shall  rise  up  in  the  judg- 
ment with  tliis  generation,  and  shall  condemn  it: 
for  they  repented  at  the  preaching  of  Jonas;'  and 
behold,  a  greater  than  Jonas  is  here. 

33  No  man,  when  he  hatli  lighted  a  candle,  put- 
teth  it  in  a  secret  place,  neither  mider  a  bushel, 
but  on  a  candlestick,  that  they  which  come  iu  may 
see  the  light.'-' 

34  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye:'"  therefore 
when  thine  eye  is  single,  thy  whole  liody  also  is 
full  of  light;  but  when  thine  eye  is  evil,'  thy  body 
also  is  full  of  darkness. 

35  Take  heed  therefore,  that  the  light  which  is 
in  thee  be  not  darkness. 

3()  If  thy  whole  body  therefore  he  fidl  of  light,^ 
having  no  part  dark,  the  whole  shall  be  full  of 
liglit,  as  when  the  bright  shining  of  a  candle* 
doth  give  thee  light." 

37  '\  And  as  he  spake,  a  certain  Pharisee  be- 
sought him  to  dine  with  him  ;  and  he  went  in,  and 
Bat  down  to  meat. 


•  Ch.  IrS'*,  "Is.    b  I>,a,  Il!):l.2;  Milt.  7:31;  ch.  «:-Jl;  ,laj.  l:-2d.     ' 
I2:M,  etc.;  Mark  H:l-i.     J  Jonah  1: 17;  2: 10.     e  1  Kings  10: 1,  etc.     f. 
3:.'i,  10.    (  Matt.  Sjl.";.  etc. ;  Marlt  4:21 ;  ch.  8:16.    h  Mall.  0:22,  etc.    I  I'rov. 
2-i:22;  Mark  7:22.    J  P«a.  llU:10j;  Prov.  0:23;  Isa.  8:2U;  2 Cor.  4:8.    "  Gr.  o 


»  Malt. 
Jonah 
Prov, 


28.  Yen,  rallier,  blessed;  the  outward  relation  of  Mary  to 
Jesus  as  Iiis  motlicr  was  not  so  lii^^h  a  luivilci^c,  and  did 
not  confer  such  blessedness,  as  a  l)elieving  and  obedient 
8|iirit  lirinps  to  the  Iminldest  of  ids  disciples.  How  wiiinjc. 
then,  to  e.\alt  Mary  to  be  au  object  of  worsliip  because  of 
this  outward  relation. 

29-32.  A  sign  Hou;,'ht.     Matt.  12:38-12;  ^ra^k  8:11,  12. 

33-3(1.  Candle  under  a  bushel,     .\falt.  ,0:1.');  ti:22,  23. 

3(!.  If  Ihij  whole  Lolly— fiUI  oflij^lit;  a  clear  view  of  spir- 
itual things  is  to  the  soul  what  si;;ht  is  to  the  body.  It 
enaliles  us  to  see  clearly  and  correctly  all  truth  that  relates 
to  God  and  Christ.  Tlius  the  soul  becomes  like  u  well- 
lighted  ch.iinhcr,  having  no  dark  corner. 

38.  Wanked;  in  the  original,  baptized. 

39.  And  the  Lriril  said;  this  discourse  at  the  Pharisee's 
table  has  much  in  common  with  that  recorded  in  .Matthew 
23;  liut  it  was  delivered  on  a  ilifferent  occasion.  Make 
clean;  cleanse  by  washing.  Matt.  23:2.'),  2G.  Ravenmg; 
greedy  violence. 

40.  Fooh;  they  who  mock  flod  with  outward  forms 
merely,  while  inwiirdly  full  of  impurity,  are  not  only  wick- 
ed, but  most  foolish.  Made  Itinl  vtiich  is  without — that  which 
is  within;  the  argument  is,  lh;it  since  (Jod  made  the  spirit 
as  well  as  the  outer  man.  he  must  reijuire  that  also  to  bo 
kept  clean  from  ])ollution. 

1106 


38  And  when  the  Pharisee  saw  it,  lie  mnr-  a.  d.i!. 
veiled  that  he  had  not  first  washed  before  dinner.' 

39  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Now  do  ye 
Pharisees  make  clean  the  outside  of  the  cup  and 
the  platter  ;'"  but  your  inward  part  is  full  of  raven- 
ing and  wickedness." 

40  Ye  fools,  did  not  he  that  made  that  which  is 
without  make  that  which  is  within  also? 

41  But  rather  give  alms  of  such  things  as  ye 
have;*"  and  behold, all  things  are  clean  unto  you. 

42  But  woe  unto  you,  Pharisees!  for  ye  tithe 
mint  and  rue  and  all  manner  of  herbs,  and  pass 
over  judgment  and  the  love  of  (Jod  :  these  ought 
ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  un- 
done.p 

43  Woe  unto  you,  Pharisees!  for  yc  love  the 
uppermost  seats  in  the  synagogues,  and  greetings 
in  the  markets. i 

44  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
crites !  for  ye  arc  as  graves  which  appear  not,  and 
the  men  that  walk  over  tlum  are  not  aware  of 
them  J 

45  Then  answered  one  of  the  lawyers,  and  said 
unto  him,  Master,  thus  saying,  thou  reproachest  us 
also. 

4(5  And  he  said.  Woe  unto  you  also,  ye  lawyers! 
for  ye  lade  men  with  burdens  grievous  to  be 
borne,  and  ye  yourselves  touch  not  the  burdens 
with  one  of  your  fingers." 

47  Woe  unto  you!  for  ye  build  the  sepulchres 
of  the  prophets,  and  your  fathers  killed  them. 

48  Truly  ye  bear  witness  that  ye  allow  the  deeds 
of  your  fathers :'  for  they  indeed  killed  them,"  and 
ye  build  their  sejiulchres. 

40  Therefore  also  said  the  wisdom  of  Ood,  T  will 
send  them  prophets  and  a]ioslles,  and  some  of  them 
they  sJiall  shiy  and  persecute: 

50  That  the  blood  f)f  all  the  prophets,  which  was 
shed  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  may  bo 
required  of  this  generation ;" 


randk  by  in  brislil  burning,  k  Prov.  4:1S;  20:27.  1  Mark  7:3.  m  Malt. 
2:!:-.'5.  ■>  Tilii.s  1:1,5.  f  Or,  n,i  you  are  aWc  »  laa.  .W:7;  ch.  12:a3.  P  .Matt. 
23:2.1,  27.  q  Matt.  23:0;  Ma.k  12:38.  '  I'aa.  .?:!).  •  isa.  58:0.  '  Kzek. 
18:li).    ulleb.  11:35,  37.     v  Exod.  20:5;  Jer.  51 :50. 


41.  Give  alma  nfxnch  tliinp:'<  n.?  ijehavr  ,■  tliat  is,  according  to 
our  version,  bestow  your  jiroperty,  as  you  have  means  and 
opportunity,  in  deeds  of  love  for  Christ's  sake,  and  you 
will  be  acc"ei)ted  of  him.  Hut  we  niiiy  better  render,  (Jivo 
the  things  within  as  alms;  the  tilings,  namely,  within  the 
cup  and  ]datter.  Instead  of  spemliiig  your  time  in  wash- 
ing their  outside,  while  "  witliin  they  are  full  of  extortion 
and  excess,"  8e(^  that  their  contents  are  made  clean  by 
being  devoted,  in  the  fear  of  (Sod,  to  men's  good,  and  then 
the  outside  will  be  clean  also.  The  cup  ;ind  jilatter  hero 
rejjresent  covetous  and  rapacious  men,  whose  souls  are 
polluted  by  unrighteous  gain.  Let  them  begin  by  making 
their  hearts  clean,  and  tlien  they  need  not  be  troubled 
about  outward  delilemcnts, 

4,'!.  UppcrmonI  seiilx — and  prcdinf^s;  the  most  honoralih^ 
places  and  public  salutations.     Matt.  23:6,  7. 

44.  An  proves  which  iippriir  not ;  so  that  men  walking  over 
them  arc  polluted  without  knowing  it.  In  Matt.  23:27,  2S, 
there  is  a  contrast  between  a  fair  outward  ajipearanee  and 
inw;ird  abomimition.  Here  the  point  is  the  carefulness  of 
the  riiarisees  in  hiding  their  wickedness. 

4.1.  Reproiiclicst  ws ;  as  being  inwardly  corrupt. 

4«-:-il.  .Sinand  doom  of  the  I'liarisees.    M;itl.  '.'3:1,  29-36. 

49.  'I'lic  wisdom  of  God;  as  mauifcBtod  iii  the  words  and 
works  of  Christ. 


Against  hypocrisy, 


LUKE  XII. 


and  worldly  carefulness. 


A.  D.r.T  51  From  the  blood  of  Abel  "unto  tlie  blood 
of  Zacliai'ias,''  \yliicli  perished  between  tlie  altar 
and  the  tein])Ie:  verily  I  say  unto  you,  It  shall  be 
required  of  this  generation." 

52  Woe  unto  you,  lawyers !  for  ye  have  taken 
away  the  key  of  knowledge:''  ye  entered  not  in 
yourselves,  and  them  that  were  entering  in  ye 
liiniiered.* 

515  And  as  he  said  tliose  things  unto  them,  the 
scribes  and  the  Pharisees  began  to  urge  him  ve- 
hemently, and  to  provoke  him  to  speak  of  many 
things  :■=' 

51  Laying  wait  for  him,  and  seeking  to  patch 
something  out  of  his  mouth,  that  they  migiit  ac- 
cuse him.' 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Christ  preacheth  to  his  disciples  to  avoid  liypocrisy.  and  fearfulness 
in  publishing  his  doctrine;  13  warneth  the  people  to  beware  of  covet- 
ousness,  by  the  parable  of  the  rich  man  who  set  up  greater  barns.  23 
We  must  not  be  overcareful  of  earthly  things,  31  but  seek  the  king- 
dom of  God,  33  give  alms,  36  be  rea,dy  at  a  knock  to  open  to  our 
Lord  wliensoever  he  cometh.  41  Christ's  ministers  are  to  see  to  their 
charge.  49  and  look  for  persecution.  Cy\  The  p'ople  must  take  this 
time  of  grace,  5S  because  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  die  without  reconcil- 
iation. 

IN  the  mean  time,  when  there  were  gathered  to- 
gether an  innumerable  multitude  of  people, 
insoinucli  that  they  trode  one  upon  another,  he 
began  to  say  unto  his  disciples  first  of  all.  Beware 
yc  of  tlie  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  which  is  hypoc- 
risy." 

2  For  there  is  nothing  covered,  that  shall  not  be 
revealed;  neither  hid,  tliat  shall  not  be  known.** 

3  Therefore,  whatsoever  ye  have  spoken  in  dark- 


aGen.  4:S.  b  ■>  chr. -.ij :iO.  «  Jer.  T-.a-. -JU.  d  Mai. -2; 7.  •  Or,  forbaile. 
'  I  Cor.  l:!:.5.  f  Mark  1^:  13.  f  Matt.  10:0,  etc. ;  Mark  >:!.'),  etc.  '  l>  Matt. 
10:27;  Mark4:3->;  oh  S:17.  iJohnJ.3:14.  J  Isa.  51 :7-13;  Matt.  10:-2?,  etc. 
t  See  Matt.  lU:-ja.     k  1  Sam.  i-.M;  Psa.  lli):4li;  2  Tim.  2: 1-2;  Rev.  2:10. 

52.  T/ie  key  afkiioideJge;  they  prevented  the  people  from 
obtaining  the  true  knowleilge  of  Jesus  as  tlie  Messiah. 
They  would  not  believe  in  him  themselves,  and  they  hin- 
dered others. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  All  who  are  wise  will  earnestly  desire  to  be  taught 
rightly  to  pray,  and  will  ask  .Tesus  Christ  to  instruct  them. 
This  is  a  blessing  which  he  delights  to  give,  and  with  it  is 
connected,  in  his  providence  and  by  his  grace,  all  needed 
good.     "Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you."     Matt.  7:7. 

13.  God  loves  to  liavc  men  pray  for  the  greatest  bless- 
ing he  can  bestow,  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  he  has  promised 
to  those  who  ask  him.  If  any.  therefore,  do  not  receive 
it,  and  are  not  enlightened,  sanctified,- and  savetl,  it  is  be- 
cause they  do  not  in  faith  and  love  ask  for  this  blessing. 

2fi.  Wicked  men  reject  the  revealed  truth  of  (lod,  not 
because  there  is  not  sufficient  evidence  that  it  is  truth,  but 
because  they  are  wicked,  and  the  truth  condemns  them. 

When  men  reject  evidence  which  (lod  gives,  and  seek 
such  as  ho  will  not  give,  they  grow  more  wicked,  and  tlieir 
last  state  becoin<>s  worse  than  any  which  preceded  it. 

28.  A  disposition  to  hear  the  voice  of  God  and  obey  it, 
is  the  greatest  of  blessings.  Hlessed  as  was  the  Virgin 
.Mary  on  account  of  her  being  the  mother  of  Jesus,  more 
blessed,  accoriling  to  his  decision,  ar(^  all  who  believe  on 
and  oli(\y  him.  Kvcn  Mary  herself  was  more  blessed  as 
his  believing  and  obedient  disciple,  than  as  his  mother 
according  to  the  llesh. 

38.  Great  attention  m,iy  be  paid  to  outward  forms  and 
ceremonies,  especially  when  men  arc  taught  to  depend  on 
them  for  salvation,  and  yet  their  hearts  be  abominably 
wicked.  -\11  such  dependence  is  vain.  To  be  accepted 
of  God,  men  must  give  him  their  hearts,  and  must  iiiani- 


ness,  shall  be  heard  in  the  light;  and  that  which 
ye  have  spoken  in  the  ear  in  closets,  shall  be  pro- 
claimed upon  the  house-tops. 

4  And  I  say  unto  you,  my  friends,'  Be  not  afraid 
of  them  that  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have  no 
more  that  they  can  do. 

5  But  I  will  forewarn  you  wliom  ye  shall  fear: 
Feai"  him,  whicli  after  he  hath  killed,  hath  jinwer 
to  cast  into  hell;  yea,  I  say  unto  you.  Fear  iiim.' 

6  Are  not  five  sparrows  sold  for  two  farthings,* 
and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before  God  ? 

7  But  even  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  arc  all 
numbered.  Fear  not  therefore:  ye  are  of  more 
value  tlian  many  sparrows. 

8  Also  I  say  unto  you,  Wliosoever  shall  confess 
me  before  men,'^  liini  shall  the  8ou  of  man  also 
conl'ess  before  the  angels  of  God :' 

9  But  he  that  denieth  me  before  men,™  shall  be 
denied  before  the  angels  of  God." 

10  And  wliosoever  shall  speak  a  word  against 
the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  hiin  :  but  unto 
him  that  blasplicmeth  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  it 
shall  not  be  forgiven." 

11  And  Avhen  tliey  bring  you  unto  the  syna- 
gogues, and  unto  magistrates, and  powers,  take  yo 
no  thought  how  or  what  thing  ye  shall  answer,  or 
what  ye  shall  say:" 

12  For  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  teach  you  in  the 
same  hour  wiiat  ye  ought  to  say.*" 

13  1  And  one  of  the  company  said  unto  hinij 
Master,  speak  to  my  brother,  that  he  divide  the 
inlieritance  with  me.'' 

14  And  he  said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a 
judge  or  a  divider  over  you  ?'' 

Ijuile24.  n>  Acts3:13,U;  Rev.  3:8.  n  Matt.  2.1:31.  ■>  Malt.  12:31  ;  1  .lohn 
5:lli.  pMatt.  10:19;  Mark  13:11;  ch.  21:14.  q  Acts  6:10;  Acts  20.  r  Ezek. 
33:31.     sjohn  1S:35. 

fest  this  by  obeying  him  and  doing  good,  as  they  have 
opportunity,  to  tlieir  fellow-men. 

52.  To  hinder  men  from  obtaining  that  knowledge  which 
God  has  revealed  in  his  word,  is  a  great  sin,  and  one  which 
exposes  all  who  against  light  continue  in  it,  to  an  awfully 
aggravated  condemnation. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1.  Jit  the  mean  time;  while  lie  was  delivering  his  dis- 
course to  the  Pharisees.  The  lenvcn  of  the  Phiinsccx ;  hy])oc- 
risy.  the  great  sin  of  the  Pharisees,  which,  like  leaven, 
mingled  itself  with  and  corrupted  all  their  religious  ser- 
vices. 

2.  For  there  is  nothing  covered;  the  Saviour  shows  the 
folly  of  hypocrisy  from  the  consideration  that  every  thing 
will  at  last  be  made  known. 

4-12.  Be  not  tfmiil ;  a  very  common  form  of  hypocrisy 
has  always  been  dissimulation  and  the  denial  of  Christ 
through  fear  of  man.  Ciunpare  John  12:42,  43.  The  Sav- 
iour, therefore,  next  warns  his  disciples  against  this  sin, 
because,  first,  men  can  do  us  no  real  harm,  while  fiod  can 
destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell,  ver.ses  4,  5;  because, 
secondly,  God,  who  watches  over  the  sparrows,  will  pro- 
tect his  faithful  servants,  ver.  (i,  7  ;  because,  thirdly,  if  wo 
deny  Christ  here,  he  will  deny  us  liereafter,  ver.  K,  9.  lie 
then  warns  his  disci])les  .against  the  blasphemy  of  tho 
Holy  Ghost,  a  sin  in  which  the  denial  of  Christ  might  end, 
ver.  II);  andag;tinst  anxiety  in  respect  to  their  defence  when 
brought  bclbrc  magistrates,  ver.  11,  12. 

13.  Speak  Id  nil/  lirolher;  he  wi.sheil  to  make  use  of  the 
Saviour's  autluu-ily  and  infiuence  to  increase  his  own  es- 
tate, as  some  men  now  vtdue  religion  simply  from  its 
worldiv  advantages. 

1107 


Earthliness  end  unldief  reproved. 


LUKE  XII. 


Fidelity  and  vigil ancx  enjoined. 


15  And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  liced,  and  be- 
"ware  of  covetousnoss : ''  for  a  man's  life  consisteth 
not  in  the  abundance  of  the  tilings  wliicli  he  pos- 
sessetli.'' 

10  And  lie  spake  a  paralilc  unto  tliom,  saying, 
The  ground  of  a  certain  rich  uuiu  brouglit  fortli 
plentifully : 

17  And  he  thought  within  himself,  saying.  What 
shall  I  do,  because  I  have  no  room  where  to  be- 
stow my  fruits? 

18  And  he  said,  Tliis  will  I  do :  I  will  pull  down 
my  barns,  and  build  greater;  and  there  will  1  be- 
stow all  my  fruits  and  my  goods.'' 

11)  And  I  will  say  to  my  soul.  Soul,  thou  hast 
much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years;''  take  thine 
ease,  eat,  drink,  mid  be  merry.'' 

20  But  God  said  unto  him,  T/wu  fool,  this  night 
thy  soul  shall  bo  required  of  thee:"'  then  whose 
shall  tliose  things  be,  which  thou  hast  provided  ?•"' 

21  So  is  he  that  layctii  up  treasure  for  himself," 
and  is  not  rich  toward  God.' 

22  T"And  he  said  unto  his  disciples,  Therefore  I 
say  unto  you.  Take  no  thought  for  your  life,  what 
ye  shall  cat;  neither  for  the  body,  what  ye  shall 
put  on. 

23  Tiie  life  is  more  than  meat,  and  the  body  is 
more  than  raiment.' 

24  Consider  the  ravens:''  for  they  neither  sow 
nor  reap ;  which  neither  have  storehouse  nor  barn  ; 
ami  God  fecdeth  them.  How  nuich  more  are  ye 
better  than  the  fowls  ? 

2.5  And  which  of  you  with  taking  thought  can 
add  to  his  stature  one  cubit? 

26  If  ye  then  be  not  able  to  do  that  thing  which 
is  least,  why  take  ye  thought  for  the  rest? 

27  Consider  the  lilies  how  they  grow:  they  toil 
not,  they  spin  not;  and  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that 
Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed  like  one 
of  tiicsc. 

28  If  then  God  so  clothe  the  grass,  which  is  to- 
day in  the  field,  and  to-morrow  is  cast  into  the 

•  1  Tim.  6:7-10.  b  Job  2:4  ;  Malt.  6:2.1.  e  Jan.  .1:15.  18.  il  P.si.  49  IS. 
•  Ecol.  11:9;  1  Cor.  15:3-.>;  Ju.  i-.r,.  •  Or.  do  they  reiiiiire  thy  soul.  I  Job 
W  ]>^-X\\  27:9;  P«a.  5-.':7;  Ja«.  4:11.  t  Psa.  :jiJ:ii;  ■1U:10.  17;  Jnr.  17:11. 
l>Hib.2:0.  i  vcr.  W);  ITim.  0:IS;  J;v..2:.5.  J  Mitt,  rl:  2.1,  etc.  k  .Inb  3.^:41  ; 
P-a.  117:9.     Mil,  live  not  in  careful  naspfnitt.     I  .Matt.  r»;3:i.    m  Psa.  :)•! :  lU ; 


1.5.  Cmclmi-sncss ;  over-anxiety  ;iik1  Hellish  greediness  for 
earthly  tilings.  Consisteth  not;  neither  the  lcr]j.;th,  useful- 
ness," and  happiness  of  a  man's  life  in  this  world,  nor  his 
eternal  life  hereafter,  depend  upon  the  amount  of  his 
earthly  possessions. 

2(1.  27/w  sntxl  sliall  he  required;  thou  shalt  die,  and  thy 
soul  Kliall  be  ret|uired  to  RO  to  judgment  and  give  an  ac- 
count of  its  deeds  while  in  the  \itii\y. 

21.  Tlitit  layeth  up  treasure  for  himself ;  lives  Bupremely 
for  himself,  not  for  God,  which  was  the  great  sin  charged 
upon  this  man. 

22-31.  Taking  thought  for  the  morrow.     Matt.  0:2.5-3-1. 

25.  Add  to  his  slalure  one  cubit;  see  note  on  Matt.  0:27. 

32.  IVi*  Ain^e/om ;  of  heavenly  glory.     Matt.  3:2. 

33.  Give  alms;  use  your  wealth  in  doing  good,  and  then 
you  make  it  impossihlc  that  it  should  be  lost;  for  the 
treasure  which  is  given  lo  the  poor  in  Christ's  name,  is 
given  to  Christ,  and  he  will  Lay  it  nj)  for  us  in  heaven. 
Bags  which  wix  nnl  old ;  heavenly  jiurses  to  contain  heav- 
enly treasures.  I.ct  that  which  you  regard  as  your  chief 
good  be  in  heaven.  Your  iicarts  will  then  be  heavenly, 
and  your  treasure  and  blessedness  be  eternal. 

3J-4G.  The  faitlifiil  servant.     Matt.  24:42-51. 
11G8 


oven;  how  much  more  icill  he  clothe  you,  0  a.d.ss. 
ye  of  little  faith? 

29  And  seek  not  ye  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what 
yc  shall  drink,  neither  be  ye  of  doubtful  mind.* 

30  For  all  these  things  do  the  nations  of  the 
world  seek  after:  and  y(nir  Father  knowctli  tliat 
ye  have  need  of  these  tilings. 

31  But  rather  seek  ye  the  kingdom  of  God;'  and 
all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you.'" 

32  Fear  not,  little  flock  ;"  for  it  is  )"our  Father's 
good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom." 

33  1i  Sell  that  ye  have,  and  give  alms;''  provide 
yourselves  bags  which  wax  not  old,  a  treasure  in 
the  heavens  that  faileth  not,  where  no  thief  ap- 
proacheth,  neither  moth  coi-rupteth.'' 

34  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your 
heart  be  also. 

35  T  Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,''  and  your 
lights  burning ;' 

36  And  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait 
for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding; that  when  he  cometli  and  knoeketh,  they 
may  open  unto  him  immediately. 

37  Blessed  are  those  servants,  whom  the  lord 
when  he  cometh  shall  find  watching:'  verily  I  say 
unto  you.  tiiat  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make 
them  to  sit  down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth  and 
serve  them. 

38  And  if  he  shall  come  in  the  second  watch,  or 
come  in  the  third  watch,  and  lind  t/icm  so,  blessed 
are  those  servants. 

39  And  this  know,  that  if  the  good  man  of  the 
house  had  known  what  hour  the  thief  would  come, 
he  would  have  watched,  anil  not  have  sulVcred  his 
house  to  be  broken  through." 

40  Be  ye  therefore  ready  also:  for  the  Son  of 
man  cometh  at  an  hour  when  ye  think  not.^' 

41  If  Then  Peter  said  unto  liim.  Lord,  speakest 
thou  this  ])arable  unto  us,  or  even  to  all  ? 

42  And  the  Lord  said.  Who  then  is  that  faithful 
and  wise  steward,  whom  his  lord  shall  make  ruler 

Tua.  Ki:\(i;  Rnm.  .°:3I,  32.  ■>  Ua.  40:11  ;  John  10:27,  2^.  o  Matt.  •i'):3l; 
Jnhn  1S:.3B:  Hnb.  \■2■.■i■^■,  Jas.  2:5;  2  IVt.  1:11;  Rev.  I:li;  22:.5.  P  Malt. 
19:.J1;  Acu  2:4.);  4:31.  1  Matt.  Ii:20;  1  Tim.  li:IO.  r  Kph.  (i:  14  ;  1  Pet. 
1:13.  •  Matt.  ■2.0:1,  l:J.  I  Malt.  24:40,  etc.  u  1  Tlin.»..  .0:21  2  Pet.  3:10| 
Rov.  3:3;  10:15.     v  oh.  ■i\:M,:sn. 

35.  Let  ynur  loiii.i  l>e  girded  ;  the  girding  up  of  tlic  loins 
was  a  preparation  for  action,  lie  ready  for  duty.  Your 
lights  Imrniiig;  be  always  watchful. 

30.  When  he  will  return  from  the  wedding;  either  his  own 
wedding,  in  which  he  is  the  bridegroom,  or  the  wedding 
of  a  friend.  AVeddings  were  atlended  in  Ihi^  night;  and 
servants  were  accustomed  to  sit  up  and  w;iit  lor  their 
master's  coming,  that  on  his  arriv:il  lliey  might  immeili- 
ately  open  the  doors.  80  our  Lord  told  his  discijilcs  to 
watch,  and  proceeded  to  point  out  the  blessedness  of  thoso 
who  should  do  so.     Matt.  25: 1-  i:!. 

:J7.  Come  forth  and  serve  them  ;  he  will  greiitly  honor  and 
bless  them. 

38.  Second  watch;  from  nine  in  the  evening  to  twelve. 
Third  wiilrh  ;  from  twelve  to  three  in  the  morning. 

.39.   (iiml  man  of  the  house;  ni;ister  of  th(^  house. 

41.  Unto  IK,  or  even  to  nil?  is  it  meant  for  us,  aw  tliino 
aposlles,  or  for  all  men?  Our  Lord,  in  his  answer,  spc.aks 
of  a  steward  set  over  his  master's  household,  thim  inti- 
nniting  th;it  the  jiar.alile  has  its  liighest  refiTence  to  the 
rninislers  ;ind  riders  of  his  chureh  ;  but  shows  nt  the  close, 
ver.  48,  that  it:ip|ilies  to  every  one  according  to  the  meas- 
ure of  his  knowledge  and  of  the  duties  laid  upon  him. 


The,  day  of  judgtiient. 


LUKE  XIII. 


The  signs  of  the  times. 


A.  D.  a  over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  por- 
tion of  meat  in  due  season?" 

4B  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  liis  lord  when 
he  Cometh  shall  find  so  doing." 

44  Of  a  trutii  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  -will  make 
him  ruler  over  all  that  he  hath. 

45  But  and  if  that  servant  say  in  his  heart,  My 
lord  delayetli  his  coming;  and  shall  begin  to  beat 
tlic  men-servants  and  maidens,  and  to  eat  and 
drink,  and  to  be  drunken;'' 

4(i  The  lord  of  that  servant  will  come  in  a  day 
when  he  lookcth  not  for  him,  and  at  an  hour  when 
he  is  not  aware,  and  will  cut  him  in  sunder,*  and 
will  appoint  him  his  portion  with  the  unbelievers.'* 

47  And  that  servant  which  knew  his  lord's  will, 
;ind  prepared  not  himself,  neither  did  according  to 
his  will,''  shall  be  beaten  with  many  stripes' 

48  But  he  that  knew  not,  and  did  commit  things 
worthy  of  stripes,  shall  be  beaten  witli  few  stripes.^ 
For  unto  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him  shall 
be  much  required;'"  and  to  whom  men  have  com- 
mitted much,  of  him  they  will  ask  the  more.' 

49  H  I  am  come  to  send  fire  on  the  earth ;  and 
what  will  I,  if  it  be  already  kindled? 

•50  But  I  have  a  baptism  to  be  baptized  with ; 
and  how  am  I  straitened*  till  it  be  accomplished! 

51  Suppose  ye  that  I  am  come  to  give  peace  on 
earth?     I  tell  you.  Nay ;  but  I'ather  division.J 

52  For  fi'om  henceforth  there  shall  be  five  in  one 
house  divided,  three  against  two,  and  two  against 
three. 

53  The  father  shall  be  divided  against  the  son. 


'ICur.  4:-2.  b  Tcr.  .17.  c  Matt.  2i:6.  '  Or,  cut /lim  of .  d  Psa.  37;9; 
94:14.  e.Tas.4:17  fDeut.25:2.  eAotsI7:30.  h  Ley.  5: 17;  John  15:2i; 
I  Tim.  1:13.    '  1  Tim.  6:20.    t  Or,  pained.    J  Matt.  10:34.    k  Mic.  7:6. 


49.  To  send  fire;  in  the  same  sense  in  which  he  came  to 
send  a  sword.  Matt.  10:34.  Fire  and  sword  are  emblems 
of  contention,  distres.s,  and  ruin :  not  that  this  was  the 
object  of  Christ's  coming,  or  tbe  tendency  and  proper 
effect  of  his  gospel,  but  it  wouUl  be  tlie  effect  of  tlie  op- 
position which  wiclied  men  would  make  to  it.  What  wilt 
I,  if  it  be  already  kindled?  did  he  regret  the  pubhcation  of 
the  gospel,  or  would  he  desist  from  it  on  account  of  the 
contention  it  would  occasion  ?  No  ;  he  desired  its  pub- 
lication, and  that,  as  soon  as  practicable,  it  might  be  uni- 
versal. 

.50.  A  baptism;  extreme  suffering  which  he  must  pass 
through  before  the  gospel  could  be  fully  published.  Strait- 
ened; oppressed  in  spirit,  in  view  of  the  suflerings  which 
were  before  liim. 

HI.  Rather  division ;  Christ  came  to  send  divisions  in  the 
8ame  sense  in  which  lie  came  to  send  fire  and  sword.  His 
gospel  would  not  produce  divisions,  but  men's  opposition 
to  it  would.     Ver.  I'J;  Matt.  10:34-36. 

54.  Out  of  tlie  west;  from  the  Mediterranean  sea,  which 
lay  west  of  Judca. 

.'5.5.  The  south  wind;  from  the  hot  and  sultry  deserts  of 
Arabia  and  Egypt. 

Mi.  Tilts  time;  the  indications  of  the  presence  of  the 
Messiah. 

;>7.  Even  of  yourselves ;  under  the  guidance  of  your  own 
consciences  eiiliglitened  by  God's  word.  Juds;e — what  is 
right;  make  a  true  judgment  respecting  the  signs  of  the 
times  and  my  claims  to  be  the  Messiali.  Why  not  do  this 
before  you  are  summoned  to  (iod's  judgment-seat  to  have 
him  decide  tlic  question  against  you  ? 

.58.  When  thou  goest  with  thine  adversary;  literally,  For 
when  thou  goest  with  thine  ailversary;  the  word  '-for" 
connecting  this  verse  immediately  with  the  preceding. 
Under  the  figure  of  a  man  Kummoned  by  his  ailversary 
to  appear  before  the  magistrate,  our  Lord,  in  tomliiding 
74 


and  the  son  against  the  father  ;  the  mother  against 
the  daughter,  and  the  daughter  against  the  moth- 
er ;  the  mother-in-law  against  her  daughter-in-law, 
and  the  daughter-in-law  against  her  mother-in-law."^ 

54  1  And  he  said  also  to  the  people.  When  ye  see 
a  cloud  rise  out  of  the  west,  straightway  yc  say, 
There  conieth  a  shower;  and  so  it  is.' 

55  And  when  ye  see  the  south  wind  blow,  ye  say, 
There  will  be  heat;  and  it  cometh  to  pass. 

56  Ye  hypocrites,  ye  can  discern  the  face  of  the 
sky  and  of  the  earth  ;  but  how  is  it  that  yc  do  not 
discern  this  time? 

57  Yea,  and  why  even  of  yourselves  judge  yc  not 
what  is  right?"" 

58  1l  When  thou  goest  with  thine  adversary  to 
the  magistrate,"  as  thou-  art  in  the  way,"  give  dili- 
gence that  thou  mayest  be  delivered  from  him ; 
lest  he  hale  thee  to  the  judge,  and  the  judge  de- 
liver thee  to  the  officer,  and  the  officer  cast  thee 
into  prison. 

59  I  tell  thee,  thou  shalt  not  depart  thence,  till 
thou  hast  paid  the  very  last  mite.* 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Christ  preaclieth  repentance  upon  the  punishment  of  the  G-.aliIeans, 
and  others.  6  The  fruitlecs  fig-tree  may  not  s-tand.  11  He  healetii 
the  crf'olied  woman;  18  showeth  the  powerful  worlving  of  the  word 
in  the  hearts  of  his  ciiosen.  by  the  par.able  of  the  grain  of  mnstard- 
seciJ,  and  of  leaven;  ~4  exhorteth  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,  31 
and  reproveth  Herod  and  Jerusalem. 

''INHERE  were  present  at  that  season  some  that. 
_L   told  him  of  the  Galileans,''  whose  blood  Pilate 
had  mingled  with  their  sacrifices." 


1  Malt.  l(>:a,  etc.     m  1  Cor.  11  :M.    n  .Matt.  5:25.    o  Isa.  55:6.     1  See  Mark 
12:42.     P  Acts  5:37.     q  Lam.  2:2f). 


this  series  of  addresses,  solemnly  warns  his  hearers  to  be 
reconciled  to  God,  who  is  both  their  adversary  and  their 
judge,  while  they  are  on  the  way  to  his  judgment-seat, 
Ijy  acknowledging  the  claims  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Thus  they  can  obtain  pardon  and  eternal  life ;  but  if  they 
refuse  this,  at  God's  bar  the  very  last  mite  will  be  de- 
manded of  them ;  and  as  they  will  have  nothing  to  pay, 
they  must  lie  in  the  prison  of  despair  for  ever.  Give  dili- 
gence that  thou  jiiayest  be  delivered  from  him  ;  by  acknowledg- 
ing of  thyself  his  just  claims,  and  satisfying  them.  This 
will  be  judging  of  one's  self  what  is  right. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Men  should  be  especially  careful  to  be  at  heart  in  all 
things  honest,  upright,  and  sincere,  and  to  act  from  good 
motives  ;  thej'  should  be  more  desirous  of  being  right  in 
the  sight  of  God,  than  of  appearing  to  be  right  in  the  sight 
of  men. 

16.  In  providing  for  happiness,  men  should  act,  not  for 
time  merely,  but  for  eternity,  that,  at  whatever  moment 
they  may  be  called  from  earth,  they  may  go  to,  and  not 
from,  their  treasures. 

20.  In  trusthig  to  riches  for  that  happiness  which  can 
come  onlj'  from  (Jod;  in  dei)cndiijg  uiion  long  life,  when 
death  may  come  this  night ;  and  in  laying  up  treasure  on 
earth,  and  not  in  heaven,  men  act  the  part  of  fools. 

22.  Those  who  have  that  fear  of  God  which  leads  them 
to  avoid  what  displeases  him,  have  no  reason  to  fear  anv 
tiling  else.  In  him  they  may  trust  for  whatever  they 
need,  and  he  lias  promised  that,  in  the  best  way  and  time, 
he  will  supply  them. 

4U.  Opposilion  to  the  best  things  often  produces  the 
greatest  mischiefs.  But  no  good  thing,  rightly  done,  is  to 
bo  charged  with  any  of  the  evils  which  opposition  to  it 
occasions. 

54.  Were  men  as  quick  to  discern,  and  as  wise  to  judge, 

1 1  tli) 


FaraLks  of  theftg-tree, 


LUKE  XIII, 


tht  musiard-secJ,  end  'c  icn. 


2  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them,  Suppose 
ye  tluit  tlicse  Galileans  were  sinners  above  all  tlic 
Galileans,  because  they  sullered  sucii  things? 

3  I  tell  you,  Nay  :  but,  except  ye  repent,  ye  shall 
all  lilicwise  perish." 

4  Or  those  cigliteen,  upon  whom  the  tower  in 
Biloam  fell,  and  slew  them,  think  ye  that  tlicy 
were  sinners*  above  all  men  that  dwelt  in  Jcru- 
ealein  ? 

5  I  tell  you,  Xay :  Init,  except  ye  repent,  ye  shall 
all  likewise  perish. 

G  T[  He  spake  also  this  parable:  A  certain  7nan 
had  a  fig-tree  jilautcd  in  his  vineyard;''  and  he 
came  and  sought  fruit  tliereon,  and  found  none.'' 

7  Then  said  he  unto  the  dresser  of  his  vineyard, 
Behold,  these  three  years  I  come  seeking  fruit  on 
tliis  fig-tree,  and  find  none:  cut  it  down;''  why 
cumberetli  it  tlic  ground? 

8  And  lie  answering  said  unto  him,  Lord,  let  it 
alone  this  year  also,  till  I  shall  dig  about  it,  and 
dung  it:" 

9  And  if  it  bear  fruit,  well:  and  if  not,  t/ien  after 
tliat  thou  shall  cut  it  down.'' 

10  And  he  was  teaching  in  one  of  the  synagogues 
on  tlie  sabbath. 

11  And  beiiold,  there  was  a  woman  whicli  had  a 
spirit  of  inlirmity  eigliteen  years,-  and  was  bowed 
together,  and  could  in  no  wise  lift  up  herself. 

12  And  wlien  Jesus  saw  lier,  he  called  her  to  him, 
and  said  unto  her,  Woman,  tliou  art  loosed  from 
tiiine  infirmity." 

13  And  lie  laid  his  hands  on  her:  and  imme- 
diately she  was  made  straight,  and  glorilied 
God.' 

14  And  tlie  rul(;r  of  the  synagogue  answered 
witli  indignation,  because  that  Jesus  liad  healed 
on  tlie  sal)t)ath-day,J  and  said  unto  tlic  pcoj)]e. 
There  are  six  days  in  which  men  ougiit  to  work : 
in  them  therefore  come  and  be  healed,  and  not  on 
the  sabbath-day." 

15  Tlie  Lord  then  answered  him  and  said,  Thou 


•  Acu  3:19;  Re».  vVai.  -W. 


'  Or,i/c'yfoM.     b  Isa.  5:1.  olc;  Mm. 21:10. 
■'"      d  Kxixl.  .32: 10.     e  Psa.  KIU:;;:!;  al'et. 


-  yiviif .).  Ill ,  nw.^.n,a.  \jr,  iie'jiors.  w  lya.  o:l.olc.:  iviatt.  ::)  :  I'.). 
•  John  l.'>;IO;  Gal.  5:a>;  Phil.  4:17.  d  Kxixl.  .32: 10.  e  Psa.  KlU:;!:!;  2  Pet. 
3:0.  f  Jo'in  15:2;  Ilcb.  fi:'^.  s  I'm.  0:2.  hjTOl:!:10  1  Mark  10:  IS;  Acts 
(1:17.  I  Matl.  12:10;  Mark  .3:2;  ch.0:7;  11:3;  John  5:10.  k  Exml.  20-9 
I  ProT.  11:9;  MiU.7:5;  2):l:),21;  ch.  12:1.     mch.l4:5.    ■ich.l9:0.    o  I,a, 

ill  spiritual  as  they  are  in  tcinjioial  things,  and  did  tlioy 
as  earnestly  and  persevcringly  )iur8ue  tlicm,  they  inislit 
all,  througli  grace,  become  rich  for  eternity.  Hut  uliilo 
they  know  that  to  obtain  temporal  good  tlioy  must  bo 
awake  and  active,  must  exercise  judgnnut,  l;iy  jilans,  iind 
diligently  pursue  tliein,  they  ol'leii  hope  to  obtain  eternal 
good  without  thought,  plan,  or  effort. 

CriAPTLR  XIH. 

3.  /  Icll  mu,  Nnij  ;  Hudden  de;itli  is  no  cviilcnco  of  pecul- 
iar wicketfness;  but  death  in  any  form  is  tlie  effect  of  sin, 
and  shouM  rendnd  lis  that  wo  must  repent  of  it,  and  be 
delivered  from  its  power,  or  wo  shall  perish. 

4.  Tower  in  Hiloam;  probably  in  the  wall  of  Jerusalem, 
near  the  south-east  corner,  where  was  the  jiool  of  .Sil(i;ini. 
See  comment  on  .John  9:7. 

11.  A  spirit  nf  iufirmilij;  a  spirit  that  kept  her  bowed 
together ;  for  her  infirmity  is  ascribed  to  the  power  of 
Satan,  vcr.  16. 

l.>.  Ilijporrile ;  he  condemned  .Tesus  for  relieving  on  the 
Sabbath  an  infirm  wom:in,  who  had  suirereil  for  eighteen 
years,  when  he  would  himself  |>erform  more  labor  for  the 
relief  of  an  animal  from  thirst  for  a  bin'do  day. 
1170 


hypocrite,'  doth  not  each  one  of  you  on  the  .\  d.^s. 
sabbath  loo.-e  his  ox  or  his  ass  from  the  stall,  and 
lead  him  away  to  watering?'" 

16  And  ou^litnot  tiiis  WDiuaii,  being  a  daughter 
of  Abraiiaiii,  whom  Satan  hath  bound,  lo,  these 
eighteen  years,  be  loosed  from  this  bond  on  the 
sabbath-day  ?" 

17  And  when  he  had  said  these  things,  all  his 
adversaries  were  ashamed:"  and  all  the  ])eoj)lc 
rejoiced  for  all  the  glorious  tilings  tliat  were  done 
by  him.'' 

18  IThen  said  he.  Unto  what  is  the  kingdom 
of  God  like?  and  whcreuiito  .--hull  I  resemble 
it?« 

19  It  is  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  which  a 
man  took,  and  cast  into  his  garden  ;  and  it  grew, 
and  waxed  a  great  tree;  and  the  fowls  of  the  air 
lodged  in  tlie  branches  of  it. 

.20  And  again  lie  said,  Wliorcunto  shall  1  liken 
tiie  kingdom  of  God  ? 

21  It  is  like  leaven,  whicli  a  woman  took  and 
hid  in  three  measures*  of  meal,  till  the  whole  was 
leavened. 

22  And  he  went  through  the  cities  and  villages 
teacliing,  and  journcyiug  towards  Jerusalem. 

23  Tlicn  said  one  unto  liim.  Lord,  ari^  tlierc  few 
tliat  be  saved?     And  he  said  unto  tiiem, 

24  T  Strive;  to  enter  in  at  tlie  strait  gate:''  for 
many,  I  say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in,  and 
shall  not  be  able." 

2.')  When  once  the  master  of  the  house  is  risen 
up,'  and  liatli  shut  to  the  door,"  and  ye  begin  to 
stand  without,  and  to  knock  at  the  door,  saying, 
Lord,  Lord,  open  unto  us;''  and  he  shall  answer 
and  say  unto  you,  I  know  you  not  whence  yo  are: 

2()  Then  shall  ye  begin  to  say.  We  have  eaten 
and  drunk  in  thy  jire.-euce,  and  thou  hast  taught 
in  our  streets. 

27  But  he  shall  say,  I  tell  you,  I  know  you  not 
whence  ye  are;"  depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers 
of  iniquity." 


■I.-):21;  1  Ppt.  :):1«.  P  Kxod.  15:11;  Psa.  111:3;  I.a.  4:2.  1  Matt.  13:31; 
Mark  4:311.  etc.  t  Sec  Matt.  13:3.3.  ■■  M,ilt.  7: 13.  •  John  7:34;  f;21 ;  Rora. 
9:31.  '  Psa.  32:0;  l»a.  .'jr>:0.  u  .Matt.  25:11).  »  ch.  0:10.  "  .Mitt.  7:24, 
2.3;  25:12,  41.     i  Pja.  0:8;  101 :». 


Ifi.  A  dauf^htrr  nf  Ahrnhnm  ;  a  ilescemlaut  of  Abraham, 
and  possessing  his  l';iilli.  W/inm  Snliin  lintli  htninil — loosed; 
the  allusion  is  to  the  loosing  of  an  animal  from  the  stall, 
vcr.  I.").  !S;itan  has  bound  down  tliis  woman  as  an  o.\  or 
ass  is  bound  to  the  stall. 

lH-21.  I'arabk's  of  the  niu.stard-seed  and  leaviui.  M;ilt. 
I8::ti-:i:i. 

21.  Strive:  in  the  original, agonize,  make  immediate  and 
Btrenuous  clforl.  Slriiit  pnir:  diflicult  oiitnincc  of  the  way 
of  life.  M;itt.  7:i:i,  II.  Sliall  not  lie  ali/c;  they  do  not  seek 
in  season,  nor  in  ii  ludper  way.  'I'lius  (he  .'~;iviour  answers 
the  question  virtually,  lliough  not  directly. 

25.  The  ma.itcr^sliul  lo  the  door;  the  refereiico  is  to  the 
sliutling  of  the  door  iit  a  feast,  iifter  which  none  can  be 
iidniitled.  ('ompare  Miilt.  2:'i:I0-12.  The  moaning  is,  that 
the  day  of  grace  is  limited,  and  afler  it  is  closed,  none  who 
have  continued  to  iieglecl  it  can  obtain  salvation.  I  know 
yon  not ;  he  did  not  know  llum  ;is  his  friends,  because  they 
had  never  been  sucli. 

2(i.  We  hair  mien  mid  drvnlc  in  thy  presence;  they  rely  on 
their  outward  relation  lo  ( 'hiiKi  ;  but  he  te.achcs  them  that 
this  can  be  of  no  .1^:111  lo  (hose  who  have  not  kept  his 
commandments. 


He  o\ai  o  i  of  Jerusalem. 


LUKE  XIV. 


Christ  healeth  the  dropsy. 


A.  D.33.  28  There  sliall  be  weeping  and  gnashing 
of  teeth,  when  ye  shall  see  Abraliam,  and  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  and  all  the  prophets,  in  the  kingdom 
of  God,  and  you  yourselves  tiirust  out." 

29  And  tiiey  shall  come  from  the  east,  and//-om 
the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and/;-o»i.  the  south, 
and  shall  sit  down  in  the  kingdom  of  (iod.'' 

30  And  behold,  there  are  last  which  shall  be 
first,  and  there  are  first  which  shall  be  last.'= 

31  '[The  same  day  there  came  certain  of  the 
Pharisees,  saying  unto  him.  Get  thee  out,  and  de- 
part hence;  for  Herod  will  kill  thee. 

32  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye,  and  tell  that 
fox,''  Behold,  I  cast  out  devils,  and  I  do  cures  to- 
day and  to-morrow,  and  the  third  day  I  shall  be 
perfected. ° 

33  Nevertheless,  I  must  walk  to-day,  and  to-mor- 
row, and  the  day  following:  for  it  cannot  be  that 
a  projiliet  perish  out  of  Jerusalem. 

34  0  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  which  killest  the 
prophets,  ami  stonost  them  that  are  sent  unto 
thee;  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  tliy  chil- 
dren together,  as  a  hen  doth  gather  her  brood 
under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not!'' 

35  Behold,  your  house  is  left  uuto  you  desolate  :^ 
and  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Ye  shall  not  see  me, 
until  the  time  come  when  ye  shall  say,  Blessed  is 
he  that  eomoth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

a  Mitt.  9:ia;  13:4-2;  •Jl:51.  b  Rev.  7:9,  10.  »  Matt.  10:30.  JZerl].3:3. 
«  Heb.  2.10.     t  Mitt.  ■ii:"u.    S  Lev.  ••«::!!,  32;  Psa..  W:ij;   Isa.  1:7;  5:5,  (i; 

29.  Sit  down  in  the  Icingdom  of  God;  literally,  recline  in 
the  kingdoin  of  Gorl,  as  at  a  joyous  feast. 

30.  Last—first^irst — laat;  these  solemn  words  have  a 
twofold  fulfilment.  First,  in  this  world:  (he  scribes  and 
Pharisee.?  stooil  first  in  God's  kingdom  as  to  their  outward 
position  and  privileges  ;  but  by  rejecting  Christ,  they  made 
themselves  last,  while  the  publicans  and  sinners  and  the 
gentile  nations,  whom  they  despised,  by  receiving  him, 
became  first;  and  so  it  has  often  been  since.  Secondly, 
in  the  world  to  come,  where  many  that  have  stood  high 
in  reputation  and  outward  privileges  will  be  thrust  down 
to  hell,  and  many  that  have  here  been  despised  and  perse- 
cuted will  be  exalted  to  glory  everlasting. 

32.  That  fox;  sly,  subtle,  mischievous  man.  Tn-daij  and 
to-morrow ;  a  short  time.  I  shall  be  perfected;  shall  have 
completed  my  work. 

33.  /  must  walk;  act  openly  for  a  few  days,  then  go  up 
to  .Jerusalem,  and  die.  It  mnnot  he;  this  is  an  instance  of 
the  manner  in  which  the  word  cannot  is  sometimes  used 
in  the  Bible,  as  describing  what  is  not  common,  what  is 
dilficult,  and  will  not  take  place.  Out  of  Jcrnsalem  ;  here 
the  great  council  of  the  Jewish  nation  and  the  l?oman  gov- 
ernor held  their  courts ;  here  criminals  were  tried ;  and 
liere  most  of  the  propliets  who  had  been  murdered  were 
put  to  death. 

3t,  3J.  Lamentation  over  Jerusalem.     Matt.  23:37-39. 
INSTKUCTIOXS. 

2.  The  visible  dealings  of  Providence  with  men  in  this 
world  are  no  certain  indications  of  their  real  character ; 
but  arc  suited  to  teach  them  the  evil  of  sin,  and  tlie  ne- 
cessity of  forsaking  it,  the  certainty  of  death,  and  the  wis- 
dom as  well  as  duty  of  being  at  all  times  prepared  for  it. 

9.  If  those  who  enjoy  the  means  of  grace  neglect  them, 
and  bring  forth  no  fruits  of  lioliness,  (iod,  in  due  time, 
will  remove  ;ill  such  blessings  from  them,  and  leave  them 
to  endless  barrenness  and  death. 

16.  Jesus  Christ  lUdights  to  bless  those  who  habitually 
attend  public  worshi]).  Though  Satan  niiiy  have  bound 
tlii'm  in  chains  of  sin  for  many  years,  Christ  is  .able  and 
willing  to  deliver  them.  lie  often  shows  this  on  the  Sab- 
bath in  the  house  of  God. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

2  Christ  healeth  the  dropsy  on  the  s.abbath  ;  7  teacheth  humility;  12  to 
feast  the  poor:  16  under  the  parable  of  the  great  supper,  showeth  how 
worldly-minded  men,  who  contemn  the  word  of  '.rod,  shall  be  shut  out 
of  heaven.  2-5  Those  who  will  be  his  disciples,  to  bear  their  cross 
must  make  their  accounts  aforehand,  lest  with  shame  they  revolt  from 
him  afterward,  34  and  become  altogether  unprofitable,  like  salt  that 
hath  lost  his  savor. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  went  into  the  house 
of  one  of  the  chief  Pharisees  to  eat  bread  on 
the  sabbath-day,  that  they  watched  him.' 

2  And  behold,  there  was  a  certain  man  before 
him  which  had  the  dropsy. 

3  And  Jesus  answering,  spake  unto  the  lawyers 
and  Pharisees,  saying.  Is  it  lawful  to  heal  on  the 
sabbath-day  ?-i 

4  And  they  held  their  peace.  And  he  took  him, 
and  healed  him,  and  let  him  go ; 

5  And  answered  them,  saying.  Which  of  you  shall 
have  au  ass  or  an  ox  fallen  into  a  pit,  and  will  not 
straightway  pull  him  out  on  the  sabbath-day?'' 

6  And  they  could  not  answer  him  again  to  these 
things. 

7  11  And  he  put  forth  a  parable  to  those  which 
were  liiddcn,  when  he  marked  how  they  chose  out 
the  chief  rooms;  saying  unto  them,  ■ 

8  When  thou  art  bidden  of  any  man  to  a  wed- 
ding, sit  not  down  in  the  highest  room;'  lest  a 
more  honorable  man  than  thou  be  bidden  of  him  ; 

Dan.9:2f;  Mic,3:l->.    h  ch.  19:38;  John  l-i:13.    iPsi.37:32;  lb.  29:20,  21  ; 
Jer.  aO:lU,  II.    J  oh.  13:14.     kch.  13:15.     1  Prov.  25:6,  7. 


19.  Divine  grace  in  the  heart  may  at  first  be  small  and 
feeble;  men  may  hardly  be  able  to  perceive  it;  but  by  a 
proper  use  of  the  means,  under  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  it  will  increase  till  its  manifestations  shall  become 
visible  to  all. 

24.  The  striving  of  men  to  enter  the  way  of  life,  is  the 
means  by  which  God  enables  them  to  do  it;  while  the 
neglect  of  this  till  death,  renders  it  certain  that  they  will 
never  enter  it,  or  take  a  step  towards  heaven. 

29.  The  salvation  of  men  does  not  depend  upon  either 
their  outward  position  or  the  number  or  variety  of  their 
privileges,  but  upon  the  manner  in  which  they  improve 
them.  Many  who  have  had  small  advantages,  and  have 
moreover  been  despised  and  neglected,  will  be  saved, 
because  they  have  faithfully  improved  their  opportuni- 
ties ;  while  others,  who  have  had  great  adv;int;iges  but 
neglected  them,  will  be  lost.  Thus  the  contrast  between 
men's  standing  in  this  world  and  in  the  world  to  como 
will  be,  in  many  cases,  inconceivably  great. 

34.  The  persevering  wickedness  of  sinners  greatly  griev- 
ed the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  would  gladly  have  received 
them,  and  given  them  his  salvation  ;  but  they  refu.scd  to 
accept  it,  and  thus  bccaiue  the  guilty  authors  of  their  own 
destruction. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1.  On  the  Sabbath;  Jesus  Christ  was  on  a  journey,  and 
had  no  home.  It  was  proper  that  he  shoulil  take  food 
where  ho  was  inviteil.  He  went  to  take  such  refreshriient 
as  his  physical  wants  on  that  day  required,  and  to  do  gooil 
to  those  who  might  be  present.  This  ;ilVords  no  ju8tiRc;i- 
tioii  to  visiting,  or  making  dining-parties  on  the  Siibbath. 
T/ieij  watched  liim  ;  to  see  if  he  would  not  do  something  for 
which  they  might  accuse  him. 

3.  Answcrinjr;  he  reidied  to  tlieir  thoughts  by  the  ques- 
tion which  he  put  lo  them. 

.'-,,  6.  Healing  on  the  Sabbath.     Matt.  12:11,  12. 

7.  lie  put  fur  til  a  parable;  showing  the  importance  of 
humility. 

8.  Highest  room ;  moathonorable  place  atthe  table, whcro 
the  principal  personagcB  reclined. 

mi 


The  gospel  ftast. 


LUKE  XIV. 


Bearing  ilic  cross. 


9  And  lie  that  bade  thee  and  him  come  and  say 
to  thee,  Give  this  man  place ;  and  thou  begin  with 
shame  to  take  the  lowest  room. 

10  But  when  thou  art  bidden,  go  and  sit  down 
in  the  lowest  room ;  that  wlicn  ho  that  bade  thee 
Cometh,  he  may  say  unto  thee,  Fricud,  go  u])  high- 
er: then  slialt  thou  have  worship  in  the  presence 
of  them  that  sit  at  meat  with  thee. 

11  For  whosoever  exalteth  himself  shall  be 
abased ;  and  he  that  humbletii  himself  shall  be 
exalted." 

12  1 'I'hon  said  he  also  to  him  tliat  bade  Inm, 
Wiien  thou  malcest  a  dinner  or  a  supper,  call  not 
thy  friends,  nor  tliy  bretiiron,  neither  thy  kinsmen, 
nor  t/iy  rich  neighbors;''  lest  they  also  bid  thee 
again,  and  a  recompense  be  made  thee. 

13  But  when  thou  makest  a  feast,  call  the  poor, 
tiie  maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind :" 

14  And  thou  shalt  be  blessed ;  for  they  cannot 
recompense  thee:  for  thou  siialt  be  recompensed 
at  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

15  \And  when  one  of  them  that  sat  at  meat 
with  him  iieard  these  things,  he  said  unto  him. 
Blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat  bread  in  the  kingdom 
of  God." 

IG  Then  said  he  unto  him,  A  certain  man  made 
a  great  supper,"^  and  bade  many:' 

17  And  sent  his  servant  at  supper-time  to  say  to 
them  that  were  bidden,  Come;  lor  ail  thiags  are 
now  ready.- 

18  And  they  all  witli  one  consent  began  to  make 
excuse.  The  lirst  said  unto  him,  I  have  bought  a 
i)iece  of  ground,  and  1  must  needs  go  and  see  it : '' 
I  pray  thee  have  me  excused. 

19  And  another  said,  1  iiave  bought  five  yoke  of 
oxen,  and  I  go  to  prove  them :  1  pray  thee  have 
me  excused. 

•  ISam.  15:17;  Job«:aO:  Pal.  18:27;  Pro».  15:33;  129:^:!;  Miitt.  23:12; 
oh.  \i:U:  Ju.  4:6;  I  Pel.  5:5  b  ProT.  22;1G.  »  Nell.  6:10,  12  d  Rev. 
tO:B.  e  Malt.  22:2,  etc.  riu.25:R,7.  f  Prov.  9:2,  5;  Song  .0: 1  ;  Isa.  55. 1, 
■i.    I>ch.  8:H.     1  vor.  20;  ICor.  7:3:J.    JPsa.  2:12.     kllov.  22:17.     '  I  Sam. 

10.  Jlnvc  worship;  receive  honor. 

11.  WhmocKer  exalteth  himself ;  is  proud,  and  Beeks  to  bo 
honored  above  others.  Shall  he  aliased;  by  God.  lie  that 
humhtelh  hiinsc'f;  who  in  limnblc,  and  shows  it  in  his  con- 
duct. Shall  be  exalted ;  lionored;  raised  to  higher  difrnity 
and  influence.  Prov.  1(;:1S,  19;  .Matt..';:;!;  11:29;  18:1"; 
23:12;  .Jarnes  4:fi.  This  [irovcrb  is  abumhiiilly  ilkistnited 
in  God's  dealint;s  witli  men  in  this  world,  Imt  will  hav<- 
its  liighest  fulfilment  in  the  world  to  come. 

13.  Call  the  poor;  do  good  to  the  needy  who  cannot 
reward  you. 

14.  The  resurrection  of  the  just ;  when  Ooil  shall  reward 
those  who  for  his  sake  have  done  good,  without  the  hope 
of  any  earthly  recompense. 

15.  Eat  bread  in  the  kingdom  of  God;  enjoy  its  blessings. 
See  Matt.  3:2. 

16.  A  areat  supper;  representing  tho  rich  and  abundant 
provisiiiii.s  of  the  gospel. 

17.  Tu  them  tluit  were  bidden ;  to  them  that  were  regularly 
invited.  These  represent  liere  the  Jews,  to  whom  the 
gospel  \yas  first  offered,  especially  the  scribes  aii'l  I'liari- 
Bces.  Come;  for  nil  things  are  now  readij;  the  iiivit;ition  to 
those  who  bear  the  gospel  to  partake  of  its  blessings. 

18.  To  make  excuse ;  showing  the  unwillingncHS  of  men 
to  accept  the  oB'crs  of  s;ilvation.  I  must  needs;  literally,  I 
have  a  necessity.  This  sIkiws  the  manner  in  which  necessity 
is  sometimes  used  in  the  Hibli;  to  express  a  strong  desire. 

20.  I  cannot  come;  tluit  is,  he  did  not  wish  to  come.  Uc 
chose  not  to  do  it. 

1173 


20  And  another  said,  I  have  married  a  a.  d.ss. 
wife,  and  therefore  I  cannot  come.' 

21  So  that  servant  came,  and  showed  his  lord 
these  things.  Tlieu  the  master  of  tiie  house  being 
angry,-'  said  to  his  servant.  Go  out  quickly  into 
the  streets  and  lanes  of  tlie  city,''  ami  bring  in 
hither  the  poor,'  and  tin;  muiined,  and  the  halt, 
and  the  blind.™ 

22  And  the  servant  said,  Lord,  it  is  done  as 
thou  hast  comiuandcd,  and  yet  there  is  room." 

23  And  the  lord  said  unto  the  servant.  Go  out 
into  the  highways  and  hedges,  and  comiiel  than  to 
come  in,"  that  my  house  iiuiy  be  llllcd. 

24  For  I  say  unto  you,  Tluvt  none  of  those  men 
which  were  bidden  shall  taste  of  my  sup])er.'' 

25  1'  And  there  went  great  multitudes  with  iiim: 
and  he  turned,  and  said  unto  tiiem, 

26  If  any  mcDi  come  to  me,  and  hate  not  his 
fatlier,  and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children,  and 
brethren,  and  sisters,''  yea,  and  his  own  life  also,"" 
lie  cannot  be  my  disciple. 

27  And  whosoever  doth  not  bear  his  cross,  and 
come  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disci]ile.' 

28  For  which  of  you,  intending  to  build  a  tower, 
sitteth  not  down  first,  and  counteth  the  cost,  wheth- 
er he  have  sufficient  to  finish  it  ?' 

29  Lest  haply,  after  he  hath  laid  the  fiuuidafion, 
and  is  not  able  to  finish  it,  all  that  behold  it  begin 
to  mock  liim, 

30  Saying,  This  man  began  to  build,  and  was 
not  able  to  finish." 

31  Or  what  king,  going  to  make  war  against 
another  king,  sitteth  not  down  first,  and  consult- 
eth  whether  he  be  able  witli  ten  thousand  to  meet 
him  that  cometh  against  him  with  twenty  thou- 
sand?^ 

32  Or  else,  while  the  other  is  yet  a  great  way 


2:-';  Pisa.  113:7,  8.     m 

I'sa.  3^:7;   Isa.  :i:l:2:!;  35:0.      n  Psa.   103:li;  130:7. 

0  Psi.  110:3.     p  Prov. 

1:21;  Mali.  21:43;  lleb.  12:25.     <[  Deul.33:»;  Mall. 

10:37.      r  Acts  20:21; 

Rev.  12:11.     >  .Malt.  10:24;    Mark  8:34;   ch.  0:23; 

2  Tim.  3:12.     1  Prov.  •. 

1:27.     uHeb.e:ll.     v  Prov.  20:1S. 

21.  Angry;  because  those  who  were  bidden  slighted 
liis  invitation  by  neglecting  his  feast  for  totiilly  iiiade(]uale 
reasons.  Streets  and  htics  of  the  criij;  the  il\velliiig-|ilace8 
of  the  poor  and  disabled,  who  here  represent  tlie  ))ulilican8 
and  sinners. 

22.  Yet  there  is  room  ;  however  many  may  partake  of  the 
lilcssiiigs  of  salvation,  there  are  ciiDUgli  fur  all  others  ;  and 
all  to  whom  the  gospel  is  preached,  are  urged  to  partake 
of  them. 

23.  The  highways  and  hedges;  lying  witliout  tho  city,  by 
which  is  signified"  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles.  Compel  them ; 
not  by  force,  but  by  persuasion,  by  earnest,  persevering 
entreaty. 

24.  None  of  those  men — taste  (f  my  supper;  a  solemn  an- 
nouncement of  the  coming  rejeclion  of  llie.lcws  as  a  nation 
for  their  nnliilief  lint  tli<'  words  apply  in  ;tll  their  force 
to  the  multitudes  now  in  Cliristiiin  lands  who  desjjisc  and 
neglect  the  gospel,  w'hile  lunvirts  frmo  ;iiiiiiiig  llic  liea- 
llien  nalions  are  mnlli]ilied. 

2.'i.  Great  multitudes  with  him;  without  ;iny  suitable  a|p- 
prehension  of  the  Kclf-deiii;il  which  his  service  would 
recpiirc  of  them. 

2(i.  Hate  not ;  if  lie  be  not  willing  for  my  sake  to  leave 
fillier  ;iMd  mother.     Alalt.  10:37. 

2x.  A  tower;  a  high  building,  erected  for  observation 
and  defence. 

32.  Ambassagc;  persons  sent  from  one  government  In 
another,  to  represent  the  interests  of  their  country.  Thi- 
point  of  this  and  the  preceding  comparison  is,  that  they 


Parable  of  the  lost  sheep, 


LUKE  XV. 


and  nf  the  prodigal  son. 


AD. 33.  off,  lie  scndeth  an  embassage,  and  desireth 
conditions  of  peace. 

33  So  likewise,  whosoever  he  be  of  3-011  that  for- 
saketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  he  cannot  be  my  dis- 
ciple." 

34  1  Salt  is  good :  but  if  the  salt  have  lost  his 
savor,  wherewith  shall  it  be  seasoned?" 

35  It  is  neither  fit  for  the  land,  nor  yet  for  the 
dunghill ;  but  men  cast  it  out.""  He  that  hath  ears 
to  hear,  let  him  hear. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

1   The  parable  of  the  lost  slicep;  S  of  the  piece  of  silver;  11  and  of  the 
prodigal  son. 

^yHEN  drew  near  unto  him  all  the  publicans 
.1.    and  sinners  for  to  hear  him.'' 

2  And  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  murmured,  say- 
ing, This  man  receiveth  sinners,  and  eateth  with 
them." 

3  IF  And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  them,  saying, 

4  What  man  of  you,  having  a  hundred  sheep,  if 
he  lose  one  of  them,  doth  not  leave  the  ninety  and 
nine  in  the  wilderness,  and  go  after  that  which  is 
lost,  until  he  find  it?'' 

5  And  when  he  hath  found  it,  he  layeth  it  on  his 
shoulders,  rejoicing. 

6  And  when  he  cometh  home,  he  calleth  together 
his  friends  and  neighbors,  saying  unto  them,  Re- 

»Phil.  3:7,  8.  bMatt.  5:1.1;  Mark  9:50.  ■:  John  l.^):0  d  Malt.  9:10,  etc. 
e  Acts  11:3;  1  Cor.  5:9-11;  Gal.  ■J:12.  f  Mut.  l!;:ll>.  5  Psa.  119:171); 
1  Pet.  'i:'25.     h  ch.  5:3'2.     *  Gr.  drackma,  here  translated  a  piece  of  silver,  is 

■who  undertake  Christ's  service  should  count  the  cost  be- 
forehand. 

33.  Forsaketh  not  all ;  all  that  stand.s  in  the  way  of  duty — 
all  that  would  hinder  a  man  from  doing  the  known  will  of  God. 

34.  Salt  IS  good ;  to  season  provisions,  and  preserve  them 
from  putrefaction.  In  the  present  connection,  salt  means 
divine  grace  manifested  in  a  spirit  of  self-denial  for  Christ's 
Bake,  'fhis  brings  salvation  to  its  possessor  and  to  others. 
If  the  salt  have  lost  his  savor ;  its  saltness  ;  if  holy  self-de- 
nial has  given  place  to  worldliness  and  self-indulgence. 
Seasoned  1  its  saltness  be  restored. 

35.  For  the  land — the  dunghill;  for  being  sown  to  fertilize 
the  soil,  nor  for  being  mingled  with  the  dunghill.  So  a 
professed  follower  of  Christ,  who  has  lost  His  spirit,  is  of 
no  value  to  the  church  here,  and  has  no  fitness  for  admis- 
sion to  heaven  hereafter.  Let  all  worldly-minded  disci- 
ples hear  this. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

5.  We  should  form  the  habit  of  drawing  spiritual  in- 
struction from  the  common  occurrences  of  life  ;  and  in 
our  social  intercourse,  as  well  as  in  our  religious  efforts, 
should  endeavor  to  do  good  to  our  fellow-men. 

11.  The  indulgence  and  display  of  pride  indicate  great 
wickedness  of  heart,  and  are  sure  precursors  of  coming 
abasement;  while  the  cultivation  and  manifestation  of 
humility  are  evidences  of  greatness,  and  harbingers  of 
coming  glory. 

14.  (ienuine  benevolence  will  lead  those  who  liixve  it  to 
do  good  for  goodness'  sake,  rather  than  for  any  expected 
reward ;  and  the  less  the  recompense  which  it  receives  in 
this  world,  the  greater  may  be  its  gracious  reward  in  the 
world  to  come. 

_  17.  Jesus  Christ  has  provided,  and  freely  offers,  the 
richest  and  most  abundant  blessings.  All  excuses  wliich 
men  make  for  not  accepting  them  are  vain  and  wicked. 

24.  God  i.s  angry  with  men  who  will  not  accept  of  his 
salvation, anil  be  for  ever  hapjiy  ;  and  when  for  ever  mis- 
erable, they  will  see  that  no  part  of  the  blame  attaches  to 
him,  but  that  it  all  belongs  to  themselves. 


joice  with  me;  for  I  have  found  my  sheep  which 
was  lost.'^ 

7  I  say  unto  you,  that  likewise  joy  shall  be  in 
heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more  than 
over  ninety  and  nine  just  persons,  which  need  no 
repentance." 

8  1  Either  what  woman  having  ten  pieces  of 
silver,"  if  she  lose  one  piece,  doth  not  light  a  can- 
dle, and  sweep  the  house,  and  seek  diligently  till 
she  find  it? 

9  And  when  she  hath  found  it,  she  calleth  her 
friends  and  her  neighbors  together,  saying.  Rejoice 
with  me;  for  I  have  found  the  piece  wliieli  1  had 
lost. 

10  Likewise,  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  joy  in  the 
presence  of  the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that 
repenteth.' 

11  1[  And  he  said,  A  certain  man  had  two  sons: 

12  And  the  younger  of  them  said  to  his  father. 
Father,  give  me  the  portion  of  goods  that  falleth 
to  me.     And  he  divided  unto  them  his  living.' 

13  And  not  many  days  after,  the  younger  son 
gathered  all  together,  and  took  his  journey  into  a 
far  country,  and  there  wasted  his  substance  with 
riotous  living. 

14  And  when  he  had  spent  all,  there  arose  a 
mighty  famine  in  that  land  ;  and  he  began  to  be  in 
want." 

15  And  he  went  and  joined  himself  to  a  citizen 


the  eighth  part  of  an  ounce,  of  the  value  of  14  cents  4  niills.  and  is  equal  to 
the  Roman  pennv;  see  Malt.  IS: 09,  i  Ezek.  lS:3;f,  32;  33:11;  Acts  11:18; 
Phile.  15,  10.    J  Mark  12:44.     k  Amos  8:11,  12. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

1.  Publicans  and  sinners.     Matt.  9:10. 

2.  Murmured ;  found  faidtwith  him  for  associating  with 
vicious  persons,  or  permitting  them  to  approach  him.  He 
therefore  spoke  three  parables,  showing  that  God  receives 
and  rejoices  over  sinners  who  return  to  him,  however 
wicked  they  have  been ;  and  that  it  was  highly  proper 
that  the  Saviour  of  sinners  should  do  the  same. 

3.  He  spake  this  parable;  the  three  parables  of  this  chap- 
ter contain  each  a  vindication  of  the  Saviour's  conduct  in 
receiving  publicans  and  sinners.  The  point  of  them  all 
is,  that  not  what  is  safe,  but  what  is  lost,  is  the  just  occa- 
sion of  labor  in  finding  and  joy  upon  recovery.  We  are 
not  to  infer  from  ver.  7  that  there  are  any  who  were  never 
lost  and  never  need  repentance.  The  Saviour  simjilj'  rea- 
sons with  the  Pharisees  upon  common  ]irinci]iles,as  much 
as  to  say.  If,  as  you  think,  j'ou  arc  safe  wilhin  God's  fokl, 
why  blame  me  for  my  solicitude  to  find  and  save  the  lost? 

4-7.  The  lost  sheep.     Matt.  18:11-14. 

7.  Joij  shall  be  m  heaven;  as  there  is  joy  in  heaven  over 
the  repentance  of  sinners,  it  was  proper  that  Christ  should 
associate  with  them,  for  the  ]iurpose  of  jiromotiiig  their 
repentance.  Ninety  and  mne  just  persons;  there  is  more 
joy  in  heaven  over  one  who  rejionts  ;ind  turns  to  God,  than 
over  many  who  have  never  sinned  and  need  no  repent- 
ance, or  who,  liaviiig  sinned,  think  that  they  need  none. 

8-10.  This  parable  is  another  illustration  of  the  same 
truth. 

12.  The  younger;  he  represents  openly  wicked  )>ersons, 
such  as  the"iiublicans  and  sinners  ;"  as  the  elder  son  docs 
the  Ph;irisees,  "who  trusted  in  themselves  that  they  were 
righteous,  and  despised  others."  His  living;  literally,  the 
living,  that  is,  the  estate  in  his  hands..  He  paid  over  to 
the  younger  sou  his  portion,  but  reserved  in  his  own 
hands  the  elder  son's  portion. 

l.'>.  To  feed  svine ;  this  was  considered  a  very  degrading 
employment,  and  to  a  Jew  was  especially  odious.  Lev. 
11:7;  Ucut  14:8. 

1173 


The  prodigal  san. 


LUKE  XVI. 


Tke  unjust  skward. 


of  that  country ;  and  he  sent  liini  into  his  fields  to 
feed  swine. 

16  And  he  would  fain  have  filled  his  belly  witli 
the  liusks  tliat  the  swine  did  cat:''  and  no  man 
gave  unto  hiui. 

17  And  when  lie  came  to  himself,  he  said,  How 
many  hired  servants  of  my  fatiier's  have  bread 
enough  and  to  spare,  and  1  perisii  with  hunger! 

18  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  lather,  and  will  say 
unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven, 
and  before  thee, 

19  And  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy 
FOii:''  make  me  as  one  of  thy  hired  servants. 

20  And  he  arose,  and  came  to  his  father.  But 
when  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,"  iiis  father  saw 
liirh,  and  had  comjiassion,  and  ran,  and  fell  on  his 
iieck,  and  kissed  him. 

21  And  the  son  said  unto  him,  Father,  I  have 
sinned  against  heaven,''  and  in  tliy  sight,  and  am 
no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son. 

22  But  the  father  said  to  his  servants.  Bring 
forth  the  best  robe,  and  put  it  on  him;''  and  put 
a  ring  on  his  hand,  and  shoes  on  his  feet: 

23  And  bring  hither  the  fatted  calf,  and  kill  it: 
and  let  us  eat,  and  be  merry: 

2-i  For  this  my  son  was  dead,''  and  is  alive 
again  ;'^  he  was  lost,  and  is  found.''  And  they 
began  to  be  merry. 

25  Now  his  elder  son  was  in  the  field:  and  as 
he  came  and  drew  nigh  to  the  house,  he  heard 
music  and  dancing.' 

»  Vsx.  Ti.ii;  Isa.  44:dO:  Hos.  1-2:1.  b  I'm.  3-i:i.  c  Acts  i:3'):  Eph.  -l:  1.), 
17.  a  Psi.  .01:1.  e  Zoih.  iM-Ti.  f  ver.  '.M;  Kph.  2:1;  ry.W;  Rev.  :):1. 
«   Rom.  «:11,  13.      h  Ezck.  31:4-10;    ch.   1U:I0.      i  Psa    30:11;  1-J(i:l,  2. 

16.  Husks ;  large  pods  growing  on  the  carob-tree.  They 
have  a  swectisli  pulp,  anil  siiudl  scctLs  like  beans.  Swine 
are  fed  on  them,  and  pour  people  sometimes  eat  them. 

17.  Came  lo  himself;  came  to  have  just  views  ol"  thiiififs. 
13.  Agaiiiit  licavcn  ;  against  God  as  well  as  against  his 

father. 

20.  Run  and  fcU  on  his  neck;  this  represents  the  readi- 
ness with  whicii  (jod  receives  returning  sinners. 

2?j.  lie  merry;  be  joyful  and  happy;  literally,  eating,  let 
us  rejoice. 

24.  Ml/  son  wji  ilc'iil — hist;  he  was  dead  to  excellence 
and  to  haiJjjiness.and  dead  as  to  being  the  means  of  either 
to  his  father's  house.  Jle  was  lost  to  goodness,  to  duty, 
and  to  heaven.  Alive— fonnd ;  lie  has  returned  with  right 
feelings  to  his  father  and  friends,  and  is  a  source  of  rich 
enjoyment  to  himsidf  and  them.  \\'\k>,  not  lost  to  goodness, 
would  not  be  partaker  of  their  joy? 

25.  Jlis  elder  son ;  he  represents  the  scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, who  fouMil  fault  with  Jesus  for  receiving  and  kindly 
treating  sinners  who  came  to  him.  Music  and  dancing; 
c:<pression8  of  joy. 

;iO.  This  tliij  ion;  an  expression  of  scorn  and  pride.  lie 
refuses  to  siiy,  This  my  brother.  Devoured  thy  living; 
squandered  the  property  assigiieil  lo  him. 

31.  Tiiou  ait  ever  with  me;  so  that  thou  hast  the  full  en- 
joyment of  the  portion  of  the  estate  reserved  for  thee.  All 
that  I  have  is  thine;  the  younger  son  having  received  liis 
portion  of  the  estiite,  what  remiiiued  would  be  now  en- 
joyed by  the  other  son,  and  fall  to  him  when  the  father 
had  done  with  it. 

32.  Il  uvit  meet;  suitable,  proper.  Had  the  elder  sen  felt 
right,  he  would  have  thought  so;  and  instead  of  murmur- 
ing, woiilil  have  iiaVt-aki-n  of  the  joy.  Ko  with  tlic  scribes 
and  Pharisees :  had  tin  y  felt  right,  instead  of  murmuring 
at  Christ  for  receiving  innilent  siimers,  they  would  have 
rejoiced  with  him  and  all  the  good  on  earth  and  in  heaven, 
with  exceeding  joy. 

1114 


26  And  he  called  one  of  the  servants,  and  a.  n.ss. 
asked  wliat  these  things  meant. 

27  And  he  said  unto  him,  Tliy  brother  is  come; 
and  thy  father  hath  killed  the  fatted  calf,  because 
he  hath  received  him  safe  and  sound. 

28  And  he  was  aii.a'ry,^  and  would  not  go  in : 
therefore  came  his  father  out,  and  entreated  him. 

29  And  he  answering,  said  to  his  father,  Lo, 
these  many  years  do  I  serve  thee,"  neither  trans- 
gressed I  at  any  time  thy  commandment ;'  and  yet 
thou  never  gavest  me  a  kid.  that  I  might  make 
merry  with  my  friends: 

30  But  as  soon  as  tliis  thy  son  wiis  come,  which 
hath  devoured  thy  living  with  harlots,  thou  hast 
killed  for  him  the  fatted  calf 

31  And  he  said  unto  him,  Son,  thou  art  ever 
with  me,'"  and  all  that  I  have  is  thine. 

32  It  was  meet  that  we  should  make  merry,"  and 
be  glad:°  for  this  thy  brother  was  dead,  and  is 
alive  again;  and  was  lost,  and  is  fmiud.'' 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

I  The  paniWe  of  tlic  unjust  stewnrd.  14  Christ  reprovcth  the  hypocrisy 
of  the  covetous  I'ttarisecs.  19  The  rich  glutton,  and  Laz:irus  the 
hcg^'ar. 

'\   ND  he  said  also  unto  his  disciples,  There  was 

/  X  a  certain  rich  man  which  had  a  steward  ;  and 
the  same  was  accused  unto  him  that  he  had  wasted 
his  goods. 

2  And  he  called  him,  and  said  unto  him.  How  is 
it  that  I  hear  this  of  thee?  give  an  account  of  thy 


J  Jonah  4:1-3;  Kom.  10:19.    k  isa.  65:5;  ch.  1S:11.    I  Phil.  3:li.    m  Knm. 
8:4;  11:1.     "  Jonah  4:1U,  11.    o  Psa.  51:S;  Isa.  3J:10.     P  ver.  ^4. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Mnmniring  when  sinners  come  to  Christ,  and  uneasi- 
ness at  his  reception  of  them,  are  evidences  of  a  selfish, 
wicked  spirit,  which,  without  a  great  change,  can  never 
join  in  the  eniploymenl  or  p;trl;ike  of  the  bliss  of  heaven. 

10.  As  (ioil,  angels,  and  all  holy  beings  rejuice  at  the 
repentance  of  sinners,  all  who  repent,  and  all  who  aro 
successful  in  leading  others  to  repent,  are  increasing  tho 
happiness  of  heaven. 

12.  Wickeil  men  wish  to  have  their  concerns  in  their 
own  hands.  They  would  rather  choose  and  direct  their 
course,  than  have  tlod  do  it  for  them.  This  is  setting  np 
their  wisilom  and  goodness  above  his,  ami  will  end  in  sad 
disappointment. 

17.  .Men  must  feel  that  tliey  aro  lost,  before  they  will 
be  found;  and  unless  they  believe  that  aw;iy  from  tJod 
they  will  perish,  they  will  never  return  to  him.  Nor,  if 
they  do  believe  this,  will  they  ever  return  to  him  till  they 
steadfastly  resolve  to  do  it. 

21).  To  be  saved,  men  must  not  only  roRolvc,  but  they 
must  return  to  (Jod  ;  taking  all  the  blame  and  Kh;tme  of 
their  departure  to  themselves,  and  iiscnbiiig  lighleons- 
ness  to  him,  they  must  surrender  ;ill  their  interests  fur 
time  and  eternity  tn  his  care,  guichuiee.  and  diK|iosal. 

22.  \Vheu  in  humilily  and  ]iei)itenee  hk  ii  return  to  (Jod, 
trusting  in  .lesus  Christ  for  what  they  need,  he  rejoices  to 
receive  them  with  exct'cding  great  joy  ;  anil  not  withstand- 
ing all  their  triinsgressions  he  ]iiiriliins  them  freely,  and 
bestows  U]iou  them  the  blessings  of  his  salvation. 

CiLM'Ti;!?   .\V1. 

1.  There  wut  n,  a-itii.n  rich  mini ;  in  this  jiarable  our  Lord 
teaches  the  neceHsity  of  spiritual  wisdom  and  foretljonght 
ill  providing  for  the  world  to  come  by  an  example  of 
worldly  shrewdness,  lis  immediate  reference  is  to  tho 
use  which  Hod  reipiires  us,  as  his  stewards,  to  make  of 
tlic  property  which  he  entrusts  to  us.     But  it  iucludcs  aU 


Parable  of  l/ie  unjust  steward. 


LUKE  XVI. 


Serviii"'  Gtd  und  m.:mmi,ii. 


\.  D.  33.  stewardship ;"  for  tliou  mayest  be  no  longer 
steward. 

3  Then  the  steward  said  witliin  himself,  What 
shall  I  do  ?  for  my  lord  takcth  away  from  me  tlio 
stewardship  :  I  cannot  dig  ;  to  beg  I  am  ashamed. 

4  I  am  resolved  wliat  to  do,  that,  wlien  I  am  put 
out  of  the  stewardship,  they  may  receive  me  into 
their  liouses. 

5  So  lie  called  every  one  of  his  lord's  debtors 
%info  /lini,  and  said  unto  the  first.  How  much  owest 
thou  unto  my  lord  ? 

6  And  ho  said,  A  hundred  measures*  of  oil.  And 
he  said  unto  him.  Take  tliy  bill,  and  sit  down 
quickly,  and  write  fifty. 

7  Then  said  he  to  another.  And  how  much  owest 
tliou?  And  he  said,  A  hundred  measures^  of  wheat. 
And  he  said  unto  him.  Take  thy  bill,  and  write 
fourscore. 

8  And  the  lord  commended  the  unjust  steward, 
because  he  had  done  wisely:  for  the  children  of 
this  world  are  in  their  generation  wiser  than  the 
cliildren  of  liglit." 

9  And  I  say  unto  you.  Make  to  yourselves  friends 
of  the  mammon'  of  unriu'litcousncss  ;  that  when  ye 
fail,  tliey  may  receive  you  into  everlasting  habita- 
tions.'' 

10  He  that  is  faithful  in  that  which  is  least,  is 
faithful  also  in  much :  and  ho  that  is  unjust  in  the 
h^ast,  is  unjust  also  in  much.'' 

1 1  If  therefore  ve  have  not  been  faithfid  in  the 


a  Ch.  U.ii;  1  Cor.  4:2;  1  Tim.  4:14;  1  Pet.  4:111.  •  The  word  balas  in 
ttie  original  contains  nine  gallons  three  (Quarts;  see  Ezek.  4.'>:1U-14.  t  The 
word  here  interpreted  a  measure,  in  the  original  contains  abont  fnnrteen  bush- 
els and  two  quarts,     b  John  l'J;3<i;  Eph.  5:B.     I  Or,  ric/ies.     c  Eccl.  11:1; 


otiier  ^ifts  and  opportunities  of  doing  good.  Steward; 
one  intrusted  with  property,  to  be  used  according  to  the 
will- of  its  owner. 

3.  Saul  within  himself;  lie  thought.  I  cannot  dig;  work 
at  any  servile  labor. 

6.  Thij  hill;  thy  writing.  Write  fifty;  by  allowing  the 
debtor  to  alter  his  bill  anil  diminish  it  one  half,  the  stew- 
ard hoped  to  gain  his  favor,  and  thus,  in  time  of  need,  to' 
secure  his  aid. 

7.  Fourscore;  eighty. 

.8.  Tiie  lord;  the  master  of  the  steward.  Commended; 
not  his  injustice,  but  his  sagacity.  Done  wiseh/;  acted 
shrewdly  ;  manifested  forethought  and  skill.  Chddren  of 
this  world;  those  who  seek  earthly  things  as  their  chief 
good.  Wiser  tluin  the  children  of  light ;  more  sagacious  in 
tlie  selection,  and  more  skilful  in  the  application  of  means  to 
obtain  temporal,  than  ('hristians  arc  to  obtain  eternal  good. 

9.  Of  the  mammon  of  unrighteousness ;  by  the  right  use 
of  it,  as  tlie  original  implies.  Miimmon  is  a  Chaldee  word 
signifying  riches.  It  is  here  called  the  mammon  of  un- 
righteousness, its  being  with  unrighteous  men  tlie  great 
object  of  pursuit,  and  too  eomnioiily  sought,  moreover,  by 
unrighteous  means.  That  tvhen  ye  fiid ;  are  discharged 
from  your  stewardship  by  death.  They  may  rerciae  you ; 
that  is,  the  friends  whom  you  have  made  by  bestowing 
your  property  in  deeds  of  love  and  mercy.  Our  Kaviour 
uses  the  words,  "  they  may  receive  you,"  in  allusion  to 
the  steward's  language,  "  they  may  receive  me  into  their 
houses."  They  do  not  receive  us  by  any  right  or  author- 
ity of  their  own,  for  this  belongs  to  ('lirist  alone  ;  but  they 
welcome  us  to  heaven  and  bear  witness  to  our  deeds  of 
mercy,  as  being  the  evidence  and  fruit  of  that  "  faitli  which 
worketh  by  love."  Compare  the  remarkable  passage  in 
Matt.  2.'->::i4-4(;. 

10.  Faithful;  as  God's  steward.  In  that  which  is  least; 
our  Saviour  teaches  that  it  is  not  the  cpiantity  committed 
to  us  that  Gotl  will  regard,  but  our  fidelity  in  using  it; 


unrighteous  mammon,*  who  will  commit  to  your 
trust  the  true  riches  ? 

12  And  if  ye  have  not  been  faithful  in  that  which 
is  auotlicr  man's,  who  shall  give  you  that  which  ia 
your  own  ? 

13  Tl  No  servant  can  serve  two  masters:  for 
either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other ;  or 
else  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and  desiiise  the  other. 
Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon." 

14  And  the  Pharisees  also,  who  were  covetous,^ 
heard  all  these  things:  and  they  derided  him. 

15  And  he  said  unto  them,  Ye  are  they  which 
justify  yourselves  before  men;»  but  God  know- 
eth  your  hearts:"  for  that  which  is  iiighly  es- 
teemed among  men  is  abomination  in  the  sight  of 
God.' 

IG  The  law  and  the  prophets  v.cre  until  John:J 
since  that  time  the  kingdom  of  God  is  preached, 
and  every  man  presseth  into  it. 

17  And  it  is  easier  for  heaven  and  earth  to  pass, 
than  one  tittle  of  the  law  to  fail." 

18  Whosoever  putteth  away  his  wife,  and  marri- 
eth  another,  committeth  adultery:  and  whosoever 
marricth  her  that  is  put  away  from  lur  hu.-^band, 
committeth  adultery.' 

It)  *i.  Tiicrc  was  a  certain  rich  man,  which  was 
clothed  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  and  fared  sump- 
tuously every  day : 

20  And  there  was  a  certain  beggar  named  Laza- 
rus, which  was  laid  at  his  gate,  full  of  sores, 

1  Tim.  G:18,  19.     i  Matt.  25:21,  2:3.     e  Josh.  24:15;  Matt.  0:24.     t  Malt. 

2.3:14.     S  ch.  10:29.      !>  Psa.  7:9;  Jcr.  17:1U.      i  Prov.  10:5;   Mai.  3:1". 

J  Man.  11:12,  13.     k  Psa.  102:20;  Isa.  40:3;  51:0.     I  Matt.  5:132;  1  Cur. 
7:10,  11. 

and  that  oiir  disposition  is  as  thoroughly  tried  by  a  small 
as  by  a  large  amount  of  property  or  influence. 

11.  Unrighteous  mammon;  worldly  things.  True  riches; 
heavenly  treasures — satisfying,  eternal  good. 

12.  Not  been  faithful;  if  not  honest  as  stewards  in  what 
God  committed  to  you  for  time,  no  one  will  give  you 
heavenly  riches  for  eternity. 

13.  God  and  mammon;  Matt.  C:24. 

14.  Derided  him;  because  of  the  doctrine  contained  in 
the  ju-eceding  discourse,  in  which  he  taught  that  all  our 
wealth  belongs  to  liod,  and  that  to  obtain  heaven,  we  must 
faithfully  use  it  in  his  service,  and  that  too  with  undivided 
love  and  devotion. 

15.  Justify  ijourselves ;  you  pretend  before  men  to  be  just 
and  gootl,  and  are  by  them  higlily  esteemed ;  but  God, 
who  sees  your  hearts,  abhors  ami  condemns  your  hypoc- 
risy and  worldliness. 

IC.  Were  until  John  ;  see  notes  on  Matt.  11 :  12,  1 3.  Every 
man;  the  Saviour  alludes  to  the  fact  that  the  despised 
publicans  and  sinners  are  pressing  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  while  the  proud  Pli:irisecs  reject  it. 

17.  Oiietittle  of  the  hiwtofail ;  he  shows  that  the  gospel — 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  wliich  he  has  come  to  establish— 
does  not  relax  the  strictness  of  the  divine  law.  Of  this 
he  gives,  in  the  next  verse,  an  instance. 

18.  Puttclh  awaij  his  vfc,  and  marrieth  another ;  the  Sav- 
iour here  connects  covctousness  with  licentiousness,  both 
being  sins  of  the  Pharisees  growing  out  of  the  common 
root  of  worldliness,  and  both  excluding  men  from  tlio 
kingdom  of  he;iven. 

1!1-31.  To  illustrate  the  foil}-,  guilt,  and  ruin  of  being 
dishonest  low;irds  (!od  iind  em|)loying  whitt  he  gives  only 
in  self-indulgeiiee,  our  Saviour  gave  this  account  of  the 
rich  man  iind  Lazarus. 

m.  Clntlied  in  purple  ;  an  indication  of  great  wealth.  Fared 
sumpluintsly;  lived  iu  ;i  luxurious  ;inil  costly  iii;tiin('r. 

20.  Ikggar;  literally,  a  poor  m;tii.    Laid  at  his  gate ;  there 

1175 


The  rich  man  and  Lazarm. 


LUKE  XVII. 


Offences  to  Ic  cvcided. 


21  And  desiring  to  be  fed  with  the  crumbs  which 
fell  from  tlie  ricli  man's  table :  moreover  the  dogs 
came  and  licked  his  sores. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  the  beggar  died,  and 
was  carried  by  the  angels  into  Abraham's  bosom :" 
the  ricli  man  also  died,  and  was  buried;'' 

23  And  in  hell  ho  lifted  up  liis  eyes,''  being  in 
torments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus 
in  his  bosom. 

24  And  he  cried,  and  said,  Father  Abraham, 
have  mercy  on  nic,  and  send  Lazarus,  that  he  may 
dip  tlie  tip  of  liis  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my 
tongue;''  for  I  ain  tormented  in  this  llanie.'' 

25  But  Abraham  said,  Son,  remember  that  thou 
in  tliy  lifetime  rceeivedst  tiiy  good  tilings,'  and 
likewise  Lazarus  evil  things:  but  now  he  is  com- 
forted, and  tliou  art  tormented. 

26  And  besides  all  tiiis,  between  us  and  you 
there  is  a  great  gulf  fixed :  so  that  they  which 
would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot;  neither  can 
they  pass  to  us,  that  icould  come  from  thence." 

27  Then  he  said,  I  pray  thee  tlierefore,  father, 
tliat  thou  wouldest  send  him  to  my  father's  house: 

28  For  I  have  five  brethren ;  tliat  he  may  testify 
imto  them,  lest  they  also  come  into  this  place  of 
torment. 

29  Abraliam  saitli  unto  him,  Tiiey  have  Moses 
and  the  pro[thets;''  let  them  hear  them. 

30  And  he  said,  Nay,  fatlicr  Abraluxm :  but  if 
one  went  unto  them  from  tlie  dead,  they  will  re- 

[iCIlt. 

31  And  iie  said  unto  him.  If  they  hear  not  Moses 
and  tlie  prophets,'  neitiicr  will  they  be  persuaded, 
tliougli  one  rose  from  tiie  dead.J 


«  Mitt.  8:11.  b  Prov.  14:32.  »  Rev.  14:10,  11.  J  Zech.  14: 12.  «  Isa. 
(;6:-2l;  Mark  U:  14,  etc.  'Job  21:13;  I'sa.  73:12-19;  ch.0:24.  e  Kzek.  a-<:24. 
h  1.1.  34:1«;  John  5::J9.     iSCor.  4:3.    J  John  I-2:lll,  11.     kMatt.  Is:0,7; 


was  tlien  no  public  provision  for  the  poor,  and,  when  dis- 
a\)led,  they  were  often  laid  at  the  gates  of  the  rich,  that 
they  mi};lit  receive  aid. 

22.  Ahraliam's  bosom  ;  a  common  expression  among  the 
Jews  for  the  rest  and  bliss  of  heaven. 

24.  Father  Abraliam,  have  mercy  on  me;  tliis  shows  that 
he  was  a  Jew,  or  one  of  Abraliam's  descendants.  This  is 
the  only  instance  mentioned  in  Scripture  of  any  one  pniy- 
ing  to  a  dejiarted  spirit,  and  he  gained  nothing  by  it  but 
an  increase  of  torment.  I'niyer  is  an  act  of  religions  wor- 
ship, and  the  command  of  Jehovah  is,  "Thou  slialt  wor- 
sliip  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve." 
Mutt.  4:111. 

25.  Good  Ihingt ;  wealth,  honor,  and  pleasure.  Evil 
thinf^fi;  poverty,  contempt,  and  distress. 

20.  Neither  can  they  pa.s.1 ;  there  can  bo  no  interchange  of 
jilaccs  between  those  in  heaven  and  those  in  hell. 

2!).  Tiicy  have  Moses  and  tlie  propliets ;  the  Old  Testament 
scriptures. 

31.  Neitlier  will  they  he  persuaded ;  persuaded  to  rejient. 
IN.STI'J'CTIOXS. 

2.  Riclies  and  all  the  blessings  which  men  ])o8ses8  come 
from  (iod  and  belong  to  him.  With  them  men,  as  his 
stewards,  arc  intrusted  for  a  season,  l-'or  the  use  of  them 
Ihey  mii.st  give  account,  and  they  will  be  treated  accord- 
ing to  their  works. 

II.  To  be  happy  hereafter,  men  must  bo  honest  towards 
(iod  here.  If  they  continue  knowingly  to  rob  him  of  wdiat 
lio  gives  them  on  earth,  he  will  never  bestow  on  them  the 
riches  of  heaven. 

19.  A  man's  condition  in  this  world  is  no  certain  crite- 
rion of  his  character.     A  wicked  man  may  be  rich  and 
surrounded  with  all  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life,  while 
1176 


CHAPTER  XVII.         *°-3. 

1  Christ  tcachclh  'u  avoid  occasions  of  offence.  3  One  to  forgive  another, 
t)  The  power  of  lailh.  7  How  we  are  bound  to  God.  and  not  lie  to 
us.  1 1  He  healeth  ten  lepers.  22  Of  the  kingdom  of  G-od,  and  Ihti 
coming  (if  ihc  Son  of  man. 

^^HEN  said  lie  unto  the  disciples.  It  is  impossi- 
_    ble  but  that  offences  will  come :''  but  woe  unto 
hti/i  tlirough  wiiom  tliey  come! 

2  It  were  lietter  for  him  tliat  a  millstone  wore 
hanged  about  his  neck,  and  he  east  into  the  sea, 
than  that  he  should  offend  one  of  these  little  ones. 

3  1[  Take  heed  to  yourselves :  If  thy  brotiier  tres- 
pass against  thee,  rebuke  him;'  and  if  he  repent, 
forgive  him. 

•1  And  if  he  trespass  against  thee  seven  times 
in  a  day,  and  seven  times  in  a  day  turn  airaiii  to 
tiiee,  saying,  I  repent;  thou  shalt  forgive  him.'" 

5  And  the  apostles  said  unto  the  Lord,  Increase 
our  faith." 

G  And  the  Lord  said.  If  ye  had  faith  as  a  grain 
of  mustard-seed,  ye  might  say  unto  this  sycamine- 
tree.  Be  tiiou  phieked  up  by  the  root,  and  bo  tliou 
jilantcd  ill  tiio  sea;  and  it  should  obey  you." 

7  But  wliicli  of  yon,  having  a  servant  ]iloughing 
or  feeding  cattle,  will  say  unto  iiim  by  and  by, 
when  he  is  come  from  the  field.  Go  and  sit  down 
to  meat  ? 

8  And  will  not  rather  say  unto  him,  Jlake  ready 
wherewilii  I  may  sup,  and  gird  thyself,  and  servo 
mc,  till  I  liave  raten  and  drunken;  and  afterward 
thou  shalt  cat  and  drink? 

9  Doth  he  tliaiik  tliat  servant  because  he  did  tlie 
things  that  were  coninuuided  him  ?    I  trow  not. 

10  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done;  all 
those  things  which  are  connnanded  you,  say,  We 


Mark  9:42.     I   Lev.   19:17.      "»  Mall.  0:12,  14-  Col.  J;13.     »  Hob.  12:2. 
o  .Matt  17:2(1;  21:21 ;  Mark  9:23;  11:23.  , 


a  good  man  may  be  poor,  utllictcd,  ;uul  helpless,  lie  may 
want  even  that  which  is  squandered  by  the  wicked  on 
their  dogs. 

22.  (Jood  men  and  bad  must  die.  lint  their  souls  will 
live  after  death,  in  heaven  or  hell,  according  to  their  char- 
acter. An  impiiKsable  barrier  will  divide  them.  Those 
ill  heaven  cannot  help  those  in  hell,  ami  none  from  liell  can 
ever  ascend  to  heaven. 

2.5.  The  faculty  of  memory  is  a  great  blessing  ;  but  riion 
may  so  conduct  in  this  world  tliat  the  exercise  of  il  will 
for  ever  torment  them  in  the  world  to  come. 

29.  (jreatand  niomcntoiis  truths  are  reve;iled  by  (Jod  in 
the  Uible.  If  men  who  liavi-  the  liibli!  and  the  prcaihing 
of  the  gospel  are  not  led,  under  the  iiillnencc!  of  the  Spirit, 
to  believe,  no  other  means  would  be  aviiiling ;  but  lliey 
will  be  left  to  iinrsue  their  chosen  course  of  wickedness 
to  the  place  of  endless  torment. 

(Ml.vn'KIl  XV  11. 

1.  Impossible;  siicli  is  the  wickedness  of  men,  that  they 
will  commit  sin,  ami  tcmjit  others  to  sin.  Alatt.  18:6,7; 
.Mark  9:41,  42. 

3,4,  Forgiveness.     Matt.  IR:  l.')-22. 

:>.  Increase  our  fndh ;  see  noti^  on  Matt.  17:20. 

G.  Syaimiiie;  tlie  siune  as  sycamore.     .Matt.  17:20. 

7-10.  These  verses  imiiliate  the  duty  of  obedience, 
patience,  and  humility  ;  that  after  all  the  disciples  h;id 
done  or  would  do,  their  reward  must  bo  of  grace,  not  of 
debt. 

7.  fli/  and  by;  rather,  immediately.  The  meaning  is, 
ho  will  not  at  once  direct  him  to  take  his  meal,  but  will 
have  him  w;iit  till  he  has  first  served  his  master. 

9.  /  liow  not;  think  nut. 


Christ  heakth  ten  lepers. 


LUKE  XVII. 


Coming  of  the  Son  of  man. 


AD. 33.  are  unprofitable  servants:"  wc  have  done 
that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

Ill  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  went  to  Jerusa- 
lem, that  he  passed  through  the  midst  of  Samaria 
and  Galilee." 

12  And  as  ho  entered  into  a  certain  village, 
there  met  him  ten  men  that  were  lepers,  which 
stood  afar  oflf:'' 

13  And  they  lifted  up  their  voices,  and  said, 
Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us. 

14  And  when  lie  saw  them,  he  said  unto  them,  Go 
show  yourselves  unto  the  priests.*  And  it  came  to 
pass,  that,  as  they  went,  they  were  cleansed." 

15  And  one  of  them,  wlien  he  saw  that  he  was 
healed,  turned  back,  and  with  a  loud  voice  glori- 
fied God,'' 

IG  And  fell  down  on  his  face  at  his  feet,  giving 
him  tliauks:  and  he  was  a  Samaritan.*-' 
•  17  And  Jesus  answering  said.  Were  there  not 
ten  cleansed?  but  wliere  are  the  nine? 

18  There  are  not  found  that  returned  to  give 
glory  to  God,  save  this  stranger.'' 

19  And  he  said  unto  him.  Arise,  go  thy  way: 
thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole.' 

20  1[  And  when  he  was  demanded  of  the  Phari- 
sees, wiien  the  kingdom  of  God  should  come,  he 
answered  them  and  said.  The  kingdom  of  God 
Cometh  not  with  observation:* 

21  Neither  shall  they  say,  Lo  here  !  or,  Lo  there ! 
for  behold,  the  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you.^J 

22  And  he  said  unto  the  disciples,  The  days  will 
come,  wlien  ye  shall  desire  to  see  one  of  the  days 
of  the  Son  of  man,  and  ye  shall  not  see  it.^ 

2'6  And  they  shall  say  to  you,  See  here ;  or.  See 
there:  go  not  after  them,  nor  follow  tkcm.^ 

24  For  as  the  lightning,  that  lightencth  out  of 
the  one  part  under  heaven,  shineth  unto  the  other 


»  Job 

23:3 

3 

i7;  Pii 

.    I(i:2, 

3;  La.  01:6; 

Rom 

11:3.3 

1  Cor. 

0:10,  17. 

bch.  'J:.3 

1,.5-i 

J 

ilin  4:4. 

»  Lev.  l:i:48.     d  Lev.  13 

2;  14:: 

;  Matt 

8:4;  ch. 

5:14.     e 

•2Ki 

ICS 

.5:14;  1 

SI.  63: 

24.    f  Psa.  3U: 

1,2. 

S  Jolin 

4:3'J-C. 

.     h  Psa. 

1U6;13. 

i  Matt. 

9:2.'. 

Or,  with  outward  show. 

t  Or,  anions  jjoit ;  John 

12.  Stootl  afar  off ;  lepers  were  not  allowed  to  dwell  with 
or  come  near  to  persons  in  healtli.  Matt.  8 : 2-4  ;  Lev.  1 3 :  46  ; 
Num.  5:2,  3. 

14.  S!iow  yourselves  unto  the  priests;  to  obtain  tlicir  testi- 
mony th;xt  tliey  were  re;vlly  cnred,  and  might  be  again 
admitted  into  society.     Cleansed;  healed. 

15.  This  stranger;  a  foreigner,  as  were  the  Samaritans, 
and  not  a  Jew.  In  this  transaction  the  Lord  saw  fore- 
shadowed tlie  bringing  in  of  tlie  Gentiles  to  liis  church. 

19.  Thij  faith  halh  made  tliee  w'lole ;  liis  confidence  in 
Christ  was  the  means,  and  the  power  of  Christ  the  cause 
of  his  cure. 

20.  Kin^ihm  of  God;  the  reign  of  the  Messiali.  Jfalt. 
3:2.  Not  with  observation ;  not  witli  outward  pomp  and 
display,  so  tliat  you  can  mark  its  progress,  as  you  would 
that  of  an  army,  and  sayof  it,"Lo  here!"  or,  "  Lo  there!" 

21.  Within  i/ou;  the  true  reign  of  Christ  is  in  the  hearts 
of  men,  :uid  it  had  alrciidy  begun  among  them. 

22.  Uiie  of  the  duiia  of  the  Son  of  man;  he  refers  to  the 
a\vful  calamities  abcnit  to  come  on  the  .Jewish  nation  for 
their  rejection  of  himself,  when  tlic  unbelieving  multitudes, 
who  had  rejected  their  true  Mr.ssiah,  would  in  vain  wait 
and  pray  for  the  Messiah  of  their  own  inuigiiiations  ;  and 
even  his  discijiles  would  desire  the  return  of  one  of  those 
blesseil  d;iys  when  their  -Master  was  with  them.  At  th;it 
time  false  Christs  would  appeiir,  and  they  might  l)e  temj)!- 
ed  to  follow  them  ;  but  he  w;irned  them  not  to  do  it. 

23.  See  here,  or  See  there ;  to  witness  the  works  of  these 
pretended  Messiahs.    Matt.  24:23-27. 


pai-t  under  heaven ;  so  shall  also  the  Son  of  man 
be  in  his  day. 

25  But  first  must  he  suffer  many  things,  and  be 
rejected  of  this  generation."" 

26  And  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Noe,"  so  shall  it 
be  also  in  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man. 

27  They  did  eat,  they  drank,  they  married  wives, 
they  were  given  in  marriage,  until  tlic^  day  that 
Noe  entered  into  the  ark,  and  the  flood  came,  and 
destroyed  them  all. 

28  Likewise  also  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Lot; 
they  did  eat,  they  cfrank,  tliey  bought,  they  sold, 
they  planted,  they  builded  ; 

29  I>ut  the  same  day  that  Lot  went  out  of  Sodom 
it  rained  fire  and  brimstone  from  heaven,  and  de- 
stroyed them  all." 

30  Even  thus  shall  it  be  in  the  day  when  the 
Son  of  man  is  revealed." 

31  In  that  day,  he  which  shall  be  upon  the  house- 
top, and  his  stuff  in  the  house,  let  him  not  come 
down  to  take  it  away:  and  he  that  is  in  the  field, 
let  him  likewise  not  return  back. 

32  Remeniljer  Lot's  wife.'' 

33  Whosoever  shall  seek  to  save  his  life,  shall 
lose  it ;  and  whosoever  shall  lose  his  life,  shall 
preserve  it.'' 

34  I  tell  you,  in  that  night  there  shall  be  two 
men  in  one  bed ;  the  one  shall  be  taken,  and  the 
other  shall  be  left."* 

35  Two  vjonun  shall  be  grinding  together;  the 
one  shall  be  taken,  and  the  otiier  left. 

36  Two  mc?i  shall  be  in  the  field ;  the  one  shall 
be  taken,  and  the  other  left.* 

37  And  they  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Where, 
Lord  ?  And  he  said  unto  them.  Wheresoever  the 
body  is,  thither  will  tlie  eagles  be  gathered  to- 
gether.' 

1:26.  JRom.l4:17.  tMatt.<):I5.  1  Matt.  31:2.3,  etc. ;  Mark  i:!:  21  ;  ch.  21:8. 
mMarl(8:31;  cli  9:2-2.  n  Gen.  7:  II.  2:J.  ■>  Geii.  l!):2:i.-.'4.  p  2  Thoss.  1 :7. 
qGeti.  10:20.  'Matt.  16:25;  Mark  8; 35;  ch.9:24;  John  12:25.  s  Matt.  24:40, 
41.     1  Verse  30  is  wanting  in  most  Greek  copies.     'Job  .30:30;  Matt.  24;!B. 

24.  In  his  day;  the  day  when  Christ  shall  come  to  de- 
stroy his  enemies,  deliver  his  friends,  and  establish  his 
kingdom.  There  is  the  same  double  reference  here  to 
Christ's  providential  coming  to  destroy  the  city  and  tem- 
ple, and  to  his  second  personal  coming,  which  has  been 
noticed  in  the  notes  to  Matthew,  chap.  24.  If  will  be  like 
the  lightning,  which  fills  the  heavens  from  one  end  to  the 
other  with  its  briglituess. 

25.  Suffer  many  thinirs;  JIark8:31. 

20-31.  Christ's  coming.  Matt.  24:1",  18,  37-39;  Gen. 
19:23-25. 

32.  Lot's  wife;  she  lost  her  life  by  disoVieying  God's 
command.  Gen.  19: 17,  20.  So,  if  men  do  not  follow  Christ's 
directions,  they  will  peri.sh. 

33.  Seek  to  save  his  lif;  by  disobeyitig  t!ic  will  of  Christ. 
This  declaration  was  fuliillcil  at  the  destruction  of  Jerusa- 
lem by  the  Romans,  in  respect  to  the  temporal  life  of  the 
Chri8ti;ins;  and  it  will  be  fulfilled  :it  the  last  day  in  its 
highest  sense,  in  respect  to  the  eternal  life  of  iill  believers, 
even  though  they  nuiy  have  been  slain  for  Christ's  sake. 
Matt.  10:39. 

34-3fi.   One  shall  he  taken;  Matt.  24:40,  41. 
;i7.   Where,  Lord?    where   will    such   cidamities  come? 
Wheresoever  the  body  is;  wlicrever  the  unbelieving  Jews 
are,  there  will  their  destroyers  be  upon  them,  as  eagles 
upon  their  prev.     M;itt.  24:28. 

IX.'^TiaCTIOXS. 
1.  Men  iiiiiy  be  so  wicked  as  to  make  it  certain  that  they 
will  commit  great  sins,  and  stromal v  tempt  others  to  sin  ; 

1177 


The  importunate  widow. 


LUKE  XVIII. 


TTic  pulllcan,  and  Ike  rich  ru'rr. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 


3  Of  the  importunate  widow.  9  Of  l!ie  Pharisee  ami  the  publican.  1.5 
ChilJren  brought  to  Christ.  IS  A  ruler  thai  would  follow  Christ, 
but  is  hindered  by  his  riches.  X'S  The  reward  of  them  that  leave  all 
for  his  sake.  31  He  foreshoweth  liis  death,  3.3  and  restoreth  a  blijid 
man  to  his  slight. 

AND  he  «pako  a  paralilc  unto  tlicin  fo  f/iis  end, 
tliat  iiiou  ought  always  to  \n-dy,  aud  not  to 
faint.'' 

2  Saying,  Tlicrc  was  in  a  city*  a  judge,  whicli 
reared  not  God,  neither  regarded  man : 

3  And  there  was  a  widow  in  that  city;  and  she 
came  unto  him,  saying,  Aveng'e  me  of  mine  adver- 
sary. 

4"And  lie  would  not  fur  a  whili>:  but  aftci-ward 
lie  said  within  himself,  Though  1  fear  not  God,  nor 
regard  man, 

5  Yet,  because  this  widow  troubleth  me,  I  will 
avenge  her,  lest  by  her  continual  coming  she 
weary  me. 

(i  And  the  Lord  said.  Hear  what  the  unjust  judge 
saitli. 

7  And  shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect,'' which 
cry  day  and  night  unto  him,  though  he  bear  long 
with  them? 

8  I  tell  you  that  he  will  avenge  them  speedily.'' 
Nevertheless,  vrhen  the  Son  of  man  cometh,  shall 
he  Cud  foith  on  the  earth?'' 

9  And  ho  s]iake  this  parable  unto  certain  wliicli 
trusted  in  tliemsolves  that  they  were  righteous,* 
and  despised  others:'' 

10  Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray; 
the  one  a  Pharisee,  and  the  other  a  publican. 

11  The  I'harisee  stood  and  prayed  thus  with 
him.-ieir,  Goil,  I  thank  theo,  that  I  am  not  as  other 
men  arc''  extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers,  or  even 
as  this  publican. 

1'2  1  fast  twice  in  the  week,  I  give  tithes  of  all 
that  I  possess. 

lo  And  the  publican,  standiiig  aiar  ofl",  would 
not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but 


■  !•«.  Bj  2;  1IIJ:I7;  eh.ll:>!;  •2\:m:  Rom.  Iv!:!;;;  Epti.li:lS;  I'hil.l:!). 
•  IjTinnrtrlaintily.  b  Rev  0:111.  «  IVa.  4l>:.il  Ueb.  lU::i7 ;  2  Pet.  «:«.  3. 
J  .Mall.  21:l'i.  t  Or,  as  being  Tighltovs.  c  ch.  IU:i».  '  laa  6j;5;  Rev. 
3:17.    It  Ji!r.31:10.    I>  ]ob-32:-iO;  MM.  ■a-.U.    I  Malt.  19:13;  Mark  lU:  13, 

;iiwl  yet  tliiit  certainly  not  diminish  their  responsibility  or 
lo.sKi;n  their  K"ilt- 

;").  To  do  their  duty,  ;d!  men  need  an  inoreaso  of  faith  ; 
a'ld  as  Cliri.st  is  the  iiuthor  and  finisher  of  f'aitli,  all  should 
liabitiially  look  to  him  for  this  ineRlimable  (jiff.    Ileb.  12:'.'. 

10.  No  man  ever  did  or  ever  can  do  for  (jod  more  thiin 
lie  reiiuiren;  and  no  mirc  man  ever  diil  his  whole  duty. 
Of  course,  no  man  can  jicrform  works  of  sn|ierero^atioii. 
that  is,  more  than  enon;;li  to  save  himself;  he  cannot  do 
enon;;h  to  insure  liis  own  saU'atioii,  nor  can  he  ever  he 
saved  execpl  tliron^li  the  Rracc  of  (jod  in  Jesus  Christ. 

]K.  lIo\v(rver  great  or  numerous  the  temporal  favors 
(lod  bestows  upon  men,  few  comparatively  give  him  the 
glory — :uid  tiiose,  only  tlirongli  the  riches  of  divine  grace. 

31.  Kaith  in  Christ  is  the  great  ch;iracteristic  of  a  saint, 
and  tlie  want  of  it,  of  a  sinner.  This  makes  a  miglily 
ililT-rence  in  their  character,  condition,  and  prosjieit.s. 
Tliongh  thi'y  live  in  the  H;ime  family,  work  in  the  same 
fuld.  or  sleep  in  the  same  bod,  one,  believing  Christ,  is 
lod  to  follow  his  directions  and  be  saved  ;  the  other,  not 
believing  bini,  neglects  his  directions,  and  is  lost. 

CIIAPTKR  XVIII. 

1.  Alviaijts;  habitually,  perseveringly.     Nutto/aiul;  not 
to  be  discouraged,  or  cease  to  pray. 
1178 


smote  upon  his  breast,^  saying,  God  be  mer-  a.  D.33. 
ciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

14  I  tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to  his  house 
justified  rather  than  the  other:  for  every  one  that 
exalteth  himself  shall  be  abased  ;  and  he  that  hum- 
bleth  himself  shall  l>e  exalted." 

15  •  And  they  brought  unto  hiin  also  infants, 
that  he  would  touch  them:'  but  when /»V  disciples 
saw  it,  they  rebuked  them. 

16  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him,  and  said, 
Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  nie,  and  forbid 
them  no.t:  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 

17  Verily  I  say  unto  yon,  Whosoever  shall  not 
receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child  shall 
in  no  wise  enter  therein.-' 

18  T  Anil  a  certain  ruler  ask (h1  him,  saying.  Good 
Master,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life?" 

19  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Why  callest  thou 
rnc  good  ?  none  is  good,  save  one,  that  is,  God.     . 

20  'J'hou  knowest  the  c(Uiiniandmcuts,  Do  not 
commit  adultery.  Do  not  kill.  Do  not  steal.  Do 
not  Ijear  false  v.'itness.  Honor  tiiy  father  and  thy 
mother.' 

21  And  he  said,  All  tliose  have  1  hept  from  my 
youth  up. 

22  Now  when  Jesus  heard  these  things,  lie  said 
unto  him,  Yet  lackest  thou  one  thing  :  sell  all  that 
thou  hast,  and  distribute  unto  the  ])Oor,  and  thou 
slialt  have  treasure  in  heaven:'"  and  coine,  follow 
me. 

23  And  when  he  heard  this,  he  was  very  sorrow- 
ful :  for  he  was  very  rich. 

24  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he  was  very  sor- 
rowful, he  said.  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have 
riches  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  !" 

2')  For  it  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through  a 
needle's  eye,  than  lor  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

20  Ami  they  that  heard  it  said,  AVho  then  can 
be  saved  ? 


etc.  J  I'»a.  131:2;  Mark  1U:15;  1  I'el.  1:11.  k  Matt.  10:10, etc.;  MarklO:P, 
etc.  I  i:xr>it.20:l>-IO;  Dent  .1: 10--J0;  lloni.  13:9.  m  .Matt.  0:19, -JU;  1  Tim. 
0:19.     nl'rov.  n:l&li  1  Tim.  0:9. 


3.  Jvenpe  me  nf  mini:  arlrcrs/inj ;  by  attending  to  my  suit, 
and  compellin;^  him  to  do  nir  JMslice. 

G.  Jlnir;  attend  and  receive  the  inslrnctioii  wliicli  tliis 
case  idl'ords. 

7.  Shalt  not  God  avenge  his  (^vn  elect;  llie  ur;;uiiu'nt  is 
from  the  less  to  the  gri!:iter.  If  fniporlunily  li:id  such 
power  with  an  unjust  judge,  who  cared  not  for  the  poor 
widow's  <r;Uise,  how  much  more  tliall  (iod.  tlie  just  judge, 
who  tenilerly  cares  for  liis  jieople,  vindicate  and  cleliver 
them  from  their  foes?  Crij  day  ami  iiif^lit ;  pniy  daily, 
haliitually.  ninugh  tic  bear  long ;  though  lor  a  long  time 
he  delays  to  answer. 

K.  lie  wilt  avenge  them  speedily;  lliougli  the  time  ruiiy 
seem  long  to  them,  it  is  still  short;  for  it  is  not  deliiyed 
a  moment  beyond  the  projier  hour.  Hee  2  I'eler  3:8,  !). 
Cometh  ;  to  avenge  his  elect.  Sliidl  he  find  faith ;  ;in  iiiti- 
m:ition  Uiat  (Jod's  delay  will  try  the  faith  of  even  his  true 

lliscijllcK. 

12.  T.lhrs;  a  lentil  part. 

13.  Afar  off;  at  the  outer  side  of  the  temple,  fir  from 
tlie  holy  place,  as  not  worthy  to  api)roach  it.  Smote  upon 
Am  breast;  in  token  of  his  ilislress  in  view  of  his  uiiis. 

II.  Justified;  apjiroved  ;in<l  acctrpted.     f'hap.  11:11. 
l.'i-3U.  (Children  brought  to  Cliriat — tliu  rich  ruler.   Matt 
19:13-30. 


Ckrid  fore'dkth  I,h  dc  Ih. 


LUKE  XIX. 


Zacchtus  the  pullian  saved. 


,\.D.33.     27  And  he  said,  TIic  things  whicli  are  im- 
jiossible  with  men,  are  possible  with  God." 

28  1  Then  Peter  said,  Lo,  we  have  left  all,  and 
followed  thee. 

29  And  he  said  unto  tlicm,  Ycril}'  I  say  unto 
you,  There  is  no  man  tliat  liatli  left  house,  or  par- 
ents, or  brethren,  or  wife,  or  ehildrcn,  for  tlic  king- 
dom of  God's  sake,'' 

30  Who  shall  not  receive  manifold  more  in  this 
present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come  life  ever- 
lastiug.'^ 

31  1  Then  he  took  unto  Mm  the  twelve,  and  said 
unto  them,  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  and  all 
things  that  arc  written  by  the  prophets  concern- 
ing the  Son  of  man  shall  be  accomplished/' 

32  For  he  shall  be  delivered  unto  tiie  Gentiles, 
and  shall  be  mocked,  and  spitefully  entreated,  and 
spitted  on: 

33  And  they  shall  scourge 7»'//;,  and  put  Iiim  to 
deatli ;  and  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again." 

34  And  they  understood  none  of  these  things  :'^ 
and  this  saying  was  hid  from  them,  neither  knew 
they  tlie  things  which  were  spoken. 

35  T  And  it  came  to  pass,  tliat  as  he  was  come 
nigh  unto  Jericho,  a  certain  blind  man  sat  by  the 
way-side  begging:'-' 

36  And  hearing  the  multitude  pass  by,  he  asked 
what  it  meant. 

37  And  they  told  him,  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth 
passetli  by. 

38  And  he  cried,  saying,  Jesus,  thou  son  of  David, 
liave  mercy  on  me." 

39  And  they  whicli  went  before  rebuked  him,  that 
lie  siiould  hold  his  peace :  but  he  cried  so  much  the 
more,  T/io^i  son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me." 

40  And  Jesus  stood,  and  commanded  iiim  to  be 
brought  unto  him:  and  wiicn  he  was  come  near, 
lie  asked  him, 

41  Saying,  What  wilt  thou  that  I  shall  do  unto 


2 

Jur 

32: 

17;  Zech 

8:6 

oh. 

1: 

37.    b  Daut 

33:». 

c 

RCT 

a 

10.     d 

Psa. 

•M; 

Ua. 

M. 

e  Matt. 

27:'> 

ch. 

a-i 

1:  John  18: 

■iS;  Actsr 

:13. 

f 

Mark  9:3-2; 

Jnh 

n  1-. 

:I8. 

e  Matt 

•2(1: 

39,  etc. 

Mark  10:46,  etc. 

h 

I'sa. 

Oi 

12.     t 

Psa. 

in 

1. 

J  cli 

.  17:19. 

k  Psa.  ^U 

:a. 

lch.5:aii; 

Acts  4 

ai 

;  11 

la 

Gal. 

l:-24. 

31-33.  Christ  foretells  his  death.     Matt.  20: 17-19. 

31.  All  things  that  are  written  by  the  prophets;  those  who 
in  the  Old  Testament  had  foretold  his  death.  Dan.  'J :  25- 
27;  Isa.  .'53:3-10. 

34.  Understood  none  nf  these  things;  the  things  concern- 
ing his  death,  of  which  he  had  spoken.  They  supposed 
that  the  Messiali  would  be  a  great  temporal  prince,  and 
reign  for  ever.  Their  wishes  for  tliis,  and  their  expecta- 
tions of  it,  were  so  strong  that  they  did  not  believe  or 
apprehend  the  meaning  of  what  he  had  said.  Matt.  IC:  21- 
2i;  20:17-19. 

35.  A>i  he  was  come  nigh  unto  Jericho ;  was  near  to,  or  in 
the  vicinity  of  Jericho.  Matthew  and  Mark  .Siiy  that  it 
w;is  as  he  dep;u-teil  from  or  went  out  of  .lerieho.  J[at- 
tliewalso  says  that  tliero  were  two  blind  men:  Mark  ;uid 
Luke  mention  but  one,  proli;tbly  becaiisc  he  was  the  most 
distinguislied  and  best  known.  J[atthcw  20: 29-31 ;  Mark 
10:10-52. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  No  man  fulfils  his  obligations  to  God  or  to  himself 
who  is  not  in  the  liabit  of  daily  prayer,  and  who  is  not 
sincere  in  his  supplications  for  himself  and  his  i'cllow- 
mcn. 

_9.  A  high  opinion  of  our  owni  goodness  in  comparison 
with  that  of  others,  and  a  disposition  to  exalt  om-selves, 
are  exceedingly  offensive  to  (j(jd  ;  while  ;i  deep  eonvicliuii 


thee?    And  he  said,  Lord,  tliat  I  may  receive  my 
sight. 

42  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Receive  thy  sight: 
thy  faith  hath  saved  thee.^ 

43  And  immediately  he  received  his  sight,''  and 
followed  him,  glorifying  God  : '  and  all  the  people, 
when  they  saw  //,  gave  praise  unto  God. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

I  Of  Zaccheus  a  publican.  11  The  ten  pieces  of  money.  28  Christ 
riileth  into  Jerusalem  with  triumph;  4]  weepeth  over  it;  4o  ilriveth 
tlie  buyers  and  sellers  out  of  the  teinple;  47  teaching  daily  in  it. 
The  ruler.s  would  have  destroyed  him,  hut  for  fear  of  the  people. 

AND  Jesus  entered  and  passed  through  Jeri- 
cho.™ 

2  And  behold,  there  icas  a  man  named  Zaccheus, 
which  was  the  chief  among  the  publicans,  and  he 
was  rich. 

3  And  he  sought  to  see  Jesus  who  he  was ;  and 
could  not  for  the  press,  because  he  was  little  of 
stature. 

4  And  he  ran  before,  and  climbed  up  into  a  syca- 
more-tree to  see  him  ;  for  he  was  to  pass  that  way. 

5  And  when  Jesus  came  to  the  place,  he  looked 
up,  and  saw  him,"  and  said  unto  him,  Zaccheus, 
make  haste,  and  come  down;  for  to-day  I  must 
abide  at  thy  house." 

G  And  he  made  haste,  and  came  down,  and  re- 
ceived him  joyfully. 

7  And  when  they  saw  (7,  tliey  all  murmured,  say- 
ing, tiiat  ho  was  gone  to  be  guest  with  a  man  that 
is  a  sinner." 

8  And  Zaccheus  stood,  and  said  unto  the  Lord ; 
Behold,  Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the 
poor;i  and  if  I  have  taken  any  thing  from  any 
man  l.)y  false  accusation,''  I  restore  him  fourfold." 

9  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  This  day  is  salvation 
come  to  this  house,  forasmuch  as  he  also  is  a  son 
of  Abraham.' 


m  .losh. 

6:26, 

IK 

ngs  16:34. 

0  Esa. 

l:l9:l-3. 

0 

John 

14 

23;  Rev 

3:20. 

P  Matt. 

9:11 

ch. 

5:30. 

1  Psa 

41:1. 

r  Exod. 

2( 

:16; 

ch. 

3:14.     » 

Exod. 

22:1;  2 

Sam. 

12:0 

Ich 

13:16. 

ot  our  own  luiworthiness,  hearty  contrition  for  sin,  and 
humble  supplication  for  mercy,  are  his  delight. 

b).  Infants  are  not  too  young  to  need  a  Saviour;  par- 
ents should  feel  this,  and  in  faith  implore  for  them  his 
grace.  He  died  ti>  redeem  them,  and  delights  to  have 
all  parents  seek  for  their  children  the  blessings  of  his 
salvation. 

22.  Christ,  in  his  providence,  tries  the  hearts  of  men, 
and  gives  them  opportunity  to  sec  themselves,  ami  lo 
manifest  to  others  whetlier  they  love  him  supremely.  If 
they  do,  and  show  (his  by  giving  up  whatever  is  incom- 
patible with  his  will,  they  gre;illy  increase  their  present 
enjo^'uient,  and  secure  etern;d  life. 

31.  Desire  has  gre;it  innuenco  on  belief.  It  is  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  make  men  correctly  apiu-ehend  and  cor- 
ilially  believe  what  they  are  o|)|]osed  to;  while  they  read- 
ily understand  and  easily  believe  what  they  wish  to  have 
true. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

3.  77i('  press;  the  great  crowd  of  people. 

S.  False  accusation ;  charging  a  man,  and  t;tking  from  him 
more  than  he  owed.  Fourfold;  four  times  as  much.  Exod. 
22:1;  Num.  5:6,7. 

9.  He  alto  is  a  son  of  Abraham  ;  by  outward  descent,  and 
has  ;ilso  the  faith  of  Abraham. 

ino 


The  ten  i,icccs  cf  money. 


LUKE  XIX. 


Christ  riddh  into  Jerusalem. 


10  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  seek  and  to 
save  that  which  was  lost.* 

11  1i  And  as  they  licard  tliese  things,  he  added 
and  spake  a  paraljle,  because  he  was  nigli  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  because  they  thought  that  the  kingdom 
of  God  sliould  immediately  appear.'' 

12  He  said  therefore,  A  certain  nobleman  went 
into  a  far  country  to  receive  for  himself  a  kingdom, 
and  to  roturn.*^ 

13  And  he  called  his  ten  servants,  and  delivered 
them  ten  pounds,'  and  said  unto  them,  Occui)y  till 
I  come. 

14:  But  his  citizens  hated  him,  and  sent  a  message 
after  him,  saying,  We  will  not  have  this  vian  to 
reign  over  us.'' 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  he  was  re- 
turned, having  received  tlic  kingdom,  then  he  com- 
manded these  servants  to  be  called  unto  him,  to 
whom  he  had  given  tlio  money,*  tiiat  he  might 
know  iiow  much  every  man  had  gained  by  trading. 

16  Then  came  the  first,  saying,  Lord,  thy  pound 
hath  gained  ten  pounds. 

17  And  he  said  unto  him.  Well,  thou  good  ser- 
vant: because  tiiou  hast  been  faithful  in  a  very 
little."  have  thou  autiiority  over  ton  cities. 

18  Ami  the  second  came,  saying.  Lord,  thy  pound 
hath  gained  live  pounds. 

19  Ami  he  said  likewise  to  him.  Be  thou  also 
over  five  cities. 

20  And  another  came,  saying.  Lord,  boiiold,  here 
is  thy  pound,  which  1  iiave  kept  laid  up  in  a  nap- 
kin : 

21  For  I  feared  thee,  because  thou  art  an  austere 
man:  thou  takest  up  tliat  tiiou  layedst  not  down, 
and  rca])cst  tiiat  tlioii  didst  not  sow. 

22  And  he  saitii  unto  him,  Out  of  thine  own 
mouth  will  1  judge  thee,  i/ioic  wicked  servant.' 
Thou  knewcst  that  I  was  an  austere  man,  taking 
up  that  I  laid  not  down,  and  reaping  that  1  did 
not  sow : 

»  EwklMilft;  Malt.  8:11  ;  Rom.  5:B.  bAcul.O  c  Malt.  25:1<1,  etc. ; 
Mark  13:31.  *  Gr.  mina.  hero  trjnslaleil  a  -pound,  is  twelvu  ounces  and  a 
half,  which,  at  1 1.J  5-l:t  cents  the  ounce,  is  14  dollars  \i  cents  .3  mills.  ^  John 
1:11;  l'.:l'i.    tlir.  »/7rcr,  and  so  vet.  23.     «ch.  10:10.    t  2  Sam    I:lfi;Job 

10.  T'lat  u-hirh  wnshist;  Matt.  IS:  11. 

11.  Tfie  lcinp;diim  nf  God  s'lould  immediatdi/  appear ;  tlioy 
thou;;tit  tliul,  wlimi  Cliri.st  shoiilil  fiiter.lcriiHulcm  he  would 
procliiiiii  liiirisclf  kni;.;,  (lolivor  tlicm  from  tlie  Romans,  aiitl 
raise  them  to  great  earthly  renown.  To  correct  this  idea, 
and  give  thciri  right  views  of  his  kingdom,  Christ  spoke 
the  following  ])aral)le,  which  has  some  striking  jioints  of 
agreement  with  that  recorded  in  Matt.  i.liIl-liO,  hut  also 
differs  from  it  in  some  essential  partieiihtrs.  There,  differ- 
ent Slims  are  intrusted  to  tli<!  servants,  "  to  every  man 
according  to  his  several  aliility,"  and  the  same  fidelity  and 
success  receive  the  sanir'  rew:ird  ;  the  idea  being,  th;it  (iod 
considers  not  the  amount  intrusted  to  his  servants,  but 
the  use  they  make  of  it.  IIer<%  the  point  is,  that  (!od  will 
bestow  upon  his  servants  rewards  proportioned  to  their 
diligence  in  his  service,  and  for  this  reason  the  difference 
in  the  amount  of  gifts  is  not  made  account  of,  but  all  re- 
ceive the  one  pound. 

12.  A  uriain  nnhlcinnn ;  this  represented  .Jesus  Christ. 
I5y  his  going  to  a  far  country  is  represented  his  ascending 
into  heaven,  which  he  must  do  before  he  would  establish 
his  kingilom  on  earth. 

i:i.  Ten  potimh;  (he  gifts  and  opportunities  of  doing 
good  with  which  he  intrusts  men.  Occupij;  use  in  a  right 
manner. 

1180 


23  Wherefore  then  gavest  not  thou  my  .\.  dss. 
money  into  the  bank,  that  at  my  coming  I  might 
have  required  mine  own  with  usury?- 

2i  And  he  said  unto  them  that  stood  by,  Take 
from  him  the  pound,  and  give  it  to  him  tiiat  hath 
ten  pounds. 

25  (And  they  said  unto  him,  Lord,  he  hath  ten 
pounds.)  • 

26  For  I  say  unto  you,  That  unto  every  one 
which  hath  shall  be  given;  and  from  him  tliat 
hath  not,  even  that  he  hath  shall  be  taken  away 
from  him.'' 

27  But  those  mine  enemies,  which  would  not  that 
I  should  reign  over  them,  bring  hither,  aud  slay 
them  before  me.' 

28  1  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  went 
before,  ascending  up  to  Jerusalem. 

2!)  And  it  came  (o  jiass,  when  he  was  come  nigh 
to  Bethphage  and  Bethany,  at  the  mount  called  Me 
movnt  of  Olives,  lie  sent  two  of  his  disci))les, 

i50  Saying,  Go  ye  into  the  village  over  against 
you;  in  the  which  at  your  entering  ye  shall  find  a 
colt  tied,  whereon  yet  never  man  sat:  loose  him, 
and  bring  liim  hithn-.' 

31  Ami  if  any  man  ask  you,  Wliy  do  ye  loose 
hijn  ?  tiius  shall  ye  say  unto  him,  Because  the  Lord 
hatli  need  of  liiiii.'' 

32  And  they  that  were  sent  went  their  way,  and 
found  even  as  he  had  said  unto  them. 

33  And  as  tliey  were  loosing  the  colt,  the  owners 
thereof  said  unto  them,  Wliy  loose  ye  the  colt? 

34  And  they  said.  The  Lord  hath  need  of  him. 

35  And  they  brought  him  to  Jesus:  and  they 
cast  tiieir  garments  ujion  the  colt,'  and  lliey  set 
Jesus  thereon.'" 

36  And  as  he  went,  they  spread  tlieir  clothes  in 
the  way. 

37  And  when  he  was  come  nigh,  even  now  at 
the  descent  of  the  mount  of  Olives,  the  whole  mul- 
titude of  the  di.sciples  began  to  rejoice  and  praise 

l.>:0;  Mall.  12:37;  fi-M;  Rom  .'):I9  S  Rom.  2:4,  5.  i>  Matt.  13:14; 
25:2U;  Mark  4:23;  ch.  8:1.1.  '  Psa  2:4,5,  I);  21:8,9;  Isa.  0(i:B.  14;  Nah. 
1:2,  8;  H«b.  10:13.  I  Matt.  21:1,  etc.;  Mark  11:1,  etc.  k  I'aa.  S0:10. 
12  Kings  9: 13.    in  John  12:14. 

1).  His  citizens;  the  .lews.     .Tuhii  1:11. 

20.  A  napkin;  a  towel  or  cloth. 

21.  An  austere  man;  hard  in  his  dealings,  harsh,  and 
cruel.  Renpcst  that  ttinn.  didst  not  sow;  unreasonable,  re- 
quiring too  much,  and  l;iking  wh:it  (li<l  not  belong  to  him. 

22.  Out  of  tliine  owninnntk;  from  thine  own  statement. 
Thou  knewest  that  1  sliuiiM  reipiire  a  strict  account  of  the 
use  of  what  I  giive  ;  why  <liilst  thou  not  prepare  to  return 
to  mc  what  is  justly  my  due  ? 

23.  Ttie  liani; ;  a"i>lace  of  safe-keeping  and  profitable 
use.  Usury;  lawful  interest,  as  the  term  then  implied. 
Matt.  2.'i:27. 

25.  Tliri/  said  unto  him  ;  the  serviints  that  stood  by,  vcr. 
2).  //(■  linlli  ten  pounds;  they  are  ama/cd  ttiat  their  lord 
should  give  the  slothful  servant's  )ioiiiid  to  the  man  who 
has  alri'iidy  the  most  money  in  his  h;incls. 

2fi.  Fur  I  sa  1/ uulo  you ;  the  nobleman,  wilhoiit  pausing 
in  his  discourse,  goes  on  to  state  the  iiriiiciple  11)1011  which 
he  proceeds  in  the  ilistribiition  of  his  |iroperty  to  his  ser- 
vants. Knriionewhictilialh;  he  who,  by  jiroper  diligence, 
has  already  increased  the  amount  committed  to  him.  Com- 
pare Matt.  2-.:2!». 

27.  Slay  them  before  mc;  an  emblem  of  the  ruin  which 
would  come  on  his  persevering  opposers. 

28-10.  Christ  rides  into  Jerusalem.     Matt.  21:1-10. 


Ue  mourneth  over  Jerusalem. 


LUKE  XX. 


Paralle  of  the  viiuyard. 


A.D.  Ki.  God  with  a  loud  voice  for  all  the  mighty 
works  tliat  they  liad  seen  ; 

38  Saying,  Blessed  be  the  King  that  cometh  in 
tlie  name  of  the  Lord : "  peace  in  heaven,  and 
glory  in  the  highest." 

39  And  some  of  the  Pharisees  from  among  the 
multitude  said  unto  him,  Master,  rebuke  thy  dis- 
ciples. 

40  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  tiiem,  I  tell 
you,  that  if  these  should  hold  tlieir  peace,  the 
stones  would  immediately  cry  out."^ 

41  1  And  when  lie  was  come  near,  he  beheld  the 
city,  and  wept  over  it," 

42  Saying,  If  thou  Iiadst  known,  even  thou,  at 
least  in  this  thy  day,'"  the  things  which  belong  unto 
thy  peace  !  but  now  they  are  hid  from  thine  eyes. 

43  For  the  days  shall  come  upon  tliee,  that  thine 
enemies  shall  cast  a  trench  about  thee,  and  com- 
pass thee  round,  and  keep  thee  in  on  every  side,*^ 

44  And  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the  ground,  and 
thy  children  within  thee ;"  and  they  shall  not  leave 
in  thee  one  stone  upon  another;''  because  thou 
knewcst  not  tlic  time  of  thy  visitation.' 

45  And  he  went  into  tlie  temple,  and  began  to 
cast  out  them  that  sold  therein,  and  them  that 
bought;* 

46  Saying  unto  them,  It  is  written.  My  house  is 
the  house  of  prayer ;''  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den 
of  thieves.' 

47  And  he  taught  daily  in  the  temple."  But  the 
ciiief  priests  and  the  scribes  and  the  chief  of  the 
])oople  sought  to  destroy  him, 

48  And  could  not  find  what  they  miglit  do:  for 
all  the  people  were  very  attentive'  to  hear  him. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  Christ  avouclieth  his  authority  by  a  question  of  John's  baptism.  9 
The  parable  of  the  vineyard.  19  Of  giving  tribute  to  Cesar.  27  He 
Ronvinceth  the  SadJucees  that  denied  the  resurrection.  41  How  Ciirist 
is  the  son  of  David.  4-3  He  warneth  his  disciples  to  beware  of  the 
")es. 

ND  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  one  of  those  days, 
as  he  taught  the  people  in  the  temple,  and 


scribe 


A 


»  Psa,  1IS:96;  ch.  13:-!5.  b  rfi.  2:U;  Rom.  5:1;  Kph.  2:14.  <=  Hab. 
2:11;  Matt.  3:!).  d  Psa.  119:I3li;  Jor.  9:1;  i:i:17;  17:10;  John  11:3.5, 
•  Psa.  95:7,  8;  Heb.  3:7,  13, 15.  tlsi.  20:2,  3;  Jcr.  6:5,  0.  s  1  Kings  9:7, 
«;  Mic.  3:J2;  .Malt.  2:!:37,  :»;  ch.  13:34,  35.  h  Matt.  24:2;  Mark  13:2. 
i  Lam.  1:8;  lPet.2:12.    J  Matt.  21:12,  13;  Mark  11: 15-17  ;  John  2:1.5,  17. 

40.  Tke  stonen  would  immediate/ y  cry  out;  a  proverl)ial 
(expression,  denoting  the  strong  reasons  there  were  for 
praising  him,  and  the  necessity  that  such  praise  should 
be  offered  to  him. 

41.  Wept  over  it;  in  view  of  its  guilt,  and  the  miseries 
which  were  coming  upon  it. 

43.  Thine  enemies;  tlie  Romans.  Compass  thee  round/ 
this  tliey  did  by  digging  a  trench  around  Jcrnsalcni.  Sec 
.Tnsephus,  Jewish  Wars,  book  (i. 

44.  Thy  children  ;  the  inhaliitants  of  the  city.  One  stone 
upon  another ;  Titns,  their  conqueror,  caused  the  very 
ground  to  be  jjlouglicd  up,  in  fnhilment  of  this  tU'cIaration. 
The  time  of  thy  visitation ;  the  time  when  mercy  was  offered, 
and  they  were  entreated  to  accept  it  an<l  l)e  saved. 

45.  40.  Traffickers  cast  out.     Matt.  21 :  12,  U. 

47.  lie  taught  daily  in  the  temple;  for  a  number  of  days 
before  his  crucifixion. 

INSTUUCTIONP. 

4.  That  interest  in  Jesus  (.'lirist  wliich  brads  men  to  wish 
to  know  more  of  liim,  and  to  ]>ut  fliemsclves  in  tlie  way  of 
obtaining  this  knowledge,  may  be,  and  often  is,  the  means 
of  their  salvation.     lie  is  more  ready  than  men  suppose 


preached  the  gospel,  the  chief  priests  and  the 
scribes  came  upon  him  with  the  elders, 

2  And  spake  unto  him,  saying,  Tell  us,  by  what 
authority  doest  thou  these  things?  or  who  is  he 
that  gave  thee  this  authority?" 

3  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  I  will 
also  ask  you  one  tiling;  and  answer  me: 

4  The  baptism  of  John,  was  it  from  heaven,  or 
of  men  ? 

5  And  they  reasoned  with  themselves,  saying.  If 
we  shall  say.  From  heaven;  he  will  say,  Why  then 
believed  ye  him  not  ? 

6  But  and  if  we  say.  Of  men ;  all  the  people  will 
stone  us :  for  they  be  persuaded  that  John  was  a 
prophet." 

7  And  they  answered,  that  they  could  not  tell 
whence  it  teas. 

8  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Neither  tell  I  you 
by  what  authority  I  do  these  things. 

9  1  Then  began  he  to  speak  to  the  people  this 
parable:  A  certain  man  planted  a  vineyard,"  and 
let  it  forth  to  husbandmen,  and  went  into  a  far 
country  for  a  long  time.i 

10  And  at  the  season  he  sent  a  servant  to  the 
husbandmen,  that  they  should  give  iiim  of  the  fruit 
of  the  vineyard:''  but  the  husbandmen  beat  him, 
and  sent  hitn  away  empty. 

11  And  again  he  sent  another  servant:  and  they 
beat  him  also,  and  entreated  him  shamefully,  and 
sent  him  away  empty. 

12  And  again  lie  sent  a  third:  and  they  wound- 
ed him  also,  and  cast  him  out. 

13  Tiien  said  the  lord  of  the  vineyard.  What 
shall  I  do?  I  will  send  my  beloved  son:  it  may 
be  they  will  reverence  him  when  they  see  hiin. 

14  But  wlien  the  husbandmen  saw  him,  they 
reasoned  among  themselves,  saying,  This  is  the 
heir:^  come,  let  us  kill  him,  that  the  inheritance 
may  be  ours.' 

15  So  they  cost  him  out  of  the  vineyard,  and 
killed  him.  What  therefore  shall  the  lord  of  the 
vineyard  do  unto  them  ? 


k 

Isa 

5n 

7.     1  Jer.  7 

11.     m 

John  18:20. 

'  Or,  fiaii 

^cf/  cm 

him. 

n  Matt. 

21 

2:J 

etc 

.;  Mark 

U: 

27,  pIc. ; 

Acts  4:7-10 

;  7:27.      o 

.Matt. 

14:5. 

P  Song 

S: 

1, 

12; 

Isa.  5:1 

-7. 

q  Matt 

21:33.  etc.; 

Mark  12: 

,  etc. 

r  Johr 

15:16; 

Rom. 

7:4 

'  Psa. 

2:R 

Rom.  t 

:17;  Heb.  1 

2.     t  Mm 

27:21 

-25;  Acts  2:23; 

3: 

15. 

to  meet  them,  and  bestow  upon  them  the  blessings  of  his 
grace. 

8.  True  repentance,  wherever  it  exists,  will  dispose 
those  who  exercise  it  to  "do  justly,  love  mercy, and  walk 
humbly  with  God."  If  they  have  wronged  others,  it  will 
lead  them  to  make  full  restitution,  and  as  they  have  op- 
portunity, to  do  good  to  such  as  they  have  injured,  and 
to  all. 

26.  Those  who  in  this  world  are  disposed  to  use  the 
blessings  which  God  bestows  to  his  glory,  tvill  hereafter 
receive  more  and  greater  blessings  ;  while  those  who  are 
not,  will  be  deiirived  of  wliat  they  now  have,  and  be  left 
destitute  and  wrctclied, 

40.  The  character  and  works  of  Christ  furnish  the  most 
abundant  ;ind  powerful  reasons  for  blessing  and  praising 
him  ;  and  neither  he  nor  his  friends  are  disposed  to  pre- 
vent any  from  doing  this.  It  gives  them  joy,  and  they 
desire  that  all  shoulil  join  in  it. 

CHAPTER  XX, 

1-8,  Christ's  authoritv.     Matt.  21 :  23-2". 
9-18.  Parable  of  the  Oinevard.     Matt.  2I::!3-44. 

IISI 


Scriles  and  Sadducees  confuted. 


LUKE  XX. 


Christ  Durid's  son  and  Lord. 


16  He  shall  come  and  destroy  these  husbandmen, 
and  shall  g-ive  the  vineyard  to  others."  And  when 
they  lieard  it.  they  ^;aid,  God  forhkl. 

17  And  lie  beheld  them,  and  said,  What  is  this 
tlien  that  is  written,  The  stone  wiiich  llie  builders 
rejected,  the  same  is  become  the  head  of  the  cor- 
ner?" 

18  "Whosoever  shall  f:\ll  upon  that  stone  shall  be 
broken  ;  but  on  wliomsoever  it  shall  fall,  it  will 
grind  iiim  to  powder.'^ 

"  19  'i  And  tiie  chief  priests  and  the  scribes  tlie 
same  jiour  sougiit  to  lay  hands  on  liim;  and  they 
feared  the  people :  lor  they  perceived  that  he  had 
spoken  this  parable  against  them. 

20  And  they  watclied  /urn,  and  sent  forth  spies, 
wliicli  should  feign  themselves  just  men,  that  they 
niiglit  take  hold  of  his  words,''  that  so  tiiey  might 
deliver  him  unto  the  power  and  authority  of  the 
governor. 

21  And  they  asked  him,  saying,  i\Iaster,  we  know 
tiuit  tliou  sayest  and  teachest  riglitly.  neither  ac- 
ceptest  tliou  the  person  of  any,  but  teachest  the 
way  of  God  truly  :' 

22  Is  it  lawful" for  us  to  give  tribute  unto  Cesar, 
or  no  ? 

2:5  But  he  perceived  their  craftiness,  and  said 
unto  them,  Wiiy  tempt  ye  me? 

24  Siiow  me  a  penny.*  Wliosc  imago  and  super- 
scription hatii  it?  They  answered  and  said,  Cesar's. 

2.")  And  lie  said  unto  tiiem,  Ilender  therefore 
nnto  Cesar  tlic  tilings  which  be  Cesar's,  and  unto 
God  the  tilings  wliicii  be  God's." 

2(>  And  tliey  could  not  take  hoM  of  liis  words 
before  tiie  people:  and  titey  marvelled  at  his  an- 
swer, and  held  their  ])eace.' 

2"  "i  Then  came  to  /n/n  certain  of  the  Hadducees, 
which  deny  that  there  is  any  resurrection  ;*■'  and 
they  asked  iiiin, 

28  .Saying,  Master,  Mo.ses  wrote  unto  us.  If  any 
man's  brotlier  die,  iiaving  a  wife,  and  he  die  with- 
out children,  that  his  brotlier  sliould  take  his  wife, 
and  raise  up  seed  unt(j  his  brotlier.'' 

2'.t  There  were  therefore  seven  brethren:  and 
the  iirst  took  a  wife,  and  died  witiiout  children. 


•  Noh.  «:3«,37.    b  Pa.  IlSr'Ji.    e  Dan 

2:31,  3S.     '  Matt.  2->:1.5,  etc.; 

Mirk  \i:\<.     '  Or.  of  a  Irallt.    t  Sue  Mall. 

I8:*i.     «  Rom.   13:7.     f  Tilu» 

1 :  10,  II .     «  Acl.  al:*,  8.     I>  Doul   ■i'i-.^l. 

1  Matt.  22:23,  etc.;  Mark  12:1a, 

elc.    J  ch.  -il^W;  Rot.  3:1.     kRev.  !!1:4. 

1  1  Cor.  15:49,  52;  1  John  :i:2. 

19-38.  Tribute  to  Cesar — the  resurrection.  Matthew 
22:15-:«. 

34.  Children  of  this  world;  men  in  this  world. 

3:').  That  world;  the  world  of  hlossediicsH  into  wliicli  the 
rif^litcoiis  enter  after  the  rosiirrectlon. 

3fi.  K(/iml  unto  the  angels ;  in  their  iintnortalify  and  bliss. 
Children  of  Gail — rcmrrection;  like  uiito  liirn  after  liavlng 
lieoii  raisril  from  tlie  dead. 

3**.  All  live  uiilii  him ;  liioHKh  deail  as  to  lis,  llicy  live  to 
and  with  find  ;  so  that  his  covcniint  with  them  to  be  tlicir 
(jod  rciiiaiiiB. 

40.   They;  the  Sadducees. 

41-44.  (  hrisl  David's  son  and  Lord.     Matt.  22:41-4G. 

45-47.  Scribes  denounced.     Matt.  23:1-33. 

INSTRUCTION'S. 
1.  Rulcr.s  in  <hurch  and  state  are  often  very  unsafe 
puidcs  in  the  things  of  religion,  ami  mufli  more  ojiposcd 
to  the  truth  and  to  those  who  preach  it  than  are  the  com- 
mon people.     Hence  the  great  iinportaucc  of  following 
I1H3 


30  And  the  second  took  her  to  wife,  and  a.  d.s.-i. 
he  died  childless. 

31  And  the  third  took  her ;  and  in  like  manner 
the  seven  also :  and  they  left  no  children,  and 
died. 

32  Last  of  all  the  woman  died  also. 

33  Tiierefore  in  tlie  resurrection  whose  wife  of 
them  is  she?  for  seven  hail  jier  to  wife.' 

34  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them,  Tlie 
children  of  this  world  marry,  and  arc  given  in 
marriage: 

35  But  they  which  shall  be  accounted  worthy  In 
obtain  that  world,'  and  the  resurrection  from  the 
dead,  neither  marry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage: 

36  Neither  can  they  die  any  more:''  for  they  are 
equal  unto  the  angels;'  and  are  the  children  of 
God,'"  being  the  children  of  the  resurrection. 

37  Now  that  the  dead  are  raised,  even  Moses 
showed  at  tiie  bush,"  when  he  callcth  the  Lord  the 
God  of  .\ln-aiuuii,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the 
God  of  Jacoli. 

38  For  he  is  not  a  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the 
living:  for  all  live  unto  him." 

39  Tiien  certain  of  the  scribes  answering  said, 
Master,  thou  hast  well  said. 

40  And  after  that,  they  durst  not  ask  iiim  any 
question  at  all. 

41  *i  And  he  said  unto  them,  IIow  sav  they  tliat 
Ciirist  is  David's  son?" 

42  And  David  himself  saitli  in  the  book  of 
Psalms,  Tiie  Loui)  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  nn 
my  right  hand, 

43  Till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool.i 

44  David  therefore  callcth  him  Lord  ;  how  is  h'- 
then  his  son? 

45  '^  Then  in  the  audience  of  all  the  people,''  he 
said  unto  his  disciples, 

40  Beware  of  the  scribes,"  which  de.-^ire  to  walk 
in  long  robes,  and  love  greetings  in  the  markets," 
and  the  highest  seats  in  the  synagogues,  and  the 
chief  rooms  at  feasts; 

47  Which  devour  widows'  houses,"  and  for  a 
show  make  long  prayers:^'  the  same  shall  receive 
"•reater  daiiination."' 


m 

R:17 

n 

Exnd.  3 

2-fi.    0 

Rom 

M:S,  (1. 

P  Matt. 

22:42; 
12:3ft, 

Mark 

12:  a'. 

cic 

1 

V*T>. 

in 

1;  Acta  2:31. 

r  1  T 

m.  5:20 

■  Mark 

etc. 

■  ch 

II 

43. 

u  iKa 

10 

2;  Malt 

23:14 

a  Tim.  3:0. 

V  I  TheM 

2:5. 

"ch. 

1U:12 

14 

Ja< 

.3:1. 

the  direction  of  Christ,  Matt.  23:8-10,  and  of  searching 
the  Scriptures,  to  see  whether  wliiit  rulers  and  teachers 
inculcate  is  according  to  them.  If  it  is  not,  all  bIiouUI 
reject  it. 

!).  Parables  ami  similitudes  drawn  from  cartrdy  tilings, 
willi  which  people  are  faniili;ir,  are  wise  and  ellieieiil 
means  of  inculcating  divine  tnilli  :  ami  that  preaching 
which  leads  the  hearers  to  think,  ;iiid  draw  correct  con- 
clusions for  themBclvus,  will  be  likely  to  do  them  the  most 
good. 

19.  Opposers  of  the  gosp(d  and  of  its  Hiitlifnl  preachers 
arc  prone  to  represent  Ihiir  teaching  as  iiijiirioiiB  to  tlie 
state,  ami  llnis  to  atli'iii])t  to  set  politicians  and  worldly 
iiifii  in  active  hostility  ag;iinst  them.  In  this  they  would 
oftener  succeed  were-  il  not  that  the  truths  of  the  gospel, 
plainly  and  kinilly  exhibited,  commend  thcmselveK  to  Ihi! 
conscience,  and  thus  through  grace  secure  the  common 
people  in  tln'lr  favor. 

40,  Instead  of  always  imitating  the  rich  and  great,  and 
following  those  who  are  in  high  stations,  it  is  sometimes 


Tht  w'.doio's  two  mites. 


LUKE  XXI. 


Ruin  of  Jerusalem  foretold. 


CHAPTER  XXI, 


1  Christ  commendcth  the  poor  widow.  5  He  foretelleth  the  destruction 
of  the  temple,  :uid  of  the  city  of  Jerusalem;  25  the  sinus  also  whicli 
shall  he  before  the  last  day.     34  He  exhortetli  them  to  be  watcliful. 

AND  he  looked  up,  and  saw  the  rich  men  cast- 
ing- their  gifts  into  the  treasury." 

2  And  he  saw  also  a  certain  poor  widow  casting 
in  thither  two  niitcs.' 

3  And  he  said,  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto  you,  that 
this  poor  widow  hath  cast  in  more  than  they  all :'' 

4  For  all  these  have  of  tiieir  abundance  cast  in 
unto  the  oflerings  of  God :  but  she  of  her  penury 
hath  cast  in  all  the  living  that  she  had. 

5  1"  And  as  some  spake  of  the  teni]ile,  how  it  was 
adorned  with  goodly  stones  and  gifts,"^  he  said, 

6  As  for  tliesc  things  wiiich  ye  behold,  the  days 
will  come,  in  the  wiiicii  there  shall  not  bo  left  one 
stone  upon  another,  that  shall  not  be  thrown  down/' 

7  And  they  asked  him,  saying.  Master,  but  when 
sliall  these  things  be?  and  what  sign  will  there  he 
when  these  tilings  shall  come  to  pass? 

8  And  he  said.  Take  heed  that  ye  be  not  deceiv- 
ed:^ for  many  shall  come  in  my  name,  saying,  I 
am  Christ;  and  the  time  draweth  near:'  go  ye 
not  tiierefore  after  them. 

9  But  when  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  commo- 
tions, be  not  terrified:"  for  these  things  must  tirst 
come  to  pass ;  but  the  end  is  not  by  and  by. 

10  Tlien  said  he  unto  them.  Nation  sliall  rise 
against  nation,  and  kingdom  against  kingdom:'' 

11  And  great  eartiiquakes  shall  be  in  divers 
places,  and  famines,  and  pestilences;  and  fearful 
sights  and  great  signs  shall  there  be  from  heaven. 

12  But  before  all  tiicse,  they  shall  lay  their  hands 
on  you.  and  persecute  you,  delivering  you  up  to 
the  synagogues,  and  into  prisons,'  being  brought 
before  kings  and  rulers  for  my  name's  sake.J 

13  And  it  shall  turn  to  you  for  a  testimony.'' 


«  Mark  l-i:41.  •  See  Mark  \iA'2.  b  2  Cor.  8:12.  <:  Matt.  21:1,  etc.; 
Mark  |:J-.l,eto.  dob.  19:44,  etc.  c  2  Thess.  2:3,  i),  10;  1  John  4:1;  2  John 
7.  '  Rpir.  l::i.  e  ProT.  3:25,  2(i.  h  Hag.  2:22.  i  Acts  4::J;  518;  12:4 ; 
lli:24;  Rev  2:10.  JActs25:a3.  k  Phil.  1:28;  2  Thess.  1:5.  IMatt.  10:19; 
ch.  12:11.    m  Acts  6:10.    »  Mio.  7:5,  6.    o  Acta  7:.59;  12:2;  26:10;  Rev. 


necessary,  in  order  to  obey  Christ,  to  reject  their  maxims, 
renounce  their  doctrines,  and  avoiil  their  practices.  This 
course  may  subject  those  who  pursue  it  to  many  incon- 
veniences, but  it  will  honor  the  Saviour,  benefit  them- 
selves, and  promote  the  good  of  mankind. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1-4.  Tlic  widow's  two  mites.     Atark  12:  11-44. 

5-24.  Destrnctitm  of  .Jerusalem.  Matt.  24:1-22.  For  the 
principles  on  which  this  projdiecy  is  to  be  interpreted, 
and  the  double  reference  contained  in  it  to  the  destruction 
of  .Terus;ilem  and  the  end  of  the  world,  see  introductory 
note  to  .Matthew,  ch.ap.  24. 

n.  Good!  1/  stones;  great  and  beautiful.  Gifts;  donations 
which  had  been  received,  and  were  suspended  in  dillerent 
parts  of  the  temple. 

11.  Fearful  sip;hts  and  great  signs ;  these  words  had  their 
primary  fiillilnicnt  in  the  fearful  appearances  which  were 
seen  jircvious  to  tlie  th'strnction  of  Jerusalem,  and  which 
are  particularly  descril>ed  by  ,h)sephus  in  the  sixlh  liook 
of  hi.s  history  of  the  Jewish'  wars.  A  more  awfnl  fnllil- 
mentawaits  them  when  "  the  end  of  the  world  "  draws  nigh. 

in.  Tarn  to  you  for  a  testimony;  it  shall  give  you  the 
opportunity  of  bearing  testimony  to  my  gospel  l)cfore 
kings  and  rulers.  This  will  be  a  testimony  in  your  behalf 
of  your  fiilhfuhicss,  and  against  them,  if  they  reject  it. 
Compare  Matt.  21:14;  Mark  l:i:y. 


14  Settle  it  therefore  in  your  hearts,  not  to  med- 
itate before  what  ye  shall  answer:' 

15  For  I  will  give  you  a  mouth  and  wisdom, 
which  all  your  adversaries  shall  not  be  able  to 
gainsay  nor  resist.'" 

16  And  ye  shall  be  lictrayed  both  by  parents, 
and  brethren,  and  kinsfolks,  and  friends;"  and 
some  of  you  shall  they  cause  to  be  put  to  death." 

17  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  men  for  mv 
name's  sakcP 

18  But  there  shall  not  a  hair  of  your  head  perish.'' 

19  In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls.'' 

20  And  when  ye  shall  see  Jerusalem  compassed 
with  armies,  then  know  that  the  desolation  thereof 
is  nigh. 

21  Then  let  them  which  are  in  Judea  flee  to  the 
mountains;  and  let  tlicin  whicli  are  in  tiie  midst 
of  it  depart  out;  and  let  not  them  that  are  in  tlie 
countries  enter  thereinto. 

22  For  these  be  the  days  of  vengeance,  that  all 
things  which  are  written^  may  be  fulfilled. 

23  But  woe  unto  them  that  are  with  child,  and 
to  them  that  give  suck,  in  those  days!'  for  there 
shall  be  great  distress  in  the  laud,  and  wrath  upon 
this  people. 

24  And  they  sliall  fall  by  the  edge  of  the  sword, 
and  shall  be  led  away  captive  into  all  nations: 
and  Jerusalem  shall  be  trodden  down  of  tlie  Gen- 
tiles," until  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled. "' 

25  IT  And  there  shall  be  signs  in  the  sun,  and  iu 
the  moon,  and  in  the  stars;  and  upon  the  earth 
distress  of  nations,  with  perplexity;"'  the  sea  and 
the  vaves  roaring; 

20  Men's  hearts  failing  them  for  fear,  and  for 
looking  after  those  things  which  are  coming  on  the 
earth :  for  the  powers  of  heaven  shall  be  shaken." 

27  And  then  shall  they  see  the  Son  of  man  com- 
ing in  a  cloud  with  power  and  great  glory.'' 

2:13;  6:9;  12:11.  pJohnl7:l4.  qMatt.lO:30.  r  Rom.  5:3;  Heb.  10::!(i: 
Jas.  1:4.  »  Deut.  2H:25,  4.-^;  Dan.  9:26,  27;  Zech.  11:0;  14:1,2.  t  Lam. 
4:10.  u  Dan.  12:7;  Rev.  11:2.  v  Rom.  11:25.  w  Dan.  12:1.  i  2  Pet. 
3:10-12.     yRev.  1:7;  14:14. 


15.  A  mouth  and  wisdom;  ability  rightly  to  speak,  a  gift 
which  no  man  or  angel  could  bestow. 

18.  Not  a  hair — perish;  3'ou  shall  suffer  no  real  harm, 
though  you  die  for  my  sake.  Compare  Eom.  8:28-39; 
1  Cor.  3:'21-23;  1  Pet.  3:1.1. 

19.  Ln  your  patience  possess  ye  yoursoids;  the  word  "pos- 
sess "  is  here  to  be  taken  in  the  sense  of  gaining  or  sav- 
ing. Tlie  whole  verse  might  b^  rendered.  By  your  endur- 
ance save  ye  your  souls ;  the  same  as,  "  lie  that  shall  en- 
dure unto  the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved."     Matt.  24 :  i:i. 

24.  By  the  edge  of  tlie  sword;  eleven  hundred  thousand 
were  slain.  Led  away  captive ;  ninety-seven  thousand  wore 
carried  into  captivity.  Trodden  doien;  desolated,  oppress- 
ed. This  has  been  dime  successively  by  the  Romans, 
Saracens,  Mamelukes,  Franks,  and  by  the  Turks  who  con- 
tinue to  exercise  dominion  over  and  oppress  it.  The  times 
of  the  Gentiles  licfdjilled;  the  times  during  whicli  God  has 
determined  tli;il  the  (ientiles  shall  tread  down  Jerusalem. 

25-33.  Signs  of  Christ's  coming — parable  of  the  fig-tree. 
For  the  exposition  of  these  verses  and  their  twofold  rof- 
cnce,  see  notes  mi  Matt.  24:29-35. 

25.  The  sea  and  the  waves  roaring;  in  the  first  application 
of  the  prophecy  to  the  overthrow  of  Jerusalem,  these 
words  are  to  bo  understood  figuratively  of  commotions 
among  the  nations. 

2(j.  The  powers  of  lieanen ;  the  same  as  the  hosts  of  heav- 
en ;  that  is,  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars. 

1183 


Signs  of  Christ's  comfig. 


LUKE  XXII. 


Conspiracy  against  Christ. 


28  And  wlicu  those  tilings  begin  to  come  to  pass, 
then  look  up,  and  lift  up  your  heads;  ibr  your  re- 
demption drawetli  nigh." 

29  And  he  spake  to  them  a  parable:  Behold  the 
fig-tree,  and  all  the  trees ; 

30  Wlien  they  now  shoot  forth,  ye  see  and  know  of 
your  own  selves  that  summer  is  now  nigh  at  hand.'' 

31  So  likewise  ye,  wlicn  ye  see  tliese  tlnngsconio 
to  pass,  know  ye  that  tlie  kingdom  of  God  is  nigh 
at  hand. 

32  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  This  generation  shall 
not  pass  away,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 

33  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  aw^ay;  but  my 
words  shall  not  pass  away." 

34  ^  And  take  heed  to  yourselves,''  lest  at  any 
time  your  hearts  be  overcharged  with  surfeiting, 
and  drunkenness,"  and  cares  of  this  life,  and  6o 
that  day  come  upon  you  unawares. 

35  For  as  a  snare  sliall  it  come  on  all  them  that 
dwell  on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth. "^ 

36  Watch  ye  therefore,^  and  pray  always,  that 
ye  may  be  accounted  worthy  to  escai)e  all  these 
things  that  shall  come  to  pass,''  and  to  stand  before 
tiie  Son  of  man.' 

37  And  in  the  daytime  he  was  toacliing  in  tlic 
temple;  and  at  night  he  went  out,  and  abode  in 
the  mount  that  is  called  the  mount  of  Olives.-' 

38  And  all  the  people  came  early  in  the  morning 
to  him  in  the  temple,  for  to  hear  him. 

CUAPTER  XXU. 

I  The  Jews  conspire  against  Christ.  3  Sat.in  prepareth  Judas  to  betray 
him.  7  The  apostles  prepare  the  passover.  19  Christ  instituteth  his 
holy  supper.  21  covertly  forctelleth  of  the  traitor,  24  dissuadeth  Che  rest 
of  nis  apostles  from  ambition,  31  assureth  Peter  his  faith  should  not 
fail;  31  and  yet  he  should  deny  him  thrice.  39  He  pr.ayeth  in  the 
mount,  and  swcateth  blood;  47  is  betrayed  with  a  kiss;  .50  he  healeth 
Malchus'  car;  51  he  is  thrice  denied  of  Peter,  63  shamefully  abused, 
G6  and  confesseth  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  (rod. 

0  W  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  drew  nigh, 
wliich  i.s  called  the  Passover." 

•  Rnm.  a-.-ll.  I>  Matt.  24:32;  Mark  13:38.  '  Ua.  40:8;  r>\:6.  d  Rom. 
13:12,13;  tThe««.5:8-S;  1  Pet.  4:7.  c  I,a.  2S:l-3;  1  Cor.  0:  lU.  f  1  The^H. 
.■5:2;  2  Pet.  3:10;  Rev  111:15.  »  Matt.  2.5:13.  hch. 20:3.5.  i  P«a.  1 : 5 ;  Judo 
2-1.     J  John  8:1,2.     k  .Matt.  26:2;  Mark  14:1,  etc.     1  Psa.  2:2;  Actt  4:27. 

34-3G.  Warning  to  be  ready  for  Christ's  coming.  Slatt. 
24:30-51. 

34.  Overcharged  with  surfeiting;  made  licavy  and  care- 
less by  immoderate  eating  and  driiiUiiig.  T/iat  day;  the 
day  when  ChriRt  will  conic  to  Have  liis  peo])le  and  take 
vengeance  on  his  foes.  These  exhortations  wore  apjili- 
r.ablo  to  tlie  day  of  whicli  he  h:id  bten  speaking,  to  the 
day  of  death,  and  to  the  day  of  judgment. 

3fl.  Always;  habitually.  Tlieie  things;  the  woes  that 
would  come  on  the  wicked.    Stand;  stand  witli  acicjitance. 

37,  3S.  These  verses  show  the  manner  in  wliich  Jesus 
I'.liribt  spent  the  last  days  of  liis  life,  teaching  tlie  penple 
ilie  great  truths  of  salvation.  All  who  heard  ought  with 
the  heart  to  have  believed  and  been  saved.  So  it  is  with 
all  who  hear  the  gospel  now. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Tlic  value  in  the  sight  f>f  God,  of  what  is  given  fr)r 
Ids  worship  or  for  charilahh^  piirjioses,  depends  not  so 
much  on  the  amount,  as  on  the  amount  eomp:ired  wilh  the 
ahility  and  the  motives  with  which  it  is  done. 

18.  However  great  the  wickedness  of  men,  and  however 
active  their  opposition  to  the  jjcoplc  of  (iod,  they  shidl 
not  in  the  end  be  abh^  to  injure  them.  His  peoide  should 
therefore  be  cairn  and  (jiiiet,  as  well  as  active  and  perse- 
vering in  their  labors  for  the  [iromotion  of  his  cause, 
trustins  in  him  for  whatever  they  necil. 
11S4 


N 


2  And  the  cliiof  priests  and  scribes  sought  a.  d.  11. 
how  tliey  might  kill  him  ;'  for  they  feared  the  peo- 
ple. 

3  ^  Then  entered  Satan  into  Judas  surnamed 
Iscariot,'"  being  of  the  number  of  the  twelve. 

4  And  he  went  liis  way,  and  communed  with  the 
chief  priests  and  captains,  how  lie  miglit  betray 
him  unto  tliem. 

5  And  they  were  glad,  and  covenanted  to  give 
him  money." 

G  And  he  promised,  and  sought  opportunity  to 
betray  him  unto  them  in  the  absence  of  the  multi- 
tude.* 

7  T  Then  came  the  day  of  unleavened  bread," 
when  the  passover  must  be  killed. 

S  And  he  sent  Peter  and  John,  saying.  Go  and 
prepare  us  tlic  passover,  that  we  may  cat. 

9  And  they  said  unto  him,  Where  wilt  thou  tiiat 
we  prepare? 

10  And  he  said  unto  them.  Behold,  when  ye  avn 
entered  into  tiie  city,  there  shall  a  man  meet  you, 
bearing  a  pitcher  of  water;  follow  him  into  tht; 
house  wlicre  he  entereth  in. 

11  And  ye  .^hall  say  unto  the  good  man  of  the 
house,  Tliu  Master  sailli  unto  thee,  Where  is  the 
guest-chamber,  where  I  shall  eat  the  passover  with 
my  disciples? 

12  And  he  shall  show  you  a  large  upper  room 
furnisiied :  there  make  ready. 

13  And  they  went,  and  Ibund  as  he  had  said  unto 
them:  and  tiiey  made  ready  the  passover. 

14  And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat  down, 
and  the  twelve  apostles  with  him.'' 

15  And  he  said  unto  tiicm.  With  desire  1  have 
desired*  to  cat  this  passover  with  you  before  I 
suffer : 

16  For  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  any  more  cat 
thereof,  until  it  be  fullillcd  in  the  kingdom  of 
God." 


mMatl.2n:14;  Mark  14: 10.  etc. ;  Jolm  13:2,  27.  nZech. 11:12.  •  Or.  wilA- 
oul  tumuli,  o  lixod.  12.  P  Matt.  20:20;  Mark  14:17.  1  Ol,  I  have  htarlily 
desired,    qch.  14:15;  1  Cor.  5:7,6;  Eev.  1U:B. 


34.  E.xceKsivc  eating  and  drinking  tend  not  only  to  pro- 
duce various  bodily  diseases,  but  to  blind  the  mind,  stu- 
pefy tlie  conscience,  and  corrupt  the  heart.  Christians 
should  not  indulge  in  these  sins,  which  unlit  lliem  for  the 
discharge  of  their  duty,  and  prevent  their  heing  prepared 
for  the  coniiiig  of  Christ. 

CHAPTMR  XXII. 

1.  Feast  of  unleavened  l>read ;  Ihe  passover — so  called, 
because  during  that  feast  they  ate  nothing  that  was  leav- 
ened.    Matt.  2C:2,  17. 

3.  Then  entered  Satan  into. Judas;  exerted  over  him  jiecul- 
iar  infiuenec,  and  exciled  him  lo  betray  liis  Loril. 

4-13.  .ludas  sclleth  Christ — passover  prepared.  Matt. 
2f.:  14-19. 

4.  Captains;  those  who  commanded  the  guard  that  kept 
Wiitch  at  the  temple. 

7.  Tlie  passdvcr  must  lie  killed ;  the  lamb  which  was  eaten 
at  the  passover-festival  must  be  killed,  iind  iircparations 
ma<le  for  the  feast. 

1).  The  hour  ttrfis  come ;  the  hour  appointed  fur  the  eat- 
ing of  the  ]p;ischal  lamb.      Matt.  2(i:20. 

1,5.  !(';//(  ilisire  I  have  desired;  a  Hebrew  form  of  expres- 
sion signifying,  I  have  greatly  desired. 

Ifi.  Until  It  he  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God ;  till  the 
kingdom  of  Ood  come  l)y  the  offering  of  ("hrist,  the  true 
paschal  hinib.     Ver.  18. 


TTie  Lord's  supper  instituted. 


LUKE  XXII. 


Ambition  rebuked. 


A.  D.33.  17  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  said.  Take  this,  and  divide  it  aiHong  your- 
selves: 

18  For  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of  the 
fruit  of  the  vine,  until  the  kingdom  of  God  shall 
come. 

19  1  And  he  took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
brake  //,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying,  This  is  my 
body  wiiich  is  given  for  you:  this  do  in  remem- 
brance of  me. 

20  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying. 
This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which 
is  shed  for  you." 

21  1  But  behold,  the  hand  of  him  that  betrayeth 
me  is  with  mo  on  tiie  table.'' 

22  And  truly  the  Son  of  man  gooth,  as  it  was 
determined  :'^  but  woe  unto  that  niau  by  whom  he 
is  betrayed ! 

23  And  they  began  to  inquire  among  themselves, 
which  of  them  it  was  that  should  do  this  thing. 

24  lAnd  there  was  also  a  strife  among  tiicm, 
which  of  tiiem  should  be  accounted  the  greatest.'' 

25  And  he  said  unto  them,  Tlic  kings  of  the  Gen- 
tiles exercise  lordship  over  theui ;  and  they  that  ex- 
ercise authority  upon  them  are  called  benefactors." 

26  But  ye  sha'l  not  be  so:  but  he  that  is  greatest 
among  you,  let  him  be  as  the  younger ;  and  he  that 
is  chief,  as  he  that  doth  serve.'' 

27  For  whether  is  greater,  he  that  sitteth  at  meat, 
or  he  that  serveth?  is  not  he  that  sitteth  at  meat? 
but  I  am  among  you  as  he  that  serveth. ^^ 

28  Ye  are  they  whicli  have  continued  with  me 
in  my  temptations :'' 

29  And  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom,'  as  my 
Father  hatli  appointed  unto  me; 


»  ICor.  10: 

iri;  11: -21 

,  etc.    b 

Psi.  41 

•9; 

John  ir 

:ao 

.     t  ch 

.24 

45 

Acts 

2:i1;  4 

vji;  1 

Cor. 

15: 

1.     d  Mark  9:^4 

;   ch 

.  9:4li. 

e 

Matt. 

•21:- 

5; 

Mark 

lU:Ji. 

1  1  Pet 

5::) 

:)J 

jhn  9,  10 

ejfh 

iKi 

i:j,  14; 

n 

l.-2:7. 

hHeb 

4:13. 

i  Mitr. 

•J.-);:J4 

ch. 

I-.!:: 

2;   1  Cor 

0:2.5; 

I  I'e 

t.  5:4. 

> 

Rev.   19:9. 

k 

Matt. 

17.  The  cup;  not  tlie  cup  mentioned  verse  20,  but  the 
cup  that  was  used  in  eelebiatiiig  the  passovcr. 

l.S.  I  will  not  drink;  for  the  meaninj;'  of  tliese  words,  see 
notes  on  Matt.  2C:2!). 

10,  2U.  The  Lord's  supper.     Matt.  26:20-30. 

21-23.  What  is  mentioned  in  these  verses  took  place 
wliilc  they  were  eating  the  passover,  and  Ijcfore  tlie  insti- 
tution of  the  Lord'.s  supper.  Tlie  facts  are  not  all  men- 
tioned in  the  order  in  which  they  took  place.  John  13:30  ; 
Matt.  211:21-2.5;   Mark  1 1:  l.S-21. 

24.  Tae  ^rcate^t ;  the  most  honoralile — Iiave  the  highest 
oflices  in  th:it  earthly  kingdom  which,  notwithstanding  all 
his  instruction,  they  still  thought  he  was  about  to  estab- 
lish. It  seems  to  have  been  in  connection  with  this  strife 
about  preeminence  that  our  Lord  rose  from  the  table  and 
w:ished  his  disciples'  feet,  thus  setting  them  an  example 
of  condescending  humility.  John  13:4-17.  Similar  con- 
tests are  mentioned  in  Matt.  18:1 ;  20:20-28. 

2.5.  Jinnefaclnrs ;  a  title  of  honor  applied  to  earthly  rulers, 
especially  the  kings  of  Syria  and  Egypt,  and  such  as  ex- 
ercised (lominion  over  others. 

2(!.  iVi)?  he  .>io,-  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  one  of  his  min- 
isters w;is  not  to  h;ive  dominion  over  the  others.  They 
were  all  brethren,  and  he  would  be  the  greatest  who 
should  be  the  most  humble,  and  most  ready  to  perform 
all  useful  services. 

28.  Trmptiititins;  trials,  labors,  and  sorrows. 

29.  /  appoint  nato  ijou  a  kmgdnm,  an  my  Father  halh  ap- 
jminteil  unto  me;  that  is,  as  the  next  verse  shows,  I  make 
you  sharers  with  me  in  the  kingdom  which  I  have  received 
of  my  Father.     But  this  is  a  spiritual  kingdom,  in  wdiich 

75 


30  That  ye  may  eat  and  drink  at  my  table  in 
my  kiugdom,J  and  sit  on  thrones  judging  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel.'' 

31  IT  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold, 
Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you,'  that  he  may  sift 
you  as  wheat:™ 

32  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,"  that  thy  faith 
fail  not :  and  when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen 
thy  brethren." 

33  And  he  said  unto  him,  Lord,  I  am  ready  to 
go  with  thee,  both  into  prison,  and  to  death. 

34  And  he  said,  I  tell  thee,  Peter,  the  cock  shall 
not  crow  this  day,  before  that  thou  shalt  thrice 
deny  that  thou  knowest  me. 

35  1i  And  he  said  unto  them,  When  I  sent  you 
without  purse,  and  scrip,  and  shoes,  lacked  ye  any 
thing?!'     jYnd  they  said.  Nothing. 

36  Then  said  he  unto  them.  But  now,  he  that 
hath  a  purse,  let  him  take  it,  and  likewise  his  scrip : 
and  he  that  hath  no  sword,  let  him  sell  his  gar- 
ment, and  buy  one. 

37  For  I  say  unto  you,  that  this  that  is  written 
must  yet  be  accomplished  in  me,  And  he  was  reck- 
oned among  the  transgressors:''  for  the  things 
concerning  me  have  an  end. 

38  And  they  said,  Lord,  behold,  here  arc  two 
swords.     And  he  said  unto  them,  It  is  enough. 

39  11  And  he  came  out,  and  went,  as  he  was  wont, 
to  the  mount  of  Olives;''  and  his  disciples  also 
followed  him. 

40  And  when  he  was  at  the  place,  he  said  unto 
them,  Pray  that  yc  enter  not  into  temptation. 

41  And  he  was  witiidrawn  from  them  about  a 
stone's  cast,  and  kneeled  down,  and  prayed, 

42  Saying,  Father,  if  thou  be  willing,  remove' 

19:i8;  1  Cor.  6:-2;  Rev.  3:21.  I  1  Pet.  5:8.  mAmos9:9.  n  John  17:9.  15; 
Heb.  7:25;  1  John  2:1.  »  Psa.  51:ia;  John  21:1.1-17.  p  ch.  9:.3.  •)  ha. 
.5:J:12.  T  Matt.  20:30;  Mark  14:32,  etc.;  John  Iri;!,  etc.  '  Or.  mllhig  tn 
remove. 


the  most  humble  and  active  in  serving  their  brethren  are 
the  greatest. 

30.  Eat  and  drink  at  my  table;  ho  admitted  to  near  com- 
munion with  me,  as  are  the  servants  of  a  king  who  stand 
high  in  place  and  honor.  Sit  an  thrones;  to  administer, 
under  Christ's  authority,  the  affairs  of  his  spiritual  king- 
dom. In  the  pre'emineiit  place  held  by  the  apostles  in  the 
establishment  of  the  Christian  church,  we  find  the  earthly 
fulfilment  of  this  promise.  Another  fullilment  is  reserved 
for  "  the  regeneration, "  when  Clirist  shall  make  all  things 
new.     See  note  on  .Matt.  19:28. 

31.  Sift  you  ;  :dl  the  apostles.  Js  vhrat ;  gre;xfly  agitate 
your  mind  with  inward  and  ontwaril  trials,  to  induce  you, 
if  possible,  to  deny  me,  apostatize,  and  iierish. 

32.  For  thee;  wliile  lie  intercedes  for  all  the  apostles,  he 
offers  a  special  pr.ayer  for  Peter.  Fail  not;  not  utterly 
fail,  but  when  weakened  revive  again  and  become  trium- 
phant.    Converted;  turned  from  thy  sin. 

33.  34.  Peter's  denial  forctoUl.     Matt.  2C:33-3,'). 

:i.5.  When  I  sent  i/mt;  Matt.  10:9, 10.  Lacked  y cany  thing? 
did  you  suffer  with  want? 

3(>.  Let  liim  sell  his  garment,  and  buy  one;  a  figurative 
mode  of  warning  the  apostles  that  great  dinicullics  ;uid 
trials  awaited  them,  which  woulil  retiuire  them  to  be  like 
armed  warriors,  ready  for  the  conflict. 

37.  This  thill  IS  written  ;  Isa.  63: 12. 

38.  It  is  enough;  they  dill  not  ueed  such  swords:  they 
needed  the  swortl  of  the  Spirit,  the  shield  of  faith,  the 
l)re:istidate  of  righteousness,  and  the  iKilmet  of  s;dvation. 

:i!i-4i;.  Agony  in  the  garden.  Matt.  20:30-10;  Mark 
11:32-1L 

1185 


Christ  is  Id  rayed, 


LUKE  XXII. 


denied,  and  condemned. 


this  cup  from  me:  nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but 
thine,  be  done. 

43  And  there  appeared  an  angel  unto  him  from 
heaven,  strcngtliening  him." 

44  And  being  in  an  agony,  lie  prayed  more  ear- 
nestly :  and  his  sweat  was  as  it  wore  great  drops 
of  blood  falling  down  to  the  ground.'' 

45  And  when  he  rose  up  from  prayer,  and  was 
come  to  his  disciples,  he  found  them  sleeping  for 
sorrow, 

46  And  said  unto  them.  Why  sleep  ye  ?  rise  and 
pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation." 

47  1"  And  while  he  yet  spake,  behold  a  multitude, 
and  lie  tliat  was  called  Judas,  one  of  the  twelve, 
went  before  them,  and  drew  near  unto  Jesus  to 
kiss  him.'' 

48  But  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Judas,  betraycst 
thou  the  Son  of  man  with  a  kiss? 

49  Wlien  they  which  were  about  him  saw  what 
would  follow,  they  said  unto  him,  Lord,  shall  we 
smite  with  the  sword  ? 

50  ir  And  one  of  them  smote  tiie  servant  of  the 
high-pricit,  and  cut  off  his  right  ear. 

51  And  Jesus  answered  and  said,  Suffer  ye  thus 
far.     And  he  touched  his  car,  and  healed  him. 

52  Tlien  Jesus  said  unto  the  chief  priests,  and 
captains  of  the  temple,  and  the  elders,  which  were 
come  to  him,  Be  yo  come  out,  as  against  a  thief, 
with  swords  and  staves? 

53  Wlien  I  was  daily  with  you  in  tlie  temple,  ye 
stretched  forth  no  iiamls  against  mc:  but  tliis  is 
your  hour,''  and  the  power  of  darkness. 

54  1  Then  took  tiiey  him,  and  led  him,  and 
brought  luni  into  tiie  liigh-pricst's  house.  And 
Peter  followed  afar  off. 

55  And  when  they  had  kindled  a  fire  in  tlie 
midst  of  the  hall,  and  were  set  down  togetii(?r, 
Peter  sat  down  among  them. 

5G  But  a  certain  maid  beheld  him  as  he  sat  by 


•  Mitt.  4:11.  b  Lim.  1:12;  John  12:-.'-;  Htb.  .^:7.  c  vor. -111.  ■!  Matt. 
88:47,  He;  Marlt  11:43,  etc.;  John  IH::),  etc.  e  Job  ■iO-j;  John  Vi.il. 
<  Malt.  a0:09;  Marlt  14:00.  «!);  John  IM:!/.  (C  Mitt.  Sli:"!;  Mark  I4:im; 
John  H:'.M.     h  Malt.  28:73;  Mark  14:70;  John  l.'i:*).     ■  .Matt.  20:55;  Mark 


43.  Strengthening  him  i  as  a  man,  he  needed  and  received 
aid  from  on  liigh. 

47-71.  Christ  betrayed,  led  to  the  high-iiricst,  and  de- 
nied.    .\[;itt.  2(1:47-75;  Mark  14:43-72. 

48.  With  It  kiss ;  customarily  a  sign  of  affection,  but  now 
used  by  .Jiiilas  to  pointout  to  the  Koldicrs  wliich  was  .Icsim. 

.01.  Suffer  ye  tliii.1  far ;  adiircssed  to  tlic  f;ii:trd  wlio  had 
eeized  )iim  immodialcly  upon  tlic  kiss  of  .ludas.  ,\I:itt. 
2C:48;  ,\I:irk  14:4.'),  4(i.  The  prob;ible  mtaniiii;  is,  Allow 
me  tlius  far  ;  th:it  is,  give  inc  liberty  so  far  as  to  touch  this 
man's  car.  Somo,  liowevcr,  suppose  hirn  to  mean.  Suffer 
the  zeal  of  my  disciples  to  have  proceeded  thus  far  in 
defending  rne. 

CO.  Man,  Iknownot;  Matthew  and  Mark  say  thata  maid 
in  the  sccoucl  instance  charged  I'etcr  with  being  one  of 
Clirist's  disciples.  Hut  lie  here  answers  to  a  man.  The 
maid  may  have  st,atod  it  to  those  that  were  present,  and  a 
man  Mu-ti  have  charKcd  I'cter  with  it. 

67.  If  I  tell  ijoh;  you  do  not  ask  for  the  sake  of  gaining 
information  ;  your  mimls  are  fully  made  up  to  condemn  mc, 
and  no  stati-inent  of  mini-  can  inllucn<-e  your  belief. 

C8.  If  I  alsn  a.sk  you;  propose  questions  to  you  to  be 
answered,  as  the  .Saviour  often  diil  in  reasoning  with  the 
Jewish  rulers.  For  an  example,  see  .Matt.  21::i:i-27.  Nev- 
ertheless, as  his  time  for  suffering  had  now  come,  he  pro- 
ceeded solemnly  to  affirm  his  messiahship,  ver.  69,  70. 
118(1 


the  fire,  and  earnestly  looked  upon  him,  and  a.  d  m. 
said.  This  man  was  also  with  hini.'^ 

57  And  he  denied  him,  saying.  Woman,  I  know 
him  not. 

58  And  after  a  little  while  another  saw  him,  and 
said,  Thou  art  also  of  them."  And  Peter  said,  Man, 
I  am  not. 

59  And  abinit  the  space  of  one  hour  after,  an- 
other confidently  affirmed,  saying,  Of  a  truth  this 
fc/low  also  was  witli  him ;  for  he  is  a  Galilean.'' 

GO  And  Peter  said.  Man.  I  know  not  what  tliou 
sayest.  And  immcdiateiy,  wliilc  he  yet  spake,  the 
cock  crew. 

61  And  the  Lord  turned,  nnd  looked  U))on  Peter. 
And  Peter  renicmbored  the  word  of  the  Lord,' 
how  he  had  said  unto  him.  Before  tlie  cock  crow, 
thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice.-' 

62  And  Peter  went  out,  and  wept  bitterly.'' 

63  *|[  And  the  men  that  held  Jesus  mocked  him, 
and  smote  /lim. 

64  And  when  they  had  lilindfoldcd  him,  tlicy 
struck  liiin  on  the  face,  and  asked  liim,  saying, 
Prophesy,  who  is  it  that  smote  thee?' 

65  And  many  other  things  blasphemously  spake 
they  against  him. 

66  1  And  as  soon  as  it  was  da)',  the  elders  of  the 
pcojjle  and  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes  came 
together,  and  led  him  into  tiieir  council,'"  saving, 

(jl  Art  thou  the  Christ?"  tell  us.  And  he  said 
unto  thcin,  If  I  tell  you,  ye  will  not  lielieve: 

68  And  if  I  also  ask  you,  ye  will  not  answer  me, 
nor  let  me  go. 

69  Hereafter  shall  the  Son  of  man  sit  on  the 
right  hand  of  the  power  of  God." 

70  Then  said  they  all.  Art  thou  then  the  Son  of 
God  ?    And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  say  that  I  um. 

71  And  they  said,  What  need  we  any  further 
witness?  for  we  ourselves  have  heard  of  his  own 
mouth. 


14:7-J.  J  ver.  :M.  k  I'sa.  1:10:1-1 ;  U3:M;  .ler.  31  :l!J;  Kzuk.  7:10;  1  Cor. 
10:12;  2  Cor.  7:10,  11.  I  Matt.  •2<1:0-,  88;  Mark  14:0.-;.  m  Matt.  27:1  ;  AcU 
i:-il\--ii.     n  MaU.  20:63.  oto. ;    Mark  14:01,  olo.     o  Heb.  I:3j    8:1;    Rev. 


69.  Sit  071  the  right  hand  of  the  -power  of  God ;  this  they 
justly  considered  us  his  (-lainiing  to  be  the  Messiah. 

70.  Ye  siiij  thill  I  am  ,-  this  iiii-;iiit,  Yes,  I  am. 

71.  IIai:e  heard;  luivc  heard  his  claim  to  bo  the  Son  of 
God,  which  llii-y  said  w;ts  blaspliemy. 

INiSTIJUCTIONS. 

r>.  Money  has  a  )iowerful  influence  over  the  humim 
heart,  .ind  the  lio])e  of  obtaining  even  a  sniiill  sum  may 
awaken  the  most  corrupt  desires,  .-tnd  lead  to  llie  commis- 
sion of  the  most  horrid  i-rimes.  Well  did  he  who  knew 
what  was  in  man  s;iy,  "  Take  heed,  and  beware  of  eovet- 
ousness." 

18.  \\'h;it  was  drunk  at  tin-  oidinance  of  tlie  supjier 
was  not  blood,  but  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  the  juice  of  the 
grape.  This  ('JMist  used,  nnd  it  is  a  tit  einl)lem  of  his 
blooil,  w-hich  w:iH  shed  for  the  i-(-missi(Wi  of  sins. 

32.  .lesus  Christ  is  ii(-ipi;iiiitcd  with  all  the  dangers  of  his 
projdi-,  :ind  gn;irds  them,  that  when  they  tall,  they  m;iy  rise 
iig:uii,  anil  be  for  ever  victorious  over  all  their  foes. 

48.  I'ersons  who,  knowingly,  for  their  own  sellish  ends, 
express  towards  .Jesns  ("lirist  tliat  wliii-h  they  do  nut  feel, 
imitate  Jiidiis  the  traitor;  and,  unless  tiny  repent  .'iiid  ;iro 
forgiven,  it  will  be  true  of  them  as  it  was  of  liiui,  lli;it  it 
would  h;ivo  been  better  for  them  if  they  had  not  been 
born.     iMatt.  26:24. 


Christ  is  mocked  by  Herod, 


LUKE  XXIII. 


and  sentenced  by  Pilate. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


1  Jesus  is  accused  before  Pilate,  anJ  sent  to  Herod.  8  Herod  mocketh 
him.  12  Herod  and  Pilate  are  m.ide  friends.  13  Barabbas  is  desired 
of  the  people,  and  is  loosed  by  Pilate,  and  Jesus  is  given  to  be  cruci- 
fied. '27  He  telleth  the  women,  that  lament  him,  the  destruction  of 
Jerusalem:  .31  prayeth  for  his  enemies.  30  Two  evil  doers  are  cru- 
cified with  him.     4G   His  death.     OU  His  burial. 

AND  the  whole  multitude  of  them  arose,  and 
led  him  unto  Pilate.-' 

2  And  they  began  to  accuse  him,*"  saying,  We 
found  thii  fellow  perverting  the  nation,"  and  for- 
bidding to  give  tribute  to  Cesar,''  saying,  that  he 
himself  is  Christ  a  King.'' 

3  And  Pilate  asked  him,  saying.  Art  thou  the 
King  of  the  Jews?  And  he  answered  him  and 
said.  Thou  sayest  it.'' 

4  Then  said  Pilate  to  the  chief  priests  and  to 
the  people,  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man.*' 

5  Ami  they  were  the  more  fierce,''  saying,  He 
stirreth  up  the  people,  teaching  throughout  all 
Jewry,  beginning  from  Galilee  to  this  place. 

6  WlieuPilateheard  of  Galilee,  he  asked  whether 
the  man  were  a  Galilean. 

7  And  as  soon  as  he  knew  that  he  belonged  unto 
Herod's  jurisdiction,'  he  sent  him  to  Herod,  who 
himself  also  was  at  Jerusalem  at  that  time. 

8  1  And  when  Herod  saw  Jesus,  he  was  exceed- 
ing glad  :  for  he  was  desirous  to  see  him  of  a  long 
season,'  because  he  had  heard  many  things  of  him ;  "^ 
and  he  hoped  to  have  seen  some  miracle  done  by 
him.' 

9  Then  he  questioned  with  him  in  many  words; 
but  he  answered  him  nothing.'" 

10  And  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  stood  and 
vehemently  accused  him. 

11  And  Herod  with  his  men  of  war  set  him  at 
naught,"  and  mocked  /lim,  and  arrayed  him  in  a 
gorgeous  robe,"  and  sent  him  again  to  Pilate. 

12  T  And  the  same  day  Pilate  and  Herod  were 
made  friends  together;"  for  before  they  were  at 
enmity  between  themselves. 

13  1  And  Pilate,  when  he  had  called  together 
the  chief  priests  and  the  rulers  and  the  people, 

1-1  Said  unto  them,  Ye  have  brought  this  man 
unto  me,  as  one  that  pervertelh  the  people;  and 


>  Matt.  'iT-.-i,  II,  etc.;  Mark  1.5:1,  elc;  John  18:-J8,  elo.  b  Zech.  11:8. 
«  ver.  .0:  Acts  |i.  211.  ••!  :  l':(i,7.  J  Matt.  17:27;  2-):-Jl  ;  Mark  12:17  e  Jolin 
l~::ili;  19:12  '  1  Tim:  0: 1:!.  «  John  l-'iS-;  19:4;  Heb  7:.'li;  I  Pet.  2:22. 
h  I'aa.  57:1.  ich.:):l,  J  ch.  '.1:9  k  Mm.  1  1:1  ;  Mark  C:  M.  1  2  Ki.ig.- 
fiA].     mPsa.  33:1:1,  11;  .19:1,9;  Isa.  .5:1:7.    »  l.a.  49:7 ;  .W::!.    o,I„l„,  19:o. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1-5.  Christ  brought  before  Pilate.     Matt.  27 : 1,  2,  11-18. 

2.  Perverting  the  nation;  exciting  the  people  to  rebel 
against  tlie  Roman  government.    Give  Irilmtr ;  pay  taxes. 

'i.  TItou  saijcsl  it;  .lesus  not  only  aeUnowleilged  Iiimself 
to  lie  the  King  of  the  .Jews,  lint  e.xplaineil  to  Tilate  that  his 
kingdom  was  not  of  this  world  ;  so  that  he  found  no  fault 
in  him  on  thi.s  ground.     John  lS:3(i,  37. 

.5.  He  stirrelli.  up  the  people ;  causing  tumults  among  them. 
All  Jewry;  the  whole  Jewish  country. 

7.  He  sent  him  to  Herod;  seelcing  thus  to  get  rid  of  the 
case  altogether.  This  was  Herod  Antipas,  who  put  John 
to  death.  He  was  son  to  Herod  the  Creat,  under  whose 
reign  Christ  was  born,  Matt.  2:1;  uncle  to  Herod  Agrippa, 
by  whom  James  was  killed,  and  who  was  eaten  of  worms, 
Acts  12:2,  23;  and  great-unele  to  that  AgripjKt  who  was 
almost  persuaded  by  Paul  to  become  a  Christian.  Acts 
2.->:2S. 

9.  He  answered  him  nothing ;  tlio  Saviour  would  not  an- 


behold,  I,  having  examined  him  before  you,  have 
found  no  fault  in  this  man  touching  those  things 
whereof  ye  accuse  him:'' 

15  No,  nor  yet  Herod:  for  I  sent  you  to  him; 
and  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death  is  done  unto  him. 

16  I  will  therefore  chastise  him,'' and  release  him. 

17  For  of  necessity  he  must  release  one  unto 
them  at  the  feast. 

18  And  they  cried  out  all  at  once,  saying,  Away 
with  this  man,  and  release  unto  us  Barabbas: 

19  (Who,  for  a  certain  sedition  made  in  the  city, 
and  for  murder,"  was  cast  into  prison.) 

20  Pilate  therefore,  willing  to  release  Jesus, 
spake  again  to  them. 

21  But  they  cried,  saying.  Crucify  him,  crucify 
him. 

22  And  he  said  unto  them  the  third  time.  Why, 
what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  I  have  found  no  cause  of 
death  in  him:  I  will  therefore  chastise  him,  and 
let  him  go. 

23  And  they  were  instant  with  loud  voices,  re- 
quiring that  he  might  be  crucified.'  And  the  voices 
of  them  and  of  the  chief  priests  prevailed. 

24  And  Pilate  gave  sentence"  that  it  should  be 
as  they  required." 

25  And  he  released  unto  them  him  that  for  sedi- 
tion and  murder  was  cast  into  prison,*'  whom  they 
had  desired;  but  he  delivered  Jesus  to  their  will. 

26  ^  And  as  they  led  him  away,  they  laid  hold 
upon  one  Simon,  a  Cyreuian,  coming  out  of  the 
country,  and  on  him  they  laid  the  cross,  that  he 
migiit  bear  it  after  Jesus.*'' 

27  And  there  followed  him  a  great  company  of 
people,  and  of  women,  which  also  bewailed  and 
lamented  him. 

28  But  Jesus  turning  unto  them  said.  Daughters 
of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for  your- 
selves, and  for  your  children. 

29  For  behold,  the  days  are  coming,  in  the  which 
they  shall  say,  Ble.ssed  are  the  barren,  and  the 
wombs  that  never  bare,  and  the  paps  which  never 
gave  suck." 

30  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains, 
Fall  on  us:  and  to  the  hills.  Cover  us.'' 


pAot34:27.  1  ver.  4.  r  Isa.  53:5.  >Aots3:U  I  Psi.  22:12;  ver.  5.  -Or, 
assented,  u  Exod.  2.3:2.  v  Acts  3:14.  w  Matt.  27:.32,  etc  ;  Mark  l.'i: 21, 
etc.;  John  19:17.  x  Matt. 21:19;  ch.  21:23.  y  Isa.  2:19;  Hos.  10:-1;  Rev. 
i;:l(>;  U:U. 

swer  tiuestions  prompted  by  a  vain  curiosity,  without  any 
desire  to  know  the  truth. 

n.  Men  ofu-ar;  the  soldiers  of  his  guard.  Set  him  at 
naug/il;  treated  him  with  contempt. 

1.";.  Is  done  unto  him ;  rather,  is  done  by  him.  The  two 
examinations  before  Pilate  ;ind  Herod  had  brought  to  light 
no  action  of  Jesus  worthy  of  dealh. 

IG.  C/iantise;  scourge  or  whip  him. 

17.  Of  necessil  1/ ;  it  was  the  custom, and  the  people  would 
be  disjilinised  if'he  should  not  comiily  with  it.  Matt.  27 : 1."). 
This  shows  the  manner  in  wliicli  the  word  necessity  is 
somi'times  used  in  the  Bible. 

18-25.  Christ  condemned  by  Pilate.     Matt.  27:20-2G. 

21;.   Simon,  a  Cyreniaii;  Matt.  27::i2. 

2S.  Weep  for  yourselves,  and  for  yniir  children;  on  account 
of  the  great  calamities  that  were  coming  n])on  them. 

29.  HIesscd  are  the  barren ;  it  were  better  not  to  have  chil- 
dren than  to  have  them  exposed  to  such  distresses. 

30.  To  the  mountains.  Fall  on  us;  to  shelter  us  from  the 
wrath  of  God.    Compare  Ilosea  10:8;  Kev.  6:1«.     They 

1181 


Christ's  crucifixion, 


LUKE  XXIII. 


death,  and  burial. 


31  For  if  they  do  these  things  in  a  green  tree, 
what  shall  be  done  in  the  dr_y?" 

32  And  there  were  also  two  others,  malefactors,* 
led  with  him  to  be  put  to  death. 

33  And  when  they  were  iHirae  to  the  place  which 
is  called  Calvary,'  there  tliey  crucified  him,  and 
the  malefactors,  one  on  the  right  hand,  and  the 
other  on  the  left. 

34  1  Then  said  Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them ;  for 
they  know  not  what  they  do.'^  And  they  parted 
his  raiment,  and  cast  lots. 

35  And  tlie  jieoplc  stood  beholding.  And  the 
rulers  also  with  tliem  derided  /rim,''  saying,  He 
saved  others  ;  let  him  save  himself,  if  he  be  Clirist, 
the  chosen  of  God. 

36  And  the  soldiers  also  mocked  him,  coming  to 
bim,  and  offering  him  vinegar, 

37  And  saying.  If  thou  be  the  King  of  the  Jews, 
save  tliyself. 

38  And  a  sujierscription  also  was  written  over 
him  in  letters  of  Greek,  and  Latin,  and  Hebrew, 
THIS  IS  THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS. 

39  1  And  one  of  the  malefactors  which  were 
hanged  railed  on  him,"  saying.  If  thou  bo  Christ, 
save  thyself  and  us. 

40  But  the  other  answering  rebuked  him,  saying. 
Dost  not  thou  fear  God,'  seeing  thou  art  in  the 
same  condemnation  ?' 

41  And  we  indeed  justly  ;  for  we  receive  the  due 
reward  of  our  deeds :  but  this  man  hath  done  noth- 
ing amiss.'' 

42  And  he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remember  nic 
when  thou  comest  into  tiiy  kingdom.' 

43  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee.  To  day  shalt  thou  i)C  with  me  in  paradise.J 

44  And  it  was  about  the  sixth  hour,  and  there 

>  Prov.  11:  )l:  Jer.  2o:J9;  Kzck.  -^1:17;  21 :  1 :  1  Pet.  J:  1 7.  b  l,a.  .'".I.;!. 
•  Or.  l/ie  p'.ai-r  of  a  ukuU.  '  Mall.  r,:H  ;  Acts  7:00;  1  Cor.  4:  l-J.  d  p,j.  •2->:7. 
e  cli.  17:  H-tii.  (  P.a.  30:1.  «  Jpr.  5:).  hlPrt.  I:1U.  i  Psi.  11)0:4.  .i; 
Rom    lU;!),   Ill;  1  Cor,  0:111,  11.     )  Rom.  ■'-■.■HI,  21;  2  Cor.  12:1:  Rev.  2:7. 

feel  that  il  is  better  to  be  crushed  beneath  the  weight  of 
the  inoiiiituiiis,  tlian  to  meet  God  in  judgment,  and  boar 
the  fierceness  of  liis  wrath. 

31.  Iftheij  (Id  thae  ////n?.?  in  a  preen  tree ;  this  was  a,  jiro  v- 
erh.  A  green  tree  rciiroHcnteil  one  innocent  and  good ;  a 
dry  tree,  those  wlio  were  wicked.  If  such  distress  as  that 
of  crucifixion  wonlil  conu;  upon  one  wlio  was  jierfcctly 
innocent,  wliat  would  be  the  distress  which,  under  the  just 
in  li;.;nation  of  (rod,  would  come  upon  those  who  were  so 
exceedingly  wicked  as  to  ninrder  his  beloved  Son? 

32.  Mdlef.iclors;  evil-doers,  thieves,  robbers,  etc.  Matt. 
27 :  38. 

33-49.  The  crucifixion.    Matt.  27:.3.3-,')fi. 

34.  Falher,  forg.ve  t!iem;  this  was  a  prayer  for  tlie  par- 
don of  his  niiirderers. 

39,  One  nf  the  malefictnr.i ;  Matthew  and  Mark  speak  as 
if  both  the  robliers  hiid  at  first  reviled  him.  One  however 
repented,  rebuked  his  coiniianion,  confessed  the  justice  of 
their  pMiiishment,  and  looked  to  Christ  for  salvation. 

42.  (r/iCTi  tlum  corncsi  into  tliij  kinf^dom ;  more  litenilly, 
When  thou  comest  in  thy  kingdom  ;  that  is,  whin  thou 
comest  in  glory  as  the  King  Messiah.  This  will  lie  when 
he  shall  "appear  the  serond  time  without  sin  unto  salva- 
tion" for  all  who  have  tielieved  in  him. 

43,  Pnrndise;  the  place  and  state  of  blessedness. 
50-50.  Christ's  burial,     .Matt,  27:57-61. 

60.  A  counsellor ;  a  member  of  the  great  .Jewish  council. 

51.  Deed  of  tliern  ;  the  doings  of  the  council  in  condemn- 
ing Clirist.     Watted  for  the  kingdom  of  Ood;  the  reign  of 
Jesus  as  the  Messiah.     Matt.  3:2. 
1188 


was  a  darkness  over  all  the  earth*  until  the  a.  d.  ss. 
ninth  hour. 

45  And  the  sun  was  darkened,  and  the  veil  of 
the  temple  was  rent  in  the  midst. 

46  1  And  when  Jesus  had  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  ho  said.  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend 
my  spirit:''  and  having  said  thus,  he  gave  up  the 
ghost.' 

47  Now  when  the  centurion  saw  what  was  done, 
he  glorified  God,  saying.  Certainly  this  was  a 
righteous  man. 

48  And  all  the  people  that  came  together  to 
that  sight,  beholding  the  things  wiiich  were  done, 
smote  their  lireasts,  and  returned. 

4',1  Anil  all  his  acquaiiitance,  and  the  women  that 
followed  him  from  Galilee,  stood  afar  oft','"  behold- 
ing these  things, 

50  1  And  behold,  there  iras  a  man  named  Joseph, 
a  counsellor;  and  he  was  a  good  man,  and  a  just: 

51  The  same  had  not  consented  to  the  counsel 
and  deed  of  them:  he  vns  of  Ariiiuitlica,  a  city  of 
the  Jews:  who  also  himself  waited  for  the  king- 
dom of  God." 

52  Tliis  7nan  went  unto  Pilate,  and  begged  tlie 
body  of  Jesus. 

53  And  he  took  it  down,  and  wrapped  it  in  linen, 
and  laid  it  in  a  sepidchre  that  was  hewn  in  stone, 
wherein  never  man  before  was  laid." 

54  And  that  day  was  the  preparation,''  and  the 
sabbatli  drew  on. 

55  And  tiic  women  also,  which  came  with  him 
from  Galilee,''  followed  after,  and  beheld  the  sep- 
ulchre, and  how  his  body  was  laid. 

56  And  they  returned,  and  prepared  spices  and 
ointments  ;■■  and  rested  the  sabbalh-day,  according 
to  the  commandment.' 

lOr, land,  k  P«i.  31  :.''■;  1  Pel  2:2')  I  Mali.  27:50,  pto. ;  Mark  l.');37,  etc. ; 
,Win  l'.l:30.  m  p,i.  :18: 11  ;  M2:J.  n  Mark  l.J:43;  ch.  2:2.5.  3i<.  o  1m,  S.l:ll. 
P.Matl.  27:62.     q  ch.  b:2;  vcr, -I'J.     rMarklO;!.     ■  ExoJ.  20:8-10, 


54,   T/ie preparation;  the  preparation  for  the  solemnities 
of  the  next  day,  which  was  thr  Salili;itli, 
INSTIUICTIDNS. 

2.  The  accusation  which  the  .Ji  \vs  liroiight  against.Iesus 
before  Pilate  was  not  that  of  blasphemy  in  claiming  to  be 
the  Son  of  Ood,  fur  which  their  council  had  oondemned 
him,  .Matt,  2(!:  li'> ;  il  w;is  that  of  treason  against  the  Itoman 
government.  His  rhiiming  to  be  the  Son  of  fiod  was  no 
crime  in  a  Homaii  court.  They  could  not  imlnce  I'llale 
for  this  to  put  him  to  death.  They  therefore  invented 
another  accusation,  and  sought  false  witnesses  to  support 
it.  So  that  while  they  conilcmned  him  for  what  was  no 
crime,  they  sought  to  have  I'date  cMiidriiin  him  for  a  crime 
which  he  never  comrnitled,  .Justly  did  he  who  knew  what 
was  in  them,  say,  "  Ve  serpents,  ye  geni'r;ition  of  vipers, 
how  can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell  ?"     .Matt,  23:3.'), 

22,  As  civil  govirnnieni  is  an  onlinance  of  (iod,  estab- 
lished for  the  jirotection  of  the  innocent,  and  the  condem- 
nation and  punishment  of  the  guilty,  magistrates  who, 
against  evidence, acquit  the  guilty  and  condemn  the  inno- 
cent, are  iui  abomiiiiition  to  the  Lord.  Injustice  under  the 
cover  of  hiw  is  aggravated  wickedness.  False  witnesses 
and  corrupt  judges  merit,  and  without  re]>entance  will 
receive  a  most  awful  condeinnation, 

31,  .Jesus  Christ,  who  \v;ih  most  compassionate  and  be- 
nevolent in  his  life,  \v;is  ;i1no  most  kind  and  forgiving  in  his 
death,  lie  desired  the  evcrlaslUig  salvation  even  of  his 
murderers,  and  for  it  he  was  willing  to  give  nj)  his  life, 

40.  True  repentiince  leads  a  sinner  to  feel  and  acknow- 
ledge the  justice  of  his  condemnation,  and  at  the  same 


Christ  riset/i  from  the  dead, 


LUKE  XXIV. 


and  appearctA  vnio  many. 


CHAPTER  XXIV, 


N 


1  Christ's  resurrection  is  declared  by  two  angels  to  the  women  that 
come  to  the  sepulchre.  9  These  report  it  to  others.  13  Christ  him- 
self .appeareth  to  the  two  disciples  that  went  to  Einni:ius;  36  after- 
wards he  appeareth  to  the  apostles,  and  reproveth.  their  unbelief;  47 
giveth  them  a  charye;  49  promiseth  the  Holy  Ghost;  51  and  so 
ascendeth  into  heaven. 

"''OW  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  very  early 
in  the  morning,  they  came  unto  the  sepulchre,* 
bringing  tiie  spices  which  they  had  prepared,  and 
certain  ol/iers  with  them. 

2  And  they  found  the  stone  rolled  away  from  the 
sepulchre. 

H  And  they  entered  in,  and  found  not  the  body 
of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  much  per- 
plexed thereabout,  behold,  two  men  stood  by  them 
in  shining  garments:'' 

5  And  as  they  were  afraid,  and  bowed  down 
their  faces  to  the  earth,  they  said  unto  them.  Why 
seek  ye  the  living*  among  the  dead  ? 

6  He  is  not  iiere,  Init  is  risen:  remember  how  he 
spake  unto  you  when  he  was  yet  in  Galilee,"^ 

7  Saying,  The  Son  of  man  must  be  delivered  into 
the  liands  of  sinful  men,  and  be  crucified,  and  the 
third  day  rise  again. 

8  And  they  remembered  his  words, 

9  And  returned  from  the  sepulchre,  and  told  all 
these  things  unto  the  eleven,  and  to  all  the  rest. 

10  It  was  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Joanna,''and  Mary 
the  mother  oi  James,  and  otlier  tcomen  that  were  witli 
them,  whicli  told  these  things  unto  the  apostles. 

11  And  their  words  seemed  to  them  as  idle 
tales,"  and  they  believed  them  not. 

12  Then  arose  Peter,  and  ran  unto  the  sepul- 
chre;'' and  stooping  down,  he  beheld  the  linen 
clothes  laid  by  themselves,  and  departed,  wonder- 
ing in  himself  at  that  which  was  come  to  pass. 

I'd  ^  And  behold,  two  of  them  went  that  same 
day  to  a  village  called  Einmaiis,^  which  was  from 
Jerusalem  about  threescore  furlongs. 

14  And  they  talked  together  of  all  these  things 
which  had  happened. 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  while  they  com- 

>  Matt.  2S:I,  etc.;  Mark  10:2,  etc.;  John  20:1,  etc.  1>  .lohn  aO:l'>;  Acts 
1:11).  •  Or,  him  thatlieetk;  Rev.  1:18.  «  Matt.  1C:->1  ;  17:31;  Mark  8:;31  ; 
!):31;  ch.  9:«;  John  ■i:'ii.  J  ch.  8:3.  e  Gen.  19:14;  i  Kings  ',:-l;  Job 
9:IG;  Tsa.  \iC,:\;  Acts  ia:9,  15.  f  John  20:3,  6.  B  Mark  16:12.  li  Mai. 
3:16;  Matt.  18:20;  ver.SB.     ■  John  20:  U,  15;  21 :4.    J  John  19:25.     'Acts 


time  to  look  to  Jesus  for  salvation  ;  expecting  through 
liini  to  receive  it,  th;vt  when  absent  from  the  body  ho  may 
be  present  with  the  Lord.     2  Cor.  5:8. 

(JHAPTER  XXIV. 

1-12.  The  resurrection.     Matt.  28: 1-10. 

4.  Two  men;  angels  in  the  form  of  men.  Matthew  and 
Mark  mention  but  one.  This  does  not  make  tlieir  state- 
ments incoiisistent  with  each  other,  but  it  shows  that  they 
did  not  write  in  concert,  and  that  each  gave  his  own  inde- 
pendent acroiint. 

IX  Two  (jf  Ikem ;  not  of  the  eleven  apostles,  but  of  the 
other  disciples.  Threescore  fiirlonga ;  ten  ancient  furlongs 
are  eiiiiiv:ilent  to  the  modern  geographical  mile.  The  dis- 
tance from  .Jerusalem  to  Emmatis  was,  then,  about  six  geo- 
graphical, or  nearly  seven  English  miles, 

)i;.  Their  eyes  were  holden ;  kept  from  discovering  who 
he  was.     Mark  IC:  12. 

IS.  Clcopai;  supposed  to  be  the  same  as  .\lpheus,  the 
fatlier  of  James  the  less  and  Jude. 

21.  Redeemed  Israel;  they  were  thinking  of  an  outward 


muned  together  and  reasoned,''  Jesus  himself  drew 
near,  and  went  with  them. 

16  But  tlieir  eyes  were  holden,  that  they  should 
not  know  him.' 

17  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  manner  of  com- 
munications are  these  that  ye  have  one  to  another, 
as  ye  walk,  and  are  sad  ? 

18  And  the  one  of  them,  whose  name  was  Cleo- 
pas,J  answering,  said  unto  iiim.  Art  thou  only  a 
stranger  in  Jerusalem,  and  hast  not  known  the 
things  which  are  come  to  pass  there  in  these  days? 

19  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  things?  And 
they  said  unto  him,  Concerning  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
which  was  a  prophet  mighty  in  deed  and  word" 
before  God  and  all  the  people:' 

20  And  how  the  chief  priests  and  our  rulers  de- 
livered him  to  be  condemned  to  death,'"  and  have 
crucified  him. 

21  Butwetrustedthatithadbeenhewhich  should 
have  redeemed  Israel :"  and  besides  all  this,  to-day 
is  the  third  day  since  these  things  were  done. 

22  Yea,  and  certain  women  also  of  our  company 
made  us  astonished,  which  were  early  at  the  sep- 
ulchre;" 

23  And  when  they  found  not  his  body,  they 
came,  saying,  that  they  had  also  seen  a  vision  of 
angels,  which  said  that  he  was  alive. 

24  And  certain  of  them  which  were  with  us  went 
to  the  sepulchre,''  and  found  it  even  so  as  the  women 
had  said  :  but  him  they  saw  not. 

25  Then  he  said  unto  them,  0  fools,  and  slow  of 
heart  to  believe  all  that  the  prophets  have  spoken:'' 

26  Ought  not  Christ  to  have  suffered  these 
things,"'  and  to  enter  into  his  glory?" 

27  And  beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  prophets,* 
he  expounded  unto  them  in  all  the  scriptures  the 
things  concerning  himself." 

28  And  they  drew  nigh  unto  the  village  whither 
they  went:  and  lie  made  as  though  he  would  have 
gone  further.'' 

29  But  they  constrained  him,  saying.  Abide  with 
us;  for  it  is  toward  evening,  and  the  day  is  far 
spent.     And  he  went  in  to  tarry  with  them. 


7:22.     1  ch.  7:10;  Jolin  3:2;  Acts  2:22. 
1:0'!;  Acts  t:0.     o  ver.  9.  10.     p  ver.  12. 
17:3;  Heb.  9:22,  2:!.     MPet. 1:3,11.     1 
2(i:22.     V  Gen.  32:20;  Mark  0:4d. 


m  ch.  23: 1 ;  Acts  13:27.  28.  n  ch. 
q  Heb.  5:11,  12.  r  ve'r  40;  Acts 
ver.  44;  Acts  :);22.     "  Acts  10:43; 


deliverance  from  bondage  to  the  Romans,  and  the  restora- 
tion of  the  kingdom  to  Israel.     Compare  Acts  1:6. 

25.  O  fools ;  this  is  not  the  same  word  in  the  original  aa 
that  wliich  Christ  condemns,  Matt.  5:22.  That  ini)ilictl 
great  wickedness;  this,  duhicss,  want  of  reflection  and 
discernment,  as  manifested  in  not  belter  understamling  his 
teaching  and  the  Scrii)tureB.  Slow  of  heart;  indisposed  aud 
reluctant  to  believe  that  he  must  die. 

26.  Ought  not  Christ;  was  it  not  needful,  in  order  to 
fulfil  the  prophecies,  that  tlu!  Mcssiidi  should  die?  Did 
they  not  clearly  foretell  that  he  would  be  cut  off,  but  not 
for  himself?     Dan.  9:2fi. 

27.  At  Moses;  the  books  which  Moses  wrote,  the  first 
books  of  the  Old  Testament.  The  thtnf^s  concerning  himself; 
some  of  these  things  arc  mentioned  in  Gen.  3:15;  40:10; 
Num.  2I:S,  II;  Dout.  18:15;  Isa.  9:6,  7;  53:1-12;  Psalms 
IG,  22,  an.l  110;  I);in.  9:25-27  ;  Mai.  4:2-6. 

28.  Made  as  though  he  would  have  gone  further ;  he  kept 
on,  giving  no  intimation  that  he  would  stop,  till  they  en- 
treated him  to  do  so. 

29.  Constrained  him;  by  their  entreaties. 

liS'J 


Christ  afpcarelh  to  his 


LUKE  XXIV. 


disciples,  and  ascendeih. 


30  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  ho  sat  at  meat  with 
them,  ho  took  broad,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake, 
and  gave  to  them." 

31  And  tiieir  eyes  were  opened,  and  they  knew 
him ;  and  ho  vanished  out  of  their  siglit.* 

32  And  tliey  said  one  to  another.  Did  not  our 
heart  burn  within  us,''  while  ho  talked  with  us  by 
the  way,  and  while  he  of)ened  to  us  the  scriptures? 

33  And  they  rose  up  the  same  hour,  and  return- 
ed to  Jerusalem,  and  found  the  eleven  gathered 
together,  and  them  that  were  with  them, 

3i  Saying,  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  hath 
appeared  to  Simon. '^ 

35  And  they  told  what  things  iffredo?!(' in  the  way, 
andhowliewasknownof  them  in  breaking  of  bread. 

36  1i  And  as  they  thus  spake,  Jesus  himself  stood 
in  the  midst  of  them.''  and  saith  unto  them,  Peace 
be  unto  you. 

37  But  they  were  terrified  and  affrighted,  and 
su])posed  that  they  had  seen  a  spirit.*^ 

38  And  ho  said  unto  them.  Why  are  ye  troubled? 
and  why  do  thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts  ? 

39  Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I 
myself:  handle  me,  and  see;  for  a  spirit  hath  not 
flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have. 

40  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  showed 
them  fiif  hands  and  his  feet. 

41  And  while  they  yet  believed  not  for  joy,'' ami 
wondered,  he  said  unto  them.  Have  ye  here  any 
meat?" 


"  Mitt 

»:19. 

•  Or 

ceaxftt  to  be  seen  of  them 

b  Psa 

ya:3i  Jer. 

20:  !l: 

21; 29.     c 

1  Cor. 

1.5:. 5. 

i  Mark  111:1.1.  etc.;  John 

20:19,  c 

tn. 

e  Mark  a-.i'X 

'  Gen.  4 J 

20.    f 

Joliii  2 

1:5,  etc.     liAcl»lU:4l.     ■ 

Matt.  11 

21 

t  ch.  • 

!l:22; 

Acts  3:13 

;  13:2- 

,  ■■». 

k  ver  27.     1  V,3..  22,  110, 

etc.     n> 

Isa. 

53:3,  5 

Acts 

30.  Sai  at  meat ;  reclined,  as  the  custom  was,  at  supper. 
Blessed  it ;  asked  the  blessiiiK  of  God,  and  Rave  thanks  :  in 
this  he  hatli  set  us  an  example  which  we  should  follow. 

31.  Tiieir  eyes  were  opened  ;  the  difficulties  in  the  way  nf 
their  knowin;;  him  were  removed.  He  vanished;  disap- 
peared.    They  saw  him  no  more. 

32.  Ourheiut  hum  ,-j;lo\v  with  wonderand  delight.  Open- 
ed to  us  tlie  scriptures;  explained  to  us  their  meaning. 

34.  Simon  ;  .Simon  Peter. 

3C.  Peace  be  unto  yon;  this  was  a  form  of  salutation,  and 
an  expression  of  j^oorl-will. 

38.  Thoughts;  doubts  and  suspicions  as  to  who  and  what 
he  was. 

39.  Thai  it  is  I  myself ;  tliat  I  liave  really  arisen  from  tlie 
dead. 

40.  Sliowed  tliem  his  hands  and  his  feet;  compare  Jolni 
20:27. 

41.  Believed  not  for  joy,  and  wondered;  the  news  was  so 
strange  and  joyful,  tliat  they  did  not  believe  it. 

4.'{.  Took  It,  and  ihd  eut  before  them ;  this  was  further 
proof  of  the  reahty  of  his  bodily  presence  with  tliem. 

44.  Law  of  Moses — prophets — psalmi;  (liesc  ciiMijirelicnd- 
ed  the  wliole  of  the  Old  Teslament;  and  were  the  names 
of  the  three  portions  into  which  it  was  divided  by  the 
Jews. 

45.  Understand  the  scriptures;  tliosc  portions  of  them 
which  foretold  liis  death  and  resurrection,  wliicli  tliey  did 
not  correctly  understand  before. 

4B.  It  behooved  Christ  to  suffer,  and  to  rise;  otherwise  he 
could  not  fulfil  the  propliccies  concerning  him.  prove  that 
he  was  the  Messiah,  or  i>rocure  the  salvation  of  men. 

47.  Beginning  at  JeriLvilcm  ;  the  dwelling-place  of  liis 
murderers,  who  liad  enjoyed  and  liitherto  resisted  all  the 
mea-1  of  grace. 

4(-.  These  things;  his  life,  miracles,  teaching,  death,  and 
resurrection  on  the  third  day  according  to  the  Scrii)lure8, 
proving  him,  beyond  the  possibility  of  a  mistake,  to  be 
1190 


42  And  they  gave  him  a  piece  of  a  broiled  a.  d  m, 
fish,  and  of  a  honeycomb. 

43  And  he  took  it,  and  did  eat  before  them.''      ' 

44  And  he  said  unto  them.  These  are  the  words 
which  I  spake  unto  you,  while  I  was  yet  with  you,' 
that  all  things  must  be  fuliilled  which  were  writ- 
ten in  the  law  of  Moses,'  and  in  the  prophets,''  and 
in  the  psalms,'  concerning  me. 

45  Then  opened  he  their  nndcrstanding,  that 
they  might  understand  the  scri])tiires, 

46  And  said  unto  them.  Thus  it  is  written,  and 
thus  it  behooved  Christ  to  sufl'cr,'"  and  to  rise  from 
the  dead  the  third  day:" 

47  And  that  repontanco  and  remission  of  sins 
should  be  jireached  in  his  name  among  all  na- 
tions," beginning  at  Jerusalem. 

48  And  ye  are  witnesses  of  these  things.'' 

49  1  And  behold,  I  send  the  promise  of  my  Fa- 
ther upon  you:  but  tarry  ye  in  the  city  of  Jciu- 
salcm,  until  ye  bo  endued  with  power  from  on 
high." 

50  T  And  ho  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  Bethany, 
and  he  lifted  up  his  hands,  and  blessed  them. 

51  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  he  blessed  them, 
he  was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  uj)  into 
heaven.'' 

52  And  they  worshipped  him,"  and  retuj'ned  to 
Jerusalem  with  groat  joy  : 

53  And  were  continually  in  the  temple,  praising 
and  blessing;  God.'     Amen. 


4:12.  nlPel.  1:3.  o  Acts  5:.11 ;  13:38.  PActs1:H.  1  Is,..  41::)  J.ml 
2:2S,  etc.;  Acts  l:8j  2:1--J.  r  Acts  1:9;  Hcb.  4:14.  •  Malt.  a=:U,  17. 
t  Acts  2:40,  47;  5:42. 


the  true  Messiah,  and  that  throuj;h  repentance  and  faith 
in  him,  and  in  this  w;iy  only,  men  can  lie  saved. 

40.  The  promise  of  my  Father;  his  promise  to  give  them 
the  Holy  yi)irit,  to  enable  them  to  work  miracles  in  con- 
firmation of  the  truth  of  their  tesliiuony,  and  to  lit  them 
for  the  duties  of  their  oflice.  .loel  2:2S,'2i);  Acts  2:1(;-21. 
Pomr  from  on  high;  the  power  which  the  Holy  .Spirit 
would  give  them  to  sjieak  the  various  languages  in  which 
they  would  be  c;dlcd  to  prcitcli,  and  do  whatever  might  be 
needful  to  extend  a  knowledge  of  llie  gospel,  and  promote 
the  salvation  of  all  who  should  embrace  it. 

50.  liettinnij ;  a  vill;ige  on  the  side  of  mount  Olivet, about 
two  miles  east  of  .lerusalem. 

52.  Worshipped  him;  as  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  (Jod, 
and  tlie  Siiviour  of  men. 

:>X  ConlinuaUij  in  the  lanplc ;  they  worslii|ipiMl  there 
daily  till  the  feast  of  IVntecost,  which  took  i>lacu  In  about 
ten  days.  Then  the  Holy  Siiirit  desi'dided  upon  them  in 
cloven" tongues,  like  as  of  lire,  and  the  i>ioiiiise,  verse  49, 
was  fultilled.     Acts  2::{. 

IN.STItt'CTIONS. 

7.  Events  which  the  friends  of  Christ 'most  dread,  and 
against  the  occurrence  of  which  they  most  earnestly  strive, 
iire  often  essential  to  their  highest  good.  They  should 
therefore  never  mourn  as  those  who  luive  no  liope,  at  any 
thing  which  (!od  does  or  sufl'ers  to  be  done,  but  should 
s;iy  with  submission, "  It  is  the  bold  ;  let  him  do  as  seem- 
etli  him  good." 

25.  A  more  intimate  aciiuaintance  with  the  Scriptures, 
and  a  lietter  Hndeist:in<liiig  of  them,  would  throw  greiit 
light  upon  the  i)rovideiicc  of  (!od  ;  while  it  would  siipi>(jrt 
his  pi'o]de  in  tri;ds,  would  nerve  them  for  duty,  and  fur- 
nish them  more  thoroughly  for  every  good  work. 

44.  The  events  of  divine  providence  are  a  fiiKilment  of 
the  divine  word.  In  order  to  see  this,  and  be  rightly 
affected  by  it,  men  must  have  their  understandings  en- 
lightened and  their  hearts  purified  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 


THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 


JOHN. 


John  was  one  of  the  three  apostles  whom  our  Lord  admitted  to  peculiar  intimacy  with  himself.  They 
alone  were  permitted  to  witness  the  raising  of  Jairus'  daughter,  Mark  5:31  ;  the  transfiguration,  Matt. 
17  : 1 ;  Mark  9:2;  Luke  9  :28  ;  and  the  agony  in  Gcthsemane,  Matt  26  :37  ;  Mark  14  :33.  lie  received 
peculiar  evidences  of  his  Lord's  love  and  confidence  in  being  repeatedly  called  "the  disciple  whom  Jesus 
loved,"  and  occupying  the  place  next  to  him  at  the  last  passover,  John  18  :23.  If,  as  is  probable,  he  was 
one  of  the  two  disciples  referred  to  in  John  1  :  35-40,  he  was  among  the  first  called  by  our  Lord.  How- 
ever this  may  be,  it  is  plain  from  his  narrative  that  he  became  one  of  His  disciples  very  early  in  His  minis- 
try. Thus  he  possessed,  besides  the  supernatural  illumination  and  guidance  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  the 
human  qualities  and  advantages  necessary  to  constitute  him  a  witness  of  our  Lord's  life  and  teachings. 

His  gospel  stands  last  of  the  four  in  the  sacred  canon,  in  accordance  with  the  imiversally  received 
opinion  that  it  was  written  last,  and  probably  after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  The  peculiar  character 
of  its  style  is  at  once  noticed  by  every  reader.  But  aside  from  this,  its  contents  are  peculiar  also.  It 
has  comparatively  little  matter  in  common  with  the  other  three  evangelists.  This  is  explained  partly  by 
the  fact  that  they  are  more  occupied  with  our  Lord's  ministry  in  Galilee,  John  with  that  in  Jerusalem. 
But  the  great  characteristic  of  John's  gospel  is  the  fulness  with  which  he  records  those  discourses  of  our 
Lord,  in  which  he  unfolds  his  own  divine  person  and  office,  partly  in  controversy  with  his  enemies,  chap- 
ters 8-12  ;  partly  in  confidential  intercourse  with  his  disciples,  chapters  13-17.  Thus  the  wisdom  of  Ciod 
assigned  to  "the  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved,"  and  who  had  been  in  a  peculiar  sense  his  bosom-companion 
during  his  earthly  ministry,  the  ofBce  of  supplying'  in  the  largest  degree  that  part  of  the  evangelic  record 
which  sets  forth  the  nature  of  his  divine  person  and  office.  So  far  as  the  Saviour's  personal  ministry  is 
concerned,  we  have  in  the  four  narratives  combined,  all  that  is  needful  for  the  instruction  and  edification 
of  the  church  to  the  end  of  time. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Tlie  divinity,  Immanity,  and  office  of  Jesus  Christ,     l-l  The  testimony 
of  John.     3y  The  calling  of  Andrew,  Peter,  etc. 

N  the  beginning'^  was  the  Word,''  and  the  Word 
was  with  God,*^  and  the  Word  was  God.** 


I 


>  Prov.  8:?i>-31;  Col.   1:16,  17;  1  .lohn  1:1.     1>  Rev.  ll);1.1.     c  ch.  17:5. 
d  Phil.  2:6;  Heb.  1:S-13;  1  John  5:7.     e  Psa.  3:J:6;  Eph.  3:9.     (  ch.  5:26; 


Thpy  should  therefore  liabitiially  seek  his  teaching  ;  and 
while  "careful  for  nothing,"  should  "in  every  thing  by 
prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving,  make  known 
their  requests  unto  God."  He  will  then  "supply  all  their 
need,  according  to  liis  riches  in  glory  }iy  Clirist  Jesus." 

'17.  The  Saviour  dicil  and  rose  again,  that  repentance 
and  forgiveness  of  sins  might  lie  preached  in  his  name  to 
all  nations;  and  it  is  his  revealed  will  that  this  sho\dd  be 
done.  All  therefore,  as  they  have  opportunity  and  ability, 
Bho\dd  aid  in  this  work,  that  the  knowledge  of  his  salva- 
tion may,  tliro\igh  grace,  he  enjoyed  by  all  people. 

52.  As  the  disciples,  who  had  been  moKt  fully  instructed 
by  Christ,  worshipped  him  as  he  ascended  to  heaven,  and 
as  the  inhabitants  of  that  world  worshi])  him,  ascribing 
"blessing,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  power  to  Him  that 
sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever;" 
all  to  whom  he  is  m:ide  known  should  worship  him  also, 
that  they  may  be  fitted  to  join  the  employments  and  par- 
take of  the  joys  of  heaven,     llov.  5:7-14. 


2  Tlie  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 

3  All  tilings  wore  made  by  him;'  and  without 
him  was  not  any  tiling  made  that  was  made. 

4  In  him  was  life;'  and  the  life  was  the  light  of 
men.''' 

lJohn5:ll.     5ch.8:12. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Ill  the  beginning ;  of  the  creation.  Tie  who  was  with 
God  in  the  beginning  of  all  created  things,  is  before  all 
things,  and  has  existed  from  eteriiitv.  Compare  chap. 
17:5;  Col.  1:17.  Tlir  Word;  a  term  iqijilied  by  Joiui  to 
the  second  person  of  the  (Jodhead  in  his  eternal  existence, 
.lust  as  he  is  called  "  the  Life  "  and  "  the  Light,"  because 
he  has  in  himself  life  ;ind  light,  and  imparts  them  to  his 
creatures  at  his  jdeasure ;  so  he  is  called  "the  Word," 
because  in  liirn  "  .are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
kiiowdcdge,"  and  by  his  word  .and  Spirit  he  reveals  Ihciii 
to  men.  With  (Ind;  in  holy  union,  fellowship,  ami  com- 
munion. Wax  (1ml;  this  is  a  direct  assertion  of  his  divine 
nature  as  existing  from  eternity. 

3.  All  things  were  made — not  ntuj  tiling  mode;  all  things 
in  the  widest  sense.  Compare  Col.  1:  l(i ;  Ileli.  1:2.  And  as 
God,  he  upholds  all  things  which  he  has  made.     Heb.  l::i. 

4.  In  him  was  life;  ho  is  the  author  and  sustainer  of  all 

1191 


Incarnation  of  the  Word. 


JOHN  I. 


The  teslimovy  of  Jul  in. 


5  And  the  light  shinetli  in  darkness;"  and  the 
darkness  comprehended  it  not.'' 

6  T  There  was  a  man  sent  from  God,  whose  name 
was  John.*^ 

7  The  same  came  for  a  witness,  to  bear  witness  of 
the  Light,  that  ail  mm  tlirongh  liim  might  believe. 

8  He  was  not  tliat  Liglit,  but  icas  sent  to  bear 
witness  of  that  Liglit.'' 

9  That  was  tlio  true  Light,  which  lighteth  every 
man  that  comctli  into  the  world." 

10  He  was  in  the  world,  and  the  world  was 
made  by  him,  and  the  world  knew  him  not.' 

11  He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own  received 
him  not.^ 

12  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave 
he  power*  to  become  tlie  sons  of  God,''  even  to 
them  that  believe  on  his  name:' 

13  Wliich  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will 
of  the  flesh,  nor  of  tlie  will  of  man,  but  of  God.J 

14  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt 
among  us,""  and  we  beheld  his  glory,'  the  glory  as 
of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth.*" 

15  1  John  bare  witness  of  him,  and  cried,  saying. 
This  was  lie  of  wlioni  I  spake.  He  tiiat  conieth  after 
me  is  preferred  before  me ;"  for  he  was  before  me. 

16  And  of  his  fulness  have  all  we  received,  and 
grace  for  grace." 

17  For  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,  hut  grace 
and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ.'' 

18  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time;'  the 


•  Ch.3:19.  l>lCor.2:14.  t  Luke  3:2. -I.  iiAct3l9:4.  e  Isa.  40:0.  fver. 
5.  e  Acts3:*2G;  l.'3;4G.  '  Or^  the  rii^ht,  or  prii-iUge.  h  Isa.  5G;4.  5;  Rom. 
H<M,  15;  IJohn  3:1.  i  Gal.  3:^0.  jjas.  1:18.  k  Luke  1:35;  1  Tim.  3:  l(>. 
1  2  Pel.  I  :I7i  1  John  1:1.  2.    «>  Psi.  4o;2;  Col.  2:3,  U.    n  Matt.  3:11,  etc. 


created  natural  and  spivitnal  life.  T^e  life  u-aa  the  li^ht  of 
men;  the  Word  is  the  light  and  life  of  men  absolutely  ; 
since  every  kind  of  light  and  life  comes  from  him.  But 
here  the  apostle  means  more  especially,  that  he  who  is 
tlie  spiritual  life  isalso  the  spiritual  light  of  fallen  men,"  dead 
in  trespasses  and  sins ;''  because  it  is  by  making  them 
alive  to  (Jod,  that  he  enlightens  them  ;  so  that  the  two  gifts 
of  life  and  light  always  come  together. 

5.  Shineth  in  darknc-if;  sheds  its  rays  among  the  spiritu- 
ally ignorant,  debased,  and  wretched.  Cumpreliended  it  not  ; 
did  not  understand,  and  thrrefore  rejected  it.  Compare 
chap.  8:19;  Ki:,'!;  .M;itt.  11:W^27;  1  Cor.  2:8,  14. 

6.  John;  John  the  liaptist.     Matt.  3:1. 

7.  The  Liglit;  the  Messiiih.  Through  him  mif;ht  believe; 
through  the  testimony  of  .John,  might  believe  in  Christ. 

8.  He  was  not  that  Light ;  John  was  "  a  burning  and  a  shin- 
ing light,"  chap.  5:. 35;  but  ho  received  all  bis  brightness 
from  the  eternal  Word,  who  alone  is  the  true  Light,  be- 
cause he  has  light  in  himself,  and  is  the  only  source  of 
light  to  men. 

9.  LiglUetli  every  man ;  the  meaning  is,  that  all  true  know- 
ledge is  from  Christ. 

10.  In  the  world ;  as  its  Creator,  Instructor,  and  Redeemer. 
Knew  him  nut;  did  not  apprehend  his  true  character. 

11.  His  own;  his  own  land  Juilea,  and  his  own  people 
tlic  Jews.  Received  him  not;  they  did  not  believe  on  him, 
but  rejected  and  crucified  him. 

12.  Power;  right,  privilege.  Sons  of  God;  spiritual  chil- 
dren, adopted  into  his  family,  and  conformed  to  his  image. 

l.^.  Were  born — of  God;  changed,  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  froui 
supreme  love  of  self  and  sin  to  supreme  love  of  God  and  holi- 
ness. No  man  inherits  this  holy  character  by  nature,  nor 
can  it  be  given  to  him  by  man.     It  is  the  gift  of  God  alone. 

14.  Made  flcah ;  took  upon  hiin  human  naturf — became  a 
man.  Thus  the  apostle  teaches,  in  the  most  direct  terms, 
that  "the  man  Clirist  Jesus"  is  also  the  Word  that  was 
1192 


only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  a.  d.  x. 
the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him.' 

19  1  And  this  is  the  record  of  John,  when  the 
Jews  sent  priests  and  Levites  from  Jerusalem  to 
ask  him,  Wiio  art  tliou  ?'* 

'20  And  he  confessed,  and  denied  not;  but  con- 
fessed, I  am  not  tlie  Ciirist. 

21  And  they  asked  him,  What  then?  Art  thou 
Elias?  And  he  saith,  I  am  not.  Art  thou  that 
prophet?*     And  he  answered.  No. 

22  Then  said  they  unto  liini,  Wlio  art  thou?  that 
wo  may  give  an  answer  to  tlieni  that  sent  us.  What 
sayest  thou  of  thyself? 

23  He  said,  I  am  tlie  voice  of  one  crying  in  the 
wilderness,  Make  straight  the  way  of  the  Jjord,' 
as  said  the  prophet  Esaias." 

24  And  they  which  were  sent  were  of  the  Phar- 
isees. 

25  And  they  asked  him,  and  said  unto  Itim,  Wliy 
baptizost  thou  then,  if  thou  be  not  tliat  Clirist,  nor 
Elias,  iieitlicr  that  proiihet? 

26  John  answered  them,  saying,  I  baptize  with 
water:  but  tlicro  standeth  one  amoug  you,  wliom 
ye  know  not  ;^' 

27  1 1  e  it  is,  who  coming  after  me  is  preferred  before 
me,  whose  shoe's  latcliet  I  am  not  wortliy  to  unloose. 

28  These  tilings  were  done  in  l>etliabara  beyond 
Jordan,'"  where  Joliii  was  bayitiziiig. 

29  1l  The  next  day  John  scetli  Jesus  coming  unto 
him,  and  saitii,  Bcliold  tlie  Lamb  of  Uod,"'  wliich 
taketh*  away  the  sin  of  the  world  !^ 

oc:i.3:34.  pPsa.  85:10;  Rom.  5:21.  1  ExiJ.  .13:2(1;  ITiin.  (i:  10.  r  1  .John 
4:!).  ■  Luke  3:13,  etc.  \  Oi ,  a  proplict .  I  .Matt.  3:3;  Mark  1:3;  Luke  3:4  ; 
ch.3:2s.  "  Isa.  40:3.  v  Mai.  3:1.  wjudg.  7:21.  i  KxoJ.  12:3;  l»a.  53:7, 
11 ;  Rev.  5:0.    1  Or,  bearelh;  Heb.  0:2S.    J  Acts  J3:38;  I  Pet. 2:24;  Rev.  i:S. 

with  God  before  the  world  was.  Beheld  hix  plorij ;  Matt. 
17:1-9;  Mark  9:2-10.  Only  begotten  of  the  Father;  pos- 
sessed of  his  nature,  and  peculiiirly  the  object  of  his  inti- 
nitc  affection,  dwelling  in  him,  knowing  him,  and  j)erfcctly 
fitted  to  make  him  known.  Grarc  and  truth ;  favor  to  the 
guilly,  knowledge  of  truth,  and  all  needed  good  conmiuni- 
cated  to  men. 

1.').  //('  v'lis  before  me;  because  he  existed  from  eternity 
with  the  Falher.     Compare  chap.  8:58. 

1().  All  we;  disciples  of  Clirist.  Grace  for  grace;  the 
fuller  grace  of  tlie  gosjicl  for  the  less  grace  of  the  law  ;  or, 
as  some  understand  the  words,  continually  new  and  larger 
measures  of  grace — all  needed  variety  ami  abundance  of 
unmerited  favors.     Matt.  i:i:12. 

17.  The  law  was  given  by  Mosex;  a  certain  measure  of 
grace  accompanied  the  law  of  Moses,  else  no  man  could 
have  been  saved  under  it.  Yet  the  projier  office  of  the 
law  itself  was  not  grace,  but  ralhcr  restraint  and  convic- 
tionofsin.  l!om.:!:20;  (;al.:!:19.  Giiirc  anil  truth  came  by 
Jesus  Christ;  all  the  graci'  that  belonged  lo  the  disiiensa- 
tion  of  ttio  law  came  Ihrough  Christ,  while  Ihe  gospel  which 
he  revealed  is  ilsidf  gniee  and  trulh  in  full  measure. 

18.  Ikclaredhim  ;  revealed  him.  The  ;ijiok|U' here  teaches 
that  all  Ihi:  revelations  men  have  received  of  (lod,  whether 
under  the  law  or  the  gospel,  had  Jesus  Christ  for  their  source. 

21.  VAias;  Elijah.  Mai.  4:.'-.;  Matt.  11:14;  1(;:14.  lam 
not;  not  in  their  sense — not  Klij:ih  in  person,  though  ho 
was  Elijah  in  the  sense  in  which  Malachi  had  ]ire(li(led 
him.  fhiit  prophet ;  JercMni;ih,  or  some  distinguishiil  proph- 
et who  they  expected  would  appear. 

:       tX   The  voice;  Ahitt.  W-.X 

'  20.  With  water;  in  distinction  from  the  Ijaptism  of  tho 
Holy  (Jbost,  which  Christ  shall  bestow.     See  Matt.  :i:  1 1. 

28.  Hct/(md  Jordan  ;  on  the  east  side. 

29.  Liimb  of  God;  him  who  is  to  be  offered  as  an  atoning 
sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  men.     Exod.  12:3;  29:38-40;  Isa. 


Calling  of  Andrew,  Peter, 


JOHN  I. 


Philip,  and  Nathanad. 


A.  D.  so.  30  This  is  he  of  whom  I  said,  After  me 
Cometh  a  man  which  is  preferred  before  me;  for 
he  was  before  me. 

31  And  I  knew  him  not:  but  that  he  should  bo 
made  manifest  to  Israel,  therefore  am  I  come  bap- 
tizing with  water. 

32  And  John  bare  record,  saying,  I  saw  the 
Spirit  descending  from  heaven  like  a  dove,  and  it 
abode  upon  him. 

33  And  I  knew  him  not :  but  he  that  sent  me  to 
baptize  with  water,  the  same  said  unto  me.  Upon 
wliom  thou  shalt  see  the  Spirit  descending,  and 
remaining  on  him,"  the  same  is  he  which  baptizeth 
witli  the  Holy  Giiost." 

34  And  I  saw,  and  bare  record  that  this  is  the 
Son  of  God. 

35  IT  Again  the  next  day  after  John  stood,  and 
two  of  his  disciples ; 

36  And  looking  upon  Jesus  as  he  walked,  he 
saith,  Beiiold  the  Lamb  of  God ! 

37  And  tlie  two  disciples  heard  him  speak,  and 
they  followed  Jesus. 

38  Then  Jesus  turned,  and  saw  them  following, 
and  saith  unto  them.  What  seek  ye?  They  said 
unto  him,  Rabbi,  (which  is  to  say,  being  interpret- 
ed, Master,)  where  dwellest"  thou? 

39  He  saith  unto  them,  Come  and  see.  They 
came  and  saw  where  he  dwelt,  and  abode  with 
him  that  day :  for  it  was  about  the  tenth  hour.^ 

40  One  of  the  two  which  heard  John  speak,  and 
followed  him,  was  Andrew,  Simon  Peter's  brotlier. 

41  He  first  lindetli  his  own  brother  Simon,  and 
saith  unto  him.  We  have  found  the  Messias,  which 
is,  being  interpreted,  the  Christ.* 


aCh.^:^4.  b  Acts  1 :5;  '2:4.  '  Or,  a^ifUst.  ^  Tliat  was  two  hours  before 
night,  t  Or,  the  Anointed,  c  Matt.  1G:1».  i  Or,  Feler.  d  Luke  2J:'J7,  "IJ. 
«oh.  7:11.    I  Vsl.3i:>;  Rr>m.-2:-i8,-X).    e  Psa.  i:Ji):l,  a.    h  Matt.  14:33;  ch. 


53:7;  1  Cor.  5:7;  1  Pet.  1:18-21;  Isa.  53:4.  Takdh  away; 
expiates  it  anil  I'emoves  the  penalty  of  it  from  man  by 
beariiifc  it  in  hi.s  own  body  on  the  tree.     1  Pet.  2:22-25. 

31.  I  knew  him  not;  sec  note  to  verse  33.  But  that  he 
should  be  made  manifef:t ;  as  much  as  to  say,  I  knew  not  yet 
who  tliis  person  was,  but  only  that  ho  was  about  to  be 
manifested  to  Israel. 

33.  I  knew  him  not;  John  may  have  had  a  personal  ac- 
quaintance with  .lesus,  but  he  did  not  know  him  as  the  one 
that  was  to  baptize  with  the  Holy  Chost.  He  was  not 
authorized  to  say  of  Jesus,  This  is  the  one  of  whom  I 
spoke,  till  he  had  received  from  God  the  sign  named  in 
this  verse.  fL'  Duit  sent  me;  Goil.  Wliicli  hapitzetli  with  the 
Holy  Ghost;  whose  it  is  to  give  both  the  ordinary  and  the 
miraculous  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

31.  Bare  record;  ver.  19-23;  Matt.  3:17. 

39.   Tiie  lenlk  hour;  four  in  the  afternoon. 

41.  Messias — Christ;  the  former  word  being  Hebrew,  the 
latter  Greek,  and  both  signifying  the  Anointed  One. 

42.  Cephas;  a  Syriac  word,  meaning  the  same  as  the 
Greek  word  Peter,  and  the  English  word  stone,  or  rock. 
Matt.  Hi:  18. 

41.  Bethsaida;  .Matt.  11:21. 

45.  Moses— the  prophets ;  Luke  24:44;  Gen.  3:15;  49:10; 
Dent.  18:15-18;  Isa.  9:0,  7;  53:2-12;  Jer.  23:5,  G. 
4I>.   Nazareth;  Matt.  2:23. 

47.  Israelite  indeed;  not  merely  a  descendant  of  Israel, 
but  one  who  has  the  true  character  of  an  Israelite — a  holy 
and  believing  man.  No  guile;  not  hypocritical;  open, 
honest,  upright,  sincere. 

48.  [saw  thee  ;  ho  saw  him  in  a  sn)icni;itural  way.  This 
manifestation  of  his  supernatural  knowledge  led  Philip  to 
the  coDfession  in  the  following  verse. 


42  And  he  brought  him  to  Jesus.  And  when 
Jesus  beheld  him,  he  said.  Thou  art  Simon  the  son 
of  Jonas:  thou  shalt  be  called  Cephas,"  which  is 
by  intei'pretation,  A  stone.^ 

43  If  The  day  following  Jesus  would  go  forth 
into  Galilee,  and  tindeth  Philip,  and  saith  unto 
him.  Follow  me. 

44  Now  Philip  was  of  Bethsaida,  the  city  of  An- 
drew and  Peter. 

45  Philip  lindeth  Nathanael,  and  saith  unto  him, 
We  have  found  him  of  whom  Moses  in  the  law, 
and  the  prophets,  did  write,''  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
the  son  of  Joseph. 

46  And  Nathanael  said  unto  him,  Can  there  any 
good  thing  come  out  of  Nazareth  ?°  Philip  saith 
unto  him.  Come  and  see. 

47  Jesus  saw  Nathanael  coming  to  him,  and  saith 
of  him,  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no 
guile !' 

48  Nathanael  saith  unto  him.  Whence  knowost 
thou  mc  ?  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him, 
Before  that  Philip  called  thee,  when  thou  wast 
under  the  fig-tree,  I  saw  thee.'-' 

41)  Nathanael  answered  and  saith  unto  him.  Rab- 
bi, thou  art  the  Son  of  God;"  thou  art  the  King 
of  Israel.' 

50  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Because  I 
said  unto  thee,  I  saw  thee  under  the  tig- tree,  be- 
lievest  thou  ?  thou  shalt  see  greater  things  than 
these. 

51  And  he  saith  unto  him.  Verily,  verilj-,  I  say 
unto  you,  Hereafter  ye  shall  see  heaven  open,J  and 
the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  upon 
the  Son  of  man.'' 

20:-2S. '29.     ■  Matt.  21:5;  27:11.     JEzek.  1:1.     k  Qen.  38:12;  Ban.  7:0,  lOj 
Acts  1:10,  11. 


49.  Rabbi;  ^Master.  Matt.  23:7.  Son  of  God;  this  was 
an  acknowledgment  of  him  as  the  Messiah. 

50.  Greater  things;  greater  and  more  abundant  evidences 
of  his  Messiahship. 

51.  Verily,  verily;  truly,  truly.  When  thus  repeated,  it 
denotes  the  groat  importance  and  absolute  certainty  of 
what  was  declared.  Hereafter;  rather,  henceforward. 
Heaven  open — the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending ; 
the  allusion  is  to  Jacob's  vision  of  a  la<lder  reaching  to 
heaven,  on  which  the  angels  of  God  were  ascending  and 
descending.  The  meaning  is,hencef(U'ward  ye  shall  see  a 
constant  communication  established  between  heaven  and 
the  iSon  of  man  :  the  reference  is  not  so  much  to  particular 
appearances  of  angels,  as  to  the  full  and  constant  com- 
munion which  the  Son  of  man  has  with  (Jod,  and  which 
he  gives  to  each  of  his  disciples  in  his  measure. 

INSTRUCTIONa 

1.  The  Ihblc  reveals  that  Jesus  Christ  is  God,  the  maker 
of  all  things  that  ever  were  made.  All  who  have  the  liihle 
are  therefore  bound  to  acknowledge  him  in  this  character, 
and  to  pay  him  divine  honors. 

9.  As  Jesns  Christ  is  the  light  of  the  world,  all  who 
reject  him  walk  in  spiritual  ilarkncss,  while  those  who 
follow  him  Iiiivc  the  light  of  life.  God,  who  connnanded 
the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  shines  into  their  minds, 
and  gives  them  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  his  glory  in 
the  f:ue  of  Jesus  Christ;  an<l  in  his  light  they  see  cor- 
rectly spiritu;il  things.     2  Cor.  4:(!. 

13."  The  change  in  men  called  being  "born  again,"  by 
which  they  become  children  of  (Jod,  is  produced  not  liy 
men.  but  by  Goil,  and  to  him  will  for  ever  be  all  the  glory. 

41.  When  men  find  the  Saviour,  and  experience  tlio 

1193 


Water  turned  into  wine. 


JOHN  II. 


Christ  purgetk  the  temple. 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  Christ  turnt-th  water  into  wine;  12  dt-parteth  into  Capernaum,  and  to 
J(?rusalem.  14  whtre  he  pur^eth  the  t<-mple  of  buyers  and  sellers.  19 
He  foretelleth  his  death  and  resurrection.  23  M;iny  believed  because 
of  his  miracles,  but  lie  would  not  trust  hunseif  with  them. 

AND  the  tliird  day  there  was  a  marriage  in 
Caiia  of  Galilee;"  and  the  mother  of  Jesus 
was  there: 

2  And  both  Jesus  was  called,  and  his  disciples, 
to  tiie  marriage.'' 

3  And  when  they  wanted  wine,""  the  mother  of 
Jesus  saith  unto  liiin,  They  have  no  wine. 

4  Je.sns  saith  unto  her,  Woman,  what  have  I  to 
do  with  thee?  mine  hour  is  not  yet  come. 

5  His  motlier  saith  unto  the  servants,  Whatso- 
ever ho  saith  unto  you,  do  jV."" 

6  And  there  were  set  there  six  water-pots  of 
stone,  after  the  manner  of  the  purifying  of  the 
Jews,  containing  two  or  three  firkins  apiece. 

7  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Fill  the  water-pots  with 
water.     And  they  filled  tlieui  up  to  the  l)rim. 

8  And hosaith unto  them,  Draw outnow,''and  bear 
vinto  tiie  governor  of  the  feast.'    And  they  bare  it. 

y  When  the  ruler  of  the  feast  had  tasted  the 
water  that  was  made  wine,  and  knew  not  whence  it 
was,  (hut  the  servants  which  drew  the  water  knew,'^) 
the  governor  of  tht;  feast  called  the  bridegroom, 

10  Ami  saith  unto  him,  Every  man  at  the  begin- 
ning doili  set  forth  good  wine;  and  when  men 
have  well  di'iink,  then  that  which  is  worse:  but 
tliou  hast  kcjit  the  good  wine  until  now.'' 

11  This  ijeginning  of  miracles  did  Jesus  in  Cana 
of  Galilee,  and  manifested  forth  his  glory;'  and 
his  disciples  believed  on  him.' 

•  Jnsh.  19:2S;  ch.4;4fi.  b  Ileb.  13:4.  «  Ecol.  10:10;  Ua. -.M;!  1.  J  l.uke 
.5:5,6.  «Eccl.l):7.  fRomli;?.  e  Hsi.  1 1U:1UU;  ch.  7:17.  h  Psa.  10):  1.5; 
Proi.0;i,5.    ich.l:U.    JlJohn5:ia.    k  Exod.  li:14.    I  ver. -^1;  ch.  5:1  ; 

blessciliiess  of  trusting  in  him,  they  desire  that  others, 
especially  their  friends,  should  become  partakers  of  their 
joys. 

48.  In  secret  communion  with  God,  though  unseen  by 
men,  we  arc  never  unobserved  liy  Jesus  Clirist.  He  wit- 
nesses all  our  feelings,  and  is  aciiuainted  witli  our  wliole 
cliaracter.  liy  yicdding  to  the  evidences  of  his  truth,  and 
improving  the  liglit  we  have,  we  receive  from  him  greater 
light,  and  prepare  for  brighter  manifestations  of  liis  jiower 
and  glory. 

CHAPTER   II. 

1.  Tlie  third  dnij ;  after  the  events  recorded  in  the  last 
chapter.  Cana  of  (lalitcc;  a  town  west  of  the  sea  of  (jali- 
lee,  a  few  miles  norlli  of  Nazareth ;  so  called  to  distinguish 
it  froin  Caua,  near  Siilon. 

'.',.  Thoj  Imvc  no  wine;  meaning,  their  supiiy  of  wine  has 
failed  ;  fi>r  tlicy  hail  wine  at  the  begitjning,  verse?  Id.  Tlie 
words  seiTM  to  contain  a  tacit  request  thai  Jesus  woulil 
now  supply  the  deficiency. 

4.  U'trnimi,  wlnit  have  I  to  do  with  thee?  an  intimation  that 
he  cannot  allow  her  or  any  other  ])erson  to  ilireet  in  re- 
ganl  to  the  exercise  of  his  divine  power.  Mine  hour;  his 
time  to  furnish  wine  by  a  miracle,  ajid  thus  show  forth 
his  glory. 

(i.  Six  wnler-pnt^  nfxinne;  it  was  the  custom  of  the  Jews 
to  have  such  vessels  for  water,  for  jiurposes  of  ]iiirilic:ition. 
Firkina;  the  Greek  word  ri-ndeied  firkins  is  supposed  to 
detiote  the  same  measure  as  the  Hebrew  word  bath,  con- 
taining about  Hi  gallons. 

5.  (iovernnr  of  tlie  fca.it ;  the  pi-rson  who  had  the  general 
superintendence. 

10.  Every  man;  this  is  a  statement  of  what  was  usual 
U'Jl 


12  IT  After  this  he  went  down  to  Caper-  ad. to 
naum,  he,  and  his  mother,  and  his  brethren,  and 
his  disciple.-';  and  they  continued  there  not  many 
days. 

13  1  And  the  Jews'  passover  was  at  liand,*^  and 
Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem.' 

14  And  fo'uiid  in  the  temple  those  that  sold  oxen 
and  sheep  and  doves,  and  the  changers  of  money 
sitting: 

15  And  when  he  had  made  a  scourge  of  small 
cords,  he  drove  them  all  out  of  the  temple,  and 
the  slice]),  and  the  o.xeii ;  and  poured  out  the  chang- 
ers' money,  and  overthrew  the  tables;'" 

IG  And  said  unto  them  that  sold  doves,  Take 
these  things  hence ;  make  not  my  Father's  house  a 
house  of  merchandise. 

17  And  his  disciples  remembered  that  it  was 
written.  The  zeal  of  thy  house  hath  eaten  me  up." 

18  "f  Then  answered  the  Jews  and  .said  unto  him. 
What  sign  showcst  thou  unto  us,  seeing  that  thou 
docst  these  things?" 

19  Jesns  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Destroy 
this  temple,  and  in  three  days  1  will  raise  it  up.'' 

20  Then  said  the  Jews,  Forty  and  si.x  years  was 
this  temple  in  building,  and  wilt  thou  rear  it  uj)  in 
three  days? 

21  But  he  S])ake  of  the  temple  of  his  body."" 

22  When  therefore  he  was  risen  from  the  dead, 
his  disciples  remembered  that  he  had  said  this 
unto  them  ;''  and  tliey  l)cli(!ved  the  scri)iture,  and 
the  word  which  .Jesns  had  said. 

23  If  Now  when  he  was  in  Jerusalem  at  the  pass- 
over,  in  the  feast-dfly,  many  believed  in  his  name, 
when  they  saw  the  miracles  which  he  did. 


fi:l;  ll:.-!?.    m  Matt.  31 : 1 -J :  Mark  11:1.1;  l.iike  1D:«. 
C!:*-,  etc.;  ch.  Ii:a0.     p  Matt.  ■J8;«l ;  •.!7:lll.     q  Eph 
Heb.  S:-2.     rLuke-it:S. 

1  Pna.  Cfl:9     »  .Malt. 
•i:'i\,  ■ii;  Col.  -i-.v; 

on  such  occasions.  Tlius  the  governor  of  the  feast  testi- 
fied to  the  purity  and  excellence  of  the  wine  miraculously 
furnished  by  lliu  8;iviour. 

11.  Manifested  forth  his  plorij ;  showed  his  divine  power, 
and  thus  ]irovcd  liimsih'  to  be  llie  Mossiali.  It  is  never 
said  in  the  Scriptures,  lliiit  any  mere  creature  ever  wrought 
miracles  to  sliow  forth  his  own  glory.  This  statement, 
wiiich  is  hero  made  with  regard  to  the  Son  of  God,  is 
lieeuliar  to  him,  and  is  adapted  to  iriid  men  to  ]iay  liim 
divine  hotiors.     Chap.  .'):2:t. 

12.  Ciiperniium  ;  Matt.  4:13. 

14.  Found  in  the  temple;  this  ehsiMsing  of  llie  lemple  was 
early  in  our  Lord's  ministry,  ;ind  must  uol  be  conliiiinded 
with  that  recorded  in  .Matt'.  21:12. 

17.  //  U'lm  vnllen;  I'sa.  (II):!).  llnlh  eaten  me  up  ;  I  ;iiii  full 
of  consuming  desire  for  the  honor  of  thy  house,  and  the 
purity  of  thy  worshiii. 

18.  ll'hni  .Hii^n  .s//rj!/vv^  thmi ;  wh;il  miracle  dost  thou  work 
in  jiroof  of  thy  authi>rity  to  do  lliese  tilings? 

li).  Thi.i  temple;  meaning  his  body,  ver.  21.  /  vill  raise 
it  up;  Jesus  Christ  had  power  to  raise  his  own  dead  boily 
to  life,  and  aetu.-illy  iliil  raise  it  on  tlie  third  d;iy  ;ifter  his 
death,  according  to  his  prediction.    M;itt.  12:40;  Horn.  1:4. 

20.  Fort  1/ and  six  years;  it  w;is  so  m;iny  years  since  Ibrod 
the  Gre;it  had  conmienced  ri'pairing.  or,  more  projieily, 
ndiuilding  the  temple,  sixteen  yi'ars  before  the  Saviour's 
birtli.  Ilnring  this  period  additions,  more  or  less,  li;id 
been  from  time  to  time  made  to  it.  To  lids  temide  they 
wrongly  applied  Uie  Saviour's  words.  Tlie  saine  misiip- 
pliciilioii  of  his  words  they  made  when  they  accuseil  hiin 
before  I'ilate.     Matt.  2r,:)ll;  M:irk  M:.^. 

22.  The  scripture;  those  passiiges  which  foretold  his 
death  and  resurrection.    I'sa.  1«:  10,  11 ;  Acts  2:22-bli. 


Christ  teachcth  Nicodevnis 


JOHX  III. 


his  need  of  regeneration. 


A  D.a      24  But  Jesus  did  not  commit  himself  unto 
them,  because  he  knew  all  men," 

25  And  needed  not  tliat  any  should  testify  of 
man ;  for  lie  knew  what  was  in  man. 


CHAPTER  III. 

1  Christ  teacheth  Nicodemus  the  necessity  of  regeneration.  14  Of  faith 
in  Ins  J«uh.  16  T;ie  great  love  of  (joii  towards  tile  world.  18  Con- 
deninatjon  for  unbelief.  23  The  bapiism,  witness,  and  doctrine  of 
Juliti  concerning  Christ. 

THKRE  was  a  man  of  tlie  Pharisees  named 
Nicodemus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews:'' 

2  The  same  came  to  Jesus  by  nigiit,  and  said 
unto  liim,  Rabbi,  wc  know  that  tiiou  art  a  teacher 
come  from  Gotl :  for  no  man  can  do  tliose  miracles 
tliat  tiiou  doest,  except  God  be  with  him.'' 

3  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  liim.  Verily, 
verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  E.vcept  a  man  be  born 
again.*  lie  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.** 

4  Nicodemus  saitli  unto  liiin,  How  can  a  man  be 
born  when  lie  is  old  ?  can  lie  enter  tlie  second  time 
into  his  motiicr's  womb,  and  be  born  ? 

5  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee. 
Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  o/"tlie  Spirit,^' 
he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.' 


•  I  Sam.  10:7;  1  Chr.  ffiiO;  39:17;  Jer.  17:9,  U);  Matt.  9:1;  ch.  Ifi::JU; 
Ads  1:21;  Re«.  ■i:-l\.  b  ch.  7:50,  •'51;  19:39.  »  ch.  U:10,.1:!;  Acts  •2:22; 
lll.:H.     •  Or,  Jrom  above.     ■!  ch.  l:l:i;  Gal.  0:  lo;  Eph.  2:1 ;  Titus  3:5;  Jas. 


2-t.  Did  not  commit  himself  unto  them;  did  not  trust  him- 
self in  their  power. 

23.  Hf  knew  what  was  in  man;  he  knew  the  hearts  of 
men,  and  how,  under  all  eircuinstanees,  they  would  act. 
Of  course  he  knew  in  all  respects  how  to  treat  them.  Jer. 
17:10;  Rev.  2:23;   chap.  1:1. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Marriage  is  an  ordinance  of  divine  appointment,  and 
a  means  of  great  usefulness  and  happiness.  At  weddings, 
the  presence  and  blessing  of  Jesus  Christ  should  always 
be  sought,  and  every  thing  conducted  in  such  a  manner  as 
■will  honor  him,  and  promote  the  benefit  of  all  concertied. 

17.  The  transactions  recorded  in  the  New  Testament 
are  in  many  cases  a  fulfdment  of  the  declarations  of  the 
Old ;  and  tlie  more  we  become  acquainted  with  each,  and 
with  the  connection  of  one  with  the  other,  the  more  clear 
to  our  minds  will  be  the  evidence  of  the  divine  inspiration 
and  value  of  both — that  they  have  one  Author,  tend  to  form 
one  character,  and  promote  one  great  and  benevolent  end. 

25.  The  perfect  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  gives  him 
the  fullest  acquaintance  with  human  character,  shows  him 
how  in  all  respects  to  treat  men  while  on  earth,  and  hts 
him  righteously  and  wisely  to  award  to  all  the  retributions 
of  eternity. 

CHAPTER   HI. 

1.  A  ruler;  a  member  of  the  Sanhedrim  or  great  Jewish 
council. 

3.  Except  a  man  he  born  afrnin ;  our  Ijord  saw  that  Nico- 
demus had  no  true  apprehension  of  the  spiritu;il  nature 
of  the  kingdom  which  he  had  come  to  establish,  nor  of  the 
sjiiritual  character  required  (or  admission  to  it.  lie  there- 
fore met  his  ilifficulty  at  the  outset  by  teaching  him  that 
all  men,  be  they  Jews  or  (ientiles,  must  be  made  new  in 
the  inner  man  by  a  new  spiritual  birth,  before  they  can 
enter  inti)  his  kingdom  and  enjuy  its  privileges.  To  be 
born  again  is  to  be  macle  new  men  inwardly  by  a  great 
change  from  supreme  love  of  the  creatiu'e  to  supreme  love 
of  the  Creator.  See  the  kins^ilom  of  God;  imderstand  or 
enjoy  its  blessings.     Matt.  ;i:2. 

4.  How  can  a  man;  this  question  referred  to  natural  birth, 
of  earthly  parents;  the  asserlinn  of  Christ  referred  to  a. 
spiritual  change  by  the  Holy  Chost. 


6  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesli ;  and 
that  whicli  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit.''' 

7  Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  must  be 
born  again.^ 

8  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  tliou 
iiearest  tlie  sound  thereof  but  canst  not  tell  wlicncc 
it  Cometh,  and  wiiither  it  goetli:  so  is  every  one 
that  is  born  of  the  Spirit.'' 

9  Nicodemus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  How 
can  these  things  be  ? 

10  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Art  thou 
a  master  of  Israel,  and  knowest  not  these  things? 

11  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  tliee.  We  speak 
tliat  we  do  know,  and  testify  that  we  have  seen ;' 
and  ye  receive  not  our  witness. 

12  If  I  have  told  you  earthly  things,  and  ye  be- 
lieve not,,  ho]y  shall  ye  believe  if  I  tell  you  of 
heavenlytftmgs  ? 

13  And  no  man  hath  ascended  up  to  heaven,  but 
he  that  came  down  from  heaven,  ew?i  the  Son  of 
man  which  is  in  heaven.-' 

14  1  And  as  Closes  lifted  up  the  serpent  in  tlie 
wilderness,  even  so  must  the  Son  of  man  bo  lifted 
up:'' 

15  That  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  eternal  life.' 


1:13;  1  Pet.  1:2:!;  1  John  2:29;  :1:9.  e  Rom.  8:2;  1  Cor.  2:12.  '  Matk 
Hi:  IB;  Acts  2:33.  s  I  Cor.  15:-17-I:J;  2  Cor.  5:17.  t  Or, /Vom  aioce  h  1  Cor. 
2:11.     i  1  John  I:1-:J.    J  Kph.  4:9,  10.     kNum.21:9.    1  ver.  30;  Heb.  7:25. 


5.  Born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit ;  purified  by  the  Holy 
Spirit ;  of  which  baptism  by  water  is  a  divinely  appointed 
symbol.  Enter  into;  become  a  member  inwardly,  and  not 
merely  in  an  outward  way. 

6.  Born  ofthcflis'i  isfesli — horn  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit;  by 
the  natural  birth,  fleshly  children  come  from  fleshly  par- 
ents ;  by  the  spiritual  birth,  spirituid  children  come  from 
the  Holy  i^pirit.  Flesh  and  spirit  are  here  opjiosed  to  each 
other.  The  first  denotes  whitt  is  earthly  ;ind  impure  ;  the 
second,  what  is  heavenly  and  holy.     Conqiare  Rom.  8:1-9. 

8.  Listeth;  pleaseth — where  its  author  iilcaseth  to  have 
it.  So  IS  every  one  ;  the  Spirit's  operation,  like  that  of  the 
wind,  is  directed  by  God,  unseen,  and  known  by  its  eti'ects. 

9.  Hoiv;  Nicodemus  here  asked  a  question  which  Jesus 
did  not  answer.  He  had  revealed  the  fact,  its  nature, 
necessity,  and  author.  The  mtmner  it  was  not  necessary, 
and  would  not  be  useful,  f(U'  Nicodemus  to  know.  The  fact 
might  be  believed,  and  all  its  benefits  be  secured,  without 
knowing  how  it  was  accomplished. 

10.  Muster  of  Israel;  teacher,  which  he  was  by  virtue  of 
his  odicc  as  a  ruler.  These  things;  the  things  relating  to 
the  new  birth,  about  which  he  had  been  speaking,  and 
which  were  revealed  in  the  Old  Testament,  which  the  Jew- 
ish rulers  professed  to  teach.  Psa.  51:10;  Ezek.  11:19; 
31):  20. 

11.  Do  know — have  seen  ;  Christ's  knowledge  of  truth  was 
direct.  He  always  spoke  what  he  h;id  seen  with  his  K;ifher, 
ch;ip. 5 : 20 ;  8: 3s".  What  his  followers,  therefore, had  heard 
;uid  learned  of  him,  they  could  declare  with  certain  know- 
ledge of  its  truth. 

12.  Earthlij  things;  things  which  take  place  on  e;irth, 
such  as  being  born  of  the  Spirit,  the  evidences  of  which 
aro  obvious  to  the  senses.  Hcurcnli/  things;  things  less 
]ilain,  relating  to  Cod,  Christ,  heaven,  and  eternity,  Iho 
eviilences  of  which  are  not  addressed  to  sense,  but  to 
faith. 

13.  Hath  ascended  vp  to  heaven;  Icarnctl  heavenly  things 
by  actual  presence  there,  and  come  ilown  from  that  woild 
to  reveal  them.  Son  of  man;  Jesus  Christ,  Wlio  is  in 
heaven;  whose  ])roper  dwelling-place  is  in  heaven.  Ho 
left  heaven  for  a  season  only,  to  return  thither  ag;iin, 

11.  Moscslftcd  up  the  serpent ;  Num.  21:8,9.  Bclijtcdup; 
on  the  cross,  a  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  men.  1  John  2 , 2. 

1195 


God's  great  love  to  men. 


JOHN  III. 


Johii's  testimony  to  Christ. 


16  ^  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  tliat  lie  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  tliat  whosoever  believeth  in 
him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life." 

17  For  God  sent  not  ins  Son  into  the  world  to 
condemn  the  world  ;  but  that  the  world  through 
him  might  be  saved. '' 

18  1  He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not  condemned:  "^ 
but  he  that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already, 
because  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the 
only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

19  And  this  is  the  condemnation,  that  light  is 
come  into  the  world,  and  men  loved  darkness 
rather  than  light,  because  tiieir  deeds  were  evil.'' 

20  For  every  one  that  doeth  evil  hateth  the  light, 
neither  conieth  to  the  light,"  lest  his  deeds  should 
be  reproved.* 

21  I3ut  he  tliat  doeth  truth  com'eth  to  the  light,'' 
that  his  deeds  may  be  made  mauif^t,  that  they 
are  wrought  in  God.'' 

22  \  After  tliese  tilings  came  Jesus  and  his  disci- 
ples into  the  la!id  of  Judea;  and  there  he  tarried 
with  them,  and  baptized.'' 

23  IT  And  John  also  was  baptizing  in  .Enon, 
near  to  Salim,'  because  there  was  much  water 
tliere:  and  tiicy  came,  and  were  baptized.^ 

24  For  Joiin  was  not  yet  cast  into  jjrison." 

25  *  'I'iien  there  arose  a  question  between  some 
of  John's  disciples  and  the  Jews  about  pui'ifying. 

26  And  they  came  unto  John,  and  said  unto  him, 


'  I  .Io:in4:9.  b  Luke 'J:.5fl.  c  i-h.  Il:  10.  J7  d  ch.  1 ;  I.  0-11.  <!jnba4:13. 
17;  Prnv.  4:11,  in.  •  Or.  iliscoverrd.  MJolinhfi.  »r3.Inlinll.  I>cli.4:d. 
il.--am.  9:4.  J  Matt,  3:.'i.  (i.  k  Matt.  14:  i.  1  ch.  I  :7.  I.'i.  etc.  m  Psa.  6.5:-2; 
li-i.  4.5:  il.  t  Or,  lake  iialo  himself,  n  1  Cor.  -.2:1 '.'-1 4;  4:7;  Heb.  ■'5:4;  Jas. 
1:17.     o  ch.  I:i0,  i".     I>  Luke  1:17.     q  Song  4;S-12;  Jer.  •.J:-2;  Kzek.  16:8; 


Ki.  Gave  his  otdij  hcgcitcn  Son;  Ihe  highest  expression  of 
lii.s  infinite  coniyiassioii.     Chap.  1:14. 

17.  Miirlit  be  saved;  on  their  compliance  with  the  terms 
of  salvation. 

1«.  iVo(  condemneil ;  Horn.  8:1. 

111.  The  coiidemiialwii ;  cause  of  condemnation.  Light  is 
com;;  divine  truth  is  revealed.     Darkness;  error  and  sin. 

20.  R-prnved ;  shown  to  be  evil,  and  as  such  condemned. 

21.  Dneth  Irutit;  acteth  according  to  truth.  Wrought  in 
Gild;  Ipy  the  aid  of  his  Spirit,  and  itccordiiig  to  his  will. 

22.  liiiplized;  not  personally,  hut  through  his  disciples, 
chajp.  4:2. 

2.'>.  AbinU  purifying;  the  question  seems  to  liavc  had 
reference  to  the  relative  worth  of  John's  baptism  as  corn- 
pared  with  that  of  .lesus. 

2(i.  All  men  come  to  him;  many  more  came  to  Christ  tlian 
to  .lolin. 

27.  Except  it  be  given  him  ;  every  oOice  in  (Jfirl's  kingdom, 
.and  all  success  in  doing  good,  is  from  (lod.  He  gives  to 
all  their  place  and  work  as  he  sees  best.  Vou  should  not 
be  dissatisfied  that  a  greater  than  I  has  come,  for  this  is 
what  I  foretold. 

2n.  Uatlt  the  bride  is  the  bridegroom ;  in  these  words  John 
teaches  that  Christ's  relation  to  "the  kingdom  of  heaven" 
is  that  of  till'  bridegroom  to  the  briile.  The  chunh  is  liis 
own.  ami  ought  to  render  to  hiiri  supreme  honor.  John,  on 
the  other  hand,  is  only  the  bridegroom's  friend,  lie  was 
sent  to  fr)retell  his  coming,  and  now  rejoices  to  be  lost 
sight  of  in  his  greater  glory. 

;iO.  lie ;  (Ihrisl.    MilsI  increase;  in  influence  and  honor. 

:il.  lie  that  cnmeth;  Christ,  h  above  all;  in  character  and 
work,  and  ought  tri  be  honored  above  all.  Is  of  the  earth  ; 
as  are  John  and  all  merely  human  teachers.  Is  cnrthlij; 
inferior  in  character  and  teaching,  and  ought  to  hold  an 
inferior  place. 

.'i;i.  .Seen  nni/Z/cnrd;  in  heaven  with  his  Father.  No  man; 
few  lompared  with  the  whole,  and  none  uninfluenced  by 
the  Holy  Sjiiril. 

1196 


Rablii,  he  that  was  with  thee  beyond  Jor-  a  n.so. 
dan,  to  whom  tiiou  barest  witness,'  behold,  the 
same  baptizeth,  and  all  men  come  to  him.'" 

27  John  answered  and  said,  A  man  can  receive^ 
nothing,  except  it  be  given  him  from  heaven." 

28  Ye  yourselves  bear  mc  witness,  that  I  said, 
I  am  uot  the  Christ,"  but  that  1  am  sent  before 
him.P 

29  He  that  hath  the  bride  is  the  bridegroom  :i 
but  the  friend  of  the  bridegroom,  which  standeth 
and  hearcth  him,  rejoiceth  greatly  because  of  the 
brideirroonrs  voice:''  this  my  joy  therefore  is  ful- 
lilled!" 

80  He  must  increase,  but  I  mud  decrease. 

31  He  that  cometh  from  above  is  above  all :"  he 
that  is  of  the  earth  is  earthly,'  and  spcaketh  of  the 
earth:  he  that  cometh  from  heaven  is  above  all. 

32  And  what  he  hath  seen  and  heard,  that  he 
testifieth ;  and  no  man  rcceiveth  his  testimony." 

33  He  that  hath  received  his  testimony,  hath  set 
to  his  seal  tiuit  God  is  true.^' 

31  For  he  whom  God  hath  sent  speakcth  the 
words  of  God  :"■  for  God  giveth  not  the  Spirit  by 
measure  xinto  him.'^ 

35  Tiic  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and  hath  given 
all  things  into  his  hand.^ 

3C  lie  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hatli  everlasting 
life:'-  and  he  that  bcdievetli  not  the  Son,  shall  not 
see  life ;  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him." 


Hos.  -JAfl.  ail;  Matt.  22:3;  2  Cnr.  11:2;  Kph.  ry.V,.  27;  Rev.  2I;!I.  '  Snng 
r,:].  soil.  (i:3.3;  8:2.');  Eph.  1:20,  21.  1  1  L'fr.  I;'.:  17.  ucli.l:ll.  v  1  .!„!,„ 
5:in.  »■  ch.  7:10.  '  Psa.  4.5:7;  Isa.  11:2;  59:21;  ch.  1:10;  Col.  I:1'J. 
y  Matt.  2!j:lS.     »  Hib.  2:4;  ver.  15,  10.     «Rom.  1:1b. 


33.  llath  set  to  his  .teal  that  God  is  true;  by  believing  in 
Christ,  he  acknowledged  that  what  Uod  hath  said  con- 
cerning him  is  true. 

34.  lii/  mciisiire;  John  and  the  apostles  received  the  Holy 
Spirit  oiily  in  a  certain  measure,  but  Christ  without  meas- 
ure. 

'A5.  Ilatti  given  all  things ;  pertiiiniiig  to  the  salvation  of 
men.  Into  his  hand;  as  .Mcdi;itor,  liuit  he  might  give  eter- 
nal life  to  all  who  should  believe  in  him.  Compare  chap. 
17:2. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

7.  As  all  men  are  ii;itur;tlly  destitute  of  the  love  of  Ood, 
no  one  should  think  it  strange  that  he  must  experience  that 
change  which  Christ  called  being  born  again. 

9.  It  is  not  necessary,  in  order  to  believe  a  fact  and  re- 
ceive the  benefit  of  it",  that  a  man  shoulil  understand  the 
manner  in  which  it  is  aceomplislird ;  and  he  should  not 
let  his  ignonuice  of  what  tiod  has  not  revealed  hinder 
him  from  receiving  and  treating  as  true  wdiat  he  lias  re- 
vealed. 

11.  As  JcSHS  knew  the  truth  of  what  he  taught,  all  are 
bound  to  lielievo  it,  and  to  let  it  liavc  its  due  intluenee 
over  their  hearts  and  lives. 

20.  The  re;ison  why  men  do  not  believe  wlmt  Christ  has 
taught  is,  that  they  love  error,  they  do  evil,  and  his  truth 
on  this  account  conilemns  them. 

2fi.  When  sinners  in  great  iiiimbirK  come  to  Ihe  Saviour, 
some  men,  if  it  lessen  tlu;  number  who  follow  them,  arc 
greatly  grieved.  liut  good  men,  with  right  views,  rejoice 
in  every  accession  t'l  the  number  of  ('hrist's  ftdlowers. 
Tlwy  are  delighted  to  sec  him  increase,  though  it  cause 
tliein  to  decrease. 

:iO.  It  is  a  high  Bi)iriliial  att;iiiinient  to  be  willing  that 
!  others  should  exctd  us  in  UNcfuliu'Ss  ;ind  honor. 

Xi.  As  all  things  jiertainiiig  to  the  souls  of  men  are  in 
the  hands  of  Christ  and  at  his  dispnsiil,  tln'  ctc-nial  life  of 
those  who  believe  in  him,  and  the  eternal  death  of  thoso 
who  continue  to  reject  him,  are  certain. 


Christ  talketh  with 


JOHN  IV. 


a  woman  of  Samaria. 


AD30.  CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Christ  talketh  with  a  woman  of  Samaria,  and  revealelli  himself  unto 
her.  27  His  disciples  marvel.  31  He  declareth  to  them  his  zeal  to 
God's  glory.  30  Many  Samaritans  believe  on  him.  43  He  departeth 
into  Galilee,  and  healeth  the  ruler's  son  that  lay  sick  at  Capernaum. 

WHEN  therefore  the  Lord   knew  how  the 
Pharisees  had  lieard  tlmt  Jesus  made  and 
baptized  more  disciples  than  Jolni,^ 

2  (Though  Jesus  himself  baptized  not,  but  his 
disciples,) 

3  He  left  Judea,  and  departed  again  into  Gali- 
lee. 

4  And  he  must  needs  go  through  Samaria." 

5  Tlien  cometh  he  to  a  city  of  Samaria,  which  is 
called  Sychar,  near  to  the  parcel  of  ground  that 
Jacob  gave  to  his  son  Joseph."^ 

6  Now  Jacob's  well  was  there.  Jesus  therefore, 
being  wearied  with  his  journey,  sat  thus  on  the 
well :  and  it  was  about  the  sixth  hour. 

7  There  cometli  a  woman  of  Samaria  to  draw 
water:  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Give  me  to  drink. 

8  For  his  disciples  were  gone  away  unto  the  city 
to  buy  meat. 

9  Tlien  saith  the  woman  of  Samaria  unto  him, 
How  is  it  tliat  thou,  being  a  Jew,  askcst  drink  of 
me,  which  am  a  woman  of  Samaria?  for  the  Jews 
have  no  dealings  with  the  Samaritans.'' 

10  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her.  If  thou 
knewest  the  gift  of  God,"'  and  who  it  is  tliat  saith 
to  thee,  Give  me  to  drink;  thou  wouldest  have 
asked  of  him,  and  he  would  have  given  thee  living- 
water.'' 

11  The  woman  saith  unto  him,  Sir,  thou  hast 
nothing  to  draw  witJi,  and  the  well  is  deep:  from 
whence  then  hast  thou  that  living  water? 

12  Art  thou  greater  than  our  father  Jacob, 
whicli  gave  us  the  well,  and  drank  thereof  him- 
self, and  his  children,  and  his  cattle  ? 


»  Ch.  3:*2,  20.  b  Luke  a;49.  c  Gen.  33:19;  4tl:'ia;  Josh.  a4:3-2.  J  Acts 
\»:i±  e  Eph.  2:8.  '  Isa.  12:3;  41:17,  l«;  Jer.  2:13;  Zeuh.  13:1;  14:b; 
Rev.  22:17.     6  ch.  G::W,  58.     ti  ch.  7:3p1;  17:2,  3;  Rom.  0:2:3.     ich.  1:48, 


CHAPTER  IV. 

I.  How  the  Pharisees  hail  heard;  he  was  aware  that  the 
knowledge  of  liis  growin;;  popularity  exeited  their  envy 
and  ill-will,  whieh  lie  wished  for  the  present  to  avoid. 

i.  S:iniaria;  lying  between  Judea  and  Galilee. 

5.  Si/cliar;  in  the  Old  Testament  it  is  called  Shechem. 
Gen.  33:  IS.  It  is  now  called  Naploiis,  and  lies  a  few  miles 
south-east,  of  the  city  of  Samaria,  between  the  mountains 
Ebal  and  Gerizim.  Jacob  gave  to  his  son  Joseph ;  sec  note 
to  Gen.  48:22. 

8.  Meat;  according  to  the  usage  of  the  word  in  our  ver- 
sion, moat  is  used  for  all  kinds  of  food. 

9.  No  dealings  with  the  Sumar.tans ;  no  friendly  inter- 
course.    Matt.  10:5. 

10.  The  gift  of  God;  the  Saviour,  and  the  blessings  which 
he  is  ready  to  bestow.  Living  water ;  under  the  figure  of 
living  \v;tter,  that  is,  the  flowing  water  of  a  fountain  in  con- 
trast with  the  stagnant  water  of  a  jiool  or  cistern,  he  means 
the  Holy  Spirit,  who  iturifies,  refreshes,  and  invigorates 
the  soul.     Compare  c.h;ip.  7:37-30. 

II.  Whence;  she  snpiiosed  him  to  speak  of  literalliving 
or  running  water,  which  was  i)ceuliarly  fresh  and  good. 

14.  The  water  that  I  shall  give  him;  the  Holy  Spirit  shall 
dwell  in  him,  and  satisfy  his  soul.  Shall  never  thirst ;  he 
docs  not  mean  that  one  draught  shall  satisfy  him,  but  that 
he  shall  always  have  in  his  soul  a  well  of  living  water,  from 
which  he  shall  continually  drink  and  be  satisfied. 


13  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her,  Whosoever 
drinketh  of  this  water  shall  thirst  again: 

14  But  whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I 
shall  give  him,  shall  never  thirst;^  but  the  water 
that  I  shall  give  him,  shall  be  in  him  a  well  of 
water  springing  up  into  everlasting  life.'' 

15  The  woman  saith  unto  him,  Sir,  give  me  tliis 
water,  that  I  thirst  not,  neither  come  hither  to 
draw. 

If)  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Go,  call  thy  husband, 
and  come  hither. 

17  The  woman  answered  and  said,  I  have  no 
husband.  Jesus  said  unto  her.  Thou  hast  well 
said,  I  have  no  husband: 

18  For  thou  hast  had  five  husbands;  and  he 
whom  thou  now  hast,  is  not  thy  husband:  in  that 
saidst  thou  truly. 

19  The  woman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  I  perceive 
that  thou  art  a  pro])het.' 

20  Our  fathers  worshipped  in  this  mountain;^ 
and  ye  say,  that  in  Jerusalem  is  the  place  where 
men  ought  to  worship." 

21  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  believe  me,  the 
hour  cometh,  when  ye  shall  neitJier  in  tliis  moun- 
tain, nor  yet  at  Jerusalem,  worship  tiic  Fatliei-.' 

22  Ye  worship  ye  know  not  what:'"  we  know 
what  we  worship;  for  salvation  is  of  the  Jews." 

23  But  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the 
true  worshippers  shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit 
and  in  truth  ;"  for  the  Father  seeketh'such  to  wor- 
ship him. 

24  God  is  a  Spirit  :p  and  they  that  worship  him, 
must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

25  The  woman  saith  unto  him,  I  know  that  Mes- 
sias  cometh,  which  is  called  Christ:  when  he  is 
come,  he  will  tell  us  all  things. 

26  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  I  that  speak  unto  thee 
am  he." 


49     1 

Judg. 

9:7. 

k 

Dent. 

12 

:.'-ll 

1  K 

Mf;S 

1:3. 

1 

Mai. 

:II  ; 

Malt. 

1> 

20. 

■n  2  h 

ings  1 

":29. 

n 

Isa.  2 

3 

Kom 

9:0. 

0 

'l.ll 

3 

3.     P 

2  Cor 

3:17. 

1 

ch. 

9:37. 

18.  Not  thy  husband;  she  was  living  with  a  man  who  was 
not  her  husband. 

10.  I  percerve ;  this  she  did  from  his  manner  and  his 
Icnowledgc  of  her  liistory. 

20.  This  mouiitam;  mount  Gerizim,  which  lay  at  a  little 
distance-  from  Sychar.  As  she  perceived  him  to  be  a 
prophet,  she  appealed  to  him  to  decide  a  disputed  cpies- 
tion  between  the  Samaritans  and  the  Jews  about  the  proper 
place  of  public  worship. 

21.  The  hour  cometh;  the  time  is  near.  Neither  in  this 
mountain;  not  in  this  or  that  pilaec  merely,  but  in  all  placets, 
may  you  worship  liim  who  is  a  Si)irit,  •'  in  spirit  and  in 
truth." 

22.  We  know  what  we  worship;  th(!  Jews  h;id  l)olh  ;i  di- 
vinely apjiointed  system  of  worship,  and  a  clear  revelation 
from  (iod  of  his  nature  and  the  service  retiuircd  liy  him. 
The  Samaritans  received  only  the  live  liooks  of  .Moses,  and 
their  services  on  nioiinl  Gerizim  were  without  the  tlivine 
warrant,  and  mingled  with  superstitious  (diservanees.  Sal- 
vation is  (f  the  Jews;  liom  tlieiii  the  Messiah  w;is  to  come. 

23.  Worship  the  Father;  in  heart,  with  sincere  love  and 
devotion,  in  every  pl;iee  where  they  may  be. 

21).  ]Ie;  the  Messiuli.  This  was  the  first  time,  so  far  as 
we  are  informed,  that  Jesus  explicitly  declared  himself  to 
be  the  Christ.  It  was,  moreover,  not  in  the  iireseiice  of 
the  rharisees,  wdio  would  have  taken  advantage  of  the 
a.ssertion  to  misrepresent  and  persecute  him  ;  liut  among 
the  Samaritans,  who  had  no  intercourse  in  religious  mat- 

1197 


Many  Samaritans  believe. 


JOHN  IV. 


The  ntkr's  son  heiled. 


27  IT  And  upon  this  came  his  disciples,  and  mar- 
velled that  lie  talked  with  the  woiium :  yet  no  man 
said,  What  seukest  thou?  or,  Why  talkest  thou 
■with  her  ? 

28  The  woman  then  left  her  water-pot,  and  went 
her  way  into  the  city,  and  j^aith  to  the  men, 

2'J  Come,  see  a  man  whieli  told  me  all  things 
that  ever  I  did:  is  not  this  the  Christ? 

31)  Then  they  went  out  of  the  city,  and  came 
unto  him. 

:51  1  In  the  mean  while  liis  disciples  prayed  him, 
sayinir,  Master,  eat. 

32  But  he  said  unto  them,  I  have  meat  to  cat 
that  ye  know  not  of. 

33  Therefore  said  the  disciples  one  to  another, 
Ilath  any  man  brought  hiui  au«;ht  to  eat? 

3-t  Jesus  saitli  unto  them.  My  meat  is  to  do  the 
will  of  him  that  sent  me,"  and  to  finish  his  work." 

3.5  Say  not  ye.  There  are  yet  four  months,  and 
l/im  coineth  harvest?  behold,  I  say  unto  you.  Lift 
up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the  lields;  for  they  are 
white  already  to  harvest." 

3l5  And  he  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages,  and 
gatliereth  fruit  unto  life  eternal  i*"  that  both  he  that 
soweth  and  lie  that  reapeth  may  rejoice  together.'' 

37  And  herein  is  that  saying  true,  One  soweth, 
aud  another  reapeth.'' 

3S  I  sent  you  to  reai)that  whereon  ye  bestowed 
no  labor:  other  men  labored,  aud  ye  are  entered 
into  their  laljors." 

3'J  Z  And  many  of  the  Samaritans  of  that  city 
believed  on  him  for  the  saying  of  the  woman, 
which  testified,  lie  told  mo  all  that  ever  I  did.'' 

40  So  when  tiic  Samaritans  weic  come  unto  him, 
they  besought  liim  that  he  would  tarry  with  tlicm  : 
aud  he  abode  there  two  days. 

41  And  many  more  believed  because  of  his  own 
word ; 


«. lob  *1:li;  ch.  6:31.  b  ch  17:4,  »  Matt.  9::J7.  d  Rom.  G:*>.  »  1  Cor. 
.1:.'.-'.).  I  Mic.  «:15.  s  I  Pet.  1:1J.  h  vcr.  ■£).  i  ch.  17:!<;  I  John  4:14. 
)  .Milt.   l.):o7;  Mark«:4;  Luke  4:24.      k  ch.  -J-.-ia.     >   Deut.  10:10.     m  ch. 


tcrs  with  the  Jews,  and  would  make  no  bad  use  of  the 
di;cliir;iti<)n. 

;i.').  S'lij  not  ye;  that  is,  when  ye  have  committed  your 
bocmI  to  the  ground.  Four  inoiUkt;  tliis  was  the  usual  pc- 
riol  between  seed-time  ami  liarvcsl.  Look  on  tlie ficbU ; 
tlie  Samaritans,  called  by  the  wuinan,  coming  to  hear  thf 
Kii,s]iel ;  and  men  in  every  direction  perishing  for  lack  of 
kniiwledfje. 

'M.  lie  thiit  snwelh  and  lie  that  reapeth ;  Jesus  and  others 
li:id  siiwed  spiritual  seed.  The  disciples  might  gather  the 
IVuit  by  being  iimtrumental  in  the  conversion  of  men  ;  and 
tIm.H  tliirist  and  liis  discililcs,  like  sowers  and  reapers, 
rejoice  together. 

as.  /  .si/i/  ijou ;  spoken  in  anticipation  of  the  mission  of 
his  a])Ostles,  when  lie  should  have  finished  his  wmk  im 
earth.  Oilier  men  Inhored;  spoken  of  all  the  ]ire|iaration 
m:i  I"  by  Christ  and  holy  men  before  hini  fur  tlie  work  of 
till-  ajmstles.  Ye  arc  entered  into  their  Inlmrs;  they  have 
preparecl  the  way  for  your  reajiing  tlie  fruit. 

41.  Manij  more  l/elieird;  this  was  the  beginning  of  the 
harvest  of  which  Jesus  bad  sprjken. 

■14.  //">•  own  cmtnlri/ ;  this  is  the  same  word  which  is  used 
M;itt.  i:):.')4,  and  applieil  to  Nazareth,  where  Jesus  was 
brought  up.  As  they  did  not  receive  him,  he  visited  and 
wrought  miracjeK  in  other  jiarts  of  (Jalilee. 

4H.  Kjrrept  11'^  nee  sifriix;  uidiss  by  miracles  ho  showed 
that  ho  was  the  Messiah,  they  would  not  believe  on  him. 

52.  Seventh  hour;  rme  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
11!I8 


42  And  said  unto  the  woman,  Now  we  a.  n  so. 
believe,  not  because  of  thy  saying:  for  we  have 
heard  /liryi  ourselves. and  know  that  this  is  indeed 
the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world.' 

43  "I  Now  after  two  days  he  departed  thence,  and 
went  into  Galilee. 

44  For  Jesus  himself  testified,  that  a  prophet 
hatli  no  honor  in  his  own  country.-' 

45  Then  when  lie  was  come  into  Galilee,  the 
Galileans  received  him,  having  seen  all  the  things 
that  he  did  at  Jerusalem  at  ihe  feast:"  for  they 
also  went  unto  the  feast.' 

40  So  Jesus  came  again  into  Cana  of  Galilee, 
where  he  made  Ihe  water  wine.'"  And  there  was 
a  certain  nobleman,'  whose  son  was  sick  at  Caper- 
naum. 

47  When  he  heard  that  Jesus  jvas  come  out  of 
Judea  into  Galilee,  he  went  unto  him,  and  be- 
sought hiiii  that  he  would  come  down,  and  heal 
his  son  :  fir  he  was  at  the  point  of  death. 

48  'J'luMi  said  Jesus  unto  liiin.  Except  ye  sec 
signs  and  Wdiiders,  ye  will  not  believe." 

4t)  Tlie  iKibleiuan  saith  unto  him,  Sir,  comedown 
ere  my  child  die. 

50  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Go  thy  way;  thy  son 
livetli."  And  the  man  believed  the  word  that 
J(>sus  had  spoken  unto  him,  and  he  went  his  way. 

51  And  as  he  was  now  going  down,  his  servants 


met 


liiin. 
Then 


mil  told  //('//(, 
iiKiuired  he 


saying.  Thy  son  liveth. 

f)f  them  the  hour  when  ho 
began  to  amend.  And  they  said  unto  him,  Yes- 
terday at  the  seventh  hour  the  fever  left  him. 

53  So  the  father  knew  that  it  was  at  the  same 
hour,  in  the  which  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thy  son 
livctli:''  and  himself  believed,  and  his  whole 
house,'' 

54  This  is  again  the  second  miracle  t/uit  Jesus 
did,  when  he  was  come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee. 


'.'•1,11.     '  Or,  courlirr.  or  nilrr.    i>  I  Cw.  I : 'W.     o  .Mall.  8:1:)  ;  Mark  7:'.>0, 
aO;  Luke  17:14.     P  I'sa,  107:'JU.     I  Acts  10:34;  18:8. 


.'>4.  The  second  miracle  ;  the  second  that  he  had  wrought 
at  Cana,  the  first  having  been  the  turning  of  water  into 
wine.  Chap,  2:(i-ll.  In  the  interval  he  had  wrought  many 
miracles  al  Jerusalem,  vor.  34, 

INSTilUCTIONS. 

3.  When  good  men  arc  opposed,  and  Iheir  usefulness 
obstructed  in  one  jilaee,  it  is  often  wise  fur  ihem  to  go  to 
another;  and  the  rejection  of  the  gos|iul  liy  smiie,  proves 
the  occasion  (if  its  being  embraced  by  others;  thus  (!od, 
angels,  and  nn-ii  are  led  to  rejoice  logelher,    l.uke  1,'):7-10. 

l:i,  Karthly  blessings,  however  iiunierous  and  great, 
cannot  satisfy  Ihe  desires  of  men.  Hut  Ihe  lilessings  of 
Ihe  Holy  Spilil,  which  Christ  gives  to  those  who  ask  him, 
furiiish  anil  secure  to  Iheni  satisfying  and  eternal  joys. 

2:1  .Men  are  prone  to  think  too  nnuli  of  the  jilace  and 
mode  of  religious  worshi]!,  C!od  reg:uils  the  slate  of  the 
heart;  and  spiritual  worship,  in  any  jdace,  is  accejilcd  of 
him, 

;!l,  -As  fo.id  to  till'  hungry,  and  water  lo  Ihe  Ihirsly,  so 
is  the  iloing  of  the  will  of  (bid  to  those  who  love  him  ;  and 
whether  engaged  in  sowing  the  sjiirilual  seed  of  divine 
truth,  or  reaping  the  harve.'il,  their  eniploymcnt  is  a  source 
of  the  most  elevated  and  refreshing  joy. 

■V).  The  failh  of  jiareiils  and  masters,  Luke  ":1-10,  and 
their  jirayers  to  Jesus  Christ,  are  often  the  means  of  un- 
speakable blessings  to  Iheir  children  and  servants;  and 
however  distant  they  may  be  from  their  friends  or  from 


An  impotent  man  /lealul. 


JOHX  V. 


T/tc  Jcies  sa/c  to  kill  Christ. 


CHAPTER  V, 


1  Jesus  on  the  sabbath-day  cureth  hini  tli;it  was  diseased  eight  and 
thirty  years.  10  The  Jews  therefore  cavil,  and  persecute  him  for  it. 
17  He  answerelli  for  Iiimself,  and  reproveth  tlieni,  showing  by  tlie 
testimony  of  his  Father,  3J  of  John,  36  of  his  works,  39  and  of  the 
scriptures,  who  tie  is. 

AFTER  this  there  was  a  feast  of  the  Jews;" 
and  Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem. 

2  Now  there  is  at  Jeru.saloui  by  the  sheep  mar- 
ket' a  pool,  wiiieh  is  called  in  the  Hebrew  tongue 
Bethesda,  having  five  poi'ches. 

3  In  these  lay  a  great  multitude  of  impotent  folk, 
of  blind,  halt,  withered,  waiting  for  the  moving  of 
the  water. 

4  For  an  angel  went  down  at  a  certain  season 
into  the  pool,  and  troubled  the  water:  whosoever 
then  first  after  the  troubling  of  the  water  stepped 
in,*"  was  made  whole  of  whatsoever  disease  he  had."^ 

5  And  a  certain  man  was  there,  which  had  an 
infirmity  thirty  and  eiglit  year.s." 

6  When  Jesus  saw  him  lie,  and  knew  that  he 
had  been  now  a  long  time  in  that  case,'^  he  saith 
unto  him,  Wilt  thou  be  made  wliolc? 

7  The  impotent  man  answered  him,  Sir,  I  have 
no  mail,  when  the  water  is  troubled,  to  put  me  into 
the  pool:'  but  while  I  am  coming,  another  stcp- 
peth  down  before  me. 

8  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Rise,  take  up  thy  bed, 
and  walk.*"' 

9  And  immediately  the  man  was  made  wliolc, 
and  took  up  his  bed,  and  walked  :  and  on  the  same 
day  was  the  sabbath.'' 

10  1  Tlie  Jews  therefore  said  unto  him  that  was 


»  Lev.  •i'J:4,cto.;  Deut.  1(1:18;  ch.  3:13.  *  Or,  ffnre;  Neh.  3:1;  12:39. 
1"  rfov.M:17;  Eccl.9:IO;  Matt.ll:l-J.  c  Ezek  47:M);  Zech.  13:1.  <1  Luke 
6:43;  I3:IG.  e  Psa.  142:3.  f  Deut.  .3i:3(i;  P.sa.  7-,>:la;  14->:4;  Rom.  S:.'.; 
aCor.  1:9,  10.     E  Matt.  9:0;  Mark  2: 1 1  ;  Luke  5:21.     hch.  !):I4.     >  Jer. 

Christ,  his  power  can  reach  them,  and  his  grace  supply 
their  wants. 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  present  cliapter  contains  the  first  of  tliose  wonderful 
discourses  of  our  Lord  recorded  by  John,  in  which  he  sets 
forth  his  divine  nature  and  office  in  his  twofold  relation  to 
God  and  man.  For  tlie  clearer  understanding  of  his  words, 
the  reader  should  notice  tlic  following  things: 

First,  Goil  is  his  I'^itlier  and  he  is  the  Son  of  God  in  such 
a  high  and  incommunicable  sense,  that  he  is  equal  with  the 
Father  in  nature,  verse  18;  enjoys  his  perfect  love  and 
knows  all  his  counsels,  verse  20;  performs  all  the  works 
that  his  Father  performs,  verses  19-21;  has  life  in  liimself 
as  the  Father  has  it,  and  gives  it  to  whom  he  will,  verses 
21,  26;  claims  equal  honor  with  the  Father,  verse  23;  raises 
the  dead  and  juilges  them,  verses  2),  22,  24-29. 

Secondly,  as  the  ,Son  of  (lod  on  e;irth,  he  ;tlways  acts  in 
subordination  to  the  will  of  the  Father.  He  has  not  come 
of  liiinself,  but  the  Father  has  sent  him,  verse  23,  etc. ;  the 
Father  has  apiiointed  to  him  the  works  that  he  shall  do, 
verses  20,  22,  26,  etc. ;  lie  can  do  nothing  of  himself,  but 
must  always  act  in  accordance  with  the  Father's  will, 
verses  19,  30;  the  Fatlier  who  sent  him  bears  witness  to 
him  by  the  works  that  he  has  given  him  to  do,  verso  36, 
and  by  the  scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament,  verses  39, 
45-47. 

Thirdly,  it  i.s  as  the  Son  of  in.an— the  Word  made  flesh- 
that  he  not  oiil\'  redeems,  but  judges  men,  verse  27. 

Eciuality  with  the  Fallicr  in  uiiture,  subordin;ition  to  the 
Father  in  office,  union  with  huinitu  n;iture  in  the  work  of 
redeeming  and  judging  men, and  in  all  these  perfect  union 
with  the  Father  in  counsel  and  will:  these  are  the  gri-;it 
doctrines  that  run  through  the  present  and  similar  follow- 
ing discourses. 


cured.  It  is  the  sabbath-day:  it  is  not  lawful  for 
thee  to  carry  thy  bed.' 

11  He  answered  them,  He  that  made  me  whole, 
the  same  said  unto  me.  Take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk. 

12  Then  asked  they  him,  What  man  is  that  wliicli 
said  unto  thee.  Take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk  ? 

13  And  he  that  was  healed  wist  not  who  it  was:-" 
for  Jesus  had  conveyed  himself  away,''  a  midtitiide 
being*  in  that  place. 

14  Afterward  Jesus  findeth  him  in  the  temple, 
and  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thou  art  made  whole: 
sin  no  more,'  lest  a  worse  thing  come  unto  thee. 

15  The  man  departed,  and  told  the  Jews  that  it 
was  Jesus  which  had  made  him  wliole. 

16  And  therefore  did  the  Jews  persecute  Jesus, 
and  sought  to  slay  him.  because  he  had  done  these 
things  on  the  sabbath-day. 

17  1  But  Jesus  answered  them.  My  Father  work- 
eth  hitherto,  and  I  work."' 

18  Therefore  the  Jews  sought  the  more  to  kill 
him,"  because  he  not  only  had  broken  the  sabbath, 
but  said  also  that  God  was  his  Father,  making 
himself  equal  with  God." 

19  "I  Tlien  answered  Jesus  and  said  unto  them, 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Tiie  Son  can  do 
nothing  of  himself,  Init  what  lie  seeth  the  Father 
do:''  for  what  tilings  soever  he  doeth,  these  also 
doeth  the  Son  likewise. 

20  For  the  Father  lovcth  the  Son,''  and  showoth 
liim  all  things  that  himself  doeth :  and  ho  will 
show  him  greater  works  than  these,  tliat  yc  may 
marvel. 


17 

21 .  etc 

;  Matt. 

2: 

J 

etc. 

jch. 

14:9.     k 

Luke  4 

30. 

t  Or 

from  til 

mtil- 

titudethat 

was.     1 

ch 

iS 

:11. 

m  ch 

9:4;  14 

10.     n 

ch. 

7:19. 

0 

Zenh. 

13:7; 

ch 

1U:3U, 

33;  Phil 

- 

H 

P  ver.  30 

•1  Matl 

3:17; 

ch. 

3:35; 

17 

2(i; 

2.  Market;  this  word,  as  shown  by  the  italics,  is  not  in 
the  original.  It  probably  should  have  been,  as  in  the 
margin,  gate.  Neh.  3:1,  32;  12:39.  Bethesdn ;'' \wusc  of 
mercy."  Many  at  that  pool  had  been  mercifully  healed  of 
their  liiseases. 

8.   Thy  l)ed;  which  was  a  simple  mat. 

10.  To  mrrij  thij  bed;  which  they  reckoned  among  the 
servile  labor  forbidden  liy  the  law.  See  Jer.  17:21,  22; 
Neh.  13:15-20;  where,  however,  the  burdens  borne  were 
in  the  way  of  traffic  and  ordinary  labor. 

14.  A  icorxe  thing;  a  worse  evil  than  that  from  which 
Jesus  had  delivered  him. 

17.  Workcth  hitherto;  workcfh  without  intermission  in 
upholding  and  quickening  creation,  ever  since  the  day 
when  he  finished  it.  Ivorlc;  he  claimed  to  bo  the  Son  of 
God  in  such  a  sense  that  he  h;td  tlie  ]iowcr  :ind  right  of 
working  as  God  works.  This  they  thought  was  blasjihemy ; 
and  had  he  been  only  a  man,  it  would  have  been.  Hut  as 
he  was  God  as  well  as  man,  clutp.  1: 1,  it  was  speaking  and 
acting  according  to  truth.  The  question  was  not  whether 
Jesus  possessed  power  to  do  those  things,  but  it  was 
whether  he  exercised  his  power  agreeably  to  the  will  of 
the  Father,  or  in  op)Hisition  to  it;  and  lie  answered  them 
accordingly. 

19.  Of  hiinxetf;  in  ojiposition  to,  or  without  the  concur- 
rence of  the  Father,  which  was  the  crime  with  which  they 
charged  him.  lie  denied  the  charge,  and  asserted,  that 
instead  of  opposition,  as  they  contended,  there  w;is  be- 
tween him  and  the  F;ither  the  most  lierfect  ;igrrenuiit  in 
])laii,  will,  anil  opcr;ilion.  These  (dm  doclh  the  Son;  there  is 
oneness  of  operation. 

20.  Shiivrlli  him  all  Ihitiixi ;  makes  him  partixker  of  all  his 
counsels.  ;is  well  as  acts  with  him  in  all  his  works.  Orcnlcr 
wnrh  than  these ;  the  works  referred  to  in  the  following 
verses. 

1199 


Christ  will  raise  t/.e  dead. 


JOHN  V. 


He  showeth  who  he  is. 


21  For  as  tho  Fatlicr  raisctli  up  the  dentl,  and 
quickenetli  thon;  cvuu  so  the  Son  quickencth 
whom  he  will." 

22  For  the  Fatlier  judgctli  no  man,  but  hath 
conimittod  all  judgment  unto  tlie  Son:'' 

23  Tliat  all  men  shouhl  lionor  tlie  Son,  oven  as 
they  lionor  the  Father,  lie  that  honoroth  not  the 
Son,  honoretli  not  tlie  Father  which  liath  sent  iiim. 

24  Verily,  verily.  I  say  nnto  you.  He  that  hear- 
eth  my  wonl,  and"  lielieveth  on  liiin  that  sent  me, 
hath  everlasting  life,"  and  shall  not  come  into  con- 
demnation; but  is  passed  from  death  unto  life.'* 

25  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  The  hour  is 
coming,  and  now  is,  when  the  dead  shall  hear  the 
voice  of  the  Son  of  Cod  :"  and  they  that  hear  shall 
live. 

26  For  as  the  Father  hath  life  in  himself,  so  hath 
he  given  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in  himself;'' 

27  And  hath  given  liim  authority  to  execute 
judgment  also,''  because  he  is  the  Son  of  man. 

28  Marvel  not  at  this:  for  tlie  hour  is  coming,  in 
the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his 
voice, 

2i)  And  shall  come  forth :  they  that  have  done 
good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life;''  and  tiiey  that 
have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrectiou  of  damna- 
tion.' 


a  I 

/uke  e-.H 

ch.  11 ;« 

\7:i. 

b  Mill.  11 

27; 

Acts  17:31 

a  Cor 

.  S 

111. 

e  cii. 

«:  10,  J7. 

JIJolin3:14.     ' 

ver.  i-i  Epl 

.  -i: 

.    f  1  Cor. 

n:4.5. 

B 

ver. 

•i- 

Ii  Dan.  1> 

■>.     i   Mat! 

■ivAa 

J  ver.  111. 

k   p 

(1.  m-.T.fi; 

Matt. 

2 

:1U; 

Cil.'l 

il;  «;:«. 

1  Prov.  27 

i:  ch. 

8;  Hi  Kev.  3 

■M. 

m  ch.  .■-:  It) 

;  Acts 

lU 

4:i; 

21.  Tiie  Son  quickenetli;  giveth  life,  natural  and  spiritual, 
to  wlioni  liR  will — tliiLS  (Ioiti<:;  the  work  of  God,  and  show- 
in;;  tli;it  111'  is  (joil.  Tliis  is  one  of  the  greater  things  rcfcr- 
rcti  to.  Tlic  other  was  llic  judging  of  all  men  at  the  last 
daj,  and  awardin;;  to  them  the  rctriluitions  of  eternity. 

22.  Titc  Father  jiulgetli  no  man  ;  in  the  scheme  of  redemp- 
tion, tlie  .^oii  was  to  be  tlie  final  judge  of  men,  tlic  antlior 
of  their  resurrection  from  the  dead,  and  of  their  eternal 
life  in  heaven.  Tliis  was,  "  tliat  all  men  should  honor  the 
Son,  even  as  thcj'  honor  the  Father."  lie  that  thus  hoii- 
oreth  not  the  Son.  honoretli  not  the  Father.  The  Phari- 
Bccs,  therefore,  wliilc  they  were  pleading  ostensibly  for 
the  honor  of  Ooil,  were  in  reality  treating  liim  as  they 
treated  .Je.sus  Christ ;  and  so  it  is  with  all  men  now. 

24.  Hcarclli  mij  word;  receivctli  my  instructions,  and 
trcatetli  them  as  true.  Ililh  everlasting  life;  the  beginning 
of  that  spiritual  life  which  shall  continue  and  increase  for 
ever.  From  drnt'i  unto  life;  from  a  state  of  sin  and  guilt 
to  a  state  of  holiness  ami  bliss. 

25.  Tiie  dead  shall  licar — s'/a//  live;  the  dead  here  include 
both  the  spiritually  and  the  naturally  dead.  Christ  gave  life 
to  the  sfuils  of  men,  and  also  to  their  bodies,  when  he  chose 
to  do  so.  Jairus'  daughter,  the  widow's  son,  and  Lazarus 
were  all  by  Jesus  raised  to  life,  and  many  who  were  dead 
in  sin  were  quickened  and  made  alive  to  God. 

21).  Given  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in  himself ;  here  the  Sav- 
iour lirings  to  view  both  his  oneness  with  the  Father  in 
nature,  and  his  subordination  to  him  in  oflice.  To  have 
life  in  himself,  with  the  jjowor  of  giving  life  at  will,  is  to 
be  proper  (lod.  Hut  the  oflice  of  quickening  wdioni  he 
will  he  has  received,  as  Mediator,  from  the  Father,  and 
exercises  it  in  accordance  with  tho  Father's  appoint- 
ment. 

27.  Bcean-iehe  is  the  Son  of  man;  it  is  the  appointment  of 
the  Father  that  he  who  redeems  and  judges  men  should 
himself  lie  the  Son  of  man ;  that  is,  the  Wonl  made  flesh. 
In  this  character  God  has  ai>|ioiiited  him  to  be  Mediator, 
to  open  the  way  for,  and  give  eternal  life  to  all  who  shoulil 
believe  in  him,  and  in  [lursuance  of  his  work,  to  perform 
miracles,  die,  rise  again,  raise  the  dead,  judge  the  world, 
and  tix  the  condition  of  all  for  eternity. 
1200 


30  I  can  of  mine  own  self  do  nothing:^  a.  n, 3i. 
as  1  hear,  I  judge:  and  my  judgment  is  just;  be- 
cause I  seek  not  mine  own  will,  but  the  will  of 
the  Father  which  hath  sent  me." 

31  If  I  bear  witness  of  myself,  my  witness  is  not 
true.' 

32  T  There  is  another  that  beareth  witness  of 
me;'"  and  I  know  that  the  witness  which  he  wit- 
uesseth  of  me  is  true. 

33  Ye  sent  unto  John,  and  he  bare  witness  unto 
the  tnitli." 

34  But  I  receive  not  testimony  from  man :  but 
those  things  I  say,  that  ye  might  be  saved." 

35  He  was  a  burning  and  a  shining  light:  and  ye 
were  willing  for  a  season  to  rejoice  in  his  light.'' 

36  •  But  I  have  greater  witness  than  that  of 
John:  for  the  works  which  the  Father  lialh  given 
me  to  finish,''  the  same  works  that  I  do,  bear  wit- 
ness of  me,  that  the  Father  hath  sent  me.'' 

37  And  the  Father  himself,  which  hath  sent  me, 
hath  borne  witness  of  me.^  Ye  liave  neither  heard 
his  voice  at  any  time,  nor  seen  his  shape.' 

38  And  ye  have  not  his  word  abiding  in  you:" 
for  whom  he  hath  sent,  him  ye  believe  not. 

39  1[  Search  tho  scrijitures  ;*'  for  in  them  ye  think 
ye  have  eternal  life:  and  they  are  they  which  tes- 
tify of  me.''' 

lJohn5::-9.  "ch. 1:7.32.  o  ch.  211:31 ;  Rom.  3:3.  p  Malt.  21 :26;  Mark 
(i:-JO.  n  ch.  17:1.  '  ch.  10:25;  13:21;  Acib  2:22.  «  Mall.  3:17;  17:5. 
1  Dent.  4:1!;  1  Tim.  fi:ir..  u  1  John  2: 14.  vIsa.8:2U;  34:10;  Lukol8:29. 
"  Luke  24:27;  I  I'pi.  1:111,  11. 

28.  27(6  hour  is  coming — all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear 
his  voire;  he  passes  to  the  greatest  and  most  astonishing 
manifestation  which  he  is  to  make  of  the  truth  th;it  ho 
has  life  in  himself;  namely,  the  final  resurrection  by'his 
word  of  the  just  ;ind  the  unjust,  and  the  decision  of  their 
destiny  for  eternity. 

30.  Of  mine  own  self;  in  opposition  to,  and  without  tho 
concurrence  of  the  F;ither.  I  hear;  from  my  Father.  The 
idea  is,  that  he  dwells  in  the  Father's  bosom,  and  hears 
and  knows  all  hi.s  counsels.  Not  ?nine  own  will;  not  to 
exalt  myself,  or  build  up  a  separate  interest,  but  to  honor 
the  Father  by  doing  his  will. 

31.  Of  mi/sc/f;  concerning  myself,  without  any  accom- 
panying testimony  from  liod.  Not  true ;  not  to  bo  received 
as  valid. 

32.  Another;  God,  who  tcsliricd  of  him  by.Ioliiithe  I!ap- 
tist,  by  the  descent  u]ion  him  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  mira- 
cles, and  by  a  voice  from  heaven. 

31.  Not  testimony  from  man ;  not  from  man  only ;  yet 
Christ  apjicaled  to  the  testimony  of  John,  as  what  ought 
to  convince  them. 

3G.  The  works  which  the  Father  hath  given  me;  the  whole 
course  of  his  teachings  ;ind  miracles. 

37.  The  Father  himsrlj'—'ialh  Ixnne  witness  of  me;  in  addi- 
tion to  the  testimony  hirnished  by  my  works.  lie  seems 
to  refer  to  the  tcstiinnny  "f  the  F;ilher  through  tho  Scrip- 
tures, which  he  imi li;itcly  :il'terw:irds   urges.      Some 

think  that  he  also  includis  the  voice  from  hciiven  upon 
his  baptism.  Neither  heard  his  voice — seen  his  shape;  tho 
allusion  is  to  the  way  in  which  holy  men  of  old  received 
revelations  from  (Joil  by  voices  iinil  visions.  The  imiiort 
of  the  Saviour's  wonls  is.  The  state  of  your  hearts  makes 
you  unable  to  receive  any  testimony  of  the  Father  con- 
cerning me,  outwaril  or  iiiw;ird. 

3S.  Ye  have  not  his  word;  they  did  not  receive  the  tisti- 
niony  of  God,  and  they  showed  this  by  rejecting  that  of 
his  Son. 

39.  Tlic  scriptures ;  the  Old  Testament,  by  following  whieli 
Ihey  hojied  for  heaven;  and  yet  those  scriptures  showed 
that  he  was  the  Messiah,  and  that  they  must  bclievo  in 
him,  or  perish. 


Christ  fp£ddh 


JOHN  VI. 


five  thousand  men. 


A.D.3I.     40  And  ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye 
might  have  life."'' 

41  1  receive  not  honor  from  men.'' 

42  But  I  know  you,  that  ye  have  not  the  love  of 
God  in  you. 

43  I  am  come  in  my  Father's  name,  and  ye  re- 
ceive me  not:  if  another  shall  come  in  liis  own 
name,  iiim  ye  will  receive. 

44  How  can  yc  believe,  wliich  receive  honor  one 
of  anotlier,''  and  seek  not  the  honor  that  cometh 
from  God  only  ?** 

45  Do  not  think  that  I  will  accuse  you  to  the 
Fatlicr :  there  is  one  that  accuseth  you,  even  Moses, 
in  wliom  ye  trust." 

46  For  iiad  yc  Ijclievcd  Moses,  yc  would  have 
believed  me:  for  he  wrote  of  me.'' 

47  But  if  ye  believe  not  his  writings,^  how  shall 
yc  believe  my  words  ? 

CHAPTER  VI. 

I  Christ  ftedeth  five  thousand  men  with  five  loaves  and  two  fishes.  15 
Thereupon  the  people  would  have  made  him  king.  16  But  withdraw- 
ing himself,  he  walked  on  the  sea  to  iiis  disciples;  2G  reproveth  the 
people  fiocking  afrer  him,  and  all  the  fleshly  hearers  of  his  word;  32 
declarr-tli  liiniself  to  be  the  bread  of  life  to  believeis.  66  Many  disci- 
ples depart  Oi>m  him.     6S  Peter  eonfesseth  him.    70  Judas  is  a  devil. 

AFTER  these  tilings  Jesus  went  over  the  sea 
of  Galilee,  which  is  the  sea  of  Tiberias." 

2  And  a  great  multitude  followed  him,  because 
they  saw  his  miracles  which  he  did  on  thein  that 
were  diseased. 

3  And  Jesus  went  up  into  a  mountain,  and  tiiere 
he  sat  with  his  disciples. 

4  And  the  passover,  a  feast  of  the  Jews,  was 
nigli. 

5  Wlien  Jesus  then  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw 
a  great  company  come  unto  him,  he  saith  unto 
Philip,  Wlience  shall  wo  buy  bread,  that  these 
may  eat  ? 


»Ch.  3:ln.  bv^r.  ;M;  1  Thess.  2:6.  Cch.la:43.  d  Rom.  2:10.  e  Rom. 
2:12.  '  Gen.  3:1.5;  2^:18;  Deut.  18:15,  IS;  Acts  2(1:22.  S  Luke  lti:-». 
I>  Mitt.  U:!.';,  etc. ;  Mark  6:34,  etc.  ;  Luko  0:12,  etc.     ■  Num.  11:21,  22; 

40.  Ye  iDill  not  come  to  me ;  notwithstanding  this  evidence 
that  he  was  tlie  Messiah,  they  would  not  receive  him. 

41.  I  receive  not  honor;  it  was  not  liis  object  to  obtain 
human  applause,  but  to  honor  God  and  save  men. 

42.  Have  not  the  love  of  God;  this  was  tlie  reason  why 
they  would  not  embrace  him  as  the  Messiah.  Compare 
chap.  8:42. 

43.  In  my  Father's  name;  bj'  his  appointment,  and  with 
conclusive'  evidence  of  bcin;;  sent  of  him.  In  his  own 
name;  without  being  sent  of  God;  actuated  l:)y  a  worldly 
spirit,  and  promising  thom  tenipor;iI  dominion  and  honor. 
Such  were  the  false  Christs  who  afterwards  appeared,  and 
whom  the  Jews  followed  to  their  destruction. 

44.  Receive  honor;  seek  suiu'omcly  huniiin  applause. 

45.  Do  not  think  that  I;  he  did  not  come  to  condemn 
them,  nor  was  there  any  occasion  that  lie  should  do  so. 
Moics;  he  had  foretold,  heut.  18:1.5-i;i,  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah,  and  the  condemntition  of  tliose  who  sliould  re- 
ject him.  Ilia  writings  therefore,  which  they  professed 
to  follow,  condemned  them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
14.  All  diacascs  are  consequences  of  sin.  Both  the 
sufferings  resulting  from  them,  and  the  experience  of 
relief,  should  therefore  lead  us  to  abhor  :md  forsake  it, 
that  wc  may  thus,  through  faith  in  the  Kedecmor,  escape 
its  endless  consequences. 

23.  As  Jesus  Christ  the  Son  of  God  was  appointed  of 
the  Father  to  be  the  dispenser  of  life  to  men — not  only 
10 


G  And  this -ho  said  to  prove  him:  for  he  himself 
knew  what  he  would  do. 

7  Philip  answered  iiim,  Two  hundred  pennyworth 
of  bread  is  not  sufficient  for  them,  that  every  one 
of  tlicm  may  take  a  little.' 

8  One  of  his  disciples,  Andrew,  Simon  Peter's 
brother,  saith  unto  Iiim, 

9  There  is  a  lad  here,  which  hath  five  barley 
loaves,  and  two  small  fishes :  but  what  are  they 
among  so  many  ? 

10  And  Jesus  said.  Make  the  men  sit  down.  Now 
there  was  much  grass  in  the  place.  So  tiie  men 
sat  down,  in  number  about  five  thousand. 

11  x\nd  Jesus  took  the  loaves ;  and  when  he  had 
given  thanks,  lie  distributed  to  the  disciples,  and 
tlie  disciples  to  them  tliat  were  set  down ;  and  like- 
wise of  the  fishes  as  much  as  tlicy  would. 

12  When  they  were  filled,^  he  said  unto  his  dis- 
ciples. Gather  up  the  fragments  that  remain,  that 
nothing  be  lost." 

13  Therefore  they  gathered  them  together,  and 
filled  twelve  baskets  with  the  fragments  of  the 
five  barley  loaves,  which  remained  over  and  above 
unto  tlicni  tliat  had  eaten. 

14  Tlieu  those  men,  when  they  had  seen  the  mir- 
acle that  Jesus  did,  said.  This  is  of  a  truth  that 
Prophet  that  sliould  come  into  the  world.' 

15  1^  Wlien  Jesus  therefore  perceived  that  they 
would  come  and  take  liim  by  force,  to  make  liim  a 
king,  he  departed  again  into  a  mountain  himself 
alone. 

16  And  wlien  even  was  7iow  come,""  his  disciples 
went  down  unto  the  sea, 

17  And  entered  into  a  ship,  and  went  over  the 
sea  toward  Capernaum.  And  it  was  now  dark, 
and  Jesus  was  not  come  to  them. 

18  And  the  sea  arose  by  reason  of  a  great  wind 
that  blew." 

2  Kings  4:43.  J  Neh.  9:25.  k  Neb.  b:lU.  1  (ien.  40: lU;  Deut.  18:I5-1S. 
m  Matt.  14:23;  Mark  G:47,  etc.     a  I'sa.  107:25. 

to  heal  the  sick,  but  to  raise  the  dead,  and  judge  the  world, 
"that  all  men  should  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they  honor 
the  Father,"  those  who  do  not  thus  honor  him,  but  con- 
tinue to  neglect  the  object  of  his  coming,  will  lose  tho 
benefits  of  his  redemption. 

42.  Tho  reason  why  men  do  not  receive  tho  words  of 
Christ  and  treat  them  as  true,  is,  that  they  do  not  love 
God.  As  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,  they  do  not  love  him. 
and  clioose  not  to  have  him  to  reign  over  them. 

44.  Men  cannot  seek  supremely  human  applause,  and 
iit  the  same  time  seek  that  lienor  which  conies  from  God 
liy  believing  on  his  Son.  They  should  therefore,  without 
hesitation  and  without  delay,  renounce  tho  one,  that  they 
may  secure  tlie  other. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  Over  the  sea  of  Galilee;  to  its  northern  shore.  See 
note  to  Luke  9 :  10. 

2-14.  Five  thousand  fed.  Matt.  14:13-21;  Mark  6:32-44; 
Luke  n:  10-17. 

G.  To  prove  him;  try  him  whether  he  believed  in  tho 
power  ol  Christ  to  supply  them. 

14.  That  Prophet ;  tho  Mcas'ah.     Deut.  18:18. 

1!>.  Make  him  a  Icinp; ;  a  temporal  sovereign,  such  as  they 
expected  their  Messiah  would  be. 

16-21.  Christ  walks  on  the  sea.  Matt.  14:22-33.  Mark 
6:45-53. 

17.  Over  tlic  sea;  to  the  west  side. 

1201 


Chriit  loalkelh  on  the  sea. 


JOHN  VI. 


The  Jews  seek  a  sign. 


19  So  when  tlicy  had  rowed  about  fk-e  and  twen- 
ty or  thirty  furlong?,  they  see  Je^us  walking  on 
the  sea,  and  drawing  nigh  unto  the  ship:  and  thoy 
were  arrai<i. 

20  But  he  saith  unto  them,  It  is  I ;  be  not  afraid.-' 

21  Then  they  willingly  received  him  into  the 
ship:  and  iuiuiodiately  the  ship  was  at  the  land 
whither  they  went. 

22  1  The  day  following,  when  the  people  which 
stood  on  the  other  side  of  the  sea  saw  that  there 
was  none  otiier  boat  there,  save  that  one  where- 
into  ins  disciples  were  entered,  and  that  Jesus 
went  not  witli  iiis  disciples  into  the  boat,  but  f/iaf 
his  disciples  were  gone  away  alone; 

2:]  Howlieit  tliere  came  other  boats  from  Tibe- 
rias nigh  unto  the  place  where  they  did  cat  bread,, 
after  that  the  Lord  had  given  thanks:"* 

24  When  the  ]icoplc  therefore  saw  that  Jesus  was 
not  there,  neither  his  disciples,  they  also  took  ship- 
ping, and  came  to  Capernaum,  seeking  for  Jesus. 

25  And  when  they  had  found  him  on  the  other 
side  of  tiic  sea,  they  said  unto  him,  Rabbi,  when 
earnest  thou  hither? 

26  Jesus  answered  them  and  said.  Verily,  verily, 
I  say  unto  you,  Ye  seek  me,  not  liecause  ye  saw 
the  miracles,  but  because  ye  did  eat  of  the  loaves, 
and  were  filled. 

27  Lalior  not'  for  the  meat  which  perisheth,  l)ut 
for  tliat  ni(';it  which  cndureth  unto  everlasting 
Iili','=  which  the  Hon  of  man  shall  give  unto  you: 
for  him  hath  (lod  the  Father  sealed.'' 

28  Then  said  they  unto  him.  What  shall  we  do, 
that  we  might  work  the  works  of  God  ? 

29  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  This  is 


»  Pa.  15:3;  Isa.  43:1,  2;  Rev.  1:17,  19.  b  vnr.  II.  •  Or,  Work  not. 
t  Jer.  1.5:10;  cli.4;H;  ver.  .54,  .58.  i  I'sa.  2:7;  -lO:-;  Isa.>l2:l;  ch.  b:l^; 
Acts  2:2i;  2  Pet  1:17.  '1  John  3:2.1.  '  Mill.  I2:.3a ;  1  dr.  1  :22.  B  Kxoil. 
lu:15;  Num.   11:7;  1  Cor.  1U:3.     1>  Neh.  9:15;  I'sa.  7S:21,  25.     i  Gal.  4:'l. 

19.  Five  and  twenty  or  thirty  furlongs;  between  three  and 
four  miles. 

22.  0/1  lite  other  side ;  on  the  north  side.  None  other  boat ; 
there  was  no  other  wlien  tlio  di.sciploH  left. 

23.  Tiiere  came  nllier  Itimt^;  from  tlie  west  side  of  the  sea, 
after  tlie  disciples  left. 

24.  Took  sliippins;  boats  that  came  from  Tiberias,  wjiicli 
was  on  tlie  west  side  of  tlie  sea. 

20.  Nut  becau'ie  ye  saw  the  mirndes ;  not  because  ye  were 
attracted  to  me  by  the  revelation  niaih;  in  the  miracles  of 
my  divine  power  and  glory.  Jicrame  ije  did  cat  of  the  loaves ; 
you  seek  from  me  only  earthly  Kood- 

27.  Lahnr  nut  for ;  Victtor,  as  the  margin,  work  not  fur. 
Bestow  not  your  chief  labor  and  anxiety  upon,  ileal  which 
peris'teth  ;  tiiii|iiir!il  blcssiiiKS.  Meat  v'hir.h  cnilurcth  ;  spir- 
itual and  i'tcrM;il  good.  Scaled;  authenticated  as  tlie  true 
Messiiih.  the  giver  of  eternal  life. 

28.  Work  III"  irorki  of  (lod ;  lliey  have  reference  to  the 
cxliortalion  just  given  by  I  lie  Hjiviour,  "  l,;ibiir — for  that 
m"at  which  cndureth."  TItc  works  of  (1ml;  such  as  he 
rc(|iiire<i,  and  such  as  would  secure  the  enduring  good  of 
which  I'hrist  spuke. 

29.  Tilts i.Hlhrviork of  Gofl — hrlieveon  himtehnm  hcli/ith  sent ; 
Christ  is  the  true  bread  from  bcaveii.  To  believe  on  liim 
is  toreccivi!  this  bread,  .and  thus  to  do  what  (!od  rcijiiires. 

:!0.  Whul  sian;  sign  from  heaven  in  adilition  to  what  he 
had  already  shown  in  jiroof  of  the  justness  of  his  claims. 
Comjiare  .M:itt.  12:.TS;  ir,:|.  Like  all  cavillers,  they  de- 
jiiaiid  other  jiroof,  and  different  from  that  which  they  have 
received. 

31.  Our  fatlters  did  eat  manna;  still  thinking  that  JcBUS 
was  speaking  of  the  bread  that  should  nourish  the  body, 
1202 


the  work  of  God,  that  ye  believe  on  him  a.  d.  32. 
whom  he  hath  sent." 

30  1  They  said  therefore  unto  him,  What  sign 
showest  thou  then,  that  we  may  see,  and  believe 
thee?''  what  dost  thou  work? 

31  Our  fathers  ilid  cat  manna  in  the  desert;^  as 
it  is  written,  He  gave  them  bread  from  heaven  to 
eat." 

32  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily,  verily,  I 
say  unto  you,  Moses  gave  you  not  that  bread  from 
heaven  ;  but  my  Father  givclli  you  the  true  bread 
from  heaven.' 

33  For  the  bread  of  (5od  is  he  which  cometh 
down  from  heaven,  and  giveth  life  unto  the  world.J 

3-1:  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Lord,  cverraoro 
give  us  this  bread. 

35  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of 
life:  he  that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger;" 
and  he  that  believclh  on  me  shall  never  thirst.' 

3(5  But  I  said  unto  you,  that  ye  also  have  seen 
me,  and  believe  not,'" 

37  All  that  the  Father  giveth  nie  shall  come  to 
luc;"  and  him  that  cometh  to  me  1  will  in  no  wise 
cast  out," 

38  For  I  came  down  from  heaven,  not  to  do 
mine  own  will,  but  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me.'' 

39  And  this  is  the  Father's  will  which  hath  sent 
me,  that  of  all  which  he  hath  given  me  1  should  lose 
nothing,  butshould  raise  it  up  again  at  the  last  day,'' 

40  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  that 
every  one  which  seeth  the  Son,  and  bclieveth  on 
him,  may  have  everlasting  life:''  and  I  will  raise 
him  up  at  the  last  day.' 

41  The  Jews  then  murmured  at  him,  because  he 


J  ver.  4S,  53. 
|-:(i,  8.  etc.     0  f 


k  Rev.  7:16.     I  ch    4:14;  7:38.      •"  ver.  IM.     »  ver.  45;  cli. 
17;  Ua.  1:18;  5.5:7;  Mall.  ll;-.8;  Luke  21:42,  43; 


I  I  ."t  ui    CIV,.        "    1  nil.    ty^.tl,     t«a.     1  ;  la  ,     tJ-t.  I  ,     I'luvi,.     ....»,     ij.. ....    v<  .  ,m,,    ••<  , 

I  Tim.  1:15,  10;  Rev.  22:17.  P  I'sa.  411:7,8;  ch.  5:3(1.  1  Matt.  1^':I4;  oh. 
ll):a»;  17:12;  18:9;  2  Tim.  2:19.     'ver.  47,  54;  ch.  3:15,  l(i.     •  ch.  11:25. 

they  intimate  that  the  miracle  of  the  manna  in  the  desert, 
Kxod.  Iii:i:!-1H,  was  gre;iter  than  tli;it  which  be  has 
wrought,  ami  that  they  may  reasonably  ask  of  him  a 
higher  sign. 

32.  Moses  save  you  not  that  bread  from  heaven;  it  did  not 
conic  IVoni  the  hoaven  where  (iod  resiilcs,  but  from  the 
Kiitnral  heaven,  and  was  Biinjily  natunil  broad — "the  meat 
which  perishetli.''  The  true  bread  from  heaven;  the  true 
spiritual  linad  that  comes  from  God's  own  iiresence,  and 
feeds  the  soul. 

33.  y/e  which  cnmclh  down  from  heaven;  rattier,  as  tlie 
origiuid  m;iy  be  rendered,  lli;it  wliiilj  enmelh  down  from 
heaven  ;  for  the  .Jews,  as  ;ippe;us  from  the  luilowing  verse, 
did  not  yet  nnderslaiid  iiim  as  spe;iking  of  hiinself, 

St,  Kfcniiure  pive  us  this  brinit;  not  yet  understanding 
its  8]>iri(iial  n;itiire,  bnl  siippnsing  il  to  be  sunie  inir;icu- 
loiis  kind  of  bre;id  tli:il  kIujiiIiI  give  life  l.o  the  liody. 

X>.  lam  the  bicacl  (f  life ;  llie  autiior,  iidini.sher,  ami  suii- 
porter  of  spiritual,  eternal  lifl^  1  hiving  siiuken  uf  the 
i)rcad  from  jjeaveii,  he  now  rej)reKents  himself  iimler  the 
similitude  of  iK';ivcnly  bread  ;  ami  the  eating  of  his  llcsh 
and  drinking  his  blood,  or  s|iiritually  believing  on  him,  as 
essential  to  spiritual  life.  Ncrrr  htinger — never  thirst ;  never 
desire  any  higher  or  niore  satisfying  good. 

3(i.  IMicvc  not;  of  course  they  were  still  unsatisfied, 
and  not  partakers  of  the  gomi  of  which  he  spoke. 

:i7.  finvth  inr;  Isa.  .'•.3:1(1-12;  .John  17:2;  Ki>h.  1:3-12. 
(^oine  to  me;  this  means  the  same  as  he  before  meant  by 
eating  his  fh'sh.or  believing  on  him,  and  as  ho  afterwards 
meant  by  ilrinking  bis  blooil. 

■Irt.  I  will  raise  him  tip;  in  everlasting  life,  lie  would 
thus  do  the  will  and  accom])li8h  the  object  of  the  Father. 


Christ  is  the  bread  of 


JOHN  VI. 


life  to  believers. 


A.  D.32.  said,  I  am  the  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven. 

42  And  they  paid.  Is  not  tliis  Jesus  tlic  son  of 
Joseph,'''  whose  father  and  mother  .we  know?  how 
is  it  then  tliat  he  saith,  I  came  down  from  heaven? 

43  Jesus  therefore  answered  and  said  unto  tliem, 
Murmur  not  among  yourselves. 

44  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  tlie  Father 
which  hath  sent  me  draw  him:''  and  I  will  raise 
him  up  at  the  last  day. 

45  It  is  written  in  the  propliets,  And  they  shall 
be  all  taught  of  God.''  Every  man  therefore  that 
liath  heard,  and  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  com- 
eth  unto  me.'' 

46  Not  that  any  man  hath  seen  the  Father,'=  save 
he  whicli  is  of  God,  he  hath  seen  the  Father.'' 

47  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that  be- 
lieveth  on  me  hath  everlasting  life." 

48  I  am  that  bread  of  life." 

49  Your  fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  wilderness, 
and  are  dead.' 

50  Tills  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down  from 
heaven,  that  a  man  may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die.J 

51  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven :  if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  siiall  live 
for  ever:  and  tlie  bread  that  I  will  give  is  my 
flesh,''  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world.' 

52  The  Jews  tlierefore  strove  among  themselves, 
saying.  How  can  this  man  give  us  Ms  flesh  to  eat?'" 

53  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily,  verily,  I 
say  unto  you,  Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of 
man,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you." 

54  Wlioso  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my 
blood,  hath  eternal  life;  and  I  will  raise  him  up 
at  the  last  day." 


"  Matt.  13:55;  Mark  0:3;  Luke  4:2-.>,  1>  Song  1:4.  '  Isa.  54:13;  Jer- 
31:34;  Mic.  4:2.  d  Matt.  ll:-27.  e  ch.  5:37.  fLuke  10:22.  B  ver.  40. 
1>  vcr.  3:J,  35,  51.  iZech.  1:5.  i  ver.  63.  k  Heb.  10:5,  10,  20.  Ich.  3:10; 
1  JoKn  2:2.     m  ch.  3:9.     ■>  Matt.  26:26,  23.     "  vcr.  40.     P  Psa.  4:7.     q  Lam. 


44.  Can  come;  trust  in  me  as  his  Saviour.  Draw  him; 
by  teaching  him  his  need  of  a  Saviour,  and  leading  him 
to  trust  in  liim  for  salvation. 

45.  In  the  propli£ts ;  Isa.  54:13.  His  doctrine  about  be- 
ing drawn  or  tauglit  of  God  was  not  new,  but  was  the 
same  which  was  taught  in  the  Scriptures,  and  which  they 
ouglit  to  liavc  understood  and  heheved. 

4G.  Nut  that  any  man  hath  seen  tlie  Father;  he  guards 
them  against  the  error  of  su]iposing  that  the  Fatlier 
teaches  men  by  his  personal  visible  jiresence.  lie  teaches 
by  his  word,  his  Sjjirit,  and  Ins  providence  ;  leading  men 
rightly  to  apprehend  and  cordially  to  obey  his  truth.  He 
hath  seen;  the  Saviour  sets  his  ininicdiate  and  full  vision 
of  the  Father  in  contrast  with  the  indirect  kmiwlcdge 
which  mere  men  have  of  him.  His  meaning  is,  tliat  be- 
cause he  has  seen  the  Father,  he  can  teach  men  of  the 
Father. 

50.  Not  die;  the  eating  of  that  bread  will  give  eternal 
life  to  his  soul,  and,  in  the  end,  a  glorious  immortality  to 
his  body  also.     Compare  ver.  ."SO,  40. 

51.  il/(/  flesh,  which  I  will  f^ive  for  the  life  of  the  world;  an 
allusion,  whieli  could  not  be  understood  at  the  time  by 
his  hearers,  to  the  gift  of  his  flesh  on  the  cross  for  the 
salvation  of  the  world. 

52.  Hix  flexh  to  cat;  thoy  meant  litoralfy.  .And  the  true 
answer  to  that  question  was,  he  would  not  in  any  way 
give  them  literally  his  flesh  to  eat.  That  was  not  his 
meaning.  But  by  eating  his  flesh,  he  meant,  believing  on 
him  as  a  Saviour,  and  thus  receiving  spiritual  life  and 
nourishment  from  him. 

53.  Ent  the  flesh — drink  his  blood ;  not  literally  but  spir- 


55  For  my  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is 
drink  indeed." 

56  He  that  eateth  my  flesh,"  and  drinketh  my 
blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him.'' 

57  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent  mo,  and  I  live 
by  the  Father ;  so  he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall 
live  V)y  mo." 

58  This  is  that  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven :  not  as  your  fathers  did  eat  manna,  and 
are  dead:'  he  that  eateth  of  this  bread  shall  live 
iVn-  ever. 

5'.)  These  things  said  he  in  the  synagogue,  as  he 
tauglit  ill  Caiicrnaum. 

60  JIany  tlierefore  of  his  disciples,  when  they 
had  heard  this,  said,  This  is  a  hard  saying;  who 
can  hear  it? 

61  When  Jesus  knew  in  himself  that  his  disci- 
ples murmured  at  it,  he  said  unto  them.  Doth  this 
oficnd  you  ? 

62  What  and  if  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  man  as- 
cend up  where  he  was  before?" 

63  It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth ;"  the  flesh 
profiteth  nothing:  the  words  that  I  speak  unto 
you,  fhcy  are  spirit,  and  they  are  life. 

64  But  there  arc  some  of  you  that  believe  not. 
For  Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning  who  they 
were  tliat  believed  not,  and  who  should  betray 
him." 

65  And  he  said,  Therefore  said  I  unto  you,  that 
no  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  it  were  given 
unto  him  of  my  Father.'' 

60  1  From  that  tiryie  many  of  his  disciples  went 
back.^'  and  walked  no  more  with  him. 

67  Tlien  said  Jesus  unto  the  twelve,  Will  ye  also 
go  away? 


3:24. 

r  ch. 

15:4; 

1  John  3:24; 

4:15 

16.         ! 

1  Oor 

15:22. 

t  ver 

40-51. 

"  Mark  16:1! 

;  ch.C 

:13;  Eph.  4:3 

-10. 

V  2  Cor 

3:6. 

w  Rom 

8:29; 

2  Tim 

2:10. 

I  ver. 

44,  45. 

y  Zepli.  1:0 

Luke  9:62; 

Heb. 

10:3d. 

itually,  as  the  food  and  drink  of  the  soul ;  thus,  by  a  living 
union  with  him  through  faith,  receiving  from  him  forgive- 
ness, sanctification,  and  eternal  life.  The  Saviour  has  in 
mind  the  gift  which  he  is  abolit  to  make  on  the  cross,  of 
his  flesh  and  blood  for  the  life  of  the  world.  The  view 
which  he  here  gives  of  eating  his  flesh  and  drinking  his 
blood,  is  the  same  that  underlies  the  ordinance  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  afterwards  instituted  by  him. 

55.  Meat  indeed — (Irink  indeed ;  I  am  the  giver  and  sns- 
taiuer  of  endless  spiritual  life. 

5G.  Dwelleth  in  me;  has  a  vital,  saving  union  with  me  by 
faith,  .John  15:5  ;  1  Cor.  6: 17  ;  resembling  in  some  respects 
the  union  between  me  and  my  Father.     .John  17:21. 

00.  His  disciples;  disciples  is  here  used  in  a  general 
sense,  for  those  who  attenil('<l  on  his  teaching. 

()2.  What  and  if  ye  shall  see;  are  you  oft'ended  at  the 
honor  which  I  now  claim  as  the  bre;id  of  life  ?  What  will 
you  s;iy,  then,  when  3'ou  see  me  receiving  greater  honor 
than  this,  by  ascending  to  heaven,  whence  I  c;inic? 

C3.  //  is  ihr  Spirit  that  quickcncth ;  it  w;is  the  spiritual. 
not  the  literal  meaning  ot  his  words,  which  would  proflt 
them.  The  literal  eating  of  his  flesh  would  not  benefit 
them.  It  was  only  tlie  spiritu:d  meaning,  understood,  be- 
lieved, and  obeyed,  that  would  be  the  means  of  spiritu;d 
life  to  their  souls.  They  arc  spirit — they  are  life;  they  cou- 
t;iin  spiritual  (bod  iind  life;  for  by  receiving  them,  you 
receive  me. 

(it.  That  believe  not ;  this  shows  that  by  eating  hia  flesh 
he  meant  believing  on  him. 

G5.  Given  unto  him  of  my  Father ;  the  meaning  of  this  is 
the  same  as  his  being  drawn  or  taught  of  God,  ver.  45. 

1203 


Peter  confesseth  Christ. 


JOHN  VII. 


He  reprovdh  his  hrclhr 


68  Then  Simon  Peter  answered  him,  Lord,  to 
whom  shall  we  go?  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal 
life.'' 

69  And  we  believe  and  are  sure  tiiat  thou  art 
tliat  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God." 

70  Jesus  answered  them,  Have  not  I  chosen  you 
twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil  ?" 

71  He  spake  of  Judas  Iscariot  the  son  of  Simon : 
for  he  it  was  that  should  betray  him,  being  one  of 
the  twelve. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Jesus  reproveth  the  ambition  and  boldness  of  his  kinsmen;  10  goeth 
up  from  G-alitee  to  the  feast  of  tabernacles ;  14  teachetli  in  the  tem- 
ple. 40  I'ivers  opinions  of  him  among  the  people.  4.'3  The  Pharisees 
are  angry  that  their  officers  took  him  not,  and  chide  with  Nicodemus 
for  taking  his  part. 

AFTER  these  things  Jesus  walked  in  Galilee : 
for  he  would  not  walk  in  Jewry,  because  the 
Jews  sought  to  kill  him. 

2  Now  the  Jews'  feast  of  tabernacles  was  at 
iiand." 

3  His  brethren  therefore  said  unto  him,  Depart 
hence,  and  go  into  Judca,  that  tiiy  disciples  also 
may  sec  the  works  that  tliou  docst. 

4  For  there  is  no  man  that  docth  any  thing  in 
secret,  and  he  himself  seeketh  to  be  known  opeuly. 
If  thou  do  tliesc  tilings,  show  thyself  to  the  world. 

>  Acw  5:20:  7:38.  b  Matt.  10:16;  ch.  l:S!i);  11:27.  '  ch.  l3:-27.  d  I,r-v. 
83:34.    e. Mark  3:21.    '  ch. 'J:-! ;  8:2;  vor.  S,  30.    «  ch.  15:19.    h  oh.  11:50. 

68.  T/lOu  hast  the  words;  teachest  the  way  of  eternal  life. 

70.  A  devil;  under  the  control  of  Satan,  and  like  him  in 
character. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

6.  God  in  hi.s  providence  docs  many  things  to  prove  his 
people  ;  to  lead  them  to  show  wliat  is  in  their  hearts,  and 
thus  prepare  them  to  renounce  dependence  upon  them- 
selves, and  put  their  trust  in  him. 

12.  However  c;isy  it  is  for  God  to  supply  all  needed 
good,  and  however  much  he  may  give,  he  requires  that 
nopartof  it  be  squandered,  or  sufl'ered  tlirou.^Ii  negUgcnce 
to  be  lost;  but  tliat  all,  by  prudent  care,  should  be  saved 
for  the  benefit  of  tliose  who  need  it. 

26.  Men  often  pay  an  external  regard  to  Christ  and  his 
ordinances,  not  for  tlie  p\irpose  of  honoring  him  and  ob- 
taining spiritual  blessings,  but  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
moting their  worldly  interests,  and  accomplishing  their 
Hellish  ends. 

29.  The  great  work  which  God  requires  of  a  sinner,  and 
that  which  is  essential  to  salvation,  is  to  believe  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Ohrist. 

44.  The  drawing  of  the  Father  mentioned  in  the  Now 
Testament,  and  which  is  needful  to  lead  sinners  to  Christ, 
is  the  same  as  the  teaching  of  the  I'ather  mentioned  in 
the  Old  Testament.  Isa.  .'>4:l.'i;  Micah  4:2.  The  reason 
why  this  ilrawing  or  tearliing  is  neeilful  is,  men  :irc  so 
wicked  that  they  never  will  come  to  Christ  without  it. 

52.  M<n  often  make  objections  to  what  tliey  call  the 
doctrines  of  Christ,  when  in  fact  their  objections  are  not 
against  his  doctrines,  rightly  understood,  but  only  against 
their  own  iiiisconceptions  of  them ;  and  the  ])Utling  of  a 
literal  nie;ining  upon  such  of  his  words  as  were  designed 
to  be  figurative,  and  convey  only  a  spiritual  meaning,  is 
absurd.     John  7:31-:((!. 

63.  The  words  of  Christ  have  a  spiritual  meaning,  and 
it  is  the  right  apprehension  and  cordial  reception  of  this 
meaning  which  is  life-giving  to  the  soul.  Men  naturally 
do  not  receive  this  meaning,  because  such  is  their  wick- 
edness that  they  have  not  spiritual  discernmc:nt.  Hence 
the  propriety  of  praying,  "Open  t'.iou  mine  eyes,  that  I 
may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law;  quicken 
1204 


5  For  neither  did  his  brethren  believe  in  a.  D.32. 
him." 

6  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  My  time  is  not  yet 
come:'  but  your  time  is  always  ready. 

7  The  world  cannot  iiate  you  ■,"  but  me  it  liateth, 
because  I  testify  of  it.  tiiat  the  works  thereof  are 
evil. 

8  Go  ye  up  unto  tliis  feast:  I  go  not  up  yet  unto 
this  feast;  for  my  time  is  not  yet  full  come. 

y  Wlicn  he  had  said  these  words  unto  them,  he 
abode  slili  in  Galilee. 

10  IBut  wlicn  his  brethren  were  gone  up,  liien 
went  he  also  up  unto  the  feast,  not  openly,  but  as 
it  were  in  secret. 

11  Then  the  Jews  sought  him  at  the  feast,''  and 
said,  Wliere  is  he? 

12  And  tiicre  was  much  murmuring  among  the  peo- 
ple concerning  him  :'  for  some  said.  He  is  a  good 
man:  others  said,  Nay;  but  he  dcccivethtJip  people. 

13  Ilowbeit,  no  man  spake  openly  of  him,  for 
fear  of  the  Jews. 

14  1  Now,  about  the  midst  of  the  feast,  Jesus 
went  up  into  the  temple,  and  taught. 

15  And  the  Jews  marvelled,  saying.  How  know- 
eth  this  man  letters,"  having  never  learned  V 

16  Jesus  answered  them,  and  said.  My  doctrine 
is  not  mine,  but  his  tliat  sent  me.'' 

17  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of 

ich.  9:1C.    'Or,  learning.    J  Matt.  13:54.    k  ch.  8:38;  12:49. 

thou  me  according  to  thy  word."    Psa.  119:18,  25;  1  Cor. 
2:14. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1.  Jnrry ;  Judea. 

2.  Fcait  (if  labernacks ;  the  Jews  had  three  great  annual 
feasts:  tlie  feast  of  the  Passover,  the  feast  of  the  I'cnte- 
eost,  and  the  feast  of  Tabernacles.  Dent.  l(i:  1-15.  Tliis 
last  was  held  from  the  fifteenth  to  the  twenty-second  day 

j  of  tlieir  month  Tizri,  wliich  included  a  jiart  of  [September 
i  and  October.     This  w;is  a  seiison  of  special  thanksgiving 
for  the  ingathering  of  the  harvest. 

3.  //(.<  Iircihrni;  or  relatives.  Depart  hence;  from  this 
obscure  iiud  secluded  region,  hito  Judca;  where  was  the 
metropolis  of  the  nation,  and  where  men  that  sought  to 
be  known  were  accustomed  to  resort.  Thy  disciples  also; 
thy  diRcii)les  there. 

4.  A'o  7n(ni  dnetk  niiy  thinp  in  xccrcl;  works  in  a  secluded 
])laee,  removed  from  the  observiUion  of  men.  Jnil  /in  him- 
self scckclh;  tluit  is,  wliilc  he  himself  seeketh.  To  lie  known 
openly;  tliey  upbraid  him  with  acting  inconsistently.  He 
seeks  to  be  known  ojienly  as  the  Son  of  God.  and  yet  he 
keeps  himself  removed  from  pulilic  view.  Thisc  thnips; 
llie  miracles  wliich  he  wrought,  in  proof  of  his  being  the 
Messiah. 

6.  My  time;  his  time  to  go  up  to  the  feast,  and  manifest 
himself  as  the  Messiah.  Your  time  is  always  ready;  yon 
are  in  no  danger  of  iiersecution,  and  can  safely  go  at  any 
time  yon  may  choose. 

7.  The  vnrtd  cnnniil ;  they  luive  no  occasion  to  do  it. 
10.  In  secret ;  privately,  or  in  a  retired  manner. 

12.  Murmuring;  private  imiuiry  and  contention  about 
Jesus. 

15.  Letters;  learning.  Whence  his  learning?  He  has 
never  been  instructed  by  doctors  of  the  law. 

16.  hlitl  mine;  I  come  from  (!od,  and  I  leach  what  In; 
has  commilled  to  me  to  be  taught. 

17.  Will  do  his  will ;  here,  as  ollen  elsewhere,  the  Saviour 
teaches  that  love  and  obedience  towards  the  Patlicr  is  the 
only  true  jireparation  for  undcrstiinding  and  judging 
aright  concerning  the  words  of  the  Son  whom  ho  Las 


Christ  teacheth  in  the  temple. 


JOHN  VII. 


Tlie  Jews  seek  to  take  him. 


A.  D.  32.  the  doctrine,  wlietlier  it  ba  of  God,  or  wheth- 
er I  speak  of  myself.'' 

18  He  that  speaketh  of  himself  seeketh  his  own 
glory :''  but  he  that  seeketh  his  glory  that  sent  him, 
the  same  is  true,  and  no  unrighteousness  is  in  him.*^ 

19  Did  not  Moses  give  you  the  law,"  and  yd 
none  of  you  kecpeth  the  law  ?°  Whv  go  ye  about 
to  kill  me?'' 

20  The  people  answered  and  said.  Thou  hast  a 
devil:"  who  goeth  about  to  kill  thee? 

21  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  I  have 
done  one  work,  and  ye  all  marvel. 

22  Moses  therefore  gave  unto  you  circumcision ;'' 
not  because  it  is  of  Moses,  but  of  the  fathers;'  and 
ye  on  the  sabbath-day  circumcise  a  man. 

23  If  a  man  on  the  sabliath-day  receive  circum- 
cision, that  the  law  of  Moses  should  not  be  bro- 
ken;* are  ye  angry  at  me,  because  I  have  made  a 
man  eveiy  whit  whole  on  the  sabbath-day  ?J 

21  Judge  not  according  to  the  appearance,  but 
judge  righteous  judgment." 

25  Then  said  some  of  them  of  Jerusalem,  Is  not 
this  he  whom  they  seek  to  kill  ? 

26  But  lo,  he  speaketh  boldly,  and  they  say 
nothing  unto  him.  Do  the  rulers  know  indeed 
that  this  is  the  very  Christ?' 

27  Howbeit,  we  know  this  man,  whence  ho  is:"' 
but  when  Christ  cometh,  no  man  knoweth  whence 
he  is. 

28  Then  cried  Jesus  in  the  temple,  as  he  taught, 
saying,  Ye  both  know  me,  and  ye  know  whence  1 
am:  and  1  am  not  come  of  myself,"  but  he  that 
sent  me  is  true,"  whom  ye  know  not.P 

iiCh.8:43.  b  oh.  8:50.  c  Pmv.  •i'l:  27.  d  John  1 :17 ;  Gal.  3:19.  e  Rom. 
3:10-19.  <  Matt.  1-2:14;  ch.  .5:16,  Id.  e  ch.  t<:4!^.  h  Lev.  l-j:3.  i  Gen. 
17:10.  *  Or,  witkoiit  bTCaldng  the  taw  of  Mosex.  J  ch.  5:8.  k  Deut. 
1:10,17.  1  ver.  4d.  m  Mitt.  l:i:55.  "ch.  5:43.  o  Horn.  3:4.  Pch.  1:1.'*; 
h:55.     q  Mitt.  11:27;    ch.  10:15.     r  Mark  11:1.S;-  Luke  20:19;   ch.  8:37, 

sent.     Of  mynelf;  of  nij'self  alone,  without  the  direction 
of  the  Fatlier, 

18.  Of  himself ;  this  does  not  mean  speakin.a;  about  him- 
self, or  liy  his  own  power,  but  speaking  independently  of 
any  eoniniission  or  authority  from  God.  A  false  teacher, 
not  sent  from  God,  would  seek  his  own  private  ends, 
Christ  was  sent  by  the  Father,  sought  his  glory,  and  his 
testimony  was  true. 

19.  W/nj  go  ije  about  to  kill  mc?  under  the  pretence  that 
I  have  broken  the  law  of  Moses  respecting  the  Sabbath, 
chap.  5 : 8,  while  you  yourselves  are  continually  violating 
that  law. 

20.  Hast  a  devil;  art  influenced  bj'  an  evil  spirit. 

21.  Done  one  work;  cnred  ;i  man  on  the  Sabliath.  Chap. 
5:8.  Ye  all  marvel ;  because  he  had  done  such  a  work,  as 
if  it  were  a  violation  of  lioly  time. 

22.  Mnne.i  therefore  gave  unto  you  circumcision ;  he  enjoined 
it,  thongh  it  did  not  originate  with  him.  It  was  appointed 
of  God,  ;in(l  was  practised  from  the  days  of  Abraham.  Ye 
on  the  Snhhath-ilai/  circumcise;  this  required  more  lalior  on 
the  Salihath  than  he  performed  in  healing  a  man;  and  as 
tliey  justified  (he  one,  they  ought  not  to  condemn  the 
other. 

24.  According  to  the  appearance;  according  to  the  out- 
ward letter  of  an  act.  lie  still  refers  to  the  charge  of 
breaking  the  Sabbath.  Judged  by  the  outward  letter, 
the  circiinicising  or  healing  of  a  man  on  the  Sabbath 
might  seem  to  be  Sabbalh-breiiking.  But  judged  accord- 
ing to  trntli,  neither  act  was  such. 

2".  We  know  thii  man;  his  jiarentage  and  place  of  birth. 
No  mini  knoweth  whence  he  is ;  the  Jews  knew  that  the  Mes- 
siah slioiild  be  a  descendant  of  David,  and  born  in  Hc^thle- 
hem,  Matt.  2 :!-(;.     But  they  had  an  idea  that,  before  his 


29  But  I  know  him ;  for  I  am  from  him,  and  he 
hath  sent  me.'' 

30  Then  they  sought  to  take  him :  but  no  man 
laid  hands  on  him,  because  his  hour  was  not  yet 
come.'' 

31  And  many  of  the  people  believed  on  him,"  and 
said.  When  Christ  cometh,  will  he  do  more  mira- 
cles than  these  which  tiiis  7nan  hath  done  ? 

32  The  Pharisees  heard  that  the  people  murmur- 
ed such  things  concerning  him;  and  the  Pharisees 
and  the  chief  priests  sent  ofiicers  to  take  him. 

33  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them.  Yet  a  little  while 
am  I  with  you,  and  then  I  go  unto  him  that  sent 
me.' 

34  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  shall  not  find  me:  and 
where  I  am,  thither  ye  cannot  come." 

35  Then  said  the  Jews  among  themselves,  Whith- 
er will  he  go,  that  we  shall  not  find  him?  will  he 
go  unto  the  dispersed  among  the  Gentiles,*^  and 
teach  the  Gentiles? 

36  What  manner  o/"  saying  is  this  that  he  said, 
Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  shall  not  find  jne:  and 
whore  I  am,  thither  ye  cannot  come? 

37  In  the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the  feast,'" 
Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying.  If  any  man  thirst, 
let  him  come  unto  me,  and  drink. ^ 

38  He  that  believcth  on  me,  as  the  scripture  hath 
said,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of  living 
water. ^ 

39  But  this  spake  ho  of  the  Spirit,^  which  they 
that  believe  on  him  should  receive :  for  the  Holy 
Ghost  was  not  yet  given;  because  that  Jesus  was 
not  yet  glorified. 

•  ch,  4:39.  t  ch.  13:33 ;  10;  10.  u  Hos.  5:0;  ch.  8:21.  t  Or,  Greets,  v  Isi. 
11:12;  Jas.  1:1;  1  Pet.  1:1.  w  Lev.  2):.30.  x  Isa.  55:2;  Rev.  22:17. 
y  Prov.  18:4;  Isl.  58;11;  ch.  4:14.  z  Isa.  44:3;  Joel  2:28;  ch.  10:7;  Acts 
2:17,  a3. 


manifestation  as  king  of  Israel,  he  would  hide  himself,  and 
then  suddenly  appear  from  an  unknown  quarter.  Com- 
pare Mah  :i:l;  Matt,  24:26. 

28.  Ye  both  know  me — know  whence  I  am ;  some  under- 
stand the  Saviour  as  upbraiding  the  Jews  for  their  wilful 
rejection  of  him,  as  much  as  to  say.  You  know  from  my 
works  who  I  am,  and  who  has  sent  me.  Compare  chaji. 
3:2;  12:42.  Others  suppose  that  he  concedes  to  them  a 
merely  earthly  knowledge  of  himself,  as  if  he  had  said, 
Ye  do  indeed  know  me  as  a  man,  and  whence  I  am;  and 
yet  I  have  a  higher  origin,  being  sent  from  the  Father. 
Whom  ye  know  not;  though  they  had  tlie  Scriptures,  they 
had  no  true  knowledge  of  God,  and  this  was  the  reason 
why  they  did  not  know  his  Son.  Compare  chap.  8:19; 
1G:3;  17:3. 

30.  His  liour  ivas  not  yet  come;  his  time  lo  be  taken  and 
slain. 

:U.  Ye  shall  seek  me;  in  the  days  of  your  distress  you 
shall  in  vain  seek  the  Messiah,  who  has  been  among  you 
and  been  r(\jcctcd  by  you.  Where  I  nm;  that  is,  in  God's 
liresenee ;  lint  to  them  the  saying  was  unintelligible. 

37.  The  last  day;  the  closing  d;iy  of  the  feast.  On  this 
da)',  water  from  the  pool  of  Silo;ini  was  carried  with  gre.at 
S(denuiily  and  jionred  out  on  the  altar.  Thirst;  not  liter- 
ally, but"  spiritually — thirst  in  soul  for  satisfying  enjoy- 
ment. 

38.  Rivers  of  living  water;  a  living  foimtain  shall  bo 
opened  within  him,  whence  shall  flow  streams  refreshing 
his  own  soul  and  the  souls  of  others.  Compare  chap. 
4:14. 

39.  Not  yet  given;  not  so  fully  and  abundantly  given  as 
Christ  foretold  that  ho  woukl  be,  and  as  he  afterwards 
was. 

1205 


Divers  opinians  of  Clirisl. 


JOIIX  VIII. 


The  adult erous  wouliv. 


•10  •"  Many  of  the  people  tlicreforc,  wlien  they 
heard  this  t-aying,  said,  Of  a  truth  tliis  is  the 
Propliet." 

41  Others  said,  This  is  the  Christ."  But  some 
said,  Shall  Christ  come  out  of  Galilee?"^ 

42  Ilatli  not  the  scripture  said,  That  Christ  com- 
cth  of  the  seed  of  David;'  and  out  of  the  town  of 
Bethlehem,'^  where  David  was?' 

43  So  there  was  a  division  among  the  people 
because  of  him. 

44  And  some  of  tliem  would  have  taken  him; 
but  no  man  laid  hands  on  hiui. 

45  1  Tlicn  came  the  officers  to  the  cliief  priests 
and  Pliarisces;  and  they  said  unto  them,  Why 
have  ye  not  broua'lit  liiin? 

4C  the  officers  answered.  Never  man  spake  like 
this  man.'"' 

47  Then  answered  them  the  Pliarisecs,  Arc  yc 
also  deceived  ? 

48  Have  any  of  the  rulers  or  of  the  Pharisees 
believed  on  him?'' 

49  But  this  people  wiio  knowcth  not  the  law  are 
cursed. 

.50  Nicodomns  saitii  unto  tliem,  (he  that  came  to 
Jesus"  by  night,  being  one  of  them,') 

51  Dotli  our  law  judge  any  man  before  it  hear 
him,  and  know  what  he  doeth '!' 

52  They  answered  and  said  unio  him.  Art  thou 
also  of  Galilee?  Search,  and  look:  for  out  of 
Galilee  ariseth  no  prophet." 

53  And  every  man  went  unto  his  own  house. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Christ  (Ulivereth  the  woman  tivki-n  in  adullery.  I'i  llu  prrachcth 
himself  the  light  of  the  worlJ.  .and  justilieth  his  doclrine;  3'i  nnswer- 
eth  the  JeM's  that  boastcJ  of  Abraham,  .09  and  conveyeth  himself  from 
their  cruelty. 

JESUS  went  unto  the  mount  of  Olives. 
2  And  early  in  tiie  morning  he  came  again 

•  Dent.  IS:  IS,  is;  ch.  0:14.  b  ch.  4:Ji|  «:n9  <■„,,.  l:|G;  vcr.  5i.  d  Fia. 
132:11  ;  Jer  '^3:5.  •  .Mic.  .0:3;  I,uke2:4.  '  I  Sam.  l(i:l,4.  «  Luke  4:  '■i. 
I>  Jer.  3:4,  .5;  ch.  li:l'i;  1  Cor  1:-Jli.    •  dr.  10  him.    i  ch.  3:\i.    j  Deut.  IT:.-?; 

40.  Tiie  Prophet;  the  proplict  wlio  tliey  thought  would 
precede  the  >le.s8iah.     Chap.  1:21;  .Matt.  l(i:H. 

42.  Of  the  seed  of  Daviil — the  Inwn  if  liethlehem  ;  all  this 
was  fullilled  in  .Jesus  of  Nazaretli ;  but  from  the  neglect 
of  careful  inquiry,  they  remained  ignorant  of  the  fact. 

49.  Thispcnplc;  the  common  pcojili;,  to  whom  the  Phar- 
isees imputefl  criminal  ignorance  of  the  Scriptures. 

50.  One  (f  them ;  one  of  the  great  council,  or  rulers  of 
the  Jewish  nation.     ('Iiaj).  3:2. 

52.  Of  (Idlilcc;  this  was  an  expression  of  contempt,  as 
Galilee  was  a  dcKpisi  d  country.  They  knew  tliat  Nicodc- 
mu8  was  not  from  (Jalilee,  but  they  meant  to  reproach  him 
for  favoring  a  Galilean. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

5.  The  teaching  and  example  of  the  holiest  man  on  earth 
will  not,  without  the  grace  of  God,  lead  even  his  relatives 
to  believe  in  Christ  and  live. 

17.  All  men  who  have  the  I?ible  may  know  whether  it 
is  from  (!od,  and  whelhcr  its  doctrines  are  true.  If  they 
do  not  know,  it  is  because  they  do  not  love  and  obey  God, 
and  it  is  wholly  their  own  fault. 

28.  An  aflirrnation  of  the  liible  may  be  true  in  one  sense, 
and  not  true  in  another.  In  order,  therefore,  rightly  to 
treat  it,  we  must  understand  the  sense  in  which  a  decla- 
ration is  made,  and  in  that  sense,  on  the  authority  of  God, 
nnist  receive  it. 

3S.  No  man  is  at  liberty  to  interpret  the  words  of  Christ 
in  a  literal  sense,  when  such  interpretation  is  shown  by 
the  aenscs  of  men  to  be  false. 
1206 


into  the  temple,  and  all  the  people  came  a. d.si 
unto  him ;  and  he  sat  down,  and  taught  them. 

3  And  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  brought  unto 
him  a  woman  taken  in  adultery ;  and  when  tlu^y 
had  set  her  in  the  midst, 

4  They  say  unto  him,  Master,  this  woman  was  . 
taken  in  adultery,  in  the  very  act. 

5  Now  jMoses  in  the  law  commanded  us,  that 
such  should  be  stoned:'  but  what  saycst  thou? 

6  This  they  said,  tempting  him,  that  they  might 
have  to  accuse  him.  But  Jesus  stooped  down,  and 
with  his  finger  wrote  on  the  ground,  as  though  he 
heard  I  hem  not. 

7  So  wlien  they  continued  asking  him,  he  lifted 
up  himself,  and  said  unto  them.  He  that  is  without 
sin  among  you,  let  him  first  cast  a  stone  at  her.'" 

8  And  again  he  stooped  down,  and  wrote  on  the 
ground. 

9  And  they  which  heard  (7,  Leing  convicted  by 
their  oun  conscience,  wont  out  one  by  one,  begin- 
ning at  the  eldest,  f?'f?i  unto  the  last :  and  Jesus  was 
left  alone,  and  the  woman  standing  in  the  midst. 

10  When  Jesus  had  lifted  up  hiin.sclf,  and  saw 
none  but  the  woman,  he  said  unto  her,  Woman, 
where  are  those  tiiine  accusers?  hath  no  man  con- 
demned thee? 

11  She  said,  No  man.  Lord.  And  Jesus  said  unto 
her.Nei  tlicr  do  I  coiulemn  thee:"  go.and  sin  no  more." 

12  1  Then  s])ake  .Icsns  again  unto  them,  saying, 
I  am  the  light  of  the  world:''  he  that  followetli 
me  shall  not  w.-ilk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the 
light  of  life." 

13  The  Pharisees  therefore  said  unto  him,  Thou 
bearest  record  of  thyself;  thy  record  is  not  true.'' 

14  Jesus  answered"  and  said  unto  them.  Though 
I  bear  record  of  myself,  yet  my  record  is  true:  for 
I  know  whence  I  came,  and  whither  I  go;  but  ye 
cannot  tell  whence  1  come,  and  whither  I  go." 


I'rov 

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3:  IT. 

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Pch. 

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«:5. 

1 

ch 

IS: 

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4(i. 

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a:3l. 

•  oh. 

7:« 

9:-XI, 

3«. 

49.  Tyrannical  teachers  and  rulers  fear  the  elevation 
and  influence  of  the  connuon  people.  They  wi.sh  to  keep 
tlicm  in  ignorance,  and  are  often  opposed  even  to  their 
reading  the  liible,  an<l  judging  of  its  meaning.  Tliey  would 
themselves  do  the  reading  and  judging,  as  well  as  the 
governing.  If  others  \nider1ake  to  exercise  then-  inalien- 
able riglits,  they  are  filled  with  wrath,  and  ready  to  pro- 
nounce them  accursed,  lint  such  curses  will  rebound  on 
their  authors.     I'sa.  1U9:17. 

CHAi'TER    VI I  J. 

I.  Mount  nfOlivft;  Matt.  22:1. 

5.  Mnsra  in  the  lav;  Lev.  20:10. 

6.  Temptinphim  ;  should  ho  decide  that  she  ouglit  to  bo 
put  to  ihath,  they  would  accuse  him  of  assuming  judicial 
authority,  and  shuuld  ho  decide  the  other  way,  they  would 
accuse  him  of  being  opposed  to  Moses.  On  the  f^ronnd; 
the  words  which  follow  in  italics,  not  being  in  the  original, 
might  have  been  omitted. 

7.  Ul  him  first;  Dent.  17:7. 

10.  fiiiw  mine;  none  of  her  accusers.  CnruUmned  tliec; 
passed  upon  thee  a  judicial  sentence  of  condemnation. 

II.  Neither  dn  I;  1  do  not  exercise  this  prerogative  of 
the  civil  magiKtrate. 

12.  Light  of  life  ;  that  knowledge  of  (iod  which  is  life  to 
the  soul.     Chap.  1:4-9. 

i:i.  Of  thyself ;  concerning  thyself.  You  testify  in  your 
own  case. 

M.  Though  I  bear  record  nf  m ysdf—my  record  is  tnte;  ha 


Christ  the  light  of  the  world, 


JOHN  viir. 


and  lliC  Son  of  Gcd. 


A. D. S2.    15  Yc  judge  after  the  flesh;  I  judge  no 
man." 

IG  And  yet  if  I  judge,  mj' judgment  is  true :"  for 
I  am  not  alone,  but  I  and  the  Father  that  sent 
me.'= 

17  It  is  also  written  in  your  law,  that  the  testi- 
mouy  of  two  men  is  true.'' 

18  I  am  one  that  bear  witness  of  myself  and  the 
Father  that  sent  me  beareth  witness  of  me." 

19  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Where  is  thy  Fa- 
thof  ?  Jesus  answered.  Ye  neither  know  me,  nor 
my  Father  r*^  if  yc  had  known  me,  ya  should  have 
known  my  Father  also.- 

20  These  words  spake  Jesus  in  the  treasury,''  as 
he  taught  in  tlie  temple:  and  no  man  laid  hands 
on  him  ;  for  his  hour  was  not  yet  come.' 

21  Then  said  Jesus  again  unto  theui,  I  go  my 
way,  and  ye  shall  seek  me,J  and  shall  die  in  your 
sins:"^  whither  I  go,  j'e  cannot  come.' 

22  Then  said  the  Jews,  Will  he  kill  himself?  be- 
cause he  saitli.  Whither  I  go,  ye  cannot  come. 

23  And  ho  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  from  beneath  ; 
I  am  from  above:  ye  are  of  this  Avorld ;  I  am  not 
of  this  world. 

24  I  said  therefore  unto  you,  that  ye  shall  die  in 
your  sins:'"  for  if  yc  believe  not  that  I  am  he,  ye 
shall  die  in  your  sins." 

25  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Who  art  tlion?  And 
Jesus  saith  unto  Ihem,  Even  the  same  that  I  said 
unto  vou  from  the  bcii'inning. 


a  CU.  3;17|  li:  17.  t  I  Sam.  10:7;  Psi.  45:6,  7;  72:2.  «  ver.  M;  ch. 
16:32.  il  Deut.  17:6;  19:13.  o  oh.  .'i::)7.  '  ver.  .I-t:  ch.  r6:3;  17:-2o.  Sch. 
11:7,9.  h  Markl->:'11.  ich.7:.10.  j  ch.  7:  «  k  Job  •,'U:!1  ;  Psa,  7:!:1.---.'U; 
Pro».  U:.!-J;  Isi.  fi5:-iO;  Eph.  a:l.    1  Luke  lC:-i6.    m  ver.  21.    n  Mirk  Hi:  16. 


had  before  said,  "  If  I  bear  witness  of  myself,  my  witness 
is  not  true,"  chap.  5:31 ;  but  tliere  lie  was  speaking  of  the 
valiilily  of  testimony  accordinj,'  to  tlie  linnian  rule  of  try- 
ing it.  Here,  on  tlie  contrar_y.  he  speaks  of  the  quality  of 
his  own  testimony  from  the  high  consciousness  of  his 
divine  nature  and  mission.  I  know  whence  I  came — wliither 
I  go;  I  know  that  I  come  from  the  Father  and  return 
again  to  him ;  therefore  I  know  that  my  testimony  of  him 
is  true.  Ye  cannot  tell;  more  literally.  Ye  know  not,  as  in 
the  first  part  of  the  verse.  As  the  Jews  did  not  under- 
stand his  divine  nature  and  mission,  they  were  not  qualified 
to  judge  of  his  testimony. 

1.1.  After  the  Jlcah ;  according  to  outward  appearances, 
under  tlie  power  of  prejudice,  with  selfisli  motives  and 
worldly  ends.     JVo  man;  chap.  .■!:  17  ;   12:47. 

IG.  /  am  not  alone;  in  my  judgment.  The  Father  is 
always  united  willi  me  in  it.     Comiiare  chap.  .5:30. 

17.  The  teal  nnonij  if  tiro  men.  is  true;  Deut.  ]7:U;  19:1.'). 
Compare  Matt.  IS:  IG.  He  now  returns  to  the  humau  rule 
of  trying  testimony. 

IS.  /  nni  one  that  beareth  witness — the  Father  that  sent  me 
bearctk  witness;  his  case  is  like  that  of  an  ambassador  fully 
accredited  by  him  who  sends  him.  The  testimony  of  such 
an  ambassador  is  valid  according  to  the  human  rule  of 
judgment. 

I'J.  If  i/e  had  known  me — known  mij  Father  also ;  the  union 
between  him  and  his  Father  was  sucli,  that  to  know  tile 
one  was  also  to  know  the  other.     Compare  chap.  11:9,  10. 

20.  Tlic  Ireasurij;  the  apartment  in  wliich  was  kept  the 
money  for  the  support  of  the  temple  service.  Uis  hour; 
clia]).  7:30. 

21.  Mij  wall;  chap.  7:33. 

23.  From  beneath;  earthly  and  sensual.  From  above; 
heavenly  and  divine. 

24.  lam  he;  the  .Messiah. 

26.  Manij  things;  he  might  say  much  more,  but  he  con- 
fined himself  to  those  things  which  would  bo  useful,  and 
which  he  was  commissioued  of  the  Father  to  declare. 


26  I  have  many  things  to  say  and  to  judge  of 
you:  but  he  that  sent  me  is  true;"  and  I  spenk  to 
the  world  those  things  which  I  have  heard  of  him. 

27  They  understood  not  that  he  spake  to  them 
of  the  Father. 

28  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them.  When  ye  have 
lifted  up  the  Son  of  man,''  then  shall  ye  know  tliat 
I  am  he,  and  that  I  do  nothing  of  myself;  but  as 
my  Father  hath  taught  me,  1  speak  these  things. 

29  And  he  that  sent  me  is  with  me:  the  Father 
hath  not  left  me  alone ;  for  I  do  always  those 
things  that  plense  him. 

30  As  he  spake  these  words,  many  believed  on 
him.i 

31  1  Then  said  Jesus  to  those  Jews  wliicli  believ- 
ed on  him,  If  ye  continue  in  my  word,  thin  are  ye 
my  disciples  indeed;"' 

32  And  yc  shall  know  the  truth/'  and  the  truth 
shall  make  you  free.' 

33  They  answered  him.  We  be  Abraham's  seed, 
and  were  never  in  Iiondage  to  any  man  :"  how  say- 
est  thou.  Ye  shall  be  made  free? 

31  Jesus  answered  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  you,  Whosoever  committeth  sin  is  the  servant 
of  sin.*' 

35  And  the  servant  abideth  not  in  the  house  for 
ever:"'  but  the  Son  abideth  ever. 

36  If  the  Son  therefore  shall  make  you  free,"  yo 
shall  lie  free  indeed.^ 

37  I  know  that  ye  are  Abraham's  seed ;  but  ye 


■  ch.  7:28.  P  oh.  3:14;  12::|-2.  q  ch.  1(1:42.  r  Rom.  2:7;  Ool.  1  :::3;  Heb. 
Il::i,--,  .39.  »  llos.  U:3.  t  Pal.  llil;43;  ch.  17:17;  Roiii.  li:U,  I",  22;  Ja'. 
:2:5;  2:12.  "  Lev.  2.3:42.  v  Rom.  6:16,  20;  2  i'et.  2:19.  "  Gal.  4:3U. 
:l3a.6l:l.     y  Rom.  S:2;  Gal.  5:1. 


28.  Lftedupthe  Son  of  man;  upon  the  cross.  Another 
of  the  obscure  hints  wliich  the  Saviour  was  in  the  habit 
of  giving  concerning  the  manner  of  his  approaching  death 
and  its  mighty  results.  The  Jews  raised  liiin  upon  the 
cross  to  destroy  him  ;  but  God  made  this  the  way  of  rais- 
ing him  to  universal  dominion.  Compare  cha]i.  12:32. 
Nothing  of  myself ;  nothing  in  opposition  to,  but  all  things 
in  accordance  with  the  appointment  and  will  of  the  Father. 

31.  Continue  in  my  word;  continue  to  believe  my  decla- 
rations and  obey  my  commands.  Disciples  indeed;  true 
disciples. 

32.  Shall  make  you  free ;  under  the  idea  of  freedom,  our 
Lord  includes  two  tilings  :  first,  deliverance  from  the  do- 
minion of  sill ;  secondly,  the  condition  of  sonsliip  as  con- 
tr;isted  with  that  of  servants.  Both  of  these  he  explains 
in  tlie  fiillowing  verses. 

33.  Abralutm's  seed ;  and  therefore  not  servants,  but  free- 
men. Were  netter  in  bondage;  they  probably  refer,  not  to 
their  national  servitudes,  which  were  iiolorious  to  all;  but 
to  the  civil  freedom  secured  to  Abraluim's  seed  by  tho 
law  of  Moses.  According  to  this,  a  Hebrew  could  not  be 
reduced  to  tho  condition  of  a  boml-servant.  Lev.  2.')::!9-46. 

3").  Abnielh  not;  not  perm;uiently ;  he  is  liable  iit  any  time 
to  be  dismissed.  Abideth  ever;  lie  has  a  permanent  resi- 
dence, and  is  heir  to  the  estate.  The  son  is  here,  first,  tho 
Hon  of  God,  who  dwells  with  tho  Father,  and  is  "heir  of 
all  things."  lleb.  1:2:  secondly,  every  one  whom  the  Son 
of  (Jod  makes  one  with  himself  by  faith,  and  (bus  makes 
him  a  child  of  God,  and  !i  joint-heir  with  himself  to  the 
heavenly  inheritance.     Kom.  S:17. 

3G.  Ifihe  Son;  the  Son  of  God.wdio  iibides  in  his  Father's 
hoii.se  lor  ever,  and  to  whom  he  h;is  cnnimitted  all  power 
over  it.  Free  indeed;  for  ye  shall  not  only  be  delivered 
from  the  bondiige  of  sin  and  its  punishment,  but  made 
sons  of  God  with  and  through  Clirist.  ;iiid  have  an  ever- 
lasting home  with  him  in  his  Father's  house. 

37.  Abraham's  seed;  literally  they  were,  but  not  sjiiritn- 
ally,  not  in  the  sense  in  which  the  promises  to  him  were 

1201 


Christ  refutelh  the  Jews, 


JOll^  VIIL 


and  avoidelh  llmr  malice. 


seek  to  kill  iiie,  because  m)-  word  hath  no  place  in 
you. 

38  I  speak  that  which  I  have  seen  with  my  Fa- 
ther:'' and  ye  do  that  which  ye  liave  seen  with 
your  father. 

39  They  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Abraham 
is  our  father.''  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  If  ye  were 
Abraham's  children,  ye  would  do  the  works  of 
Abraham."^ 

40  But  now  ye  seek  to  kill  me.  a  nuui  that  hath 
told  you  tiie  truth,  which  1  have  heard  of  God: 
this  did  not  Abraham.'' 

41  Ye  do  the  deeds  of  your  father.  Then  said 
they  to  him.  We  be  not  born  of  fornication;  we 
have  one  Father,  even  God.'' 

42  Jesus  said  unto  them.  If  God  were  your  Fa- 
ther, ye  would  love  me  :'^  for  I  proceeded  forth  and 
came  from  God;  neither  came  I  of  myself,  but  he 
sent  me.''' 

43  Why  do  ye  not  understand  my  speech?  even 
because  ye  cannot  hear  my  word.'' 

44  Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil."  and  the  lusts 
of  your  father  ye  will  do.  He  was  a  murderer 
from  the  beginning,  and  abode  not  in  the  truth,^ 
because  there  is  no  truth  in  him.  When  he  speak- 
cth  a  lie,  he  speaketh  of  his  own:  for  he  is  a  liar, 
and  the  father  of  it. 

4.5  Atid  because  I  tell  you  the  truth,  ye  believe 
me  not." 

46  Which  of  you  convinceth  me  of  sin?'  And 
if  I  say  the  truth,  why  do  ye  not  believe  me? 

47  He  that  is  of  God  heareth  God's  words:  yc 
therefore  hear  tliem  not,  because  ye  are  not  of  God. 

•  Cli.  11:10,21.  bMatt..T:9.  c  R„m.  S:3S.  29;  9:7;  Gal.  3:7,  29.  J  Rom. 
4:12,  f  Isa  0:J:16;  W:S.  '  Mai.  1 :0;  1  John  .5:1.  ech.  17:8,25.  h  I,a. 
0:9.     1  .Matt.  13:38;  IJohn  3:S.     J  Jude  6.     k  Gal.  4:10;  2  TheK.  2:10. 


marlo.    Gen.  12:3;  18:18;  22:18;  Oal.  3:14, 1()-18,  29.    Mij 
word  liallt  no  place  ;  they  would  not  receive  his  trutli. 

38.  S-<;ii  Willi  my  Fatlier ;  wli.it  is  in  ;iecorfl;ince  with  the 
will  of Ool  the  l-'iither.      Y our fiitlur ;  ver.  14. 

39.  Jf  ijc  w^re  Abraham's  diildren ;  if  ye  were  like  him  in 
faitli  an  1  practicR. 

41.  We  be  not  born  of  fornirntion ;  perceiving  that  .Ii'sus 
uses  the  word  father  in  a  spiritual  sense,  they  reply  thai 
they  are  no  spurious  race  sprung  from  idolaters,  \mi  are 
the  true  children  of  fiod,  since  they  and  their  f;ilhers  have 
worshipjjed  him  only.  Willi  the  Hebrews,  idolatry'  was 
Bpiritciil  fornication. 

43.  Mijxpter.h;  niy  manner  of  discourse  and  its  true  mean- 
ing. Ciinnot  liear  7n y  word ;  that  is,  my  doctrine.  The  rea- 
son why  they  couhl  not  was  the  perverse  state  of  their 
hearts,  as  is  t;iught  in  the  ne.xt  verse. 

41.  The  lii'il.'i  of  your  fiitlter ;  they  would  comply  with  his 
wishes  in  seeking  to  ninrditr  Christ.  A  murderer  from  lite 
beginning;  the  first  work  of  the  devil  on  caiih  was  to 
seduce  our  first  parents  into  sin,  whereliy  they  iind  all 
their  posterity  were  made  siiliject  to  death.  In  this  he 
was  b  )th  a  murderer  and  a  liar.  Tlve  father  <f  il ;  he 
uttered  the  first  lie  in  Eden. 

46.  Convinceth  me  nf  sin;  convictcth  me  of  falsehood,  or 
any  thing  wrong. 

47.  lie  tltal  is  nf  God;  that  loves  liiin,  and  is  like  hini  in 
spirit. 

48.  A  Simaritan  ;  to  a  .lew  one  of  the  most  opprobrious 
epithets  that  could  be  used.  The  Samaritans  were  greatly 
hated  and  despised  as  heretics  and  schismatics. 

.50.  One  llinl  si-rkeili  find  jiulgelh ;  the  Father  would  honor 
him,  and  condemn  them. 

51.  Never  see  death ;  spiritual  and  eternal  death ;  not  per- 
ish in  bis  sins. 

1208 


48  IT  Then  answered  the  Jews,  and  said  a  d.  32. 
unto  him.  Say  we  not  well  that  thou  art  a  Samar- 
itan, and  hast  a  devil  ?'" 

4y  Jesus  answered,  I  have  not  a  devil;  but  I 
honor  my  Father,  and  ye  do  dishonor  me. 

50  And  1  seek  not  mine  own  glory:"  there  is  one 
that  sceketh  and  juilgetli. 

51  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  If  a  man  keep 
my  saying,  he  shall  never  sec  deatli. 

52  Then  said  the  Jews  unto  him,  Now  we  know 
that  thou  hast  a  devil.  Abraham  is  dead,  and.the 
prophets;"  and  thou  saycst,  If  a  man  keep  my  sa)-- 
ing,  he  shall  never  taste  of  death. 

53  Art  thou  greater  than  our  father  Aljraham, 
which  is  dead  ?  and  the  prophets  are  dead:  whom 
makest  thou  thyself? 

54  Jesus  answered.  If  I  honor  myself,  my  honor 
is  nothing:''  it  is  my  Father  that  lionoreih  me;'' 
of  whom  yc  say,  that  he  is  your  God  : 

55  Yet  ye  have  not  known  him  ;  but  1  know 
him :  and  if  I  should  say,  1  know  him  not,  1  shall 
be  a  liar  like  unto  you  :  but  1  know  him.  and  keep 
his  saying. 

56  Your  father  Abraham  rejoiced  to  see  my  day : 
and  he  .saw  it.^  and  was  glad. 

57  Then  said  the  Jews  unto  him.  Thou  art  not 
yet  fifty  years  old,  and  hast  thou  seen  Abraham  ? 

58  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Verily,  verily,  1  say 
unto  yon,  Bcl'orc  Abraham  was,  I  am." 

50  Then  took  they  up  stones  to  cast  at  him  :  but 
Jesus  hid  himself,  and  went  out  of  the  temple, 
going  through  the  midst  of  them,  and  so  passed 

by-  '" 

lHeb.4:15.  ■"  ch.  7:20.  »oh.5;4l.  oZeoh.l:5.  p  cli.  5:.'!1, 41.  q  ch. 
17:1.  rHeb.  11:13.  •  Exod.  3:14;  Isi.  43:13;  ch.  1:1,2;  Col.  1:17;  Rev. 
1:8. 


54.  If  I  honor  myself ;  if  what  I  say  of  my  office  is  not 
sustained  by  God's  accompanying  testimony.  My  Fullicr 
that  lionnreth  me;  he  conlirnis  what  I  say  of  myself. 

56.  Rejoired  to  see  my  day;  to  hear  of  and  obtain  clear 
views  of  the  coming  of  Clirist. 

58.  1  am ;  tliis  denotes  eternal  self-existence.  ,  Exod. 
3:14;  cluiji.  1:1,  3;  Col.  1:17;  lleb.  1:6,8;  Kev.  1:8. 

59.  .S'/o»c<  In  cast  at  liim  ;  because  he,  being  a  man,  claimed 
to  bo  also  God.     Horn.  9:5. 

IXSTIIDCTIONS. 

7.  Men  are  sometimes  very  forwiud  to  accuse  others, 
and  seek  to  have  thcni  punisiicd,  when  they  are  them- 
selves guilty  of  eiiual,  and  perhaps  greater  crimes.  Should 
conscience  be  awakeneil  to  do  its  ollice,  and  hoik;  but  the 
innocent  be  siiffored  to  accuse  or  condemn,  the  guilty 
wnnld  often  go  un]iunislied. 

]9.  We  may  have  the  Itible  and  ;ill  the  ni(':ins  of  grace, 
and  yet  be  ignorant  of  the  cliai;i(lcr  of  Guil.  ol  Jesus 
('hrist,  and  of  the  way  of  life  tliiinigli  him.  This  is  not 
brcausi!  they  are  not  )iliiinly  rcvcalcil.  bill  because  oppo- 
sition to  them  blinds  the  mind,  harilcns  Ihe  heart,  and 
prevents  the  right  apprehension  of  divine  truth. 

31.  The  only  sure  test  of  love  lo  Christ  is  continued 
belief  of  his  word  and  (rbi'dienco  to  his  commands. 

44.  In  o|)jiosing  Christ  anil  rejecting  his  truth,  wicked 
rn(ui  imitate  the  devil,  ami  exert  ;in  influence  which  tends 
to  destroy  themselves  and  their  fellow-men. 

58.  As  .Icsus  {'hrist  is  truly  and  elernally  divine,  his 
kindness,  compassion,  and  grace,  in  coming  into  the  world, 
taking  upon  him  hiiiuan  nalurc,  ami  dying  upon  the  cioss, 
surpass  all  finite^  rumprchension,  and  l;iy  n|.ion  all  to  whom 
ho  is  revealed  unspeakable  obligations  to  love  and  obey 
liim. 


Om  that  was  horn  blind 


JOHN  IX. 


is  restored  to  sight. 


A.  D.  32. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


1  The  mnn  that  was  born  blind  restored  to  sight.  8  He  is  brought  to 
the  Pharisees.  13  They  are  offended  at  it,  and  exconimnnicare  him; 
35  but  he  is  received  of  Jesus,  and  coafesseth  hiin.  39  Who  tiiey  are 
whom  Christ  enlighteneth. 

AND  as  Jesus  passed  by,  he  saw  a  man  which 
was  blind  from  his  birtli. 

2  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying,  irastcr, 
■who  did  sin,  this  man,  or  his  parents,  that  he  was 
born  blind? 

3  Jesus  answered,  Neither  hath  this  man  sinned, 
nor  his  parents :  but  that  the  works  of  God  should 
be  made  manifest  in  him.-' 

4  I  must  work  theworksof  him  that  sent  me,  wliile 
it  is  day :  the  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work. 

5  As  long  as  1  am  in  the  world,  I  am  the  light 
of  the  world.'' 

6  When  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  spat  on  the  ground, 
and  made  clay  of  the  spittle,  and  he  anointed  the 
eyes  of  the  blind  man  with  the  clay,""^ 

7  And  said  unto  him,  Go.  wash  in  the  pool  of  Si- 
loam,''  which  is  by  inter]iretation.  Sent.  lie  went 
his  way  therefore,  and  washed,  and  came  seeing.'' 

8  H  The  neighbors  therefore,  and  they  which  be- 
fore had  seen  iiim  that  he  was  blind,  said.  Is  not 
this  he  that  sat  and  begged  ? 

9  Some  said,  This  is  he:  others  said,  He  is  like 
him :  hut  ho  said,  I  am  he. 

10  Therefore  said  they  unto  him.  How  were  thine 
eyes  opened  ? 

11  He  answered  and  said,  A  man  that  is  called 
Jesus  made  clay,  and  anointed  mine  eyes,  and  said 
unto  me.  Go  to  the  pool  of  Siloam,  and  wash :  and 
I  went  and  washed,  and  I  received  sight.' 

12  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Where  is  he  ?  He 
said,  I  know  not. 

13  1[  They  Ijrought  to  the  Pharisees  him  that 
aforetime  was  blind. 

1-1  And  it  was  the  sabbath-day  when  Jesus  made 
the  clay,  and  opened  his  eyes. 

15  Then  again  the  Pharisees  also  asked  him  how 
he  had  received  his  sight.  He  said  unto  them,  He 
put  clay  upon  mine  eyes,  and  I  washed,  and  do  sec. 

16  Tlierefore  said  some  of  the  Pharisees,  This 
man  is  not  of  God,  because  he  keepetli  not  the 
sabbath-day.  Others  said.  How  can  a  man  that  is 
a  sinner  do  such  miracles?'''  And  there  was  a 
division  among  them.'' 

»  Ch.  II  :4.  b  oh.  1;.5,  9;  8:12;  12:35,  JO.  •  Or,  uprmd  the  day  upon  the 
eyes  of  the  Mind  man.  »  Marlt  8:2.3.  d  Neh.  3:15.  «  2  Kings  5: 14.  '  ver. 
0,7.  e  ver.  :ll  ;  ch.  :l:2.  i  ch.  7:12,  43.  ich.4:l9.  JJsa.2S:ll.  k  Prov, 
29:25;  ch   7:13;  12:12.     1  ver.  34 ;  ch.  10:2.     m  Josh.  7:19;  Tsa.  50:M.  W. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

3.  Neither;  neither  liis  sin  nor  tlioins  was  the  cause  of 
his  liliiiilness.  That  the  worlis  af  God ;  llio  man  was  born 
blind,  tliat  (.'In-ist,  by  pei-fonnin};-  the  divine  work  of  lioal- 
ing  him,  iiiiKlit  show  liiuiseU'  to  be  God. 

4.  Imml  wnrlc;  tlie  works  of  (Jod — perform  divine  works. 
While  It  K  ilaij;  while  I  live  on  earth.  The  i\is;!il ;  death, 
which  Wits  to  tlie  Saviour  the  close  of  his  eartldy  ininislry. 

5.  I  um  the  li^hl  of  Uic  votid;  llie  siuritiial  lij;ht  of  tlio 
world.  This  he  says  with  reference  to  the  nalnral  li.nht 
which  ho  is  about  t<i  restore  to  tlie  blind  man.  and  which 
was  a  striking  symbol  of  the  inward  ilbnninaticjii  th;il  he 
gives  to  the  souls  of  them  that  believe  on  him. 

7.  Poot  of  Sdofim  ;  this  pool  or  reservoir  w;is  in  (he 
Bouth-east  part  of  Jerusalem,  at  the  mouth  of  the  narrow 


17  They  say  unto  the  lilind  man  again.  What 
say  est  thou  of  him,  that  he  hath  opened  thine  eyes? 
He  said,  He  is  a  prophet.' 

18  But  the  Jews  did  not  believe  concerning 
him,J  that  he  had  been  blind,  and  received  his 
sight,  until  they  called  the  parents  of  him  that  had 
received  his  siglit. 

19  And  they  asked  them,  saying.  Is  this  your 
son,  who  ye  say  was  born  blind  ?  Ilow  then  doth 
he  now  see  ? 

20  His  parents  answered  them  and  said,  Weknow 
that  this  is  our  son,  and  that  he  was  born  blind: 

21  But  by  what  means  he  now  seeth,  we  know 
not;  or  wlio  hath  opened  his  eyes,  we  know  not: 
he  is  of  age;  ask  him:  he  shall  speak  for  himself. 

22  These  ivords  spake  his  jiarents,  because  they 
feared  the  Jews:''  for  the  Jews  had  agreed  al- 
ready, that  if  any  man  did  confess  that  he  was 
Christ,  he  should  lie  ])ut  out  of  the  synagogue.' 

23  Therefore  said  his  parents,  He  is  of  age ;  ask 
him. 

24  Then  again  called  tliey  the  man  that  was 
blind,  and  said  unto  him.  Give  God  the  praise:'" 
we  know  that  this  man  is  a  sinner. 

25  He  answered  and  said.  Whether  he  be  a  sin- 
ner or  110,  I  know  not:  one  thing  I  know,  that, 
whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see. 

26  Then  said  they  to  him  again.  What  did  he  to 
thee?  how  opened  he  thine  eyes? 

27  He  answered  them,  I  have  told  you  already, 
and  ye  did  not  hear :  wherefore  would  ye  hear  it 
again?  will  ye  also  be  his  disciples? 

28  Then  they  reviled  him,"  and  said,  Thou  art 
his  disciple;  but  we  are  Moses'  disciples. 

29  Weknow  that  God  siiakc  unto  Moses:"  as  for 
tins  fcl/oii:,  we  know  not  from  whence  he  is.'' 

30  The  man  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Why, 
herein  is  a  marvellous  thing,''  that  ye  know  not  from 
whence  he  is,  and  yet  he  hath  opened  mine  eyes.'' 

31  Now  we  know  that  God  lieareth  not  sinners  :" 
but  if  any  man  be  a  worshipper  of  God,  and  doetli 
his  will,  him  he  hearcth.' 

32  Since  the  world  began  was  it  not  heard  that 
any  man  opened  the  eyes  of  one  that  was  born 
blind. 

33  If  this  man  were  not  of  God,  he  could  do 
nothing. 

34  They  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Thou  wast 


n  1  Pet.  2:23.  o  Psa,.  103:7;  Heb.  3:5.  P  ch.  8:14.  q  ch.  3:10.  r  Psi. 
119:13;  Isa.  29:18,  19;  35:5;  2  Cor.  4:0.  »  Job  27:9;  Psa.  06:18;  Prov. 
2-':9;  Isa.  1:15;  Jer.  11:11;  Ezeli.  8:18;  Mic.  3:4;  Zech.  7:13  I  Psa. 
:il:15;  Prov.  15:29. 


valley  separating  mount  Zion  from  the  hill  Ophel.  Its 
water  comes  by  a  subterranean  channel,  from  a  fountain 
higher  up  on  the  east  side  of  Ophel.  Luke  13:4.  Sent  ; 
the  meaning  of  the  Hebrew  word  Kiloam.  .Some  think  it 
was  so  called  because  its  wiiter  w;is  sent,  that  is,  conducted 
to  its  place  by  the  subterranean  channel  just  named. 

Ifi.  Keepclh  not  the  Sat>lmlli-dnij ;  he  did  not  keep  it  as  the 
Pharisees  directed,  but  he  did  keep  it  according  to  the 
letter  and  spirit  of  the  fourth  commandment.  A  sinner; 
a  transgressor  of  (Jod's  law. 

21.  lie  is  of  as:e;  old  enough  to  answer  for  himself. 

'It.  Put  ovt  of  llie  sijiiagoguc;  excluded  from  the  people 
and  worshi])  of  (iod — excommnnicat<'d. 

21.   The  prohe;  the  praise  of  lie;ding  him. 

33.  Do  nothing;  do  no  miracle. 

34.  Vast  liim  out;  of  the  synagogue. 

1209 


Opposition  of  the  Pharisees. 


JOHN  X. 


Christ  is  the  Good  Shepherd. 


altogetlier  born  in  sins,"  and  dost  tliou  teach  us? 
And  tiiey  cast  him  out.'" 

35  Jesus  heard  that  they  had  cast  him  out ;  and 
when  he  had  found  him,  lie  said  unto  him.  Dost 
thou  believe  on  the  Son  oF  God  V^ 

30  He  answered  and  said,  Who  is  he,  Lord,  that 
I  miiiht  believe  on  him? 

37  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  both  seen 
him,  and  it  is  he  that  talketh  witii  tlieC' 

38  And  he  said,  Lord,  I  believe.  And  he  wor- 
shipped him." 

3'J  1  And  Jesus  said,  For  jud<rment  I  am  come 
into  this  world;'  that  they  wliicli  see  not  mig-ht 
see,*^  and  that  they  which  see  miu'ht  Ije  made  blind.'' 

40  And  some  of  the  I'liarisees  wliich  were  with 
liiin  heard  these  words,  and  said  unto  him,  Are  we 
blind  also?' 

•11  Jesus  said  unto  them,  If  yo  were  blind,  ye 
should  have  no  sin:^  but  now  ye  say,  We  see; 
therefore  your  sin  reniaineth." 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Christ  is  the  door,  and  the  good  shepherd.  19  Divers  opinions  of 
liiin.  2-1  He  pmveth  \>y  his  works  th:it  he  is  Christ  the  Son  of  (rod; 
-'{9  4-sc:iPetb  tiie  Jew.s,  41)  and  went  again  beyond  Jordan,  where  many 
bt'li'Vcu  on  him. 

7ERILY,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  lie  that  enter- 
■'     ctli  not  by  the  door  into  tlic  shco])rold,  but 


\ 


*  Ver.  d.  '  OT,excominunimttd  him.  b  ha.  <j(i:.5.  ciJo",n5:lJ  "1  <:h. 
4:2li.  e  Matt.  14:3:1.  t  ch.  .'i:-JJ,  27;  |-J:47.  f  I  Tet.  S:9.  Ii  Matt.  13: 1:!; 
dl.3:l'J.    i  I((.m.'J:l9;  Rev.  3:17.    J  uh.  I5:-Ji,il.    k  |sa.  .'5:21  ;  Luke  1-:  II ; 


3S.  For  judsment ;  that  those  who  feel  their  spiritual 
liliiiiliio8-i,  ami  apply  to  me  for  sipjht,  may  receive  it;  and 
that  tliose  wlio  do  not,  hut  proudly  iiiia;;inc  tliat  they  see 
•■iioii.'.;ii  already,  and  rejeet  my  aid,  may  sink  in  deeper 
darkness  and  IJe  more  hhnd  tlian  ever. 

41.  If  ijc  were  blind;  had  nn  o])p(ii-tnnity  or  capacity  for 
receiving  spiritual  hglit.  Yc  slioalil have  no  sin;  compara- 
tively; your  sin  wouU  be  much  less.  We  sec ;  you  pride 
your.-ielves  on  your  ktiowledge  of  divine  things,  yet  you 
reject  mo  and  God's  revelation  concerning  me,  and  tlicre- 
fore  remain  ignorant,  uiip:irdonecl,and  in  aggravated  guilt. 
IN'SrUCCTKWrt. 
3.  Ood  80  orders  things  in  liis  providence  as  best  to 
tlisplay  the  true  cliaractor  of  the  Saviour;  and  men  are  some- 
times left  to  suffer  sore  trials,  tliat  tliey  may  sec  his  good- 
ness, and  magnify  liis  power  and  grace  in  tlicir  removal. 

22.  Tyrants  in  church  and  stale  try  by  pains  and  penal- 
ties to  prevent  men  from  emliracing  the  truth.  They 
appeal  not  to  rea.son  and  conscience,  but  to  force.  They 
labor  to  ]ireclndc  inquiry,  stifle  ])rivate  judgment,  and  in 
iriany  cases  prevent  t!iose  under  their  control  from  receiv- 
ing tlie  instruction  allorded  by  the  providence  and  word 
i>!  <iod. 

S.).  .Fcsiis  Christ  especially  regards  those  who  suffer  for 
liis  Hake,  and  will  matdfest  himself  to  them  in  such  a  way 
as  ti)  lea  I  them  to  worship  and  adori;  him.  Fur  tlit^  tem- 
porary crwnity  of  men,  tiicy  will  be  abundantly  recom- 
pensed by  the  everlasting  frien<lship  of  (iod. 

39.  The  effect  upon  men  of  Christ's  teaching,  is  accord- 
ing to  their  treatment  of  it.  This  depends  very  much  on 
their  views  of  themselves,  and  of  their  need  of  his  aid.  If 
they  feel  tliat  they  are  spiritually  blind,  and  apj)ly  to  him 
for  sight,  they  will  receive  it ;  while  others  wlio  view  his 
help  as  nec'dless,  and  think  they  see  and  know  enough  al- 
n^ady,  will  remain  in  darkness,  and  their  sin  and  coiise- 
ipient  piniishment  be  greater  than  if  Chri.st  had  never  come. 

CII.U'TKFt  X. 

The  theme  of  this  chaptiT  is  the  character  and  office  of 
the  gHod  shepherd  ofdod's  spiritual  fold,  of  which  Christ 
himself  is  the  great  example.     The  reader  should  study, 
1210 


elimbeth  up  some  other  way,  the  same  is  a  a. d. 32. 
thief  and  a  robber.' 

2  But  he  that  entereth  in  by  the  door,'"  is  the 
shepherd  of  the  sheep. 

3  To  him  the  porter  oponeth :"  and  the  sheep 
hear  his  voice:  and  he  calletli  his  own  sheep  by 
name,"  and  leadcth  Ihem  out.'' 

4  And  when  lie  putlclli  forth  his  own  slieep,  he 
ji-oetli  before  them,  and  the  sheep  follow  him;  for 
they  know  his  voice.'' 

5  And  a  stranger  will  they  not  follow,  but  will 
flee  from  him;"'  for  they  know  not  the  voice  of 
stran!i:ers. 

G  This  parable  spake  Jesus  unlo  them  ;  but  they 
understood  not  what  things  they  were  which  he 
spake  unto  tiiein. 

7  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  again,  Verily,  ver- 
ily, 1  say  unto  you,  I  am  the  door  yf  the  sheep.' 

8  All  that  ever  came  before  me  are  thieves  and 
robbers:  but  the  sheep  did  not  hear  them. 

9  1  am  the  door:  by  me  if  any  man  enter  in,  he 
shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out,  and  hnd 
pasture. 

10  The  thief  coiueth  not,  but  for  lo  steal,  and  to 
kill, and  to  destroy  :  I  am  come  that  they  might  have 
life,  and  that  they  might  have  it  more  abundantly. 

11  lam  the  good  shepherd:'  the  good  shepherd 
giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep. 


IJnlml:S-IU.  I  Rom.  lU:ir,;  Heb.  .5:4.  m  ver.  7, 'J.  n  R^v.  :1:'J0.  o  l:;zck. 
31:11;  Rom.  t:3ll,  rlsa.40:ll.  q  Song  i!:S;  5:'J.  r  a  Tim.  3;.);  Rev.  a:i 
»  lijili.  •J;IH.     I  ir.'ii.  13:-JI)i   I  Pet.  2. -'.3. 

in  connection  with  it,  Jer.  23:1-6;  and  especially  Ezekiel, 
chap.  ."Jt. 

1.  Kntcrcth  not  by  the  door;  the  Savimir  has  in  view  men 
like  the  scribes  and  riiari.sees,  who  nsur]i  ddiiiinidn  over 
the  fold  of  (iod,  and  rule  the  Hock  with  eiuelty  and  seliish- 
ness  for  their  own  )irivate  ends.  Tlu^  ihior  is  not  yet 
directly  Christ.  f<ir  he  too  enters  tlie  fold  by  the  door;  Imt 
rather,  in  a  nuue  general  sense,  the  Father,  and  his  ap- 
]ioinniient.  To  enter  the  fold  by  the  door,  is  to  come  in 
accordance  with  (Jod's  will,  in  respect  not  merely  to  out- 
ward (jrder,  but  lo  spirit  also. 

2.  lie  that  cntcrctli  in  lii/  t/ie  door ;  every  true  shejiherd. 
(Hirisl,  the  chief  Shei)lierd,  must  not  be  excluded  ;  for  ho 
is  an  example  to  all  the  under-shepherds  in  this  respect 
also,  that  he  has  entered  the  fold  by  the  door.  Comiiaro 
chap.  K:42;  12:li). 

:i.  The  porter;  the  door-kee])er.  As  he  comes  by  (iod's 
authority,  (iod's  providence  ju'e|iares  the  way  for  him, 
and  (iod's  Spirit  sets  his  seal  to  his  labors,  liijnnine;  an 
allusion  to  llie  jiracticc  of  eastern  shepherds,  who  give 
names  to  their  sheep. 

:>.  Slnniirers;  false,  irreligious  teachers. 

(>.  Uiidcrstnoil  not ;  the  meaning  of  what  he  hail  been  say- 
ing. ll(^  therefore  jiroceeded  to  explain  it. and  in  so  iloing 
he  changed  the  figure  somewhat,  representing  himself  as 
the  door. 

7.  I  nm  the  door;  as  the  Father  is  the  door  to  Christ,  so 
he  himself  is  the  door  to  the  under-shepherds  anil  to  all 
the  sheep.  Through  him  alone  can  men  enter  his  church 
or  the  ministry  which  he  has  ajipointed. 

8.  Cnmc  Itrfiirc  vtc ;  without  enlering  the  door.  See  note 
lo  vcr.  I.  'I'tie  sheep  did  not  hear  llicm ;  the  truly  pious  did 
not  receive  their  false  doctrines,  or  imitate  their  corrupt 
examples. 

!(.  Find  pasture;  receive  spiritual  food,  satisfying  good. 

10.  Tile  lliief;  one  who  takes  the  emoluments  of  the 
sacred  olliie  without  |ierfiirmiiig  its  spiritual  diitiis.  and 
seeks  his  own  aggrandizenii-nt,  not  the  salvation  of  souls. 
L;/V ;  spiritual,  ilirn;il  lite. 

11.  I  am  the  piml  S/ienherd;  in  respect  to  the  power  of 
adinissioii  to  liud's  folu,  Christ  has  declared  himself  to  be 


The  safely  of  ChrUl's  flcch. 


JOHN  X. 


He  cscupelli  from  l/.c  Jews. 


A.  D.32.  12  But  lie  that  is  a  liireling,  and  not  the 
shepherd,  whose  own  the  sheep  are  not,  seeth  the 
wolf  coining,  and  leaveth  the  sheep,  and  flceth:" 
and  the  wolf  catcheth  tliem,  and  scattereth  the 
sheep. 

13  The  hireling  flecth,  because  he  is  a  hireling, 
and  carcth  not  for  the  sheep. 

14  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my  skeep,^' 
and  am  known  of  mine.'' 

15  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so  know  I 
the  Father:''  and  I  lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep."" 

16  And  other  slieepi  have,  which  are  not  of  this 
fold :''  them  also  I  must  bring,  and  tiiey  shall  hear 
my  voice;  and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one 
shepherd.^ 

17  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me,  because  I 
lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might  take  it  again." 

18  No  man  taketh  it  from  me,  but  I  lay  it  down 
of  myself.'  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I 
have  power  to  take  it  a^aia.-'  This  commandment 
have  I  received  of  my  Father." 

19  1  There  was  a  division  therefore  again  among 
the  Jews  for  these  sayings. 

20  And  many  of  them  said,  He  hath  a  devil,'  and 
is  mad ;  why  hear  ye  iiim  ? 

21  Others  said,  These  are  not  the  words  of  him 
that  hath  a  devil.  Can  a  devil  open  the  eves  of 
Ihebliad?™ 

22  1  xVnd  it  was  at  Jerusalem  the  feast  of  the 
dedication,  and  it  was  winter. 

23  And  Jesus  walked  in  tlic  temple  in  Solomon's 
porch." 

24  Then  came  the  Jews  round  about  him,  and 
said  unto  him.  How  long  dost  thou  make  us  to 
doubt?*     If  tliou  be  the  Christ,  tell  us  plainly. 


»  Ezek.  34:a-8;  Zech.  11:17.  !■  -2  Tim.  "2:  19.  =  I  John  5:20.  i  Matt. 
11:27.  t  tsi.  5:):4,  5;  ch  15:13.  f  Fsa.  •I9:(i;  .50:S.  S  Ezek.  ■17:2-2;  Eph. 
2:14. _h  Isi,  53:7-1-2;  Heb.  2:9.  i  Phil.  -2:0-3.  J  ch.  -2:19.  k  ch.  G::J8. 
I  cii.  7:-20.     m  ch.  9:fi,  etc.     °  Acts  3: 11  ;  5:1-2.     '  Or,  hoUl  us  in  su.^pense. 


the  door  ;  in  respect  to  his  care  over  those  within  the  fokl, 
he  now,  by  another  change  of  the  fif^ure,  calls  liimself  "  the 
good  Shepherd  " — the  Shepherd  of  shepherds  and  of  the 
Hock,  and  the  source  of  good  to  all. 

12.  A  hireling ;  one  whose  great  object  in  preaching  is  his 
own  interest.      Tke  wolf;  the  enemy  of  God  and  his  people. 

14.  Know — am  known;  tlie  knowledge  of  ('hristaiid  his 
people  is  mutual,  and  it  is  a  knowledge  of  deep  love  and 
interest. 

16.  Not  of  this  fold;  those  who  as  yet  knew  not  God, 
especially  from  gentile  nations.     Isa.  5ti:8. 

18.  No  man  tnkelh.  it ;  m>  man  hail  power  to  take  his  life 
till  he  should  vohnitarily  .surrender  himself  to  crucifixion 
and  death.  Tiii!<  coinmanilment  tiavr  [received ;  he  was  com- 
luissinncd  of  (iod  to  die  for  the  sins  of  men,  and  rise  again 
for  tlieir  Justification.  lie  had  the  power,  disposition,  and 
right  to  do  these  things. 

20.  h  mad;  beside  himself,  through  the  influence  of  an 
evil  spirit. 

22.  Fcii.1t  nfthe  dcdimtion  ;  this  was  a  feast  instituted  by 
.ludas  Xfaccabajus  aliout  one  liiuidred  and  sixly-livo  years 
before  Oirlst,  in  commemoration  of  the  purilication  of  the 
temple,  and  its  renewed  dcilicatlon  to  the  woi-kIiI])  of  Jeho- 
vah, after  it  hail  been  desecrated  by  idiil-w-orshii)  and  the 
otfering  In  it  of  swine's  tlesli,  by  Antiochus  Epiphani-s 
king  of  Syria.  It  began  on  the  •i.-)th  day  of  tlieir  month 
Chisleu,  or  the  l.'ith  of  our  IJecembcr,  ami  coiillnueil  ci'..,'!!! 
days.  .losephus.  Ant.  b.  12,  chap.  11;  1  Maccabees  •l:r)2- 
59;  2  Mai-.  10:  IS. 

23.  Solomon's  porch;  a  portico  on  the  east  side  of  the 
temple. 


25  Jesus  answered  them,  I  told  you,  and  ye  be- 
lieved not:  the  works  that  I  do  in  my  Father's 
name,  they  bear  witness  of  me." 

26  But  ye  believe  not,  because  ye  arc  not  of  my 
sheep,''  as  1  said  unto  you. 

27  My  sheep  hear  my  voice,''  and  I  know  them, 
and  they  follow  ine : 

28  And  I  give  unto  tlicm  eternal  life:  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  man  pluck 
them  out  of  my  hand.'' 

29  My  Father,''  which  gave  them  me,'  is  greater 
than  all ;  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck  them  out  of 
my  Father's  hand. 

30  I  and  mi/  Father  are  one." 

31  Tiien  the  Jews  took  up  stones  again  to  stone 
liim.^' 

32  Jesus  answered  them.  Many  good  works  have 
I  showed  you  from  my  Father ;  for  which  of  those 
works  do  ye  stone  me  ? 

33  The  Jews  answered  him,  saying.  For  a  good 
work  we  stone  thee  not;  but  for  blasphemy;  and 
because  that  thou,  being  a  man,  makcst  thyself 
God.^' 

34  Jesus  answered  them.  Is  it  not  written  in 
your  law,  I  said,  Ye  are  gods? 

35  If  he  called  them  gods,  unto  whom  the  word 
of  God  came,  and  the  scripture  cannot  be  broken  ; 

36  Say  ye  of  him  whom  tiie  Fatiier  hath  sancti- 
fied,'' and  sent  into  the  world,  Tliou  blasphcmcst; 
because  I  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God?^ 

37  If  I  do  not  the  works  of  my  Father,  believe 
me  not.^ 

38  But  if  I  do,  though  ye  believe  not  me,  believe 
the  works ;  that  ye  may  know  and  believe  that  the 
Father  is  in  me,  and  I  in  hiin. 


och.  5:36. 

Pch. 

s 

47; 

1  John 

4:0. 

q  ver 

4. 

'ch. 

17: 

1-2:  1S:9; 

Ileb 

7 

25. 

sch.  14:-29 

tch. 

1 

7: -2. 

"ch. 

7:11 

■>±    vch 

8:59 

wPsa.  b-i:6 

;  ch. 

5 

IB; 

ver.  30;  R 

Din.  l:l 

1 

X 

Isa.  11 

:-2,  3 

49:1 

'■i\ 

cli.  a 

-27 

y  Phil. 

2:0. 

z 

oh. 

14:10,  II; 

15:-21. 

2!>.  The  worh;  miracles.  Bear  witness;  prove  nie  to  bo 
the  Messiah. 

2lj.  Not  of  mi/  .$hcep;  not  my  true  followers. 

20.  h  Greater  than  all;  see  note  to  chap.  14:28. 

31).  I  and  my  Father;  the  Jews  rightly  understood  him 
to  call  God  his  Father,  and  himself  the  Son  of  God,  in  such 
a  sense  that  he  was  equal  with  God.  Compare  chap.  5: 18. 
Are  one;  in  nature,  counsel,  will,  and  openitlon. 

33.  Mahest  th  ijself  God ;  claimcst  to  be  divine,  equal  with 
the  Father. 

34.  Your  law;  the  Old  Teshimeiit  scriptures.    Psa.  82:6. 

35.  Unto  whom  the  lenrd  of  God  came ;  wlio  were  appointed 
and  commlsslonetl  to  act  as  his  agents  In  ruling  and  adiiiih- 
istcrlng  Justice  In  his  stead  among  men.  Cannot  hi:  liroken ; 
cannot  be  set  aside  as  speaking  Inqjroperly  when  it  calls 
magistrates  gods  on  account  of  their  ollice.  The  term  is 
always  used  in  such  a  connection  as  shows  that  they  were 
but  men. 

36.  Sanctified;  set  apart  to  the  ollice  of  the  Kedeemer  of 
lost  men.  Sent  into  the  world;  to  do  the  work  of  tin:  Mes- 
siah. Because  I  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God;  the  argument  is 
from  the  less  to  the  greater:  If  mere  men  were  called 
gods  because  the  woril  of  (!od  cami^  to  them,  how  much 
more  may  he  who  Is  one  with  the  Father,  and  whom  the 
Father  has  set  apart  and  sent  into  the  world  as  the  Saviour 
of  men,  call  himself  the  Son  of  God.  He  goes  on  to  sliow 
tli:it  his  works  Justlty  him  In  taking  to  himself  tlii.-^  Idle. 

37.  The  works  of  my  Father ;  divine  workjs — the  works 
of  God.  Believe  me  not;  admit  not  my  claim  to  bo  the  Son 
of  (!od. 

38.  Believe  not  me;  that  is,  mv  ileclaration  concerning 

1211 


The  sickness  of  Lazarus. 


JOHN  XI. 


Jesus  Cometh  to  Bdhamj. 


39  Therefore  tliey  sought  again  to  take  liim ; 
but  ho  escaped  out  of  their  lianil, 

40  And  went  away  again  heyond  Jordan,  into 
the  phice  where  John  at  first  lj;iptized  ;■'  and  there 
he  abode. 

41  And  many  resorted  unto  him,  and  said,  John 
did  no  miracle:  Ijut  all  things  tiiut  .lolui  ispalce  of 
this  man  were  true." 

42  And  many  believed  on  him  tiiere. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  Christ  raiseth  Lazarus,  four  days  buried.  'I-')  M.any  Jews  believe.  47 
The  hi^h-priests  :tiid  Ph:irisei-s  gather  a  council  aj;aijist  Christ.  49 
Caiaphas  prophesieth.  ^11  Jesus  liid  himself.  5-')  At  the  passover 
they  inquire  after  liiin,  and  lay  wait  for  him. 

ATOW  a  certain  man  was  sick,  named  Lazarus, 
l\  of  Bethany,  the  town  of  Mary  and  her  sister 
Martha.'^ 

2  It  wcist/iat  Mary  wliicli  anninted  the  Lord  with 
ointment,  and  wiped  his  feet  with  her  litiir,''  wliosc 
brothi'r  Lazarus  was  sick. 

3  Therefiirt!  iiis  sisters  sent  unto  him,  saying, 
Lord,  Ijeliold,  lie  wiioni  thou  lovest  is  sick." 

4  When  Jesus  heard  t/iaf,  he  said,  This  sickness 
is  not  unto  death,  but  for  the  glory  of  God,'  that 
tiie  Son  of  God  might  be  glorified  thereby. 

5  Now  Jesus  loved  ^lartha,  and  her  sister,  and 
Lazarus. 

()  \Vlien  he  liad  heard  thcrcforo  that  he  was  sick, 
lie  abode  two  days  still  in  the  same  place  where 
he  was. 

7  Then  after  that  saith  he  to  his  disciples,  Let 
us  go  into  Judea  again. 

8  His  discii>lcs  say  unto  him,  Jfastcr,  the  Jews 
of  late  sought  to  stone  thee;*''  and  goest  thou 
thither  again?" 


'  Cii.  l;-2i.  b  M.m.  :t:ll,  \-i;  oh.  :):aU-:W.  c  l.uke  10;3-i,  an.  J  Mark 
14:3;  cii.  IJ:3.  e  Heb.  I-J:(i;  Rev.  3: 19.  f  ch.  9;3;  vcr.  40.  5  ch.  10:31. 
h  Aclii-J'J:JI.     I  ch.  1-2:33.     JEcol.2:l4.     k  Deul.  31 :10;  Acts  7:80:  1  Cor. 


myself.     Tlic  Fullier  is  in  me,  and  I  in  hiin ;  tliat  we  are 
one,  lis  I  (leclarcd  to  you,  ver.  'M). 

39.  Ttcy  snuirlit  a^am  In  take  him  ;  because  lie  still  claim- 
ed to  lie  tlie  -Messiah,  the  Son  of  (ioil,  truly  divine — be- 
cause lie  claimed  to  be  what  .lohn,  under  the  guidance  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  at  the  be^imiing  of  this  gospel  declared 
him  to  be,  God — in  the  language  of  I'aul,  "over  all,  (iod 
blessed  for  ever."     Kom.  9:5. 

IN.STRUCTIOXS. 

I.  None  are  true  disciples  or  ministers  of  Christ  who  do 
not  believe  in  him  and  obey  his  cduiinands.  All  others 
who  enter  the  Christian  chiucli  or  ministry  arc  falser  and 
selfish.  Instead  of  aiding,  they  hinder  the  progress  of  his 
cause. 

4.  Real  Christians  have  spiritual  discernment  and  relish 
of  the  great  truths  of  the  gospel.  No  instruction,  however 
specious  or  learned,  which  denies  or  omits  the  <l(p<trino  of 
Christ  crucified,  as  a  divine  atoning  Saviour,  satisfir's  them, 
commends  itielf  to  their  conscience,  if  cnliglitened,  or 
meets  their  wants  as  sinners. 

It.  The  union  between  ('lirist.and  his  people  is  intimate 
and  unfailing.  It  resenibli's,  in  many  respects,  that  be- 
tween the  Father  and  the  Hon.  It  is  the  fruit  of  the  .Spirit, 
and  all  the  persons  in  the  Goilhoad  are  engaged  to  per- 
petuate, incretise,  and  render  it  eternal. 

20.  The  reason  why  some  who  bear  the  gospel  reject  it 
and  iliscard  itn  fumlamental  truths,  is,  they  have  not  the 
temper  which  the  gospel  inculcates,  and  do  not  perform 
the  duties  which  it  requiri's. 

37.  .lesus  Christ,  by  the  performance  of  divine  works, 
proved  himself  to  be  divine,  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God, 
1212 


9  Jesus  answered.  Are  there  not  twelve  a.  d.  s.i 
hours  in  the  day?  If  any  man  walk  in  the  day,  he 
stumbleth  not,  because  he  seeth  the  light  of  this 
world.' 

10  But  if  a  man  walk  in  the  night,  he  stumbleth, 
because  there  is  no  light  in  liim.-i 

11  These  things  said  he:  and  after  that  he  saith 
unto  them.  Our  friend  Lazarus  slecpeth;''  but  I 
go,  that  I  may  awake  him  out  of  sleep. 

12  Then  said  his  disciples,  Lord,  if  he  sleep,  he 
shall  do  well. 

13  llowbeit  Jesus  spake  of  his  death :  but  they 
thought  that  ho  had  spoken  of  taking  of  rest  in 
sleep. 

14  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  plainly,  Lazarus 
is  dead. 

15  And  I  am  glad  for  your  sakes  that  I  was  not 
there,  to  the  intent  ye  may  lielicve;  nevertheless, 
let  us  go  unto  him. 

IG  'J'hcii  said  Thomas,  whicli  is  called  Didymus, 
unto  his  fcllow-disciplcs,  Let  us  also  go,  that  we 
may  die  with  liiiu. 

17  Then  when  Jesus  came,  he  found  that  he  had 
lain  in  the  grave  four  days  already. 

18  Now  Bethany  was  nigh  unto  Jerusalem,  about 
fifteen  furlongs'  off: 

19  And  many  of  the  Jews  caine  to  Martha  and 
Jlary,  to  comfort  them  concerning  their  broth- 
er.' ' 

20  Then  Martha,  as  soon  as  she  heard  that  Jesus 
was  coming,  went  and  met  him  :  but  Mary  sat  still 
in  the  house. 

21  Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if  thou 
hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died. 

22  But  I  know  that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou 
wilt  ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  thee.'" 

1.5:1S,  51.     •  That  is,  about  two  miles.     '  I  Chr.  ':-Ja-  Job  2:11;  4a:nj 
Rom.  12:lSi  IThess.  4:18,    m  ch.  0:31, 


tlic  Saviour  of  men.  His  claiming  this  character,  there- 
fore, instead  of  being  blasphemy  as  the  Jews  asserted, 
was  acting  in  accordance  with  truth;  and  lovers  of  truth 
who  embrace  him  in  this  character,  know  that  it  belongs 
to  him.  They  pay  him  divine  honors,  not  in  demgatiou 
of,  but  to  the  ghirv  of  the  Father.  Phil.  2:10,  11;  lleb. 
l:(i;  liev.  .'■):12,  l.i." 

CIIAPTHR  XL 

1,  nethanij;  on  the  side,  of  the  mount  of  Olives,  about 
two  miles  from  .lernsalem.     Matt,  21:17, 

2.  Manj!  Matt.  2(1:7;  Mark  11:3, 

4.  Nul  villi)  driilli ;  not  to  a  death  from  whitdi  ho  should 
not  be  fpiickly  raised  li>  life.  Miglil  be  glnrijicil ;  by  rais- 
ing La/.arns  from  the  dead. 

6,  III  l/ie  mme  pliirc ;  Helhabara,  chap,  1:2S;  10:40;  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Jordan,  abdiil  thirty  miles  norlli-east 
of  Jern.salein. 

9.  Twelve  hours  in  the  tlai/ ;  ;iti  ;ip]iointed  season  for  mo 
and  all  men  to  do  the  work  assigned  to  us  by  God.  Walk 
in  llie  ilaij — slvnilile'h  nnt;  if.  in  its  jiroper  seasoi^i,  a  ni;in 
does  thai  to  which  (iod  calls  him,  he  is  safe,  because  under 
GoiI'h  proteition, 

10.  IValk  in  the  nipht — sliniihlilh  ;  if,  tlirongh  fear  or  self- 
ishness, he  neglect  lln^  wrirk  ;ipp(iinle<l  him  by  (!od  till  the 
prnper  time  is  past,  he  cm  nci  lunger  perform  it  in  saf<'ty. 

III.  Tlinmat — Did iimii.i ;  these  two  words,  one  llebri'W, 
the  other  Greek,  mi'an  ;i  twin.  Die  vilh  him;  with  Jesus. 
Let  ns  g<p  with  hini,  if  il  cost  iis  our  lives. 

IK.  Fiflccn  furlnng.t;  a  little  less  than  two  miles.  See 
note  to  Luke  24 :  13. 


Lazarus  is  raised  from  the  dead. 


JOHN  XI. 


Jewish  council  asabist  Christ. 


A.  D.  33.     23  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Thy  brother  shall 
rise  again. 

24  Martha  saith  unto  him,  I  know  tliat  he  shall 
rise  atjain  in  the  resurrection  at  the  last  day.'' 

25  Jesus  said  unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrection,'' 
and  the  life:"  he  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he 
were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live:" 

26  And  whosoever  liveth  and  liclieveth  in  me 
shall  never  die.''     Believcst  thou  tliis  ? 

27  She  saith  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord:  I  believe 
that  thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  which 
should  come  into  the  world. 

28  And  when  she  had  so  said,  she  went  her  way, 
and  called  Mary  her  sister  secretly,'  saying.  The 
Master  is  come,"^  and  calleth  for  thee.'' 

29  As  soon  as  she  heard  that,  she  arose  quickly, 
and  came  unto  liim. 

30  Now  Jesus  was  not  yet  come  into  the  town, 
but  was  in  that  place  where  Martha  mot  him. 

31  The  Jews  then  which  were  with  her  in  the 
house,  and  comforted  her,'  when  they  saw  Mary, 
that  she  rose  up  hastily  and  went  out,  followed  her, 
saying,  She  goeth  unto  the  grave  to  weep  there. 

32  Then  when  Mary  was  come  where  Jesus  was, 
and  saw  him,  she  fell  down  at  his  feet,  saying  unto 
him,  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had 
not  dicd.J 

33  When  Jesus  therefore  saw  her  weeping,  and 
the  Jews  also  weeping  which  came  with  her,  he 
groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was  troubled," 

3-1  And  said.  Where  have  ye  laid  him?  They 
Bay  unto  him,  Lord,  come  and  see. 

35  Jesus  wept.'' 

36  Then  said  the  Jews,  Behold  how  he  loved  him  1 

37  And  some  of  them  said.  Could  not  this  man, 
which  opened  the  eyes  of  the  blind,'  have  caused 
that  even  this  man  should  not  have  died? 

38  Jesus  therefore  again  groaning  in  himself, 
cometh  to  the  grave.  It  was  a  cave,  and  a  stone 
lay  upon  it. 

39  Jesus  said,  Take  ye  away  the  stone.'"  Martha, 

»  Ch.  5:29.  1>  ch.  6:40,  41.  c  Isi.  3S:10;  oh.  14:6;  ]  John  1:2.  d  .lob 
19:-26;  Isi.  •2(>;19;  Rom.  4:17.  e  ch.  3:1.5;  4:14.  fch.  21:7.  Sch.  13:1:). 
6  Mirk  IU:4'J.  i  ver.  19.  J  ch.  4:49;  ver.  21,  27.  •  Gt.  he  troiMed  himselt. 
k  lai.  63:9;  Luke  19:41;  Heb.  2:16,  17.     1  ch.  9:6.     m  Mark  1B:3.     i  \>U. 


23.  Tli<i  brother  shall  rise  again ;  a  declaration  designedly 
so  worded  that  it  should  liave  a  double  fulfilment,  the 
present  raising  of  fy.izanis  beiti;.^  a  pledge  of  the  second 
fulfilment  at  the  general  resurrection. 

25.  lam  the  resurrection;  the  author  of  the  resurrection, 
and  the  giver  of  temporal  and  eternal  life.  Though  he 
were  dead;  more  exactly,  though  ho  die.  The  Saviour 
has  in  mind  the  case  of  those  who  have,  like  Jjazarus, 
BulTered  natural  death.  Yet  shall  he  live;  his  soul  shall 
Btill  live  in  blessed  communion  with  God. 

26.  L'veth;  yet  enjoys  natural  life.  S'liill  never  die;  the 
death  of  the  soul.  In  this  and  the  preceding  verse  Jesus 
designedly  overlooks  (he  death  of  the  boily,  as  if  it  were 
only  a  sleep  in  the  grave  for  a  season;  his  design  being 
to  direct  the  thoughts  of  Martha  to  himself,  as  the  giver 
of  a  higher  life  than  that  which  he  is  about  to  bestow 
upon  her  brother. 

28.   Tlie  Muster;  Matt.  2,3:8,  10. 

33.  Was  troubled;  greatly  moved  with  sympathy  and 
sorrow. 

40.  See  the  glory  of  God;  as  displayeil  in  the  mighty 
work  ho  is  about  to  perform.     Compare  ver.  4. 

42.  Because  of  the  people;  his  object  in  thus  speaking  to 
the  Father  in  the  hearing  of  the  people  was,  that  they 


the  sister  of  him  that  was  dead,  saith  unto  him, 
Lord,  by  this  time  he  stinketh  :"  for  he  hath  been 
dead  four  days. 

40  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Said  I  not  unto  thee, 
that  if  thou  wouldest  believe,  thou  shouldest  see 
the  glory  of  God?" 

41  Then  they  took  away  the  stone  from  the  place 
where  the  dead  was  laid.  And  Jesus  lifted  n\}  his 
eyes,  and  said.  Father,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
heard  me.f 

42  And  I  knew  that  thou  hearest  me  always: 
but  because  of  the  people  which  stand  by  I  said 
it,  that  they  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 

43  And  when  he  thus  had  spoken,  he  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth. 

44  And  he  that  was  dead  came  fortli.,''  bound 
hand  and  foot  with  grave-clothes;  and  liis  face 
was  bound  about  with  a  napkin.""  Jesus  saith 
unto  them,  Loose  him,  and  let  iiim  go. 

45  Then  many  of  the  Jews  which  came  to  Mary, 
and  had  seen  the  things  which  Jesus  did,  believed 
on  hiin.^ 

46  But  some  of  them  went  their  ways  to  the 
Pharisees,  and  told  them  what  things  Jesus  had 
done. 

47  T  Then  gathered  the  chief  priests  and  the 
Pharisees  a  council,'  and  said.  What  do  we?"  for 
this  man  doeth  many  miracles. 

48  If  wo  lot  him  thus  alone,  all  men  will  believe 
on  him;^'  and  the  Romans  shall  come  and  take 
away  both  our  jilacc  and  nation. 

4!)  And  one  of  them,  named  Caiaphas,^^  being  the 
high-priest  that  same  year,  said  unto  them,  Ye 
know  nothing  at  all, 

50  Nor  consider  that  it  is  expedient  for  us,  that 
one  man  should  die  for  the  people,''  and  that  the 
wJiolc  nation  perish  not. 

51  And  this  spake  he  not  of  himself:  but  being 
higli-jiricst  that  year,  he  prophesied  that  Jesus 
siiould  die  for  that  nation  ; 

52  And  not  for  that  nation  only,''  but  that  also 

49:7,  9;  Acts  2:27.  o  ver.  4.  23.  P  ch.  12:28-30.  <l  1  Kings  17:22;  2  Kings 
4:31.35;  Luke  7:14.  15;  Acts20;9-12.  r  ch.  20:7.  'oh.  2:23;  10:41,42; 
12:11,  IS.  1  Psa.  2:2.  uActs4:lC.  vch.  12:19.  w  Luko  3:2;  ch.  18:14; 
Acts  4:6.     «  Luke  24:46.     y  Isa.  49:6;  Rom.  3:2!);  1  .lohii  2:2. 

might  have  this  additional  evidence  that  he  and  his  Father 
were  one,  and  that  he  did  every  thing  in  accordance  with 
his  Father's  will;  that  thus,  in  view  of  this  new  display 
of  his  life-giving  power,  they  might  be  led  to  believe  iu 
him. 

45.  Believed  on  him;  as  the  Messiah. 

47.  What  do  we.'  to  prevent  his  increasing  influence. 

48.  Believe  on  him;  and  receive  him  as  the  expected 
king  of  Israel.  This,  they  in'ofess  (o  fear,  will  bring  upon 
them  the  wrath  of  the  Komaiis.  Take  awatjboth.  our  place 
and  nation;  l_\v  the  murder  of  .lesus,  they  sought  to  avert 
this  evil.  But  in  this  very  way  they  brought  it  upon 
themselves. 

49.  Ye  know  nothing;  nothing  about  the  best  way  to 
prevent  the  people  from  embracing  Jesus  as  the  Messiah, 
and  thus  to  preserve  the  nation  from  ruin.  His  idea  was, 
that,  innocent  or  guilty,  it  was  best  to  kill  him. 

•OO.  It  iscjprdiciit ;  he  thought  it  better  that  Jesus  should 
be  jiut  to  death,  than  that  the  nation  should  be  ruined,  as 
the  rulers  said  it  would  bo  if  the  people  should  follow 
Christ. 

.OI.  He  prophesied;  though  the  above  appears  to  have 
been  his  meaning, yet  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  his  words, 
expressed  the  momentous  truth,  that  it  was  expedient 

1213 


Mary  anoinkth  Christ's  feet. 


JOHN  XII. 


He  ridclii  into  Jerusalem. 


he  slioiild  srather  together  in  one  the  children  of 
God  that  were  scattered  abroad.-' 

53  Then  from  tliat  day  fortli  they  took  counsel 
together  for  to  put  him  to  deatli.'' 

54  Jesus  therefore  walked  no  more  openly  among 
tlie  Jews;"^  but  went  thence  unto  a  country  near 
to  the  wilderness,  into  a  city  called  Ephraim,''  and 
there  continued  witii  his  disciples. 

55  1  And  the  Jews'  passover  was  nigh  at  hand  f 
and  many  wont  out  of  the  country  up  to  Jerusa- 
lem liefoi-c  the  ])assover,  to  purify  themselves. 

5G  Then  sought  they  for  Jesus,'  and  spake  among 
themselves,  as  tiiey  stood  in  the  temple.  What  think 
ye,  tliat  he  will  not  come  to  tlie  feast? 
"  57  Now  both  the  chief  priests  and  the  Pharisees 
had  sriven  a  commandment,  that,  if  any  man  knew 
wliere  lie  were,  he  should  sliow  it,  that  they  might 
lake  liira. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Jesus  excuseth  Mary  anointing  liis  feet.  9  Tlie  people  flock  to  see 
Lazarus.  lU  Tlie  liisli-priesls  consult  to  kill  him.  Yi  Christ  rideth 
into  Jerusalem.  20  OreeUs  desire  to  see  Jesus.  23  He  forelellelh 
his  death.  37  The  Jews  arc  generally  blinded;  -li  yet  m.any  chief 
rulers  believe,  but  do  not  confess  him;  44  tlierefore  Jesus  callcth 
earnestly  for  confession  of  faith. 

f yilEN  Jesus,  six  days  before  the  passover,  came 
J.     to  Bethany,  wliere  Lazarus  was  which  had 
been  dead,  wiioin  ho  raised  from  the  dead."^ 

2  Tliere  tiiey  maile  liim  a  su|>per;  and  Martha 
served:''  but  Lazarus  was  one  of  them  tliat  sat  at 
the  table  with  liim. 

3  Then  took  Mary  a  pound  of  ointment  of  spike- 
nard, very  costly,  and  anointed  tlie  feet  of  Jesus, 
and  wiped  his  feet  with  iier  hair:'  and  the  house 
was  lilled  with  tiie  odor  of  tlie  ointment. 


•  Ch.  10:16;  Eph.  2:14-17.  b  P«a.  109:4,  5.  c  cli.  7: 1  ;  18:20.  daSam. 
l;)-2:|-  2Chr.  l:);19.  e  ch.  2:1:1;  5:1  ;  0:4.  t  ch.  5:IG,  IS:  ver.  S.  f  ch. 
11:1.4:1.  I>  Luke  10:3-<-12.  i  Matt.  20:0,  etc. ;  Mark  14:3,  etc.  J  2  Kini;s 
5:20-27;  Pna. 511:18.     kch. 13:29.     IDeut.  13:11;  Matt.2ti:ll;  Mark  11:7. 


4  Then  saith  one  of  his  disciples,  Judas  a.  d  :;3 
Iscariot,  Simon's  son,  which  should  betray  him, 

5  Why  was  not  tliis  ointment  sold  for  three 
hundred  pence,  and  given  to  the  jmor? 

6  This  he  said,  not  that  he  cared  for  the  poor; 
but  because  he  was  a  thief,'  and  had  the  bag,''  and 
Ijare  what  was  ]>ut  therein. 

7  Then  said  Jesus,  Let  her  alone :  against  the 
day  of  my  burying  hath  she  kept  this. 

8  For  the  poor  always  ye  have  willi  you;'  but 
me  ye  have  not  always."' 

9  jMiich  people  of  tlie  Jews  therefore  knew  that 
he  was  there:  and  they  came  not  for  Jesus'  sake 
only,  but  that  they  might  ,^ee  Lazarus  also,  whom 
lie  had  raised  from  tlic  dead. 

10  ^  But  the  cliicf  priests  consulted  that  they 
miglit  ]mt  Lazarus  also  to  death  ;" 

11  Because  that  by  reason  of  him  many  of  the 
Jews  went  away,  and  believed  on  Jesus." 

12  ^  On  the  next  day,  much  people  tiiat  were 
come  to  the  feast,  when  they  heard  tiiat  Jesus  was 
coming  to  Jerusalem, 

13  Took  branclies  of  iialm-trees,  and  went  forth 
to  meet  him,"  and  cried,  llnsanna:  Blessed  is  the 
King  of  Israel  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.'i 

14  And  Jesus,  when  he  had  found  a  young  ass, 
sat  thereon;  as  it  is  written, 

15  Fear  not,  daughter  of  Sion :  behold,  thy  King 
cometli,  sitting  on  an  ass's  colt.'' 

16  Tliese  things  understood  not  his  disciples  at 
the  first:"  but  when  Jesus  was  glorilicd,'  tiien  re- 
membered they  that  these  things  were  written  of 
him,  and  tltnt  they  had  done  these  tilings  unto  iiim." 

17  The  people  tlierefore  that  was  with  iiim  wlieii 

m  Song  5:0;  oh.  8:21;  ver.  35;  cb.  1:):33;  l«:.5-7.  n  I.uke  10:31.  »  ch. 
11:45;  ver.  1».  P  Matt.  21 :8,  otc. ;  Mark  11:8,  etc.;  Luke  l!l::!0,elo.  IPm. 
US:25,  2C.    '  Zech.  9:9.    •  Luke  18:34.    I  ch.  7:39.    "  ch.  14:28. 


that  Jesus  CiiriHt,  as  the  Saviour  of  lost  men,  shoultl  die, 
the  jii.st  for  the  unjust — not  for  the  Jewisli  nation  only, 
l)Ut  for  all  nations,  a  i)roi)itiatioii  for  the  sins  of  the  world, 
tliat  he  mif^lit  gather  into  heaven  all  who  should  believe 
aiiil  obey  him, 

5:!,  From  thai  day;  adopting  the  counsel  of  Caiaphas, 
they  sought  to  kill  liim. 

54.  The  Wilde rtics>:;  the  wilderness  of  Judea,  that  bor- 
dered on  the  Dead  sea  and  the  lower  part  of  the  Jordan 
v,alley. 

55.  To  purify  themselves ;  according  to  the  requirement, 
Lev.  22:1-0. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  dispengatlons  of  Providence,  as  well  as  the  in- 
structions of  the  Bible,  arc  dositcned  to  Rlorify  the  Hon  of 
(!f>"l.  by  le;iilin;;  men  to  honor  him  ;ih  truly  divine. 

9.  The  man  who  makes  it  his  object  to  loani  the  will  of 
(lod,  and  to  rlo  it,  however  it  may  riffcct  him  and  his  ron- 
ditinn  in  this  world,  is  like  one  who  travels  in  the  day- 
time, when  he  can  sec  objects  distinctly,  and  treat  them 
according  to  their  character.  Ibit  a  man  whose  great 
object  is  himself,  and  who  seeks  supremely  earthly  things, 
is  like  one  who  travels  in  the  night,  without  sun,  mocm,  or 
stars.  III!  is  in  darkness,  and  liable  every  moment  to  fall 
and  perish, 

2,').  To  the  believer,  whoso  soul  is  made  alive  by  union 
with  tlod  through  Christ,  the  dcitth  of  the  body  will  be 
only  a  sleep,  from  which  it  sludl  be  awakened  at  the 
resurrection,  to  a  glorious  imniorliility. 

:i').  Jesus  Christ  tenderly  and  deeply  sympathizes  in 
human  sorrow.  lie  delight*  in  soothing  hearts  that  trust 
1214 


in  him,  and  turning  their  teniiior:u-y  niouriiiiig  into  ever- 
lasting joy, 

45.  The  exhibitions  of  Christ  in  his  wiu-d  and  his  w'orks. 
arc  treated  by  dilVerent  jiersons  in  very  dilTerent  w;iys. 
Some  are  led  to  trust  in  him  as  their  !S:ivioiir,  iuiil  give 
him  their  hearts.  (Tlliers  bitterly  oppose  him,  and  do 
what  they  i-;in  to  hinder  the  progress  of  his  cause.  Thus, 
to  one  his  teaching  by  being  received  becomes  a  savor  of 
life  unto  life,  and  to  another,  by  being  rejected,  a  savor  of 
death  unto  death. 

48.  The  nil  aim  which  sinners  use  to  save  themselves 
from  coming  evils,  only  hasten  their  appro;icli,  and  make 
them  more  terrible, 

cii.u"I"i;h  .xii. 

1.  Belhami;  chap.  11:1. 

2-8.  Christ's  feet  anointed  by  Mary.  .Matt.  26:G-l:i: 
Mark  14::j-9. 

2.  Served;  waited  on  the  company. 

3.  Spikenard;  an  aromatic  jilaiit,  from  which  was  niadi 
a  precious  ointment. 

fi.  Thi'  Img;  the  purse  which  contained  their  money,  and 
from  which  they  assisted  the  poor. 

II.  Ill)  reason  of  him  ;  his  presence  was  a  standing  proof 
that  Jesus,  who  had  raised  him  from  the  dead,  was  the 
Messiah. 

12-19.  Christ  rides  into  .Terus;deni.  Miitl.  21 :  l-lfi;  Mark 
11:1-11;  Luke  19:29-44. 

l(i.  Wn.i  glorififd;  had  asiended  to  heaven. 

17.  linre  record;  they  related  what  Jesus  liad  done  in 
raising  Lazarus  from  tlie  dead. 


Christ  forddldh  his  death. 


JOHN  XII. 


Tht  muUitade  rejcc'.  him. 


A.D.33.  he  called  Lazarus  out  of  his  grave,  and  raised 
him  from  tlie  dead,  bare  record. 

18  For  this  cause  the  people  also  met  him,  for 
that  they  heard  that  he  had  done  this  miracle.'^ 

19  The  Pharisees  therefore  said  amon^-  them- 
selves. Perceive  ye  how  ye  prevail  nothing?  be- 
hold, tiie  world  is  gone  after  him.'' 

20  %  And  there  were  certain  Greeks'^  among 
them  that  came  up  to  worship  at  tlie  feast:'' 

21  The  same  came  therefore  to  Philip,  which 
was  of  Bethsaida  of  Galilee,"  and  desired  him, 
saying,  8ir,  we  would  see  Jesus. 

22  Pliilip  Cometh  and  telletli  Andrew :  and  again 
Andrew  and  Pliilip  tell  .Jesus. 

23  f  And  Jesus  answered  them,  saying,  Tlie  hour 
is  come,  tliat  tlie  Son  o£  man  should  be  glorified. ' 

24  Verily,  verily,  1  say  unto  you,  Except  a  corn 
of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground  and  die,  it  abidoth 
alone:'"  but  if  it  die,  it  bringeth  forth  much  fruit. 

25  He  that  loveth  !iis  life  shall  lose  it;  and  he 
that  hatcth  his  life  in  this  world,  shall  keep  it 
unto  life  eternal.'' 

26  If  any  man  serve  me,  let  him  follow  me ;'  and 
where  I  am,  there  shall  also  my  servant  be:^  if 
any  man  serve  me,  him  will  my  Father  honor." 

27  Now  is  my  soul  troubled;'  and  what  shall  I 
say  ?  Father,  save  me  from  this  hour :  but  for  tiiis 
cause  came  I  unto  tliis  hour."' 

28  Father,  glorify  thy  name.  Then  came  there 
a  voice  from  heaven,"  .so^/^o-,  I  have  both  glorilied 
it,  and  will  glorify  it  again. 

29  The  people  therefore  that  stood  by,  and  heard 


«Ver.  11.    bcl 

.11:47 

,48.     = 

Ads  r 

:4; 

Rom. 

:10.     i\  Kins 

s  8:41,  42. 

ech. 

:41.     tch. 

13: 3-2; 

17:1.     s 

1  Cor. 

l.'i: 

30. 

h  Matt.  111:39;  lli 

25; 

Mark 

8:35; 

Luke9:-J4; 

17:33. 

i  Luk 

C:4G: 

ch 

14 

l.T- 

IJolm  5:3.     J 

oh 

14:3; 

l7;-24 

1  Thes3.  4 

17.     k 

1  Sam.  •- 

:30;  1 

rov 

27 

13. 

IMatt.  28:33, 

39; 

Luke 

18.  Also  met  him;  went  out  to  meet  him  and  accompany 
him  intd  the  city. 

19.  Ye  prevail  nothing;  nothing  to  stop  his  increasing 
inflacnce  among  the  people. 

20.  Certain  Greeks ;  that  is,  as  the  of  iginal  word  implies. 
Gentiles  u.siiig  the  Greek  language.  The  word  shoiilii  be 
distinguished  from  "Grecians,"  Acts  6:1;  9:29,  who  are 
Jews  liy  birth  or  descent,  using  the  Grecic  language. 

23.  Tiie  hour  ts^ome;  the  request  of  the  Gentiles  to  see 
him  he  regards  as  a  sign  that  the  hour  is  at  hand  for  the 
conversion  of  the  gentile  nations  to  himself.  But  this 
must  be  through  his  approaching  suffering  and  death. 
Should  be  glorified;  by  his  death,  resurrection,  and  ascen- 
sion to  lieavon. 

21.  It  idjideth  alone;  remains  a  single  kernel ;  its  death  is 
essential  to  its  future  life  and  increase:  so  the  deatli  of 
Christ  was  essential  to  tlie  future  increase  and  prosperity 
of  his  kingdom.  Without  that  he  could  not  become  the 
Saviour  of  either  Jews  or  Gentiles. 

25.  Loveth  his  life;  jMatt.  10:39;  Ltd<e  9:24.  Ifalcth  liis 
life  ill  this  world ;  loveth  it  less  than  he  does  spirituid  ami 
eternal  life.  These  wtuxls  contain  a  solemn  intlnuition 
tliat  for  Christ's  disciples  also,  ;is  well  as  for  himself,  the 
way  to  glory  and  eternal  life  is  through  suffering  and  self- 
denial. 

2fi.  Let  him  follow  me;  in  the  way  of  sufferhig,  as  well 
as  of  oljcdienee.  Wlicre  I  am.  there  shall  also  mij  servant 
he;  he  must  be  with  me  fust  in  suffering, and  then  he  shall 
be  with  me  also  in  glory.     2  Tim.  2:11,  12. 

27.  Tins  hour;  the  hour  of  suffering  which  was  before 
him.  For  this  cause;  for  the  purpose  of  suffering,  that  men 
might  bo  saved. 

28.  I  have;  in  the  attest;itions  which  he  had  borne  to 
Christ  the  .Messiah.  And  will;  in  llie  miracles  at  his 
death,  resurrection,  and  ascension  to  glory. 


it,  said  that  it  thundered:  others  said.  An  angel 
spake  to  him. 

30  Jesus  answered  and  said,Tiiis  voice  came  not 
because  of  me,  but  for  your  sakes." 

31  Now  is  tlie  Judgment  of  this  world:  now  shall 
the  prince  of  this  world  be  cast  out.'' 

32  And  I,  if  1  be  lifted  up  from  tlie  carth,i  will 
draw  all  men  unto  me.'' 

33  This  he  said,sigiiifying  what  death  he  should 
die.^ 

34  The  people  answered  him.  We  have  heard 
out  of  the  law  that  Clirist  abidoth  for  ever:'  and 
how  sayest  thou.  The  Son  of  man  must  be  lifted 
up?     Who  is  this  Son  of  man? 

35  Then  Jesus  said  unto  tiicni.  Yet  a  little  while 
is  the  light  witii  you."  Walk  wiiile  ye  have  the 
liglit,''  lest  darkness  come  upon  yon:  for  he  that 
walkcth  in  darkness  knoweth  not  whither  he  go- 
ctli.'" 

36  While  ye  have  light,  believe  in  the  light,  that 
ye  may  be  the  children  of  light.''  These  things 
sjiakc  Jesus,  and  departed,  and  did  hide  himself 
from  them. 

37  1  But  tliough  lie  had  done  so  many  miracles 
before  them,  yet  they  believed  not  on  him: 

38  That  the  saying  of  Esaias  the  prophet  might 
be  fulfilled,  which  he  spake.  Lord,  who  hath  be- 
lieved our  report?  and  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of 
the  Lord  been  revealed?'' 

39  Tliorcfiire  they  could  not  believe,  because 
that  Esaias  said  again, 

40  He  liatii  blinded  their  eyes,  and  hardened 


12 

.It) 

oh 

.  13:-, 

1. 

tncl 

.  18:37. 

n  Matt. 

.3: 

17. 

och 

11 

42. 

PL 

uke  10:18; 

ch 

Hi 

11 

Acts  28: 

i--*; 

F.ph.  2:2. 

q  ch. 

S 

2S 

r  Rom. 

5:18 

s 

ch. 

lf<:32. 

1  1' 

<a. 

7-': 

:-I!) 

^il 

.■i(i. 

!?;  110:4 

Isa.  9 

/, 

u 

ch.  6: 

'> 

V  ,ler 

13 

10. 

"  ch. 

11 

10. 

X 

Uph. 

5:8 

y 

Isa.  53:1. 

30.  For  your  sokes;  that  you  might  have  this  additioiuvl 
evidence  that  I  am  the  Son  of  God,  and  always  do  that 
with  which  ho  is  well  pleased. 

31.  The  judgment  (f  this  world ;  the  time  when  this  world, 
which  is  opposed  to  me  and  under  the  power  of  Satan,  is 
to  be  conquered  and  subdued  to  myself.  Prince  of  this 
world;  Satan.  Cast  out;  conquered,  so  that  his  power  on 
earth  shall  thenceforward  decline,  till  he  .shall  be  utterly 
subdued. 

32.  Lifted  up;  on  the  cross,  as  a  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of 
men.     Draw  all  men;  chu]i.  3:H,  15;  ():44. 

34.  Heard  out  of  the  law;  learned  from  the  Old  Testa- 
ment.    Isa.  9:7;  Dan.  2:44;  7:14. 

35.  Theliglit;  the  Messiah,  the  source  of  all  true  spir- 
itu;xl  knowledge.  Walk;  while  you  have  the  means  of 
knowledge  improve  them,  lest  they  be  taken  away. 

3C.  Believe  in  the  light;  receive  and  obey  my  instruc- 
tions, tJiat  you  may  be  wise,  and  be  instrumental  in  making 
others  wise  to  salvation. 

38.  The  sai/ing  of  Esaias;  Isa.  53: 1,  fulfdled  in  their  re- 
jection of  Christ. 

:59.  They  cnuld  not  hclicvc ;  it  is  said  of  Joseph's  brethren, 
that  they  could  not  speak  peaceably  to  him,  Gen.  37:4; 
and  Christ  said  to  the  Jews,  "  How  can  ye  believe,  who 
rei'eive  honor  one  of  another,  and  seek  not  the  honor  tlnit 
Cometh  from  God  only?"  John  5:4-).  The  two  things 
were  incornjiatible.  They  must  cease  from  the  one  in 
order  to  do  the  other.  So  hero;  as  they  would  continue 
to  love  and  clicrish  their  sins,  they  i-oiild  not,  continuing 
this  course,  enibniee  the  Messiah.  The  two  things  could 
not  coexist.  This  was  the  reason  why  they  should  have 
renounced  the  one,  and  performed  the  other.  Hut  they 
would  not  do  it.  The  prophecy  of  Isaiah  showed  tliat  it 
was  certain  they  would  not,     Is;v,  C:9,  10, 

10.  He  hath  blinded  their  eijrs;  bv  presenting  to  them 
1215 


Muny  believe  on  Christ. 


JOHN  XIII. 


He  washeth  his  disciples'  feet. 


their  heart;  that  tlioy  shoukl  not  see  with  their 
eyes,  nor  understand  with  their  heart,  and  be  con- 
verted, and  I  should  lical  them." 

41  These  things  said  Esaias,  when  he  saw  his 
f^lory,  and  spake  of  him.'' 

42  1  Nevertheless,  among  the  elnef  rulers  also 
many  believed  on  him ;  but  because  of  the  Phari- 
sees they  did  not  confess  him,  lest  they  should  be 
put  out  of  the  synagogue  :"= 

43  For  they  loved  tlicpraise  of  men  more  than 
the  praise  of  God.'' 

44  T  Jesus  cried  and  said,  He  that  believeth  on 
me,  believeth  not  on  me,  but  on  hira  tliat  sent  me." 

45  And  ho  that  seeth  me,  scetli  him  that  sent  me. 

46  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,'  tiiat  who- 
soever believeth  on  me  should  not  abide  in  dark- 
ness. 

47  And  if  any  man  hear  my  words,  and  believe 
not,  I  judge  him  not:  for  I  came  not  to  judge  the 
world,  but  to  save  the  world.^ 

48  He  that  rejccteth  me,  and  receivcth  not  my 
words,  hath  one  thatjudgoth  him  :"  the  word  that  I 
have  spoken,  the  same  shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day. 

49  For  I  have  not  spoken  of  myself;  but  the 
Father  whicli  sent  me,  he  gave  me  a  couniian(inu.'nt, 
what  1  siiould  say,  and  what  I  should  speak. 

50  And  I  know  that  his  commandment  is  life 
everlasting:'  whatsoever  I  speak  therefore,  even 
as  the  Father  said  unto  me,  so  I  speak. 


•  Isa.  0.-9.  ID.  1>  l«a.  n:l.  c  ch.  U:-2i.  d  ch.  5:44;  Rom.  2:2!).  c  Mark 
0:37;  lPet.l:21.  f  ch.  1:5;  3: 19.  ech.3:17.  h  Deut.  1S:19;  Luke  9:26. 
i  I  John  S:*-).    J  Matt.  20:2,  etc.     k  ch.   17:1,  II.     1  Jet.  31:.);  liph.  5:2; 


truths  whicli  lliey  would  reject,  their  rejection  bringing 
them  into  greater  darkness.  In  a  similar  sense  it  is  said, 
that  Jesus  ('hrist  came  into  the  world  to  set  members  of 
families  at  variance,  by  leading  some  to  trust  in  him,  while 
others  on  this  account  opposed  them  and  Bought  their 
death.     Matt.  10:21,  3.5,  36. 

41.  His  glory;  the  glory  of  Christ,  called  by  Isaiah  the 
glory  of  Jehovah.     Isa.  6:1. 

42.  Mnn\i  believed  on  him ;  were  convinced  that  ho  was 
the  Messiah.  Did  not  confess  kirn;  did  not  openly  declare 
thoir  belief. 

44.  Not  on  mc;  not  on  me  only,  but  also  on  my  Father. 

45.  Me — him  that  si^nt  me;  chap.  10:30,  38. 

47.  I  came  not  tojvd'^e;  it  was  then  his  business  to  act 
not  as  judge,  but  as  Saviour. 

48.  The  word;  the  gospel,  according  to  their  treatment 
of  which  men  will  be  judged  at  the  last  day. 

49.  Of  myself ;  notof  my  own  authority  mercdy,  but  by  the 
authority  and  api)ointment  of  the  Father.    i'Atn\i.  7:  IC-IS. 

.lO.  Ills  commnnilmcnt;  the  message  which  he  has  com- 
manded rnc  to  deliver  to  men.  Is  Ife  everlasting;  to  them 
•who  believe  and  obey  it. 

IN'STRUCTIONS. 

6.  It  is  dangerous  to  bo  intrusted  with  public  money, 
and  those  who  are  inclined  to  theft  or  fraud  will  often  bo 
placed  in  situations  where  they  will  bo  strongly  temjitcd 
to  commit  it.  The  less  our  conduct  is  under  the  insjiec- 
tion  of  men,  tlio  more  mindful  we  should  be  of  the  inspec- 
tion of  God, and  the  more  careful  to  secure  his  approb;ition. 

10.  Innocence  is,  in  this  world,  no  certain  security  againsl 
Huffering.  The  greater  a  person's  inlluence  for  good,  the 
greater  may  be  his  exposure,  even  from  i>rofc8HeiJ  friends 
of  God,  to  persecution  and  <leath. 

10.  All  attempts  to  thwart  the  counsels  of  the  Redeemer 
will  be  unavailing;  and  the  elTorts  which  men  make  to 
stop  the  progress  of  his  cause,  he  will  overrule  for  its  ad- 
vancement and  prosperity. 

31.  The  efforts  of  Satiin  and  wicked  men  to  procure  the 
death  of  Christ  were  ovi.-rruled  for  the  promotion  of  his 
12IG 


CHAPTER  XIII.  A  1, 33. 

1  Jesus  washeth  the  disciples'  feet;  exhorteth  them  to  humility  and 
cliarity.  IS  He  foretcllcth,  and  discovereth  to  John  by  n  token,  that 
Judas  should  betiay  him;  31  coniniandeth  them  to  love  one  anotlier, 
36  and  forewarnetb  Peter  of  his  denial. 

NOW  before  the  feast  of  the  passover,^  when 
Jesus  knew  that  his  hour  was  come  that  he 
should  depart  out  of  this  world  unto  the  Father,'' 
having  loved  his  own  which  were  in  the  world,  he 
loved  them  unto  the  end.' 

2  And  supper  being  ended,  the  devil  having  now 
put  into  the  heart  of  Judas  Iscariot,  Simon's  son, 
to  betray  him;'" 

3  Jesus  knowing  that  the  Father  had  given  all 
things  into  liis  hands,"  and  that  he  was  come  from 
God,  and  went  to  God;"  . 

4  He  riseth-from  supper,  and  laid  aside  his  gar- 
ments; and  took  a  towel,  and  girded  himself. 

5  After  that,  he  ponreth  water  into  a  basin,  and 
began  to  wash  the  disciples'  feet,  and  to  wipe  Mf/n 
witli  the  towel  wherewith  he  was  girded. 

G  Then  Cometh  he  to  Simon  Peter:  and  Peter* 
saith  unto  him.  Lord,  dost  thou  Avasii  my  feet?'' 

7  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  VVliat  I  <lo 
thou  knowest  not  now;  but  thou  shall  know  here- 
after. 

8  Peter  saith  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  never  wash 
my  feet.  Jesus  answered  him,  If  I  wash  thee  not, 
thou  hast  no  part  with  mci 

l.Iohn  4:19;  Rev.  1:5.  m  Luke  22:3,  53;  ch.  0:70.  n  Matt.  2t:IK;  Heb. 
2:8.  och.l7:ll.  '  Gt.  he.  pMatt.3:ll.  q  1  Cor.  6:11 ;  Eph.  5:20;  Titui 
3:5. 

glory,  the  salvation  of  his  people,  and  the  ruin  of  all  who 
conthiuod  to  oppose  him. 

3.1.  While  men  have  ojiportunitics  to  obtain  spiritual 
knowledge  they  should  diligently  improve  them,  lest  their 
opportunities  cease,  and  they  be  left  to  ignorance,  dark- 
ness, anil  woe. 

42.  The  regarding  of  the  praise  of  men  more  than  the 
praise  of  God,  while  it  may  consist  with  a  sjiecnlativo 
conviction  that  Jcsijs  is  the  Christ,  is  ineomp;itilile  with 
that  hearty  obedience  to  him  which  is  essential  to  n;ilva- 
tioii:  men  cannot  at  the  same  time  continue  them  both, 
and  should,  without  delay,  through  the  grace  of  God, 
renounce  the  one  and  perforin  the  other. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1.  Miforc  tlic  feast  of  Ike  pnssover ;  onr  Lord  ate  the  pasS" 
over  with  his  disgiidcs  on  the  evening  of  the  Thursday 
before  his  crucifixion.  Matt.  26:17;  Jhirk  11:12;  Luko 
22:7.  From  the  statement  of  John,  cha]i.  18: 2K;  l!):14,somo 
have  inferred  that,  for  reasons  ind;iii)wn  to  us-  jiossibly 
from  a  difference  in  regard  to  the  computation  of  lime — a 
jiortion  of  the  Jews,  including  the  Jewish  rulers,  were  in 
the  habit  of  celebrating  the  passover  one  day  later  than 
the  other  jiortion. 

2.  Supper  being  ended;  rather,  supper  having  come;  for 
after  Ik;  had  washed  his  disciples'  feet,  ho  reclined  again, 
ver.  12;  an<l  the  sujjper  went  on,  ver.  26. 

3.  Knov'ing  thai  the  Father  liad  given — come  from  Cod,  and 
Kent  to  Gotl ;  as  much  as  to  s.ay,  he  performed  this  act  of 
condescending  lovo  with  Iht^  full  consciousness  of  his 
divine  dignity  and  the  heavenly  glory  which  awaited  him. 

4.  Ifis  garments;  his  mantle  or  outer  garment. 

7.  Knowest  not — sludt  Icnow;  the  meaning  or  object  of 
what  ho  did. 

5.  If  I  vnish  thee  not;  though  the  primary  object  of  this 
washing,  as  e.xidained  by  tlu^  iSavionr  himself,  Wiis  to  set 
liis  disciples  an  example  of  humility  and  love,  he  hero 
uses  it  as  a  symbol  of  the  spiritual  cleansing  which  tliey 
must  receive  from  him. 


Christ's  hetrayal  foretold. 


JOHN  XIII. 


The  new  commandmrnl. 


A.  D.M.     9  Simon  Peter  saitli  unto  him,  Lord,  not 
my  feet  only,  but  also  my  hands  and  my  head. 

10  Jesus  saith  to  him,  He  that  is  washed  needetli 
not  save  to  wash  his  feet,  but  is  clean  every  whit: 
and  ye  are  clean,  but  not  all. 

11  For  he  knew  who  should  betray  him;"  there- 
fore said  he,  Yc  are  not  all  clean. 

12  So  after  he  had  washed  their  feet,  and  had 
taken  his  garments,  and  was  set  down  again,  he 
said  unto  them,  Know  ye  what  I  have  done  to  you? 

13  Ye  call  me  Master,  and  Lord:''  and  ye  say 
well ;  for  so  I  am. 

14  If  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed 
your  feet ;  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another's  feet. 

15  For  I  have  given  you  an  example,  that  ye 
should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you.'= 

16  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  The  servant  is 
not  greater  than  his  lord ;  neither  he  that  is  sent 
greater  than  he  that  sent  him. 

17  If  ye  know  these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye 
do  them.'' 

18  11  speak  not  of  yon  all ;  I  know  whom  I  have 
chosen;  but  that  the  scripture  may  be  fulfilled.  He 
that  eateth  bread  with  me  hath  lifted  up  his  heel 
against  me.'' 

19  Now*  I  tell  you  before  it  come,  that  when  it 
is  come  to  pass,  ye  may  believe  that  I  am  he.'' 

20  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that  re- 
ceiveth  whomsoever  I  send,  receiveth  me;  and  he 
that  receiveth  me,  receiveth  him  that  sent  me.*'' 

21  When  Jesus  had  thus  said,  he  was  troubled 
in  spirit,  and  testified,  and  said,  Verily,  verily,  I 
say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall  betray  me." 

22  Then  the  disciples  looked  one  on  another, 
doubting  of  whom  he  spake. 

23  Now  there  was  leaning  on  Jesus'  bosom  one 
of  his  disciples,  whom  Jesus  loved.' 

2-1  Simon  Peter  therefore  beckoned  to  him,  that 
he  should  ask  who  it  should  be  of  whom  he  spake. 

25  He  then,  lying  on  Jesus'  breast,  saith  unto 
him.  Lord,  who  is  it  ? 


»  Ch.  G:G4. 

b  Malt.  -23:8-10;  Phil.  2:11.     c  1  Pel.  •J:2I.     d  .las.  1:-J5. 

e   Psa.  41:9. 

•  Or.  Prom  henafoTlh.     f  oh.   14:29:  10:4.     e  Malt.  1U:4U. 

b  Milt.  -^8:31 

Mark  14:1S;  Luke  •i-.>:ai.     i  ch.  '20:2;  1:27,  SO.     t  Or,  mor- 

.«/.     i  Luke  ■- 

2:3.     t  ch.  12:6.     1  ch.  12:2:3;  17:l-li.     m  ch.  14: 13;  1  Pel. 

9.  'Not  my  feci  only;  if  this  washing  be  necessary  to  my 
having  a  part  with  thee,  let  it  extend  to  my  whole  person. 

10.  He  that  is  washed ;  tliat  is,  batheil,  as  the  original  im- 
phes,  which  licre  uses  a  dift'erent  word  from  the  preceding. 
The  l}athing  represents  "the  wasliing  of  regeneration," 
which  the  apostles,  with  one  exception,  liave  already  re- 
ceived. Save  lo  wash  hisfei't;  which  have  licen  soiled  in 
passing  from  the  bath  to  his  own  home.  This  beautifully 
sets  forth  the  (hiily  cleansing  which  even  regenerated  men 
need  from  the  defilement  of  daily  life.  Clean,  but  not  all; 
washed  in  the  bath  of  regeneration,  with  one  exception. 

12.  Know  yc;  do  you  understand  the  meaning? 

15.  An  example;  of  humility,  condescension,  and  love. 
To  inculcate  the  importiince  of  those  was  his  objfct  in 
doing  what  was  usually  done  by  a  servant. 

17.  These  things;  the  truths  which  he  had  been  teaching 
them. 

18.  Tlie  scripture;  Psa.  41:9,  strikingly  fulfilled  in  Judas. 

19.  Ye  may  believe;  have  new  evidence  _that  I  am  the 
Messi:xh,  and  continuo  to  believe  it. 

20.  Whomsoever  I  send;  as  my  minister. 

23.  Leaning  on  Jesus'  bosom ;   the   guests   reclined  on 
couches,  each  resting  on  his  left  elbow,  with  a  pillow 
supporting  his  head,  his  face  towards  the  table,  and  his 
17 


26  Jesus  answered.  He  it  is  to  whom  I  shall  give 
a  sop,*  when  1  have  dipped  it.  And  when  he  had 
dipped  the  sop,  he  gave  it  to  Judas  Iscariot,  the 
son  of  Simon. 

27  xind  after  the  sop  Satan  entered  into  him.' 
Then  said  Jesus  unto  him,  That  thou  doest,  do 
quickly. 

28  Now  no  man  at  the  table  knew  for  what  in- 
tent he  spake  this  unto  him. 

29  For  some  o/'Mf?/i  thought,  because  Judas  had 
the  bag,''  that  Jesus  had  said  unto  him,  Buy  those 
things  that  we  have  need  of  against  the  feast;  or, 
that  he  should  give  something  to  the  i)oor. 

30  He  then,  having  received  the  sop,  went  imme- 
diately out;  and  it  was  night. 

31  i  Therefore,  when  he  was  gone  out,  Jesus 
said.  Now  is  the  Son  of  man  glorified,'  and  God 
is  glorified  in  him.™ 

32  If  God  be  glorified  in  him,  God  shall  also 
glorify  him  in  himself,  and  shall  straightway  glo- 
rify him. 

33  Little  children,  yet  a  little  while  I  am  with 
you.  Ye  shall  seek  me:  and  as  I  said  unto  tlie 
Jews,  Whither  I  go,  ye  cannot  come;"  so  now  I 
say  to  you. 

34  A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you.  That 
ye  love  one  another ;  as  I  have  loved  you,  that  ye 
also  love  one  another." 

35  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  ray 
disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  to  another. 

36  II  Simon  Peter  said  unto  him,  Lord,  whither 
goest  tliou?  Jesus  answered  him,  Whither  I  go, 
tliou  canst  not  follow  me  now;  but  thou  shalt  fol- 
low me  afterwards.'' 

37  Deter  said  unto  him,  Lord,  vidiy  cannot  I  fol- 
low thee  now?  I  will  lay  down  my  life  for  thy 
sakC! 

38  Jesus  answered  him,  Wilt  thou  lay  down  thy 
life  for  my  sake  ?  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  Ihce, 
The  cock  shall  not  crow,  till  thou  hast  denied  mo 
thrice. 

4:11.  Boh.  7:34;  b:21.  o  Lev.  I9:I.S;  ch.  15:12,  17;  Eph.  5:2;  1  Thess. 
4:9;  Jas.  2:8;  1  Pet.  1:22;  1  .lohn  2:7,  ti;  3:11,  23;  i:-M,  21.  p  oh.  21:18; 
2  Pet.  1:14.     1  Matl.  20:33,  elc;  Mark  14:29,  etc.;  Luke  22:33,  etc. 


feet  towards  the  hinder  part  of  the  couch.  As  John  lay 
next  below  Jesns,  his  head  was  in  front  of  the  Saviour's 
bosom;  and  in  asking  a  question,  he  would  naturall}' turn 
his  head  over  and  lean  it  U]uin  his  M;ister's  breast.  One 
of  his  disciples;  John,  the  writer  of  this  liook. 

2(i.  A  sop — (lipped;  a  piece  of  food  dipped  in  the  sauce 
used  on  th;it  occasion. 

27.  Eidcrcd  intoliim  ;  took  full  possession  of  him,  and  in- 
stigated him  to  carry  out  the  purpose, already  formed  under 
his  influence,  of  betraying  his  Ahisler.     Compare  vcr.  2, 

:il.  Is  the  Son  of  man  glorified;  the  hour  of  His  conflict 
with  Satan  was  to  be  that  of  His  triumph  over  liim  and 
exaltation  to  heaven.  , 

.■J2.  Glorify  him ;  in  his  death,  resurrection,  and  ascen- 
sion, as  the  conqueror  of  death  and  hell. 

33.  As  I  said;  chap.  7:34. 

34.  A  new  commandment ;  new  as  to  its  peculiar  applica- 
tion to  Christians,  the  clearness  and  power  with  which  it 
was  taught,  and  tiie  motives  with  which  it  was  enforced. 

:K.  Tliou  shall  fullow  me;  through  the  dcatli  of  the  cross 
to  heaven.     Ch;iii.  21:  IS,  19. 

3«.  Not  crow;  Matt,  2(i:74;  T.uke  22:00, 

INSTIM'CTKIX.^. 
1.  The  love  of  Jesus  Christ  to  his  people  is  unchanging. 


The  disdples  comforted. 


JOHN  XIV. 


7^  Holy  Ghost  promised. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


1  Christ  comforteth  his  Jisciples  with  the  hope  of  hea»en;  6  professeth 
himself  (he  way.  the  truth,  and  the  life,  aiiJ  one  with  the  Father;  13 
assureth  their  prayers  in  his  name  to  be  eliVcliial;  la  requesteth  love 
and  obedience,  16  promiseth  the  Holy  Ohost  the  Comforter,  '21  and 
leavet  I  his  peace  with  them. 

LET  not  jour  heart  be  troubled :"  ye  believe  in 
God,  believe  also  in  me." 

2  III  my  Fatlier'.s  house  are  many  mansions:  if 
a  were  not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go  to 
prepare  a  place  for  you.'' 

3  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will 
come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;''  that 
where  1  am,  there  ye  may  be  also."" 

4  And  whither  I  go  ye  know,  and  the  way  ye 
know. 

5  Thomas  saith  unto  liini,  Lord,  wc  know  not 
•whither  thou  goest;  and  how  can  we  know  the 
way? 

6  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,''  and  the 
truth,''  and  the  life:''  no  man  conicth  unto  the  Fa- 
ther, but  by  me.' 

7  If  ye  liad  known  me,  ye  should  have  known 
my  Father  also:  and  from  huncolbrth  yc  know 
him,  and  have  seen  him. 

8  Philip  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  show  us  the  Fa- 
ther, and  it  sufBceth  us. 

9  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Have  I  been  so  long  time 

a  Ua.  4.1: 1,  2;  ver.  27 :  -J  Tn.-ss.  i-.-l.  b  Isa.  ll>:'i,  3;  Eph  1:1-.',  13;  1  Pel. 
1-21  c  Hcb.  6:211;  9:f<,  24;  Rev.  21:2.  <1  Heb.  »:2a.  e  ch.  12:20;  17:21 ; 
IThess.  4:17.     '  Isa.  35:3,  U;  eh.  1U:<J;  Heb.  IU:1«,  20.     e  ch.  1:17;  15:1. 


lOIIl. 


They  may  therefore  safely  put  their  tru.st  in  him 
«:  37-39. 

8.  Unles.s  men  are  purified  from  the  love  and  practice 
of  sill  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  they  have  no  interest  in  his 
salvation. 

17.  In  imitating  the  oxamplo  of  Christ,  especially  his 
huniihty,  condescension,  and  kindness — in  beUeving  liis 
declarations,  trusting  in  his  merits,  and  obeying  liis  com- 
maricls,  men  may  be  snpreinely  and  eternally  blessed. 

21.  Christ  is  greatly  grievcil  wlicn  any  of  his  professed 
disciples  so  conduct  as  to  injure  themselves,  dishonor 
him,  ami  bring  reproacli  on  liis  cause. 

34.  One  decisive  evidence  of  love  to  Christ  is  love  to  his 
people.  The  manifestation  of  tliis,  while  it  is  among  the 
brightest  evidences  of  true  religion,  is  also  among  the  most 
powerful  means  of  leading  men  to  embrace  it.  Chap.  17: 21. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1.  Be  troubled;  a  season  of  great  trial  was  just  before 
them.  But  in  passing  through  it,  they  must  not  lose  their 
confidence  in  God  or  in  him. 

2.  My  fW/i«r'.sAnu.5c,- heaven.  Mnnymansionx;  dwelling- 
places.  /  po  to  prepare  a  place  for  ijott ;  this  going  was  be- 
gun by  the  Saviour's  death — after  which  he  never  abode 
permanently  with  his  disciples — and  corn|ileted  at  his 
ascension.  Uis  death,  resurrection,  and  ascension  to 
heaven,  were  all  parts  of  the  one  act  of  going  to  the  Fa- 
ther to  prepare  a  place  for  his  followers. 

3.  Cnme  again;  the  perfect  fulfilment  of  this  promi.se 
will  lie  at  Christ's  second  coming,  when  the  bodies  of  be- 
lievers, being  raised  in  glory,  will  be  reunited  with  their 
spirits,  and  they  received  by  ("lirist  to  the  everlasting 
niansions  prejiarcd  for  them  in  heaven.  But  it  has  also  a 
previous  blessed  fnUilment  to  the  spirit  of  each  true 
Christian  when  he  leaves  this  world.  Luke  10:22;  23: -13; 
2  Cor.  .1: 8;  Itev.  11:13. 

4.  Whither  I  go;  to  the  Father.  The  way  yc  know;  to 
the  Saviour  the  way  was  by  the  death  of  the  cross,  as  he 
had  often  foretold  his  disciples.  Comiiare  note  to  ver.  .3. 
To  the  disciples,  the  way  was  by  failli  in  him,  yet  so  that 
they  too  must  follow  him  through  death  to  the  glory  of 
heaven.    Compare  chap.  13:3G. 

1218 


with  you,  and  yet  hast  thou  not  known  me,  a.  d.  33. 
Philip'.''  he  that  hath  seen  me,  hath  seen  the  Father ;' 
and  how  sayest  thou  t/ten,  Show  us  the  Father? 

10  Believest  thou  not  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
and  the  Father  in  me?  the  words  that  I  speak 
unto  you,  I  speak  not  of  myself:  but  the  Father 
that  dwelleth  in  me,  he  docth  the  works. 

11  Believe  me  that  I  am  in  the  Father,  and  the 
Father  in  me :  or  else  believe  me  for  the  very 
works'  sake. 

12  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  lie  that  be- 
licveth  on  mc,  the  works  that  I  do  shall  he  do 
also;''  and  greater  works  than  these  shall  he  do; 
because  I  go  unto  my  Father. 

13  And  whatsoever  yc  shall  ask  in  my  name, 
that  will  1  do,'  that  the  Father  may  be  glorified 
in  the  Son. 

14  If  yc  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name,  I  will 
do  it. 

15  1  If  yc  love  me,  keep  my  commandments.'" 

16  And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give 
you  another  Comforter,"  that  he  may  abide  with 
you  for  ever ; 

17  Even  the  Spirit,  of  truth ;  whom  the  world 
cannot  receive,  because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither 
knoweth  him:°  but  ye  know  him  ;  for  he  dwelleth 
with  you,  and  shall  be  in  you.'' 


h  ch.  1:4;  11:25.  iAcls4:12.  J  Col.  1:15.  kMatt.21:21.  llJohn5:14. 
mvor.  21.2:);  ch.  15:10, 14;  IJohn  5:3.  noh. 15:26.  olCor.SiU.  P  Rom. 
8:9;  1  John  2:27. 


G.  /  am  the  way;  to  God's  presence.  Tlie  truth;  the 
author  and  revealer  of  truth.  The  life;  the  author  and 
giver  of  life,  natural  and  sjiiritnal. 

7.  Known  my  Fa'hrr;  the  rea.son  of  this  is,  their  oneness ; 
he  being  the  lirightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  and  the  e.v- 
press  image  of  his  person.  Chap.  1()::5();  llcli.  1:3.  From 
henceforth  i/c  hiovj  him;  from  this  time  onward  begins  your 
more  perfect  knowledge  tlirongh  me  of  the  F;ither.  It  was 
in  conncK-tion  with  the  removal  from  the  disciples  of  his 
personal  presence,  which  was  now  just  at  hand,  that  t)io 
Comforter  should  be  sent  to  teach  them  of  Christ  and  the 
F:itlier. 

8.  Show  us  the  Father;  he  meant  an  ontwiu'd  showing. 
10.  AV  of  mijuclf;  not  independently  of,  or  in  opposition 

to  the  Fattier,  but  from  him  ;  so  that  in  me  the  Father  him- 
self speaks  to  you.  He  docth  the  works;  he  gives  them  to 
me  to  do,  chap.  .'):3i;,  and  he  is  so  present  in  me  that  ray 
working  is  his  working.     See  iiitrodnctory  note  to  chap.  5. 

12.  Greater;  greater  in  nundier,  extent,  and  iiiliuence,  by 
Christ's  jiower,  and  under  the  inlhience  of  the  Spirit, 
which,  alter  his  itscension  to  heaven,  he  would  give  them. 
Mark  Hi: 20;  Acts  2:-ll. 

13.  In  my  name;  in  dependence  on,  and  for  the  purpose 
of  honnring  him. 

M.  Jmilhinfi;  in  accordance  with  his  will,  and  which 
would  be  needl'ul  for  the  work  to  which  he  c;illecl  them. 

10.  Another  Comforter;  another  than  myself,  one  who 
shall  make  good  to  you  the  loss  of  my  jiersonal  iircsence. 
This  is  the  first  time  that  the  word  "Comforter "is  applied, 
in  the  Scriptures,  to  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  Greek  word, 
which  occurs  only  in  the  writings  of  John,  means  both 
j  advopite — as  it  is  rendered  in  1  .tohn  2:1,  where  it  is 
applied  to  Christ — and  ('omforter.  The  Holy  Spirit  is  the 
Counsellor  and  Guide,  as  well  as  the  Comforter  of  God's 
]ieople. 

17.  The  Spirit  of  truth;  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  reveals  the 
truth,  and  works  in  men  to  will  and  to  do  in  obeying  it. 
The  world;  mi'li  who  seek  earthly  things  as  their  chief 
good.  Srrlh  him  not;  they  have  no  s]iiritiial  view  of  him, 
(lo  not  feel  their  need  of  him,  or  seek  his  aid.  In  mu; 
to  enlighten  their  minds,  purrfy  their  hearts,  show  tnem 
what  they  should  do,  and  enable  them  to  do  it. 


The,  office,  of  the.  Comforter. 


JOHX  XV. 


Christ  the  true  vine. 


A. DM.      18  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless:"  I 
will  come  to  you.'' 

19  Yet  a  little  while,  and  the  world  sceth  me 
no  more ;  but  ye  see  me :  because  I  live,  ye  shall 
live  al;<o.'' 

20  At  that  day  ye  sliall  know  tliat  I  am  in  my 
Father,  and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in  you. 

21  He  that  hath  my  commandments,  and  keepeth 
them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me:  and  he  that  loveth 
me  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and  I  will  love 
him,  and  will  manifest  myself  to  him.'^ 

22  Judas  saith  unto  him,''  not  Iscariot,  Lord, 
how  is  it  that  tliou  wilt  manifest  thyself  unto  us, 
and  not  unto  the  world? 

23  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man 
love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words :  and  my  Father 
will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him.*^ 

24  He  that  loveth  me  not,  keepeth  not  my  say- 
ings :  and  tlie  word  which  ye  hear  is  not  mine,  but 
the  Father's  which  sent  me. 

25  These  tilings  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  being 
yet  present  with  you. 

26  But  the  Comforter,''  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall 
teach  you  all  things,  and  bring  all  tilings  to  your 
remembrance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto  you.^ 


•OT,orphnns.  »  ver.  3, -IS.  b  Heb.  7:a.i.  «  ver.  15,  33.  d  Luke  6:18. 
e  IJohn  2:24;  Res-.  3:20.  fver.  16.  s  ch.  16:13;  1  .lohli  2;-i(l,  27.  h  Bph. 
2:H-17;  Phil.  4:7.     i  ver.  12.    J  1  Cor.  15:27,  2-(.     k  ch.  16;  II  ;  Eph.  2:2. 


18.  Comfortle-is;  literally,  orphans,  bereft  of  my  presence, 
as  cliiklreii  of  the  presence  of  their  father.  Cume  to  you ; 
spiritually,  through  the  Comforter. 

19.  Seetk  me  no  more;  that  is,  in  my  personal  presence, 
the  only  way  in  which  they  are  able  to  see  me.  Ye  see  me; 
spiritually.     See  below,  verses  21-23. 

20.  At  thnt  day;  when  the  Holy  Spirit  should  come,  and 
they  should  enjoy  not  the  bodily,  but  the  spiritual  pres- 
ence of  the  Redeemer. 

22.  How  ?s  it;  he  supposed  that  Jesus  spoke  of  his 
bodily  presence.  But  alter  the  Holy  Ghost  should  come, 
he  would  remember  and  better  understand  the  words  of 
Christ. 

26.  All  Ihin^!:;  all  things  which  should  be  needful  to  fit 
them  for  the  duties  of  their  office.  Brinp;  nil  thiiii;.'!  to 
your  remembrance ;  in  such  a  way  that  he  should,  at  the 
same  time,  enlighten  them  as  to  tlieir  true  meaning. 

27.  Peace  I  leave  wilJi  you ;  as  my  parting  gift.  The  al- 
lusion is  to  the  Hebrew  form  of  benediction,  which  is, 
"Peace  be  witli  you."  My  peace;  that  wliich  resembles 
his  own,  and  which  he  alone  can  give:  "  the  peace  of  (iod, 
which  jiassetli  all  understanding."  Phil.  4:7.  Not  a.i  the 
world  givetk;  their  benedictions  arc  empty  and  ineffica- 
cious; but  mine  is  sincere  and  powerful. 

28.  Greater  than  I;  not  in  nature,  but  in  condition.  He 
is  in  a  glorious  and  ex:dted  state ;  I  am  in  a  humble  and 
lowly  condition,  and  if  ye  loved  me,  ye  would  rejoice  in 
my  going  to  him,  for  I  sliall  then  be  in  tlie  same  glorious 
and  e.xaltod  state  hi  which  he  is,  and  in  wdiicli  I  was  be- 
fore the  creation.  Chap.  17:5.  From  that  state  of  glory 
he  would  send  them  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  accomplisii  ail 
which  he  had  promised. 

When  (Christ  speaks  of  the  Father  as  greater  than  him- 
self, he  refers  not  to  his  own  nature,  but  to  his  office,  con- 
dition, and  work  as  Mediator;  and  it  implies  no  inferiority 
in  his  ciriginal  dignity,  wisdom,  power,  and  glory. 

2a.  Have  told  you;  of  my  departure  from  yoii  by  the 
death  of  the  cross.  Ye  mi'Jd  believe;  that  is,  inorc  "fully: 
might  li;ivc  your  faith  in  me  Jcreatly  strengthened  by  wit- 
nessing the  fullilnient  of  my  words. 

31).  Prince  of  this  world ;  the  devil.  Nothing  in  me;  no 
sin  or  weakness  of  which  ho  can  take  advantage.    The 


27  Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto 
you:""  not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you. 
Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  neither  let  it  be 
afraid. 

28  Ye  have  heard  how  I  said  unto  you,  I  go 
away,  and  come  again  unto  you.  If  ye  loved  me, 
ye  would  rejoice,  because  I  said,  I  go  unto  the  Fa- 
ther:' for  my  Father  is  greater  than  I.-i 

29  And  now  I  have  told  you  before  it  come  to 
pass,  that  when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  might  believe. 

30  Hereafter  I  will  not  talk  much  with  you:  for 
the  prince  of  this  world  cometh,"  and  hath  nothing 
in  me.' 

31  But  that  the  world  may  know  that  I  love  the 
Father ;  and  as  the  Father  gave  me  commandment, 
even  so  I  do.™     Arise,  let  us  go  hence. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  The  consolation  and  mutual  love  between  Christ  and  his  members, 
under  the  parable  nf  the  vine.  18  A  comfort  in  the  hatred  and  per- 
secution of  the  world.  2(j  The  office  of  the  Holy  Griiost,  and  of  the 
apo.^tles. 

I  AM  the  true  vine,"  and  my  Father  is  the  hus- 
bandman." 
2  Every  brancli  in  me  that  bearcth  not  fruit,  he 
taketh  away  :•■  and  every  branch  that  beareth  fruit, 
he  purgeth  it,  that  it  may  bring  forth  more  fruit.'' 

I  2  Cor.  .5:21;  Heb.  4:15;  I  .John  3:5.     m  Psa.  40:rt;  I'hil.  2:8.     n  Isa.  4:3. 
oSong8:12.    pMatt.l5:13.     q  Heb.  12: 15;  Rev.  3:19. 


devil  woidd  not  succeed  in  his  object,  but  would  only 
help  to  show  that  Jesus  was  the  Messiah. 

31.  But  that  the  world  may  Jcnow ;  till  out  this  clause  thus : 
But  [this  conHict  with  the  prince  of  this  world  is  jier- 
mitted]  that  the  world  may  know,  etc.  hi  it  they  are  to 
see  an  example  of  my  obedience  to  the  Father,  even  unto 
death. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Trust  in  God  the  Father,  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  Son. 
is  the  great  safeguard  against  troubles,  and  the  all-suf- 
ficient support  under  them. 

6.  There  is  no  way  of  access  to  the  Father  but  through 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Those,  therefore,  who  wilfully  re- 
ject him,  have  no  scriptural  communion  with  God. 

12.  Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  the  means  not  only  of  justi- 
fication and  acceptance  with  God,  but  also  of  distinguished 
usefulness  among  men. 

23.  Love  to  Je.sus  Christ  will  lead  a  man  to  obey  His 
commands,  and  will  secure  to  him  the  illuminating,  puri- 
fying, and  blissful  presence  of  both  the  Father  and  tho 
Son.  They  shall  dwell  with  him  and  he  with  them,  and 
liis  habitual  c<immunion  be  truly  with  the  Father  and  his 
Son  Jesus  t!hrist,     1  John  1 :3. 

27.  The  consequences  of  thus  dwelling  and  communing 
with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  are  iicace  of  conscience,  jt)y 
in  the  Holy  (ihost,  and  good  liojje,  through  grace,  that 
when  absent  from  the  body,  they  sli;ill  be  present  with 
the  Loril,  beholiling  his  glory  and  rejoicing  in  his  love. 
Such  a  one,  therefore,  need  not  fear,  though  the  earth  bo 
removed,  and  the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  midst  of 
the  sea,  though  tlie  waters  roar  and  are  troubled,  and  the 
moimtains  shake  with  the  swelling  thereof;  for  he  will  bo 
kept  in  perfect  peace,  his  mind  being  stiiyed  on  God. 

CHAPTER   XV. 

1.  The  true  vine ;  figuratively  and  spiritually.  Husband- 
man; keeper  of  the  vineyard. 

2.  Even/  hranrh  in  me;  professed  disciple.  TItat  beareth 
not  fruit ;  ilocH  not  live  a  holy  life.  Pnrgeth  it;  in  tho 
original,  cleanseth  it;  that  is,  by  pruning,  w'hich  hero 
represents  all  the  discipline  to  which  Christ  subjects  his 
disciples. 

1219 


TIte  union  and  lore  of 


JOHN  XV. 


Christ  and  his  disciples. 


3  Now  ye  are  clean  througli  the  word  whicli  I 
have  spoken  unto  you." 

4  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.''  As  the  branch 
cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in  the 
vine;"  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me. 

5  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches.  He  tliat 
abideth  in  me,  and  I  iu  liim,  the  same  brinireth 
forth  much  fruit:  for  without  me*  ye  can  do  noth- 
ing. 

6  If  a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is  cast  forth  as  a 
branch,  and  is  withered;''  and  men  gather  them, 
and  cast  than  into  the  fire,  and  they  are  burned. 

7  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in  you, 
ye  shall  ask  wiiat  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done 
unto  you.' 

8  Herein  is  my  Fatlicr  glorified,  that  ye  bear 
much  fruit;  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples. 

y  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I  loved 
you :  continue  ye  in  my  love. 

10  If  ye  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall  abide 
in  my  love;'  even  as  I  have  kej)!  my  Father's 
connnandmeuts,  and  abide  in  liis  love. 

11  These  tliiuu-s  have  I  spoken  nnto  you,  that  my 
jov  niiffht  remain  in  you,  and  that  vour  joy  might 
be"  full'.'-' 

12  This  is  my  commandment.  That  ye  love  one 
another,  as  I  have  loved  you." 

13  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that  a 
man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friends.' 

14  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I 
command  you.J 

1.5  Henceforth  I  call  you  not  servants;  for  the 
servant  knoweth  not  what  his  lord  doeth:  but  I 
have  called  you  friends;''  for  all  things  that  I 
have  heard  of  my  Father,  I  have  made  known 
unto  you. 

16  Ye  have  not  chosen  me,  but  I  have  chosen 

«  Ch.  17:17;  Eph.  .5:20;  1  Pet.  1:22.  b  |  John  2:(i.  »  Hos.  14:8;  Gal. 
2:20;  Phil.  1:11.  •  Or,  semrrtl  from  me.  d  .Matt.  :):  10;  7:19.  ech.l0:23. 
'ch.  11:21,2;!.  »ch.  10:21;  17:l:|.  Ii  ch.  l:)::)4.  i  Rom.  .'):7,  S.  J  ver.  10. 
kJu.2:2:J.     1  1  John  J:  10,  19.     »■  Eph. 2:10.     ■>  ch.  14: 13;  vcr.  7.     over. 

3.  Nnw  ye  aredenn;  prnnod,  and  thus  Biiiritiially  juiri- 
fied  and  iiiail(!  fruitful,  'I'he  word  "  clean  "  is  used  with 
reference  to  the  word  "  purKcth  "  or  cleansoth,  in  vcr,  2. 

4,  AInih  in  me,  and  I  in  you;  the  union  between  Christ 
and  his  disciijles  is  mutual.  They  abide  in  him  l>y  faith. 
love,  and  obedience.  He  abides  in  them  through  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  the  sourt-e  of  their  spiritual  life,  light,  and 
strength,     l.'orn])are  I'liil,  2:12,  13. 

6.  Cast  forth  at  a  branch  ;  cut  off  and  cast  away  as  a  use- 
less liraiieh.  This  separation  of  the  iinfniitfiil  branches 
takes  pliice  in  a  measure  only  in  this  world.  It  will  be 
completed  at  the  judgment-day.  f'onipare  the  panible  of 
the  tares  in  the  field,  .Matt.  l:i": 24-30.  3r.-43. 

7.  //  s'lall  be  done;  your  prayers  offered  according  to  the 
will  of  (»od,  shall  be  answered. 

9.  Continue  ye  in  my  love;  by  continuing  to  obey  my 
will. 

11.  Thai  my  jnt/  mijrht  remain  in  ijnn;  that  j-ou  might 
have,  in  union  with  me,  that  joy  wliirji  I  have  in  union 
with  the  Father.  MiglU  be  full ;  namely,  by  having  my 
joy  abiding  in  you. 

12.  Mij  cnmmnnilmrnt ;  chap.  13:34. 

V>.  I  rail  ijou  not  servants;  do  not  treat  you  aa  servants 
in  merely  coniinariding  you,  Imt  as  friends,  in  communi- 
cating to  you  my  platm,  and  the  reasons  of  them, 

IC,  Ye  have  not  choicn  me;  they  had  not  first  chosen  him, 

but  he  had  chosen  them  ;  and  tlu'ir  choice  of  him  was  the 

fruit  of  his  choice  of  them,     1  John  4:19.     Ordained  you; 

set  you  apart  to  the  work  to  which  I  have  called  you. 

1220 


j'ou,'  and  ordained  you,""  that  ye  should  go  .\  n.ii 
and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that  your  fruit  should 
i-emain ;  that  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  of  the  Fa- 
ther in  my  name,  he  may  give  it  you." 

17  These  things  I  command  you,  that  ye  love  one 
another.'' 

18  If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that  it  hated 
me  before  it  hated  you.'' 

19  If  ye  were  of  "the  world,  the  world  would  love 
his  own ;  but  because  ye  are  not  of  the  world,  but 
I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the 
world  liateth  you.'' 

20  Remember  the  word  that  I  said  unto  you,  The 
servant  is  not  greater  llian  his  lord.''  If  they 
have  jicrsccutcd  mc,  Ihcy  will  also  persecute  you; 
if  they  have  kept  my  saying,-  they  will  keep  yours 
also. 

21  But  all  these  things  will  they  do  unto  you  for 
my  name's  sake,  because  they  know  not  him  that 
sent  me.' 

22  If  I  had  not  come  and  spoken  unto  them,  they 
had  not  had  sin;"  but  now  they  have  no  cloak*  for 
their  sin."' 

23  He  that  hateth  mo,  hateth  my  Father  also. 

24  If  I  had  not  done  among  them  the  works 
which  none  other  man  did,"  they  had  not  had  sin  ; 
but  now  have  they  both  seen  and  hated  both  me 
and  my  Father. 

2o  But  this  cnmcth  to  pass,  that  the  word  might 
be  fullilled  that  is  written  in  their  law.  They  hated 
me  without  a  cause,'^ 

26  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come,^  whom  I 
will  send  unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit 
of  truth,  which  procecdctli  from  the  Father,  he 
shall  testify  of  me:'- 

27  And  ye  also  shall  bear  witness,"  because  yc 
have  been  with  me  from  tlie  beginning,'' 


12.  p  lJnhn3:l,  M.  qch. 17:14,  f  Matl.  10:'.'4 ;  Luko  6  40;  oh.  13:16, 
■  Ezek.3:7.  1  Matt.  10:22;  24:9;  ch.  10::).  "ch.9:41,  ^  Or,  cxruM.  »  Jas, 
4:17.  Well. 7:31.  i  P»a.  35: 19;  09:4.  ych.  14:17.  "lJohn5:6.  •  l.tlke 
•HAS;  Act»2:32;  4:211,  ,33;  2Pot.l:16.    bi.T„hnl:2. 


That  your  fruit  should  remain;  that  the  precious  results  of 
your  holy  labor  should  remain  to  the  worltl  for  all  time, 
and  to  yourselves  anil  the  souls  saved  by  your  instrumen- 
tality throughout  eternity.  That  trhatsnever  ije  shall  axk  of 
the  Father;  to  Vje  coinicoteil,  like  the  ]irceediiig  clause,  im- 
mediately with  "I  have  onlained  you,"  The  ii])]iointment 
that  they  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  th;it  their 
prayers  to  Hie  Father  should  bo  answered,  are  both  ])art8 
of  one  whole, 

19,  Of  the  world;  governed  by  the  principles  and  max- 
ims of  wiU'Mly  men.  Chosen  you;  to  be  my  followers, and 
like  me  in  character. 

20,  77iCiTm;?i/— /ii,«/or(/,-  iMatt,  10:21,  2,'-., 

21,  For  my  name's  sake;  on  aeeonnt  of  your  likeness  and 
attaehnient  to  me.  Know  not  him  that  sent  mc;  and  there- 
fore li;ive  not  known  nie  nor  yon,     Chap,  8:19, 

22,  Had  not  luid  sin;  to  such  a  ilegrec;  because  they 
would  not  have  sinned  against  such  great  light.  I.uke 
12:48.     No  cloak;  no  covtrring  or  excuse. 

2:i,  24,  Me— my  Father;  elia]),  10:30;  14:7,  9, 
2r>.   Their  lair;  Tsa,  :i5:I9;  (;9:4;  109:3, 

26,  He  shall  testify  of  me;  to  the  integrity  and  divinity 
of  my  character,  and  to  the  truth  and  meaning  of  my 
teachings, 

27.  Ye  also ;  the  apostles.  From  the  beginning;  the  begin- 
ning of  his  public  luiniHtry.     Afatt.  4: 17-22  ;  Acts  1:21,  22. 

rNSTKUCTIONS. 
5.  The  union  of  the  branch  to  the  vine  by  a  vital  com- 
munication is  uo  more  essential  to  its  life  and  fruitfulncss, 


Persecution  foretold, 


JOHN  XVI. 


and  comfort  promised. 


A.D33  CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Christ  comforteth  llis  disciples  against  tribulation  by  the  promise  of 
the  Holy  G-host,  and  by  his  resurrection  and  ascension;  "^3  assureth 
their  prayers  made  in  his  name  to  be  acceptable  to  his  Father.  33 
Peace  in  Christ,  and  in  the  world  affliction. 

THESE  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  that  ye 
should  notTbe  offended. 

2  They  shall  put  you  out  of  the  synagogues :  yea, 
the  time  cometh,  that  wliosoevcr  killeth  you  will 
think  that  he  doeth  God  service." 

3  And  these  things  will  they  do  unto  you,''  be- 
cause they  have  not  known  the  Father,  nor  me.'' 

4  But  these  tilings  have  I  told  you,  that  when 
the  time  shall  come,  ye  may  remember  that  I  told 
you  of  them.  And  these  things  I  said  not  unto 
you  at  the  beginning,  because  1  was  with  you. 

5  But  now  I  go  my  way  to  him  that  sent  me; 
and  none  of  you  asketh  me,  Whither  goest  thou  ? 

6  But  because  I  have  said  these  things  unto  you, 
sorrow  hatli  filled  your  heart.'* 

7  Nevertheless,  I  tell  you  the  truth :  It  is  expe- 
dient for  you  that  I  go  away :  for  if  I  go  not 
away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come  unto  you;  but 
if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him  unto  you. 

8  And  when  he  is  come,  he  will  reprove"  the  world 
of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment: 

9  Of  sin,"  because  they  believe  not  on  me ; 

10  Of  righteousness,'  because  I  go  to  my  Father, 
and  ye  see  me  no  more ; 


•  Acts  26:9-11.     b, 
convince:  Acts'2;37. 


:h.  15:21.     t  1  Cor.  •2:8;  1  Tim.  1:1.1.     d  ver.  aS.     'Or, 
e  Rom.  3:20:  7:9.     f  Isa.  42:21;  Rom.  1:17.     S  Acts 


than  tlio  union  of  souls  to  Christ,  by  receiving  and  trust- 
ing in  liim  as  a  Saviour,  is  to  their  hoHness  and  bliss. 

l(i.  Tlic  originating  cause  of  the  salvation  of  men  is  not 
their  love  to  God,  or  their  choosing  him  as  their  portion, 
but  his  love  to  them,  and  liis  choosing  tliem  to  salvation 
tlirough  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  tlie  truth. 
2Tliess.  2:13;  Eph.  1:4,5. 

24.  Such  is  the  union  between  Christ  and  the  Father, 
that  as  men  treat  the  one,  so  they  treat  the  other  ;  and  the 
greater  tlie  light  wliicli  any  have  as  to  the  character  and 
will  of  God,  the  greater  will  be  their  guilt  and  coiidemua- 
tioD,  if  they  do  not  love  and  obey  him. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1.  Have  I  spokemmto  ijou ;  forewarning  you  of  the  per- 
secutions that  shall  come  upon  you.  Offended;  led  to 
apostatize,  or  commit  sin,  to  avoid  suffering. 

2.  Oul  of  thesijudgogues;  chap.  9:22. 

4.  /  «'.(S  with  you ;  it  was  not  then  needful  for  them  to 
know  the  trials  that  were  coming  upon  them  ;  but  as  lie 
was  to  depart,  it  became  needful  that  by  looking  to  the 
Holy  Spirit  they  might  bo  prepared  to  meet  them. 

1).  W/iither  gncst  Hiou  ?  this  vcr}'  question  had  been  asked 
before,  chap.  13: 3(;,  but  in  a  different  sense  from  that  in- 
tended by  our  l^ord.  'I'here  tlie  inquiry  had  respect 
sinqily  to  the  place  whither.  Here  it  refers  to  the  nature 
of  the  place,  whicli  is  the  right  hand  of  God,  and  the  great 
good  thus  to  be  secured  for  the  disciples  who  remain  be- 
hind for  a  season. 

7.  Expedient;  for  the  gift  of  the  Spirit  would  bo  better 
for  the  church  than  the  continued  personal  presence  of 
Christ. 

8.  Reprore;  convince. 

0.  Of  sin;  especially  the  sin  of  rejecting  the  Saviour. 

10.  Of  righleouanea-i;  that  he  was' perfectly  righteous; 
and  that  his  work  was  accepted  of  Cod  as  a  ground  for 
the  justiftcatioii  of  sinners.  Thfe  was  proved  by  his 
resurrection  from  the  dead,  and  liis  ascension  to  heaven. 

11.  Of  judgment ;  that  as  Satan  the  god  of  this  world 
was  vanquished  and  condemned,  so  all  liis  continued  ad- 


1 1  Of  judgment,^  because  the  prince  of  this  world 
is  judged.'' 

12  I  have  yet  many  things  to  say  unto  you,  Ijut 
ye  cannot  bear  them  now.' 

13  Howbeit,  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come, 
he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth  :■>  for  he  shall  not 
speak  of  himself;  but  whatsoever  he  shall  hear, 
that  shall  he  speak:  and  he  will  show  you  tilings 
to  come.'' 

14  He  shall  glorify  me:  for  he  shall  receive  of 
mine,  and  shall  show  it  unto  you. 

15  All  things  that  the  Father  hath  are  mine: 
therefore  said  I,  that  he  shall  take  of  mine,  and 
shall  show  it  unto  you. 

16  A  little  while,  and  ye  shall  not  see  me:  and 
again,  a  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me,  because 
I  go  to  the  Father. 

17  Then  said  some  of  his  disciples  among  them- 
selves. What  is  this  that  he  saitli  unto  us,  A  little 
while,  and  ye  shall  not  see  me  :  and  again,  a  little 
while,  and  ye  shall  see  me :  and,  Because  I  go  to 
the  Father? 

18  Tiiey  said  therefore.  What  is  tliis  that  he  saith, 
A  little  while?  we  cannot  tell  what  he  saith. 

19  Now  Jesus  knew  that  they  were  desirous  to 
ask  him,'  and  said  unto  them.  Do  ye  inquire  among 
yourselves  of  that  I  said,  A  little  while,  and  ye 
shall  not  see  me:  and  again,  a  little  while,  and  ye 
shall  see  me?"" 


17:.1I  ;  Rom.  2 
HRev.  1:1,  19, 


2:  Rev.  20:12,  13.     h  ch.  12:.il.     i  Heb.  5:12.     J  ch.  14:20. 
Ich.2:21,25.     nich.7:33;  13:.33;  14:19;  ver,  16. 


hercnts  will  be,  and  have  their  part  with  him  and  his 
angels.     Chap.  12:31;  Matt.  2.5 :  41. 

12.  Many  things;  with  regard  to  the  object  and  efiects 
of  his  death,  and  the  establishment  and  progress  of  his 
kingdom.  Cannot  bear  them ;  they  were  not  then  prepared 
rightly  to  apprehend  and  properly  to  improve  additional 
iusti'uction. 

13.  Into  all  truth;  all  that  would  be  needful  to  a  full 
revelation  of  the  gospel.  Not  speak  of  himself;  not  in  op- 
position to,  but  in  accordance  with  the  Father  and  the 
Son.  Cliap.  5:19,  30,  31;  12:49,  50.  T/mt  shall  he  speak; 
he  would  communicate  the  will  of  the  leather  and  the  Son 
as  far  and  as  fast  as  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  <jf 
men  would  require. 

14.  Glorify  me;  the  effect  of  his  teaching  would  be  to 
honor  the  Saviour.  Shalt  receive  of  mine;  or,  shall  take  of 
mine ;  shall  take  of  the  things  that  pertain  to  my  person 
and  work,  which  is  the  same  thing  as  taking  of  the  things 
that  pertain  to  the  Father,  since  the  Father  and  the  Son 
are  one  in  nature  and  counsel,  and  the  Father  has  com- 
mitted all  things  to  the  Son.  These  words  give  us  one 
of  the  decisive  tests  by  which  true  teaching  may  lie  dis- 
tinguished from  that  which  is  false.  All  true  teaching 
agrees  with  the  testimony  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  glorifying 
Christ. 

1.5.  Are  mine;  Matt.  11:27;  2S:I8. 

Ifi.  A  little  while;  the  Saviour  designedly  puts  these 
words  into  the  form  of  a  divine  riddle,  to  be  solved  by 
the  event.  Ye  shall  not  see  me ;  because  he  would  be  re- 
moved from  their  presence  by  death.  Ye  shall  see  me; 
they  should  see  him  in  his  personal  presence  after  liis 
resurrection.  This,  liowevcr,  should  be  only  the  earnest 
of  a  more  glorious  spiritual  vision  of  him  through  the 
Comforter,  after  bis  ascension  to  heaven.  Comjiarc  chap. 
14:1!).  Because  I  go  to  the  Father;  it  was  by  his  de;ilh, 
resurrection,  and  ascension  th;it  Christ  went  to  the  Father, 
and  these  three  events  are  here  considered  as  constituting 
one  whole. 

18.  Wc  cannot  tell  what  he  saith;  cannot  understand  his 
meaning. 

1221 


Christ's  return  to  the  Father. 


JOHN  XVII. 


His  prayer  for  his  people. 


20  Verily,  vorily,  I  say  unto  you,  That  ye  shall 
weep  and  lament,  but  the  world  shall  rejoice;  and 
ye  shall  be  sorrowful,  but  your  sorrow  shall  be 
turned  into  joy." 

21  A  woman  wlien  she  is  in  travail  hath  sorrow, 
because  her  hour  is  come:''  but  as  soon  as  she  is 
delivered  of  tlie  child,  she  remembereth  no  more 
the  anguish,  for  joy  that  a  man  is  born  into  the 
world. 

22  And  ye  now  therefore  have  sorrow:''  but  I 
will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice,'' 
and  your  joy  no  man  taketli  from  you.° 

23  And  in  tiiat  day  ye  shall  ask  me  nothing. 
Verily,  verily,  1  say  unto  you.  Whatsoever  ye  shall 
ask  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you. 

24  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  nothing  in  my  name: 
ask,  and  ye  shall  receive,'  that  your  jov  may  be 
full.« 

25  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you  in  prov- 
erbs :*  but  the  time  comcth,  when  I  shall  no  more 
speak  unto  you  in  proverbs,"  but  I  shall  show  you 
plainly  of  the  Father. 

26  At  that  day  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name :''  and  I 
say  not  unto  you,  tiiat  1  will  pray  the  Father  for 
you: 

27  For  the  Father  himself  loveth  j'ou,'  because 
ye  have  loved  me,  and  have  believed  that  I  came 
out  from  God.-' 

28  I  came  ibrtli  from  the  Fath(>r,  and  am  come 
into  the  world:  again,  I  leave  tlie  world,  and  go 
to  the  Father. 

•  Luke  21:17.  at.  b  Isa.  20:  17.  =  ver.  6.  J  Luke  2):41,  52^  ch.  20:20. 
•  iri!t.l:3.  f  Mitt.  7:7,  S;  Ji3.  4:2,  .1.  sch.l.'i:!!.  •  Or,  parnblts.  liver. 
•Zi.  i  ch.  14:21,  2:1.  J  ver.  30;  ch.  17:8.  f  Or,  parable.  1  Or,  An  own  home. 
k  .Mitt.  26:31;  Mark  14:27.     1  Isa.  50:7,  9;  ch.  8:29.     m  ch.  14:27;  Rom. 

20.  Weep  and  lament ;  a.t  his  death.  The  world ;  wicked 
men.  Turned  intojny;  Ijy  liis  rfsiirrcctiou  and  ascension, 
and  the  ilescent  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

21.  Remembereth  no  more  llie  anguish ;  the  time  of  Zion's 
keenest  anguish  lias  always  been  the  birth-time  of  her 
enlargement;  anil  the  time  of  the  lielicver's  deepest  sor- 
row, the  birth-time  of  liis  highest  and  holiest  joys. 

23.  Ask  me  nollting ;  it  would  not  be  needful,  as  it  then 
was,  that  they  should  make  iiuiuiries  of  him.  The  Holy 
Ghost  would  give  them  all  needful  instruction. 

21.  Asked  nothing  in  mij  niimi: ;  they  had  not  been  accus- 
tomed before  this  to  imiy  in  the  name  of  Christ ;  but  after 
tJiis  they  would  be,  and  for  his  sake  God  would  bestow 
whatever  they  needed. 

25.  In  proverbs;  or  parables — somewhat  obscurely,  and 
in  such  manner  that  tliey  did  not  fully  imdcrstand  his 
rneaniiif^.  The  lime  comuth;  after  his  resurrection,  and  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Plainly;  he  would  more  i)lainly 
instruct  them  by  his  Spirit,  and  they  would  more  fully  un- 
derstand his  truth. 

26.  I  sai/  not — that  I  will  prnij  the  Father ;  that  is,  I  Bay 
not  this  simply,  but  sometnin;;  more.  The  Saviour  does 
not  mean  to  deny  that  he  will  intercede  with  the  Father  for 
his  tlisciples;  but  rather  to  lead  their  rninds  beyoml  this 
truth,  which  he  liad  freiinently  stated,  to  another:  that 
the  Father  is  one  witli  Idm  in  loving  them,  so  that  his  in- 
tercession for  them  must  prevail. 

27.  The  Fattier  himself;  of  his  own  accord. 

30.  liij  this  we  liclieve;  he  had  in  the  last  few  verses  so 
fully  met  their  ililliculties  about  his  mianint;  in  verse  Hi, 
and  that  without  tlieir  stalitijj;  them,  that  they  were  more 
than  ever  convinced  of  his  omniscience  and  Messiahship. 

32.   To  hisnxm;  notwithstiuidiiif;  the  strong  faitli  in  him 

whitli  they  had  expressed,  they  would  soon  desert  him, 

and  return  to  their  liomes,  or  places  of  abode ;  and  so  far 

as  human  friends  were  concerned,  he  would  bo  left  alone. 

1222 


29  His  disciples  said  unto  him,  Lo,  now  .\  n  .■» 
speakest  thou  plainly,  and  speakest  no  proverb.* 

30  Now  are  we  sure  that  thou  knowest  all  things, 
and  needest  not  that  any  man  should  ask  thee :  by 
this  we  believe  that  tiiou  camest  forth  from  God. 

31  Jesus  answered  them.  Do  ye  now  believe? 

32  Beliold,  the  hour  comcth,  yea,  is  now  conic, 
that  ye  shall  be  scattered  every  man  to  his  own,* 
and  shall  leave  me  alone:''  and  yet  1  am  not 
alone,  because  the  Father  is  with  me.' 

33  These  things  I  have  spoken  unto  you,  that  in 
me  ye  might  have  peace.""  In  the  world  ye  shall 
have  tribulation:"  but  be  of  good  cheer;  I  have 
overcome  the  world. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  Christ  prayeth  to  his  Father  to  glorify  him,  6  to  preserve  his  apostles, 
H  in  nnity,  17  anil  truth,  20  to  glorify  them,  and  all  other  believers 
with  liiiii  in  heaven. 

'^T'^HESE  words  spake  Jesus,  and  lifted  up  his 
JL    eyes  to  heaven,  and  said.  Father,  the  houi-  is 
come;"  glorify  thy  Sou,  that  thy  Son  also  may 
glorify  thee : 

2  As  thou  hast  given  him  ])Ower  over  all  flesh, 
that  he  should  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as 
thou  hast  given  him.'' 

3  And  this  is  life  eternal,''  that  they  might  know 
thee  the  only  true  God,'  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom 
tiiou  hast  sent." 

•i  I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth:'  I  iiave 
finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do." 


.■i 

1  ■ 

Fph 

2:11. 

n  ch. 

-, 

19-21 

;  2T 

im.  3 

12. 

0  ch.  12 

23; 

13:32. 

P  ch. 

.1 

27 

;  ver. 

24.     1 

1  .lohn 

b 

11.     ' 

Jer. 

9:23, 

24; 

1  Thess. 

1:9. 

•  ch. 

1U:36. 

I 

ch. 

14:13 

uch 

19:30 

■t'lm 

4:7. 

33.  In  me;  in  liviiiK  union  with  me.  In  the  world;  from 
the  men  and  s\nr\l  of  the  worlil.  Overcome;  overcome  all 
your  enemies,  and  obtained  for  you  eternal  redemption 
from  their  power. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  It  is  not  cnouf;h  that  a  man  follow  the  dictates  of 
conscience.  His  mind  must  be  enlightened  as  to  the  will 
of  God;  and  when  ho  understands  what  that  will  is,  he 
must  be  disposed  to  do  it,  or  his  conscience  will  not  bo  a 
safe  puide. 

7.  Things  which  men  exceedingly  deprecate  are  often 
highly  expedient;  and  (ioil  in  aeciim)>lisliiiig  them  con- 
sults not  only  his  own  glory,  but  their  highest  good,  and 
the  gociil  of  his  liingclom. 

20.  Men  often  wei'ii  at  what  will  give  them  the  greatest 
joy,  and  rejoice  at  that  which  will  cause  them  the  deepest 
sorrow. 

;!0-32.  Discijilcs  of  Christ  may  at  some  times  possess 
and  manifest  strong  contideiice  in  him.  and  at  others  act 
as  if  they  hail  none:  were  it  not  for  his  grace,  all  would 
utterly  forsake  him  ami  perish. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1.  The-ic  wards;  the  words  contained  in  the  preceding 
chapters.  The  hour;  the  time  for  his  sufi'ering  and  death. 
Glorify  th II  Son;  by  sustaining  him  in  his  coming  trials, 
and  showing  that  he  is  indeed  the  Messiah.  May  glorify 
then;  in  m;iking  known  thy  salvation,  and  pre])aring  multi- 
tudes for  glory. 

2.  I'ovrr  mrr  oil ;  for  the  eidvation  of  his  people.  Malt. 
2S:1H;  .lolin  .'■):21 ;  fi::i7,'t0;   1(1:  l.-i.  IG. 

3.  Jliis  IS  life  etcrnol;  the  right  knowledge  of  (Jod  and 
.Jesus  Christ  gives  cnijless  siiiritual  life  to  the  soul. 

4.  Clorified  thee  on  tlie  eiirlh  ;  by  doing  in  all  things  what 
he  was  commissioiieil  of  the  Father  to  do.  Finished  the 
work;  the  work  to  which  he  was  appointed. 


Christ's  prayer  for  his  people. 


JOHN  XVII. 


Their  future  glory. 


A.  D.  33.  5  And  now,  0  Father,  glorify  tliou  me  with 
thine  own  self,  with  tlie  glory  whicli  I  had  with 
thee  before  tlie  world  was." 

6  I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  the  men 
which  tiiou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world:''  thine 
they  were,  and  thou  gavest  them  me;  and  they 
have  kept  thy  word.*^ 

7  Now  they  have  known  that  all  things  whatso- 
ever thou  hast  given  me  are  of  thee. 

8  For  I  have  given  unto  them  the  words  which 
thou  gavest  me;''  and  they  have  received  the7n, 
and  iiave  known  surely  that  I  came  out  from  thee, 
and  they  have  believed  tliat  thou  didst  send  me. 

9  I  pray  for  tiicm:  I  pray  not  for  the  world,'' 
but  for  them  which  thou  hast  given  me ;  for  they 
are  thine. 

10  And  all  mine  arc  thine,  and  thine  are  mine;' 
and  I  am  glorified  in  them.s 

1 1  And  now  I  am  no  more  in  the  world,  but  these 
are  in  the  world,  and  I  come  to  thee.  Holy  Fatiier, 
keep  through  thine  own  name  those  whom  thou 
hast  given  me,''  that  they  may  be  one,  as  we  are. 

12  While  I  was  with  tliem  in  the  world,  1  kept 
them  in  thy  name:  those  that  thou  gavest  me  I 
have  kept,  and  none  of  them  is  lost,  but  the  son  of 
perdition;  that  the  scripture  might  be  fulfilled.' 

13  And  now  come  I  to  thee ;  and  these  things  I 
speak  in  tlie  world,  that  they  might  have  my  joy 
fulfilled  in  themselves. 

14  I  have  given  tiiem  thy  word ;  and  the  world 
hath  hated  them,  because  they  are  not  of  the 
world,  even  as  I  am  not  of  the  world.' 

15  I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldest  take  them  out 

»  oil.  1:1,2;  Phil.  2:0;  Heb.  1:3,10.  bPsa.  2-2;22;  ver.  2,9,  11,  26;  Rom. 
8:30.  cHeb.3:0.  J  ch.  6:08;  14:10.  olJolin5:19.  rch. 16:15.  E  Gal. 
1:24;  I  Pet.  2:9.     h  Prov.  1S:10;  1  Pet.  1:5;  Jude  1,  24.     i  Psa.  109:8;  Acts 

5.  Before  the  world  was ;  Phil.  2 ;  6. 

6.  I  have  manifested  thij  name;  thy  whole  character  and 
attributes;  for  these  are  all  comprehended  in  God's  name. 
The  men;  his  disciples,  especially  the  apostles. 

7.  All  things — are  of  thee;  they  understood  the  truth, 
wlvich  the  Saviour  had  so  often  maintained  against  his 
persecutors,  that  all  his  mighty  works  were  wrought  not 
merely  of  himself,  but  in  accordance  with  the  commission 
he  had  received  from  the  Father.  Chap.  5 :  19,  30,  36 ;  7:28; 
8:28,  Hi;  10:37,  38;  12:43. 

8.  TItc  words  which  thou  gavest  me;  the  instructions  which 
ho  was  commissioned  to  impart. 

9.  I  pray  for  than ;  his  disciples.  Not  for  the  world;  the 
wicked.  Ife  did  not  at  this  time  pray  for  his  enemies,  but 
for  his  friends. 

10.  lam  glorified  in  them;  on  their  side,  by  their  recep- 
tion of  me  as  a  Saviour,  and  conmiitting  themselves  and 
all  their  interests  to  my  guidance  and  disposal;  on  my 
side,  by  the  manifestalioii  which  I  make  in  them  of  my 
power  and  love,  in  sanctifying  them,  giving  them  the  vic- 
tory over  the  world  and  Satan,  and  bringing  them  to  glory 
everlasting. 

11.  Through  thine  own  name;  see  note  to  ver.  6. 

12.  I  kept  thrm  in  thij  name;  by  the  manifestation  of  thy 
character  anil  will  in  my  instructions  and  example.  Son 
of  perdition;  .luiliia,  wliose  ruin  was  foretold  in  the  Scrip- 
tures.    Psa.  109:8;  Acts  1:20. 

i:i.  Mi/joii;  see  note  to  chap.  1,';:11.  Fiil filled;  made 
perfect  and  lasting. 

17.  Through  thij  truth;  by  giving  them  right  views  of 
truth,  and  leading  them  to  obey  it. 

19.  /  sanrJfij  myself;  consecrate  and  devote  myself  to 
my  work,  that  they  may  be  prepared  and  disposed  to  per- 
form theirs. 


of  the  world,  but  that  thou  shouldest  keep  them 
from  the  evil.'' 

16  They  are  not  of  the  world,  even  as  I  am  not 
of  the  world. 

17  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth:'  thy  word 
is  truth.'" 

18  Ab.  thou  hast  sent  me  into  the  world,  even  so 
have  I  also  sent  them  into  the  world. 

19  And  for  their  sakes  I  sanctify  myself,  that 
they  also  might  be  sanctified  through  the  truth."" 

20  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them 
also  which  shall  believe  on  nie  through  their  word  ; 

21  That  they  all  may  be  one ;  as  thou.  Father, 
a7-t  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one 
in  us ;°  that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast 
sent  me. 

22  And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me,  I  have 
given  them;"  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  we 
are  one : 

23  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be 
made  perfect  in  one ;  and  tiiat  the  world  may 
know  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  hast  loved  them 
as  thou  hast  loved  me. 

24  Father,  I  will  that  they  also  whom  thou  hast 
given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am  ;''  that  they  may 
behold  my  glory  which  thou  hast  given  me:  for 
thou  lovedst  me  before  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

2.5  0  righteous  Father,  the  world  hatli  not  known 
thee :  but  I  have  known  thee,  and  these  have  known 
that  thou  hast  sent  inc. 

26  And  1  have  declared  unto  them  thy  name, 
and  will  declare  it;  that  the  love  wlicrowith  thou 
hast  loved  me  may  be  in  them,  and  I  in  them. 

1:20.  i  ch.  15:18,  19.  k  Gal. 1:4.  1  Acts  15:9;  E|ih.  5:20;  2  Thess.  2:13. 
m  I'.^a.  119:151.  •  Or,  truly  samlifitil.  n  I  Cor.  1:2,  30.  o  Rom.  12:5. 
p  2  Cor.  3:13.     q  1  Thess.  4: 17. 

20.  These ;  apostles,  or  those  who  were  then  disciples. 
Which  shall  believe;  all  who  should  become  his  disciples 
and  followers. 

21.  The y  all  ma y  be  one ;  Christ  brings  all  his  true  disciples 
into  an  inward  living  union  with  himself  and  the  Father, 
and  thus  makes  them  all  one  with  each  other.  That  the 
world  may  believe;  the  manifestation  in  believers  of  this 
inward  union  of  love  and  lioliness,  first  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  and  then  with  one  another,  is  to  the  world 
the  most  convincing  proof  of  the  truth  of  Christ's  mission. 

22.  The  glory ;  given  him  as  a  reward  for  his  labors  and 
sacrifices  as  Mediator.  I  have  given  them  ;  by  p;trticipation 
.and  promise,  in  order  to  their  com]ilctc'  and  jierfect  union 
to  him  and  one  another,  that  the  world  might  see  the  ex- 
cellence of  his  religion,  and  be  led  to  embrace  it. 

24.  With  me  where  I  am;  in  heaven. 

25.  Not  known ;  not  known  so  as  to  love  and  obey  him. 
These;  his  apostles  and  disciples. 

26.  Declared  unto  them  thy  name;  made  thee  known  to 
them.  Will  declare  it ;  will  more  fully  make  thc^e  known  to 
them,  to  the  increase  of  their  love,  union,  and  blessedness. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  The  knowledge  of  Cod  and  of  .lesus  Christ  is  as  im- 
jiortaiit  to  men  as  their  eternal  salvation.  Hence,  it  is  the 
duty  of  those  who  have  this  knowledge,  to  aid  in  impart- 
ini'itto  all  people  ;  and  all  laws,  customs,  ;ind  us;iges  which 
tend  to  prevent  this  are  wicked,  and  ought  for  ever  to  bo 
done  away. 

8.  The  reception  of  the  doctrines  revealed,  and  the  per- 
formance of  tlie  duties  reipiired  by  .lesus  Christ,  are  evi- 
dences of  our  being  given  to  him  of  the  Father  ;  they 
increase  our  knowledge  of  him  ;inil  love  to  him  ;is  a  Sav- 
iour, and  awaken  expectations  which  will  not  be  disap- 
pointed, of  dwelling  with  him  for  ever. 

1223 


Judas  betrayetk  Christ. 


JOHN  XVIII. 


Peter  denieih  him. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 


^\ 


1  Juiias  betrayeth  Jesus.  6  The  officers  fall  to  the  ground.  10  Peter 
smiteth  offMalchus'  ear.  12  Jesus  is  taken,  and  led  unto  Annas  and 
Caiaphas.  15  Peter's  denial.  19  Jesus  examined  before  l^aiaphas. 
2S  His  arraignment  before  Pilate.  30  His  kinydom.  40  The  Jews 
ask  Barabbas  to  be  let  loose. 

THEN  JesiLS  liad  .«poken  tliese  words,  he  went 
r      forth  with  hi.s  disciples  over  the  brook  Ce- 

droii,''  where  was  a  garden,  into  the  wliich  he  eii- 

tereil,  and  liis  disciples. 

2  And  Judas  also,  which  betrayed  him,  knew  the 
place :  for  Jesus  ofttimes  resorted  thither  with  his 
disciples. 

3  Judas  then,  havinir  received  a  band  of  men  and 
officers  from  the  chief  jjriests  and  Pharisees,  com- 
etlithitlier  with  lanttjrns  and  torches  and  weapons.'' 

■1  Jesus  therefore,  knowing  all  things  that  should 
come  upon  him,"-'  went  forth,  and  said  unto  them, 
Whom  seek  ye? 

5  They  answered  him,  Jesus  of  Nazareth.*  Jesus 
saith  unto  them,  I  am  he.  And  Judas  also,  which 
betrayed  him,  stood  with  them. 

G  As  soon  then  as  lie  had  said  unto  them,  I  am  he, 
they  went  backward,  and  fell  to  the  ground." 

7  Tiien  asked  he  tiiein  again.  Whom  seek  3'e? 
And  they  said,  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 

8  Jesus  answered,  I  have  told  you  that  I  am  he: 
if  tiierefore  ye  seek  me,  let  these  go  their  way  :^ 

9  That  the  saying  might  bo  fulfilled  which  he 
spake.  Of  them  which  tiiou  gavest  me,  have  I  lost 
none." 

ID  Then  Simon  Peter,  having  a  sword,  drew  it, 
and  smote  the  liigh-])riest's  servant,  and  cut  oU"  his 
rigiit  ear."     Tlie  servant's  name  was  ilalchus. 

1 1  Then  said  Jesus  unto  Peter,  Put  up  thy  sword 
into  the  siieath:  the  cup  which  my  Father  hath 
given  me,  shall  I  not  drink  it?' 

12  Then  the  band  and  tiie  captain  and  ofScersof 
the  Jews  took  Jesus,  and  bound  him, 


•  2  .Sam. 

ir,n.    h  Malt,  ai:  17,  etc. ;  Mark  H:43.etc.;  Luke  22:47,  etc. 

«  oh.  lii;17 

H;  Acts  2:2-.     d  Matt.  2:2.1;  ch.  1!):I9.     «  P«a.  27:2;    ll):ll. 

'  Im.  aj:6; 

Eiih.  3:2.5.     J  ch.  17:12.     h  Matt    2U:.5I  ;  Mark  14:47;  I,uk« 
i  Matt.  20:22;  20:09,  4i.    J  Luke  :j:2.    •  And  Annas  sent  Christ 

■HM,  50. 

12.  Tlio.sc  maiiifcBtatioiis  of  God  by  which  he  makes 
known  his  character  ami  will,  the  duty  and  blessedness  of 
servinj^  him,  and  the  sin  and  misery  of  nej^lecting  liini, 
are  means  by  wliieli  be  keeps  liis  peojile  witli  his  mighty 
power,  tlirou};h  faith  nnto  salvation.     1  IVt.  1:.'). 

14.  Tlicre  is  a  great  difference  tietwecii  tlie  8|)irit  of  the 
world  and  tlic  spirit  of  Christ.  One  leads  us  to  seek  our 
chief  good  in  earthly  tliiiiKS,  the  other  to  seek  it  in  learn- 
ing anil  doing  the  will  of  (Jod. 

17.  As  divine  truth  is  the  great  means  of  sanctifuation, 
tlie  more  clearly  it  is  iniderstood  and  the  more  faitlifully 
it  is  obeyed,  the  more  holy  men  will  be,  the  more  lovely 
will  be  their  character,  and  the  greater  their  usefulness 
and  enjoyment. 

2:1.  increasing  union  of  views,  affections,  and  efforts 
among  the  <lisciple8  of  Christ,  will  furnish  increasing  evi- 
dence of  the  divine  excellence  of  his  religion,  and  load 
increasing  numbers  to  embrace  it. 

21.  The  death  of  ('liristi;ins  is  in  answer  to  the  prayers 
of  Christ,  and  for  the  purpose  of  removing  them  to  the 
jierfect  and  everlasting  enjoyment  of  his  presence  in 
iicaven. 

CII.VPTER  XVIII. 

1.   Tlic^e  words;   the  words  of  the  wonderfid  pr.iycr 
which  he  had  just  offered.     Cedron;  or  Kidron,  a  torrent- 
bod  which  ran  through  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat,  on  the 
1224 


13  And  led  him  away  to  Annas  first  ;J  for  .\  d  33. 
he  was  father-in-law  to  Caiaphas,  which  was  the 
high-priest  that  same  year." 

14:  Now  Caiaphas  was  he  which  gave  counsel  to 
the  Jews,  that  it  was  expedient  that  one  man 
should  die  for  the  people.'^ 

15  T  And  Simon  Peter  followed  Jesus,'  and  so 
did  another  disciple :  that  di.'^ci])le  was  known  unto 
the  high-priest,  and  went  in  with  Jesus  into  the 
palace  of  the  high-priest. 

IG  But  Peter  stood  at  the  door  without.  Then 
went  out  that  other  disciple  which  was  known 
unto  the  higli-]iricst,  and  spake  unto  her  that  kept 
the  door,  and  brought  in  Peter. 

17  Then  saith  the  damsel  that  kept  the  door  unto 
Peter,  Art  not  tlmu  also  one  of  this  iiuiirs  disci- 
ples?    He  saith,  I  am  not. 

18  And  the  servants  and  officers  stood  there, 
who  had  made  a  fire  of  coals;  for  it  was  cold: 
and  they  warmed  themselves:  and  Peter  stood 
with  them,  and  warmed  himself. 

19  %  The  hig]i-]iriest  then  asked  Jesus  of  his  dis- 
ciples, and  of  his  doctrine. 

20  Jesus  answered  him,  I  spake  openly  to  the 
world;'"  I  ever  taught  in  the  synagogue,  and  in 
the  temple,  whither  the  Jews  always  resort;  and 
in  secret  have  I  said  nothing." 

21  Why  askest  thou  me?  ask  them  which  heard 
me,  what  I  have  said  unto  them :  behold,  they 
know  what  I  said. 

22  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  one  of  tlie  offi- 
cers whicii  stood  by  struck  Jesus  with  the  palm  of  liis 
hand,*"  saying,  Answerest  thou  the  high-priest  so  ? 

23  Jesus  answered  him,  If  I  have  sjioken  evil, 
bear  witness  of  the  evil;  but  if  well,  why  smitest 
thou  me?"" 

24  Now  Annas  had  sent  him  bound  nnto  Caia- 
phas the  high-priest." 


bound  unto  Cninphas  the  hi^h-prieM i  ver.  21.  kdi.  11 :40,  .')0.  I  Matt.  2(1:5'*, 
etc.;  Miirk  14:.'>l;  I.ukB22:54.  m  Luke  4: 15;  ch.  7: 14.  20.  2t;;  l-:2.  "  Acti 
21i:28.     t  Or.  loilh  a  rod.     o  Job  18:  lU;  Jer.  20:2;  Acts  23:2,  3.     P  1  I'et. 

.1.111    .lO  n   C...  ..._      t1 


2:iu-!>3.    q  See  ver.  13. 


east  side  of  Jerusalem,  between  the  city  and  the  mount 
of  Olives.  It  has  water  only  in  the  rainy  season.  2  Hum. 
15 : 2.3. 

2-11.  Jesus  is  betrayed.     Matt.  2n:47-.'')r,. 

(i.  Fell  to  the  jxrnnnd ;  jirostrated  llicniselves  licfiire  liim 
under  tiie  iiillupnce  of  his  divine  power.  This  showed 
that  they  were  completely  in  his  jiower;  had  he  seen  lit, 
he  could  easily  have  escaped  their  hands,  or  summoned 
legions  of  angels  to  his  rescue. 

K   T/ie.ic ;  his  discijiles. 

!l.  Lost  none;  clia]i.  17:12. 

11.  Tlic  cup;  the  KulTerings  ■which  my  Father  hath  ap- 
pointed for  me,  shall  I  not  endure  them? 

13,11.  Christ  before  Caiaphas.  Chap.  11  :lfl-,'-)2  ;  Matt. 
26:. '57. 

1.5.  Another  disciple ;  8Ui(|i08ed  to  be  John,  the  writer  of 
this  goH|iel. 

I(i.  IhonphI  in  Peter;  into  the  hall  or  court,  which  was 
a  square  space  open  above,  around  which  the  )ial;iei:  Wiis 
built.  The  chamber  in  which  the  trial  of  Jesus  was  going 
on  was  open  in  front,  so  that  I'eler  eoulil  wilness  the  trial, 
and  Jesus  could  see  I'ctcr.     Mark  ll:lli;;  buke  22: CI. 

19.  Asked  Jesus;  questioned  him, as  if  he  and  the  Sanhe- 
drim liei'ded  information  on  these  jioiiits. 

20.  Opcn/i/;  Malt.  2(i:fl5. 

21.  Ask  llicm  wliirli  heard  me;  this  was  the  legal  and 
proper  way  of  gaining  evidence. 


Pilate  absolvctk  Christ. 


JOHN  XVIII. 


T/ie  Jews  choose  Barahhas. 


A.D.33.  25  And  Simon  Peter  stood  and  warmed 
himself.  They  said  therefore  unto  him,  Art  not 
thou  also  one  of  his  disciples?  He  denied  it,  and 
said.  I  am  not. 

26  One  of  the  servants  of  the  liigh-priest,  being 
his  kinsman  wliose  car  Peter  cut  oif,  saith,  Did  not 
I  see  tliee  iu  the  garden  with  liim? 

27  Peter  then  denied  again ;  and  immediately 
the  cock  crew." 

28  IF  Then  led  they  Jesus  from  Caiaphas  unto 
the  hall  of  judgment:*"  and  it  was  early;  and 
tlicy  themselves  went  not  into  the  judgment-hall, 
lest  they  should  be  defiled;''  but  that  they  might 
eat  the  passovcr. 

29  Pilate  then  went  out  unto  them,  and  said, 
What  accusation  bring  ye  against  tliis  man? 

30  They  answered  and  said  unto  him.  If  he  were 
not  a  malefactor,  we  would  not  have  delivered  him 
up  unto  thee. 

31  Then  said  Pilate  unto  them.  Take  ye  him, 
and  judge  him  according  to  your  law.  The  Jews 
therefore  said  unto  him,  It  is  not  lawful  for  us  to 
put  any  man  to  death:'' 

32  That  the  saying  of  Jesus  might  be  fulfilled, 
which  he  spake,  signifying  what  death  he  should 
dic.^ 

33  Then  Pilate  entered  into  the  judgment-hall 


»  Matt.  a0:74;  Mark  14:73;  Luke  ii-.m,  ch.  13:33.  •  Or,  Pilate's  /lOuse. 
b  Matt.  '27:"2,  etc,  ;  Mark  15;!,  etc, ;  Luke  '2.3:1,  etc.  <;  Acts  10:28.  tl  Gen. 
49:1U;  Ezek.  21:27.    f  Matt.  20;  19;  Luke  18:32,  33.    f  cli.  19:11 ;  Acts  3:13. 


25-27.  Peter's  denial.     Matt.  26 :  69-75. 

28.  Hull  of  judgment ;  the  (jlace  where  Pilate  the  Roman 
governor  held  his  court.  _  Lest  theij  should  be  defiled :  they 
would  not  enter  this  apartment  of  a  Gentile,  lest  tliey 
should  be  unfitted  to  partake  of  the  passover  ;  ,so  careful 
were  they  about  contracting  ceremonial  pollution,  while 
they  were  seeking  to  commit  the  most  horrible  crime. 
But  that  they  might  cnt  the  passover ;  see  note  to  chap.  13:1. 

28-40.  Christ  Tiefore  Pilate.     Matt.  27:1-25. 

30.  Malefactor ;  an  evil-doer,  violator  of  law. 

31.  Ti-ike  ye  liim,  and  judge  him;  see  note  to  chap.  19 :G. 
Not  linrfnl ;  the  power  to  put  one  to  death  had  been  taken 
away  from  the  Jews  by  the  Roman  government;  and  this 
was  the  reason  why  they  sought  to  have  Pilate  condemn 
him. 

32.  T/u  saying  of  Jesus;  crucifixion  was  a  Roman  pun- 
ishment, while  the  Jewish  punishment  for  the  crime  of 
which  they  accused  him  was  that  of  stoning.  Lev.  24:11, 
15,  IG.  By  taking  him  to  the  Roman  governor,  they  fulfilled 
his  own  ]>rediction  concerning  the  manner  of  his  death. 
Matt.  20:19. 

33.  Art  thou  the  King  of  the  Jews  ?  this  question  was  put 
in  consctpience  of  the  Jews  having  charged  him  with  pre- 
tending to  be  a  king,  which  they  said  was  rebellion  against 
Cesar.     Luke  23:2;  John  19: 12. 

34.  Of  thyself;  have  you  observed  any  thing  treasonable 
in  me  ;  or  do  you  ask  this  question  iu  consequence  of  what 
others  have  told  you? 

35.  Am  I  a  Jew  ?  as  much  as  to  say,  Since  I  am  not  a 
Jew,  I  cannot  be  sujiposed  to  be  acquainted  with  the  con- 
troversy which  thine  own  countrymen  the  Jews  have  with 
thee.  I  wish  to  liear  from  thine  own  mouth  in  respect 
to  this  charge  of  making  thyself  !i  king. 

36.  Not  of  this  world;  not  an  earthly  kingdom. 

37.  Art  thou  a  king  then  ?  a  king  of  any  sort  ?  Tliou  say- 
est;  this  was  equiv;ilent  to  ro]ilying,  I  am  a  king.  lie  then 
proceeded  to  show  what  kind  of  ;i  king  he  was ;  one  who 
came  into  the  world  to  m;ike  known  the  truth,  ;ind  to  gov- 
ern men  not  by  force,  but  l)y  spiritual  infiuence.  Pilate 
saw  that  his  cliiims  were  no  crime  against  the  Roman  gov- 
ernment, and  lience  said, 

3S.  U'hat  IS  truth?  by  this  question  Pilate  manifested 


again,  and  called  Jesus,  and  said  unto  him.  Art 
thou  the  King  of  the  Jews  ? 

3-1  Jesus  answered  him,  Sayest  thou  this  thing  of 
thyself  or  did  others  tell  it  thee  of  me  ? 

35  Pilate  answered.  Am  I  a  Jew  ?  Thine  own 
nation  and  the  chief  priests  have  delivered  thee 
unto  me:*'  what  hast  thou  done? 

36  Jesus  answered.  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this 
world  :s  if  my  kingdom  were  of  this  world,  then 
would  my  servants  light,  that  I  should  not  be  de- 
livered to  the  Jews:  but  now  is  my  kingdom  not 
from  hence.'' 

37  Pilate  therefore  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  a 
king  then  ?  Jesus  answered.  Thou  sayest  that  I 
am  a  king.  To  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for  this 
cause  came  I  into  the  world,  that  I  should  bear 
witness  unto  the  truth.'  Every  one  that  is  of  the 
truth  heareth  my  voice.-i 

38  Pilate  saith  unto  him,  Wliat  is  truth  ?  And 
when  he  had  said  this,  he  went  out  again  unto  the 
Jews,  and  saith  unto  them,  I  find  in  him  no  fault 
at  all. 

39  But  yc  have  a  custom,  that  I  should  release 
unto  you  one  at  the  passover:  will  ye  therefore 
that  I  release  unto  you  the  King  of  the  Jews  ? 

40  Then  cried  they  all  again,  saying,  Not  this 
man,  but  Barabbas.    Now  Barabbas  was  a  robber. 


e  P.-a.  45:3,0;  I.=a.  9:0,  7;  Dan.  2:44;  7:14;  Zech.  9:9;  Lnke  12:14;  ch. 
0:15;  Rom.  14:17;  Col.  1:13.  lilTira.C:13.  i  Isa.  55:4;  Hev.  1:5:  3:14. 
Jch.  8:47;  IJohii  4:0. 


both  his  ignorance  of  our  Lord's  meaning,  and  his  indiffer- 
ence in  respect  to  His  doctrine.  I  find  in  him  no  fault ; 
this  the  Holy  Ghost  caused  to  be  written  on  an  imperish- 
able record,  that  it  might  stand  an  eternal  monument  of 
the  falsehood  of  the  Jews,  and  the  perfect  innocence  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

39.  lie  have  a  custom ;  Matt.  27 :  15. 

40.  Not  this  man,  but  Barabbas ;  Pilate  had  asked  them 
which  they  would  have  him  set  at  liberty,  Baraljbas  or 
Christ.  Matt.  27:17.  Barabbas  was  guilty  of  sedition,  the 
crime  which  they  wrongfully  charged  upon  Jesus  ;  lie  w;ts 
also  a  robber  aiul  a  murderer.  Yet  they  preferred  him  (o 
the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  Mark  15:7; 
Luke  23:19,  25. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  By  communing  with  Ciod  in  prayer  and  supplication 
with  thanksgiving,  a  man  is  prepared  to  go  forth,  in  His 
name  and  strength,  to  any  duties  or  trials  to  which  he  is 
called. 

4.  The  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ  were  all  foreseen 
by  him,  and  were  perfectly  voluntary.  He  carefully  avoid- 
ed committing  Iiimself  to  his  enemies,  or  suffering  them 
to  take  him  before  his  time  had  come;  but  then  he  mado 
no  attempt  to  escape.  He  even  went  forth  and  met  them, 
and  conmiittcd  himself  to  their  disposal.  He  went  as  a 
lamb  to  the  slaughter ;  as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is 
dumb,  so  he  opened  not  his  mouth.  Isa.  53:7,  8;  Acts 
8:32,  35. 

8.  Such  was  the  love  of  Christ  to  his  disciples,  and  such 
his  delight  iu  tlieir  enjoyment,  that  he  was  more  ready  to 
save  them  from  their  enemies,  than  to  save  himself  from 
the  agonies  of  the  cross. 

14.  The  words  of  Scripture  sometimes  have  a  twofold 
meaning.  They  may  express  a  meaning  which  the  spc;ikcr 
had  in  liis  own  mind  ;  they  may  also  express  a  more  im- 
jiortant  me;uung,  intended  by  tlie  Holy  Spirit,  though  llio 
speaker  did  not  ;ipprehend  that  meaning.  Others  may 
ai'ferwards  a]iprehenil,  and  be  more  benefited  liy  this 
meaning,  than  liy  that  which  the  speaker  had  in  his  mind. 
Chap.  ll:49-.52. 

22.  Men  may  violate  law,  commit  injustice,  and  art  the 
jiart  of  tyrants,  out  of  professed  regard  to  the  ministers 

1225 


Chrhsl  is  scourged,  crowned 


JOHN  XIX. 


with  thorns,  and  crucifitd. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  Christ  is  scourgeJ,  crowned  with  thorns,  and  beaten.  4  Pilate  is 
desirous  to  release  hitn,  but  being  overcome  with  the  outrage  of  tiie 
Jews,  he  delivered  him  to  be  crucified.  'Zi  They  cast  lots  for  his  gar- 
ments. 26  He  commendeth  his  mother  to  John.  2S  He  dieth.  31 
His  side  is  pierced.     33  He  is  buried  by  Joseph  and  Nicodemus. 

THEN  Pilate  therefore  took  Jesus,  and  scourged 
him.'- 

2  And  the  soldier,?  phitted  a  crown  of  tliorns, 
and  put  it  ou  his  head,  and  they  put  on  hiin  a  pur- 
ple robe, 

3  And  said.  Hail,  Kino;  of  the  Jews!  and  they 
smote  liiin  witli  their  hands. 

4  Pihite  therefore  went  forth  again,  and  saitli 
unto  them,  Behold,  I  bring  him  forth  to  you,  that 
ye  may  know  that  I  tind  no  huilt  in  him.'' 

5  Then  came  Jcsiis  I'orth,  wearing  tlie  crown  of 
thorns,  and  the  purple  robe.  And  Pilate  saitli  unto 
them.  Behold  the  man  ! 

6  When  the  cliief  priests  therefore  and  officers 
saw  liim,  they  cried  out,  saying.  Crucify  him.  cru- 
cify kirn.  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  Take  ye  him,  and 
crucify  him:  for  I  find  no  fault  in  liiin. 

7  The  Jews  answered  him,  We  Iiave  a  law,''  and 
by  our  law  he  ought  to  die,  because  lie  made  him- 
self the  Son  of  God." 

8  1  Wlien  Pilate  therefore  heard  that  saying,  he 
was  the  more  afraid ; 

9  And  went  again  into  the  judgment-hall,  and 
saith  unto  Jesus,  Whence  art  thou  ?  But  Jesus  gave 
him  ni)  answer." 

10  Tlien  saith  Pilate  unto  him,  Speakest  thou 
not  unto  me?  know(^st  thou  not  that  1  have  power 
to  crucify  thee,  and  have  power  to  release  thee?' 

1 1  Jesus  answered.  Thou  couldest  have  no  power 

«!»»..'):): 3;  Milt.  27:20,  etc. ;  Mark  15:15,  etc  tch.  I8:3S;  ver.  6.  c  J^cv 
24:1U.  i  ch.5:ls;  1U:3:1.  c  Psa.  a^:la-,  Isa  .W:7,  Matt.  ilM,  14;  Phil. 
\:-l-i.  (  Din.  .■):I4,  15.  r  I'aa.  39:9;  Luke  •22:5:i ;  ch.  7:')0.  li  i\Iark  14:44 ; 
ch.  In::i;  Heb.  6:4-S;  Ja.«.  4:17.     i  Luke  -ia-.i;  Acts  17:7.     J  Prov.  30:35; 

and  institutions  of  religion ;  and  while  instigated  by  the 
devil  and  their  o\ni  evil  passions,  they  may  think  that 
they  are  serving  (Jod.     Clia]).  l(i:2. 

2«.  Men  may  be  very  scriiijulous  as  to  tlio  observance 
of  outward  ceremonies,  yet  very  reckless  as  to  the  com- 
mission of  enormous  crimes.  No  outward  profession  or 
inward  experience  is  evidence  of  jiiety,  unless  it  lead  men 
to  hate  known  sin, and  have  respect  to  all  Gods  command- 
ments.    Psa.  66:18;  110:6. 

36.  The  kingdom  of  .fesus  Christ  is  a  spiritual  kingdom, 
lie  reigns  by  triitli  and  love  over  the  hearts  and  lives  of 
men.  The  friends  of  truth  obey  liis  voice,  and  lind  in  doing 
it  great  reward.     2  Cor.  1:2  ;  I'sa.  19:  II. 

CIIAPTKll  XIX. 

1-3.  Christ  scourged  and  mocked.  Matt.  27:26-31 ;  Mark 
15:1.5-20. 

1.  Si.nurfred  him ;  apparently  hoping  by  this  punishment 
to  satisfy  the  .Ie%vs.     Compare  Luke  23:22. 

G.  Tiikc  lie  him,  and  crntifij  him ;  said  in  irony  by  Pilate, 
and  so  undierstood  by  the  Jews,     ('ompare  chap.  1H:31. 

7.  We  have  a  law;  Lov.  24:16.  Pilat«  having  pronounced 
bim  not  guilty  of  sedition,  of  which  they  had  accuscil  him, 
they  went  back  to  the  charge  of  blasphemy,  on  which  be 
had  been  condemned  by  the  council.     Matt.  26:63-60. 

8.  He  vrif  the  more  afraid;  this  was  to  Pilate  a  new 
charge,  lie  saw  that  the  Jews  were  resolved  to  kill  him, 
though  innocent ;  and  as  he  claimed  to  be  the  Son  of  (jod, 
he  was  therefore  more  an.\ious  to  release  bim.  His  wife 
also  had  sent  to  hirn  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  that  just 
man,  for  she  had  suffered  many  things  in  a  dream  because 
of  him.     Matt.  27:19. 

9.  Whenu  .irt  thou  7  what  is  thine  origin,  human  or  di- 
<  1226 


at  all  against  me,  except  it  were  given  thee  a.  o.  m. 
from  above:"  therefore  he  that  delivered  me  unto 
thee  hath  the  greater  sin.'^ 

12  And  from  thenceforth  Pilate  sought  to  release 
him ;  but  tiie  Jews  cried  out,  saying.  If  thou  let  this 
man  go,  thou  art  not  Cesar's  friend :  wlio.-oevcr 
makcth  himself  a  king  speaketli  against  Ccsiir." 

13  1  When  Pilate  therefore  licard  tliat  saying, 
he  brought  Jesus  fortli,  and  sat  down  in  the  judg- 
ment-seat, in  a  place  that  is  called  the  Pavement, 
but  in  the  Hebrew,  Gabbatha.J 

14  And  it  was  the  preparation  of  the  passover,'' 
and  about  tlie  sixtli  hour :  and  he  saitli  unto  the 
Jews,  Behold  your  King! 

15  But  they  cried  out.  Away  with  him,  away 
with  him,  crucify  him.  Pilate  sailii  unto  them, 
Shall  I  crucify  your  King?  The  chief  priests  an- 
swered. We  have  no  king  but  Cesar.' 

1()  Then  delivered  he  him  tiierefore  unto  them 
to  be  crucified.™  And  they  took  Jesus,  and  led  him 
away. 

17  And  he  bearing  his  cross  wont  forth  into  a 
place  called  the  place  of  a  skull,  wliich  is  called  in 
the  Hebrew,  Golgotha: 

1 8  W  iiere  tiiey  crucified  him,  and  two  others  with 
him,  on  either  side  one,  and  Jesus  in  the  midst." 

19  'i  And  Pilate  wrote  a  title,  and  put  it  on  the 
cross.  And  tiie  writing  was,  JESUS  OF  NAZA- 
RETH, THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS." 

20  This  title  then  read  nniny  of  the  Jews;  for 
tlie  place  where  Jesus  was  crucihed  was  nigli  to 
tlie  city:  and  it  was  written  in  Hebiew,  and 
Greek,  and  Latin.  . 

21  Then  said  the  chief  priests  of  the  Jews  to 

Ac:ts4:19.  k  Matt.  27:02.  1  Gen.  49:10.  m  Malt.  27:28.  etc. ;  Mark  15:15, 
etc.;  Luke  23:24,  etc.  u  Num.  15:36;  Ileb.  13:12.  '  Matl.  27:37;  Mark 
15:20;  Luke  23:38. 

vine?  Noansifer;  Jesus  had  given  all  needful  infurniution 
about  himself,  and  he  did  not  think  proper  to  add  to  it. 

11.  Given  thee  from  above;  the  power  of  the  civil  m:igis- 
trate  is  from  God,  and  to  (lod  he  is  accountable  for  the 
use  of  it.  He  that  delivered  me;  CuiapliaB,  as  high-priest, 
representing  the  Jewish  council.  The  jcreutcr  sin ;  guilty 
as  Pilate  was,  the  Jewish  council  was  still  more  guilty. 
They  had  not  only  abused  the  power  which  (iod  gave 
tliem,  but  were  urging  Pilate  lo  aliuse  his;  and  they  were 
doing  it  under  gre;iU'r  light  than  lie  had. 

12.  Not  Cesar's  friend ;  Tiberius  CeKiir.  then  eni)ieror  of 
Rome.  Finding  that  Pilate  would  nut  cnnilinin  .Ickus  fur 
hlasphemy,  they  returned  to  the  Inrnier  charge,  of  rebel- 
lion ;igiiiiiHt  the  Uniniin  governmeiil,  atid  conlended  that 
if  he  released  Jesus  he  was  an  enemy  to  Cesar.  He  might 
Iherefore  be  ciiin))lained  of  lo  the  emperor,  who  was  a  very 
jealous  and  cruel  man  :  and  lie  niiglit  thus  lose  his  ullice, 
perhaps  his  life.  This  induced  him  lo  proceed  with  the 
trial. 

13.  Sal  down  in  the  jvd<:mcnl-sfal ;  the  place  for  jiassing 
sentence  on  criminals.  He  did  this  for  the  purpose  of 
condemning  .lesus.  He  loved  his  oOice  more  Ihan  his 
duty;  and  feared  the  loss  of  it  more  than  the  commission 
of  juilicial  murder.  Puremcnt — Gabballia;  an  elevated 
place,  paved  with  costly  stones. 

11.  The  prejmration :  the  preparation  for  the  next  day, 
which  was  the  Sabbath,  and  the  great  day  of  tli<^  Jewisii 
Passover.  .Mark  1.1:12.  Ahmt  the  sixth  tiour;  not  far  from 
noon.  .Mark  says  the  third  hour,  or  nine  o'clock  in  liio 
morning.  Mark  1.1:2.').  The  whole  proceedings  took  sev- 
eral hours,  and  thc^  dilTerent  evangelists  refer  to  dififcrout 
periods  of  the  tnmsaetions. 

16-22.  Christ  crucified.     Matt.  27:32-35. 


The  death  of  Christ. 


JOHN  XX. 


Joseph  cntomheth  his  body. 


A. D.33   Pilate,  Write  not,  The  King  of  the  Jews; 
but  that  he  said,  I  am  King  of  the  Jews. 

22  Pilate  answei'ed.  What  1  have  written  I  have 
written. 

23  1i  Then  the  soldiers,  when  they  had  crucified 
Jesus,  took  his  garments,  and  made  four  parts,  to 
every  soldier  a  part ;  and  also  Au-coat :  now  the  coat 
was  without  seam,  woven^  from  the  top  tliroughout." 

24  They  said  therefore  among  themselves,  Let 
us  not  rend  it,  but  cast  lots  for  it,  whose  it  shall 
be:  that  the  scripture  might  be  fulfdlcd,  which 
saith,  They  parted  my  raiment  among  them,  and 
for  my  vesture  they  did  cast  lots.''  These  things 
therefore  the  soldiers  did. 

25  1i  Now  there  stood  by  the  cross  of  Jesus  his 
mother,  and  his  mother's  sister,  Mai'y  the  wife  of 
Cleophas,*"  and  Mary  Magdalene. 

26  When  Jesus  tiierefore  saw  his  mother,  and 
the  disciple  standing  by  whom  he  loved,''  he  saith 
unto  his  mother.  Woman,  behold  thy  son  l" 

27  Then  saith  lie  to  the  disciple.  Behold  thy 
mother!'  And  from  that  hour  that  disciple  took 
her  unto  his  own  home.^ 

28  1  After  this,  Jesus  knowing  that  all  things 
-were  now  accomplished,  that  the  scripture  might 
be  fuHilled,  saith,  I  thirst.'' 

29  Now  there  was  set  a  vessel  full  of  vinegar: 
and  they  filled  a  sponge  with  vinegar,  and  put  it 
upon  hyssop,  and  put  it  to  his  mouth. 

30  When  Jesus  therefore  had  received  the  vine- 
gar, he  said.  It  is  finished:'  and  he  bowed  his 
bead,  and  gave  up  the  ghost.' 

31  1  The  Jews  therefore,  because  it  was  the 
preparation,''  tiiat  the  bodies  should  not  remain 
upon  the  cross  on  tlie  sabbath-day,'  (for  that  sab- 
bath-day was  a  high  day,'")  besought  Pilate  that 
their  legs  might  be  broken,  and  that  they  might  be 
taken  awaj'. 

32  Then  came  the  soldiers,  and  brake  the  legs 


*  Or,  ivTougkt. 

a 

Exod.W 

■>i.    b 

Psa 

aa 

IH 

tOr 

Clnpas. 

'  Luke  24:  IS. 

d 

:h. 

l:j 

•i).    = 

:h. 

2:4 

f  1 

Tim. 

5:  a. 

e 

ch 

16::i 

1.     h  Psa 

69: al. 

nh. 

17 

4. 

J 

Isi.  M: 

10, 

!•)■ 

Heb 

■J:  14, 

15. 

k 

ver 

4a. 

Deut.  a 

.:2:i.     m 

Lev. 

•£i 

/, 

8. 

n  Heb 

y 

■>■>, 

■a;  I  John 

5:0, 

8. 

0 

1  Pet. 

3:31.     P 

1  John   1 

1-3. 

22.  1  have  written;  the  meaning  of  this  was,  that  what 
he  had  written  he  would  not  alter. 

23,  2-1.  Christ's  garments  divided.  ]\Iatt.  27:35;  Psalm 
22:18. 

26.  The  disciple;  John,  chap.  13:2.3.  Thy  son;  one  who 
will  henceforth  treat  thee  as  his  mother,  and  supply  thy 
wants. 

28.   The  scripture;  Psa..  69:21. 
_  30.  //  is  finished ;  his  work  of  suffering  for  human  salva- 
tion.    Gave  up  tlie  ghost;  di.smissed  the  soul  from  its  con- 
nection with  the  body.     Matt.  27:50. 

31.  A  liighdai);  a  great  day — one  of  peculiar  solemnity. 
Tlieir  les;s  might  be  broken;  to  hasten  their  death,  so  that 
they  might  be  taken  from  the  cross  before  the  Sabbath. 

3.j.  Ih  that  saw  it;  John.  Bare  record;  to  a  fact  that 
established  beyond  doubt  the  real  death  of  Jesus. 

3(3.  The  scripture;  E.xod.  12:4G;  Num.  9:12.  A  bone  of 
him  shall  not  be  broken ;  these  words,  originally  spoken  o( 
the  paschal  lamb,  which  was  the  type  of  Cliris't,  were  now 
fultilled  in  the  great  antitype. 

37.  Another  scripture  ;  Zech.  12:10. 

38-42.  Christ's  burial.     Matt.  27:57-01. 

39.  Nir.odeinus ;  chap.  3:1,  2. 

42.  Nigh  at  hand ;  near  the  place  where  lie  was  crucified. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
8.  Men  who  do,  or  consent  to  others  doing  what  they 


of  the  first,  and  of  the  other  which  was  crucified 
with  him. 

33  But  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  and  saw  that 
he  was  dead  already,  they  brake  not  his  legs : 

34  But  one  of  the  soldiers  with  a  spear  pierced 
his  side,  and  forthwith  came  there  out  blood"  and. 
water." 

35  And  he  that  saw  it  bare  record,"  and  his  rec- 
ord is  true;  and  he  knoweth  that  he  saith  true, 
that  ye  might  believe. 

36  For  these  things  were  done,  that  the  scrip- 
ture should  be  fulfilled,  A  bone  of  him  shall  not 
be  broken. 1 

37  And  again  another  scripture  saith.  They  shall 
look  on  him  whom  they  pierced. "■ 

38  H  And  after  this,  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  being 
a  disciple  of  Jesus,  but  secretly  for  fear  of  the 
Jews,'*  besought  Pilate  that  he  might  take  away 
the  body  of  Jesus :  and  Pilate  gave  him  leave.  He 
came  therefore,  and  took  the  body  of  Jesus. 

39  And  there  came  also  Nicodcmus,  which  at  the 
first  came  to  Jesus  by  night,'  and  brought  a  mixture 
of  myrrh  and  aloes,"  about  a  hundred  pounds  iceight. 

40  Then  took  they  the  Ijody  of  Jesus,  and  wound 
it  in  linen  clothes  with  the  spices,  as  the  manner 
of  the  Jews  is  to  bury.'' 

41  Now  in  the  place  where  he  was  crucified 
there  was  a  garden ;  and  in  the  garden  a  new 
sepulchre,  wherein  was  never  man  yet  laid. 

42  There  laid  they  Jesus  therefore,'"  because  of 
the  Jews'  preparation-day;^  for  the  sepulchre  was 
nigh  at  hand. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  Mary  cometh  to  the  sepulchre;  3  so  do  Peter  and  John,  ignorant  of 
the  resurrection.  11  Jesus  jippearelh  to  Mnry  Magdalene,  19  and  to 
liis  disciples.  24  The  incredulity,  and  confession  of  Thomas.  30  The 
scripture  is  suflicient  to  salvation. 

^T^PIE  first  day  of  the  week  cometh  Mary  Mag- 
JL    dalene  early,  when  it  was  yet  dark,  unto  the 


t 

Kxod.  12 

46;  N 

urn.  0 

1-i;  Psa.  34 

:20 

r  Psa 

22:16 

Zech. 

12 

10, 

Bev. 

1 

7.    .  ch. 

9:-i->; 

12: 4a. 

1  ch.  3:1, 

■•ii 

7:50.     u 

2  Chr. 

16:14. 

V 

Acts  5:6. 

w 

Isa.  53:9 

lUor. 

15:4. 

»  ver.  31. 

know  to  be  wrong,  are  always  liable  to  great  and  dis- 
tressing fears.  Conscience  condemns  them ;  and  though 
it  sometimes  sleeps,  it  may  at  any  moment  awake  and  till 
them  with  terror. 

11.  Judicial  authority  and  power  are  gifts  of  God,  for 
the  use  of  which  men  are  accountable  to  him;  and  injus- 
tice committed  by  magistrates  under  the  cover  of  law,  is 
among  the  most  wicked  of  all  tran.sgressions. 

23.  The  actions  of  wicked  men,  as  well  as  of  good  men, 
are  a  fulfilment  of  the  Scriptures.  Though  they  mean  not 
so,  neither  do  their  hearts  think  so,  yet  they  arc  evidences 
to  the  truth  of  God's  declarations,  and  that  in  due  time 
they  will  all  be  accoiiiplislied.     Isa.  10:7. 

27.  The  duty  of  filial  affection,  and  of  the  most  ready 
and  conscientious  discharge  of  relative  duties,  was  taught 
by  Jesus  Christ  amid.st  the  agonies  of  the  cross;  and  no 
(iue  can  imitate  him  who  is  not  kind  to  his  mother,  and 
who  does  not,  as  \n'.  ha.s  aliility  and  she  has  need,  provide 
for  the  ,«ii]iply  of  her  wants. 

M'k  The  pnividmces  of  God  are  so  ordered  as  to  bo  a 
i'ullilmcnt  of  his  word  ;  and  both  unite  in  )iroclaiming  that 
his  counsel  .shall  stand,  and  that  he  will  do  all  his  pleas- 
ure.    Isa.  Ki:  10. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1.  Mary  Magdalene ;  Matt.  28:1. 

1227 


Christ  appearelh  to  Mary, 


JOHN  XX. 


and  to  his  apostles. 


sepulchre,  and  seeth  the  stone  taken  away  from 
the  sepulchre." 

2  Tlien  she  runneth,  and  cometh  to  Simon  Peter, 
and  to  the  other  disciple  wlioni  Jesus  loved,''  and 
saith  unto  them,  They  have  tiikou  away  the  Lord 
out  of  the  sepulchre,  and  \\c  know  not  where  they 

'have  laid  him. 

3  Peter  therefore  went  forth,  and  that  other  dis- 
ciple, and  came  to  the  sepulchre." 

4  So  they  ran  both  together:  and  the  other  dis- 
ciple did  outrun  Peter,''  and  came  first  to  the  sep- 
ulchre. 

5  And  lie  stooping  down,  and  looking  in,  saw  the 
linen  clothes  lying;"'  yet  went  he  not  in. 

(5  Then  cometh  Simon  Peter  following  him,  and 
went  into  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth  the  linen  clothes 
lie, 

7  And  the  napkin  tliat  was  about  his  head,'' not 
lying  with  the  linen  clothes,  but  wrapped  together 
in  a  place  by  itself. 

8  Then  went  in  also  that  other  disciple  which 
came  first  to  the  sepulchre,  and  he  saw,  and  be- 
lieved. 

9  For  as  yet  they  knew  not  the  scripture,  that 
he  must  rise  again  from  the  dead."^ 

10  Tlien  the  disciples  went  away  again  unto 
their  own  home. 

11  "  I>ut  Mary  stood  without  at  the  sepulchre 
wee]iing:  and  as  she  wept  siie  stooped  down  and 
looked  into  the  sepulchre, 

12  And  seeth  two  angels  in  white  sitting,  the 
one  at  tlie  head,  and  the  otlier  at  the  feet,  where 
tlic  body  of  Jesus  iiad  lain.'' 

13  Ami  they  say  unto  her,  Woman,  why  wcepest 
thou?  She  saith  unto  them,  IJocausc  they  have 
taken  away  my  Lord,  and  1  know  not  where  they 
have  laid  him. 

14  And  when  she  had  thus  said,  she  turned  her- 
self back,  and  saw  Jesus  standing,'  and  knew  not 
that  it  was  Jesus.-' 

l.j  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  why  wecpest 
thou?  whom  seekest  thou?  Slie,  supi)Osing  him  to 
be  the  gardener,  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  if  thou  have 


•  MiU.  a-:l,etc.  1  Mark  10;l,clc. ;  Luko  24:1,  etc.  >•  ch.  13:i1;  19:2n; 
21:7.aJ.  cLukoalili.  <l  I.uko  l:l::)u.  '  ch.  10: 10.  (ch.ll:l4.  g  P«a. 
18I0;  AcU  -i-.-l-i-ai  ;  I:t:3l,  :I5.  h  Mark  in:.',.  I  Matt.  a-:9;  Mark  10:0. 
)  Ltik(!'2l:lli,  Ul;  ch.  21:4.  kSonEU:'^.  M>a.  4»:I ;  ch.  IU:a  n<8(,ng:t:4. 
••  Vix.  ii-.-a;  Rom.  8:29;  Hcb.*;!!.    o  ch.  Ifl;*<.    p  Rom.  b:  14,  13;  2  Cor. 


2.  Tlie  Other  diuiple ;  Joliii. 

8.  Ik  saw,  and  helmed;  tliat  Jesus  was  risen  from  the  dead. 
The  fiict  th;it  tlie  grave-clothes  had  all  lieeu  left  in  the 
toinh,  arrange'l  in  an  orderly  manner,  convinced  him  that 
the  1)0  \y  of  .Icsiis  had  not  been  taken  away  by  friends  or  foes. 

9.  Fur  OS  y:t  they  knew  vol;  as  much  as  to  say,  Tlicy 
needed  tlii.s  evidence  of  Ki'.;ht  to  convince  tli<ni,  liecanse 
they  did  not  vet  iindersfjind  tlie  Scriptures.  The  scripture; 
I'sa.  2:1;  Acts  13:33;  Psa.  10:9,  10;  Acts  2:W-31;  I'sa. 
110:1  ;  Acts  2:32-.'50. 

l.'i.  The  gardener ;  the  keeper  of  the  pardon  in  which  the 
body  of  .lesus  was  buried.     .Malt.  27:00. 

17.  Touch  me  not;  when  Christ  met  the  two  womr^n, 
Afatt.  28:9,  they  came  and  held  him  by  the  feet,  ami  wor- 
shipped him.  ^[ary  mi};ht  now  bo  approaching  for  this 
purpose.  Ibit  .lesus  wished  her  without  delay  to  go  and 
tell  his  disciples  that  he  was  risen  from  the  dead.  She 
would  have  opportiiiiily  before  bis  ascension  for  all  proper 
expressions  of  her  regard  for  him. 

19.  Tlie  same  dnij  at  cvenmp;  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
which  was  from  that  time,  and  has  ever  since  been  ob- 
1228 


borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  hast  a.  d.  33. 
laid  him,  and  I  will  take  him  away.'' 

16  Jesus  saith  inito  her,  Mary.'  She  turned  her- 
self,'" and  saith  unto  him,  Rabljoni,  which  is  to  say, 
Master. 

IT  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Touch  me  not;  for  I  am 
not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father :  but  go  to  my 
brettiren,"  and  say  unto  them,  I  ascend  unto  my 
Fatlier."  and  your  Father;''  and  to  my  God,""  and 
your  God.'' 

18  Mary  JIagdalenc  came  and  told  the  disciples 
that  she  liad  seen  the  Lord,  and  that  he  had  spoken 
these  tilings  unto  her." 

19  T^  Then  the  same  day  at  evening,  being  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  when  tlie  doors  were  shut 
where  the  disciples  were  assembled  for  fear  of  the 
Jews,  came  Jesus  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and 
saith  unto  them,  Peace  he  unto  you.' 

20  And  when  he  had  so  said,  he  showed  unto 
them  his  hands  and  his  side.  Tiicii  were  the  dis- 
ciples glad  when  ihey  saw  the  Lord." 

21  Then  said  Jesus  to  them  again,  Peace  be  unto 
you:''  as  7ny  Fatlier  hath  sent  nic,  even  so  send  I 
you."' 

22  And  when  he  had  said  this,  he  breathed  on 
thevi,  and  saith  unto  them.  Receive  ye  the  Holy 
Ghost:'' 

23  Whose  soever  sins  ye  remit,  (hey  arc  remit- 
ted unto  tlicm ;  and  whose  soever  sins  ye  retain, 
they  are  retained.'' 

24  IT  But  Thomas,  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Did- 
ymus,''  was  not  with  them  when  Jesus  came. 

25  The  other  disciples  therefore  said  unto  him, 
Wc  have  seen  the  Lord.  But  he  said  unto  them, 
E.\cept  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the  print  of  the 
nails,  and  jiut  my  finger  into  (he  jiriiit  of  the  nails, 
and  thrust  my  hand  into  Ids  side,  I  will  not  be- 
lieve." 

26  ITAnd  after  eight  days  again  his  disciples 
were  within,  and  Thomas  with  them :  then  came 
Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and  stood  in  the  midst, 
and  said,  Peace  be  unto  you." 

27  Then  saith  he  to  Thomas,  Reacli  hither  thy 

0:1S:  Gal.  3:28:  4:5,7.  1  Kph.  1 :1-.  rGen.  17:7,  8;  l'«a.  43:4.  .');  4f  :I4 ; 
l»a.  41:10;  Jcr.  31:33;  Ezek.  30:2i;  Zcch.  13:9;  Heb.  11:10;  liev.  21:3. 
•  Matl.  2-i:10.  I  Ma-k  10: 14 ;  Luko  24::)li;  1  Cor.  1,'j:5.  u  ch,  10:22.  v  ch. 
14:27.  w  Matt.  2M;19;  ch.  17:1b;  2Tim.  2:2;  Heb,  3:1.  «  AcU  2:4,38. 
r  Matt.  10:19;  1S:18.     «ch. 11:10.    «  I'na.  7s:ll,  32.     l'I.a.2fl:12. 

served  as  the  Lord's  d;iy,  the  Christian  Sabbath.  Ver.  20 ; 
Acts  20:7;  1  Cor.  10:2  ;"Hev.  1:10. 

20.  IJc  shoved  unto  them  hisliands;  to  convince  tlicm  that 
he  was  certainly  risen  from  the  dead. 

21.  fiend  1  you  ;  to  ])ruclaim  the  gospel,  and  ni;die  known 
the  Wiiv  of  K;ilvatioli. 

22.  ileceim:  ijc  llic  Holy  Ghost ;  this  was  to  fit  lliein  for 
their  work. 

T.\.  liewil — retained;  the  same  power  and  authority  are 
hero  conferred  equiilly  upon  ;d!  the  ;iiiosth'R,  and  no  one 
is  in  any  respect  raised  above  ;iiiother.  The  power  con- 
ferred was,  under  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  (jhost,  to  de- 
clare the  wiiv  in  which  men  can  be  pardoned,  sanctified, 
and  saved.    'Mali.  10:19;  IS:I.s, 

21.   Tliomns;  cIki]).  11:10. 

'i:>.  Kicijit  I  slinll  sec  ;  this  shows  how  dilTicult  it  was  to 
convince  even  the  disciples  that  .lesus  iiad  risen  from  tlio 
dead. 

20.  After  ciplil  dni/s;  on  the  next  Lord's  day. 

27.  Kench  hitlier  lliy  finger ;  this  showed  that  Jesus  know 
what  Thomas  had  said. 


Christ  convinctlh  Tiinmas. 


JOHN  xxr. 


He  appcarcth  in  Gal  ike. 


A. D.33.  finger,  and  behold  my  hands;  and  rcacli 
hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side;''  and 
be  not  faithless,  but  believing.'' 

28  And  Thomas  answered  and  said  unto  him. 
My  Lord  and  my  God."" 

29  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Thomas,  because  thou 
hast  seen  me,  thou  liast  lielieved:  blessed  are  they 
that  have  not  seen,  and  yrf  have  believed." 

30  H  And  many  other  signs  truly  did  Jesus  in 
the  presence  of  his  disciples,  which  are  not  writ^ 
ten  in  this  book  :^ 

31  But  these  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God;''  and 
that  believing  ye  might  have  life  through  his 
name.'' 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  Christ  appearing  again  to  his  disciples  was  known  of  them  by  the 
great  draught  of  tishes.  V2  He  dineth  with  them;  15  earnestly  com- 
mandeth  Peter  to  feed  his  lambs  and  sheep;  IS  foretetleth  him  of  his 
death;  22  rebuketb  liis  curiosity  touching  John.     25  The  conclusion. 

AFTER  these   things   Jesus   showed   himself 
again  to  the  disciples  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias ; 
and  on  this  wise  showed  he  himsdf. 

2  Tliero  were  together  Simon  Peter,  and  Thomas 
called  Didymus,  and  Natlianael  of  Gana  in  Galilee,'' 
and  the  so)is  of  Zebedee,'  and  two  other  of  his  dis- 
ciples. 

3  Simon  Peter  saith  unto  them,  I  go  a  fishing. 
They  say  unto  him.  We  also  go  with  thee.  They 
went  forth,  and  entered  into  a  ship  immediately; 
and  that  night  they  caught  nothing. 

>  1  John  1:1.  b  1  Tim.  1:14.  '  Psa.  118:38]  ch.  5:4!;  1  Tim.  3:16. 
illPet.l:3.     ech.21:2.5.     tLukel:4.     f  ch   3: 15.  10;  5:21 ;   1U:10;  I  Pet. 


28.  My  Lord  and  mij  God;  this  was  addressed  to  Jesus 
Christ,  and  was  commended  by  him  as  a  just  expression 
of  true  faith. 

29.  Bldiied  arc  tliey ;  they  who  like  Thomas  beheve  in 
Christ,  and  thougli  they  liave  not  seen  liim,  ael^nowledge 
him  as  their  Lord  and  tlieir  God. 

30.  Signs  ;  miracles  in  proof  of  liis  divinity,  and  liis  res- 
urrection from  tlie  dead. 

SI.  Ye  might  believe ;  exercise  living  faith  in  Christ,  and 
throu;^li  this  faith  be  justified,  sanctified,  and  saved. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Believing  woman,  last  at  the  cross  and  first  at  the 
tomb,  has  often  manifested  quenchless  love  for  the  Re- 
deemer, and  dauntless  courage  in  his  cause. 

II.  We  are  often  distressed  and  weep  at  that  which 
8prini;s  fnun  and  is  the  manifestation  of  infinite  love,  and 
which  will  best  promote  the  glory  of  Uod  and  the  everlast- 
ing good  of  men. 

14.  Christ  is  often  much  nearer  to  us,  and  much  better 
acquainted  with  our  cmidition,  than  we  imagine;  and  he 
can  easily  so  manifest  liimself  that  our  weeping  slr.iU  be 
turned  to  joy,  and  our  mourning  to  praise. 

in.  After  his  resurrection,  Clirist  first  showed  himself 
to  jMary  Ahigdalone,  out  of  whom  lie  had  cast  seven  devils  ; 
not  to  .Mary  his  mother.  He  would  not  by  wcu'd  or  deed 
do  any  thing  to  countenance  the  superstitious  reverence 
and  idolatrous  worship  which  has  since  been  offered  to 
the  Virgin. 

19.  From  the  resurrection  of  Christ  to  the  present  time, 
his  jieople  have  assembled  for  imblic  worship  on  the  first 
day  of  the  week,  and  while  thus  assembled  ho  has  often 
manifested  himself  to  them  as  he  does  not  to  the  world, 
and  kindly  spoken  peace  to  their  souls. 

20.  Christ  apjiealcd  to,  and  admitted  the  correctness  of 
the  judgment  of  our  senses.    To  these  the  evidences  of 


4  But  when  the  morning  was  now  come,  Jesus 
stood  on  the  shore;  but  the  disciples  knew  not 
that  it  was  Jesus.^ 

5  Then  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Children,"  have 
ye  any  meat?"     They  answered  him.  No. 

6  And  he  said  unto  them.  Cast  the  net  on  the 
right  side  of  the  ship,  and  ye  shall  find.  They  cast 
therefore,  and  now  they  were  not  able  to  draw  it 
for  the  multitude  of  fishes.' 

7  Therefore  that  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved  saith 
unto  Peter,  It  is  the  Lord.  Now  when  Simon 
Peter  heard  that  it  was  the  Lord,  he  girt  his  fish- 
er's coat  unto  him,  for  he  was  naked,  and  did  cast 
himself  into  the  sea. 

8  And  the  other  disciples  came  in  a  little  ship, 
(for  they  were  not  far  from  laud,  but  as  it  were 
two  hundred  cubits,)  dragging  the  net  with 
fishes. 

9  As  soon  then  as  they  were  come  to  land,  they 
saw  a  fire  of  coals  there,  and  fish  laid  thereon,  and 
bread. 

10  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Bring  of  the  fish  which 
ye  have  now  caught. 

11  Simon  Peter  went  up,  and  drew  the  net  to 
land  full  of  great  fishes,  a  hundred  and  fifty  and 
three:  and  for  all  there  were  so  many,  yet  was 
not  the  net  broken. 

12  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Come  and  dine.  And 
none  of  the  disciples  durst  ask  him.  Who  art  thou? 
knowing  that  it  was  the  Lord. 

13  Jesus  then  cometh,  and  taketh  bread,  and  giv- 
cth  them,  and  fish  likewise."' 


1:9.     h  ch.  1:45.     i  Matt.  4:21.    J  ch.  20:14. 
I  Luke  5:4-7.     niAot3lU:41. 


Or,  Sirs,     k  Luke  24:41. 


his  miracles  and  of  his  resurrection  were  addressed.  By 
these  it  was  known  with  perfect  certainty,  that  his  mira- 
cles were  real,  and  his  resurrection  true  ;  by  these  also  it 
is  known,  with  equal  certainty,  that  the  doctrine  of  trun- 
substantiation  is  false. 

22.  Jesus  Christ,  by  his  Spirit,  will  furnish  his  ministers 
lor  the  discharge  of  all  the  duties  to  wdiich  he  calls  them  ; 
and  they  may  at  all  times  with  aiiectionate  confidence  look 
to  him  for  all  needed  aid. 

28.  Jesus  Christ  approves  of  being  addressed  by  his 
people  as  their  Lord  and  their  God.  The  more  they  be- 
come acquainted  with  him,  the  deeper  is  their  conviction 
that  this  is  his  true  character,  and  the  more  do  lioth  affec- 
tion and  duty  lead  them  thus  to  adore  him.    Chap.  5:23. 

31.  As  the  object  of  God  in  causing  his  truth  to  be  writ- 
ten and  printed  was,  that  men  might  believe  and  be  saved, 
all  should  be  taught,  and  should  be  disposed  to  read  it. 
It  was  given  in  this  form  to  promote  the  salvation  of  men, 
and  is  often  rendered  eft'eetual  by  the  Holy  S))irit  for  this 
purpose.  It  should  therefore,  without  liinderance  and 
without  delay,  be  circulated  among  all  people. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1.  Sen  of  Tiberias;  the  same  as  the  sea  of  Galilee  and 
the  lake  of  Gefinesaret.  Matt.  filS;  20:32;  28:10;  M;irk 
11:28;   16:7. 

2.  Ufliis  disciplea;  Matt. '1:21;  10:2-4. 

5.  Meat;  the  word  in  the  original  means  something 
eaten  with  bread,  as  fiesh  or  fish. 

7.  Tliat  disciple;  John.  Was  naked;  without  his  outer 
garment,  as  was  common  with  fishermen. 

8.  Two  hundred  ciihits;  about  twenty  rods. 

9.  A  fire  of  coals — -fisli;  which  had  been  miraculously 
provided  by  the  Lord. 

12.  Dine ;  the  original  word  was  applied  to  a  meal  taken 
in  the  early  part  of  the  day. 

122'J 


Feeding  Christ's  flock. 


JOHN  XXI. 


The  death  of  Fclcr  foretold. 


1-1  Tliis  is  now  the  tliird  time  that  Jesus  showed 
himself  to  his  disciples,  after  that  he  was  risen 
from  the  dead." 

15  \  So  when  they  had  dined,  Jesus  saith  to 
Simon  Peter,  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me 
more  than  these ?''  He  saith  uutn  him,  Yea,  Lord  ; 
tlinu  knowestthat  I  love  thee,  lie  saith  unto  him. 
Feed  my  lambs." 

16  lie  saith  to  him  again  the  second  time,  Simon, 
son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me?  He  saith  unto  him. 
Yea,  Lord ;  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee.  He 
saith  unto  him.  Feed  my  sheep.'' 

17  He  saith  unto  him  the  third  time,  Simon,  son 
of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me?  Peter  was  grieved  he- 
cause  he  said  unto  him  the  tliird  time,  Lovest  thou 
me?"  And  he  said  unto  him.  Lord,  thou  knowest 
all  things;''  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee.  Jesus 
saith  unto  him.  Feed  my  sheep. 

18  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee.  When  thou 
■wast  young,  thou  girdedst  thyself,  and  walkcdst 
whither  thou  wouldest :  but  when  thou  shalt  be 
old,  thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thy  hands,  and  an- 
other shall  gird  thee,''  and  carry  thee  whither  thou 
wouldest  not." 

«  Oh. 20:19,  20.  I>  Matt.  SG:*?,  :!5.  e  Isa.  40:11;  Jit.3;15;  Ezek.  34:2- 
10;  Acts  20:**;  I  Pet.  .i:2,  4.  i  Heb.  13:20;  1  Pet.  2:25.  c  Lam.  3::». 
fch.  10::)0.    l!Acts2l:ll.    h  ch.  13:36;  Acts  12:3,  4.    i2Pct.  1:14.    J  Num. 

14.  The  third  time ;  the  third  time  that  he  appeared  to 
the  apostles  when  together. 

l.'i.  More  than  thexe?  more  than  the  other  disciples,  as 
Peter  had  intimated  that  lie  did.  Matt.  2G:3:i;  John  13:37. 
Lnmhi  ;  the  tender  and  feeVile  followers  of  Christ  tlie  groat 
and  good  Sliepherd.     Chap.  10:11-IG. 

l(i.  f^li^cp  ;  more  advanced  Cln'istians. 

17.  Peler  wax  grieved;  the  thrice  repeated  question  re- 
minded him  of  ids  thrice  repeated  denial  of  his  Jjord. 
Feed;  communicate  spiritual  instruction  and  take  care  of 
their  souls.     Acts  20:28. 

18.  Girdedst  tin/self;  he  was  at  liherly  to  go  imd  come  at 
pleasure.  St rctdi  forth  tin/  kinds;  in  crucifixion.  Gird 
thee;  bind  thee  for  execution.  The  binding,  thouglr  com- 
ing before  crucifixion,  is  named  after  it. 

ID.  Sifrnifi/iiif^;  pointing  out  beforehand.  Follow  me; 
in  ;ui  emphatic  sense,  Follow  mo  not  only  as  my  disciples, 
but  in  my  crucifixion  also. 

20.  Wliom  Jesus  Inved ;  chap.  13:23-20. 

21.  Lord,  and  what  slialt  tins  man  do?  in  what  way  shall 
he  die  ? 

22.  Tiiot  he  Inrrij;  that  he  stay  on  the  earth  and  not  die. 
Till  I  cnme;  words  designedly  left  indefinite.  Our  Lord's 
providential  coming  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  seems 
to  have  been  referred  to.  What  is  that  to  llire?  it  is  none 
of  thy  business,  nothing  about  which  you  should  concern 
your.self. 

2.'i.  S'lorddiwl  die;  a  tradition  from  the  days  of  the  apr)s- 
tlcs,  which  was  not  true.  If  I  v>dl  lliitt  he  tarry  till  I  aiinv; 
it  was  the  business  of  Christ  to  direct  with  regard  to  the 
length  of  John's  life,  anil  the  manner  of  his  de;itli,  and  not 
the  business  i\(  Peter.  It  wiuild  do  him  no  good  to  be 
informed,  and  Christ  would  nut  encourage  him  in  making 
uselc/fs  inipiiries.  * 

21.  Tins  is  the  diviple ;  John,  the  writer  of  this  gospel. 

2,').  The  vnrld  itself  could  not  contain;  this  is  a  strong 
ex]iression,  disigiii'd  to  convey  the  idea  that  if  all  winch 
Christ  said  and  did  were  written,  the  books  would  be  very 


19  This  s)iake  he,  signifying  by  what  death  a.  n  at. 
he  should  glorify  God.'  And  when  he  had  spoken 
this,  he  saith  unto  him,  Follow  me.' 

20  Then  Peter,  turning  about,  sceth  the  disciple 
whom  Jesus  loved  following;  which  also  leaned 
on  his  breast  at  sup])er,  and  said.  Lord,  which  is 
he  that  betrayeth  tiieo? 

21  Peter  seeing  him,  saith  to  Jesus,  Lord,  and 
what  sliall  this  man  do? 

22  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  If  I  will  that  he  tarry 
till  I  come,''  what  is  that  to  thee?  follow  thou  me.' 

2.3  Then  went  this  saying  abroad  among  the 
brethren,  that  that  disciiil(>  should  not  die :  yet 
Jesus  said  not  unto  him.  tic  shall  not  die;  but.  If 
I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to 
thee? 

24  This  is  the  disciple  which  testifieth  of  these 
things,  and  wrote  these  things:  and  we  know  that 
his  testimony  is  true." 

25  And  there  are  also  many  other  things  which 
Jesus  did,"  the  which,  if  they  should  be  written 
every  one,  I  suppose  that  even  the  Morld  itself 
could  not  contain  the  books  that  should  be  writ- 
ten."    Amen. 


14:24;  1  ,'iam.  12:20;  Matt.   19:2**;  ch.  12:20.     k  Malt.  2.3:31;   R  v.  l:7j 
22:20.    1  ver.  19.    ■>>  ch.  19:33;  3  John  12.    ■"oh.20:30.    oAmos7:10. 


many,  much  too  numerous  for  the  highest  usefuluess  to 
men. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Our  wants  are  to  be  stipjdied  through  our  owii  volun- 
tary and  active  instrumentality.  Due  ;iltentiiin  to  worlilly 
concerns  is  required,  and  is  acceptable  to  Jesus  Christ. 
When  rightly  employed  in  secuhir  business,  men  are  serv- 
ing hiiii  as  really  as  when  eniployed  in  religious  duties, 
and  will  equally  meet  his  ap)ir(iliation. 

fi.  For  success  in  our  worldly  business  we  are  dependent 
ujion  Ciod;  and  whenever  we  receive  earthly  blessings  it 
is  friini  hini,  who  openeth  his  hand  and  supplieth  the  wants 
of  every  living  thi)ig.     I'sa.  1I;">:1.'),  IC. 

14.  When  ministers  of  Christ  follow  his  directions,  they 
will  have  abund;uit  evidence  of  the  truth  of  all  his  decla- 
nitions  ;  so  that  in  addressing  others  on  the  great  concerns 
of  salvation,  they  may  sjiciik  of  whiit  they  know,  and  tes- 
tify to  what  they  have  seen  of  the  nianifestalions  of  his 
power  and  grace. 

17.  The  most  import.ant  of  all  qualifications  for  a  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel,  anil  fcu"  the  right  discharge  of  all  ilnties, 
is  love  to  .lisns  f^hrist;  and  those  who  possess  ;uid  rightly 
manifest  tliis,  may  expect  to  be  rendered  eminently  useful 
to  themselves  .and  their  fellow-men. 

la.  No  ardency  of  devotion  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and 
no  degree  of  usefulness  will  secure  his  seryanls  from  great 
trials,  or  even  from  violent  de;ilh ;  but  no  tri;ils  will  como 
upon  them  except  under  the  direction  of  Cod,  ;iud  such 
as  will  best  prepare  them  to  glorify  and  enjoy  him. 

22.  Every  man  should  mind  his  own  jnojier  business  ; 
while  he  shoidd  be  c:ueful  not  tu  neglect  his  ;i|qiiii|iri;ito 
coTicerns,  he  shoidd  be  eipially  careful  not  tu  intenneddlo 
with  the  concerns  of  others. 

2.S.  Men  may  spe;ik  and  write  too  much,  even  about 
ridigion.  Their  usefulness  depends  not  so  much  on  the 
amount  of  what  is  spoken  or  writlen,  as  on  its  fitness  and 
pro])riety.  "  A  word  fitly  sjioken  is  like  apples  of  gold  in 
pictures  of  silver."    Prov.  25:11. 


1230 


THE 


ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 


From  Luke's  introduction  to  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  we  learn  that  the  work  was  composed  after  the 
completion  of  his  gospel,  chap.  1:1.  lie  appears  as  the  travelling  companion  of  Paul,  chap.  16:10-17; 
and  again  from  chap.  20:5,  to  the  end  of  the  book.  He  brings  down  the  history  of  the  apostle's  labors 
and  suiferings  to  the  close  of  the  second  year  of  his  imprisonment  in  Rome,  chap.  28  :  30.  The  most  prob- 
able reason  why  the  narrative  breaks  off  there  is,  that  this  waS  the  date  of  its  publication — that  is,  about 
A.  D.  63  or  65.  What  has  been  said  of  Luke's  gospel  applies  also  to  the  present  work.  It  was  composed, 
if  not  under  Paul's  immediate  superintendence,  at  least  with  his  full  knowledge  and  approbation  ;  and 
has  ever  been  received  by  Christians  as  an  authentic  account  of  the  apostolic  age  of  the  church.  Though 
the  book  is  entitled  the  "Acts  of  the  Apostles,"  it  does  not  contain  the  complete  history  of  the  labors  of 
any  one  apostle,  much  less  of  the  whole  body  of  them.  In  the  first  two  chapters  we  have  an  account  of 
the  choice  of  Matthias  to  fill  the  place  of  Judas,  and  of  the  inauguration  of  the  Christian  dispensation  by 
the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  Of  the  following  ten  chapters,  the  sixth  and 
seventh  contain  an  account  of  the  choice  of  the  seven  primitive  deacons,  and  in  connection  with  this,  of 
the  martyrdom  of  Stephen.  A  part  of  the  eighth  chapter  relates  the  labors  of  Pliilip  the  evangelist,  and 
a  part  of  the  ninth,  the  conversion  of  Paul.  The  remainder  of  these  chapters  is  almost  wholly  occupied 
with  an  account  of  the  labors  of  Peter,  either  alone  or  in  company  with  John.  Of  the  sixteen  chapters 
that  f!)llow,  13-28,  the  fifteenth  relates  the  decision  of  the  apostles  and  elders  respecting  the  attoinpt  to 
impose  circumcision  and  the  law  of  Moses  upon  the  gentile  converts.  All  the  rest  is  devoted  to  the  labors 
of  the  great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles.  Hence  it  appears  that  more  than  three-fourths  of  the  book  is  occu- 
pied with  the  history  of  Peter  and  Paul.  It  did  not  please  the  wisdom  of  God  to  give  us  much  informa- 
tion respecting  the  doings  of  the  other  apostles.  But  the  record  which  we  have  is  sufficient  to  give  us  a 
clear  insight  into  the  spirit  which  animated  the  primitive  Christians,  the  divine  power  that  accompanied 
their  labors,  and  the  persecutions  which  they  suffered  from  a  world  lying  in  wickedness.  It  is  a  record 
from  which  the  servants  of  Christ  have  drawn  abundant  instruction  and  encouragement  in  all  past  ages, 
and  from  which  they  will  continue  to  do  so  till  the  end  of  time. 


A.D33.  CHATTER  I. 

1  Chri.st,  preparing  his  apostles  to  tile  beholding  of  his  ascension,  gath- 
ereth  them  together  nito  the  nionnt  Olivet,  e.omnnandeth  them  to 
expect  in  Jerusalem  the  sending  down  ol  the  Holy  Ghost,  proiniseth 
after  few  days  to  send  it;  by  virtue  whereof  they  should  he  witnesses 
unto  him,  even  to  the  utmost  parts  of  the  earth.  9  After  his  ascension 
they  are  warned  by  two  angels  to  depart,  and  to  set  their  minds  upon 
his  second  coming.  12  They  accordingly  return,  and  giving  them- 
selves to  prayer,  choose  Matthias  apostle  in  the  place  of  Judas. 

I'^IIE  former  treatise  have  I  made,"  0  Theophi- 
.    Iu3,  of  all  that  Jesus  began  both  to  do  and 
teach, 
2  Until  the  day  in  wliich  he  was  taken  up,*"  after 


a  Luka  1:1-1,  etc.     b  Luke  -M-.r,]  ;  ver.  9;  ITim..'!:IG.     c  Matt.  2-:!'.); 
Mark  18:1.5-19.     i  Luke  24:15;   John  ch.  20,  21.     •  Or,  ealing  Ingtlhtr. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Tlie  former  treatise;  the  f,'os)iol  of  Lnko.  The  hook  of 
Acts  was  written  by  Luke,  and  addressed  to  the  same 
indiviihial  to  wliom  he  aiMresseil  his  f^ospel.  Luke  \:'A. 
Be^an  both  Id  do  and  tmr.h  ;  the  nieuniii};  is,  that  ho  liaa  given 
Jesus'  works  and  tcachiugB  from  the  beginning. 


that  he  through  the  Holy  Ghost  had  given  com- 
mandments unto  the  apostles  whom  he  had  (■hosen:"= 

3  To  whom  also  he  showed  liiinself  alive  after  his 
passion  by  many  infallible  proofs,''  being  seen  of 
them  forty  days,  and  speaking  of  the  things  per- 
taining to  the  kingdom  of  God: 

4  And  being  assembled  together"  with  (hem, 
eonimanded  them  that  tliey  .should  not  dejiart 
from  Jerusalem,''  but  wait  I'or  the  promise  of  the 
Father,  which,  saitli  he,  ye  have  heard  of  me.' 

5  For  John  truly  baptized  with  water ;  ^  but  ye 

e  Luke  24:49.    '  John  ch.  14,  1 J,  16.    !■  Matt.  3:11 ;  Mark  1:8;  Luke  3:lGj 
John  1:33. 


2.  The  day  in  wliich  lie  was  taken  tip;  taken  uii  t(J  heaven. 
Luke  2l:.';i. 

3.  If  is  passion;  liis  Kuflferin;;,  especially  on  the  cross. 

4.  The  promise;  the  promise  of  tlie  IIolv  Spirit.     Heard 
of  me;  Jcihn  l):lfi,  20;   ir):2fi;  1(;:7-13. 

5.  John  tnihj  baptized  with  water;  Matt.  3:11;  Mark  1;8; 
Luke  3:  l(i ;  John  1:33. 

1231 


Tlie  ascensicn  of  Christ. 


ACTS  I. 


Matthias  chosen  apostle. 


shall  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  not  many  [ 
days  hence." 

()  When  they  therefore  were  come  together,  tliey 
asked  of  him,  saying.  Lord,  wilt  tliou  at  tins  time 
restore  again  the  kingdom  to  Israel?" 

7  And  he  said  unto  them,  It  is  not  for  you  to 
know  the  times  or  the  seasons  whicli  tlie  Father 
hath  put  in  liis  own  power."^ 

S  But  ye  shall  receive  power,  after  that  the  Holy 
Ghost  i^  come  upon  you  :'  and  ye  shall  be  witness- 
es unto  uie  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Judea, 
and  in  f^araaria,  and  uuto  the  uttermost  part  of 
the  earth." 

9  And  when  he  had  spoken  these  tilings,  while 
tliey  beheld,  he  was  taken  up ;  and  a  cloud  received 
him  out  of  their  siglit. 

10  And  while  tliey  looked  steadfastly  toward 
heaven  as  he  went  up,  behold,  two  meu  stood  by 
tlieni  in  wliite  apparel :" 

11  Which  also  said,  Ye  men  of  Galilee,'^  why 
stand  ye  gazing  u])  into  heaven  ?  this  same  Jesus, 
whicli  is  taken  uj)  from  you  into  heavey,  shall  so 
come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go  into 
heaven.' 

12  Tiicn  returned  they  unto  Jerusalem  from  the 
mount  called  Olivet,''  which  is  from  Jerusalem  a 
sabijath-day's  journey. 

13  And  when  they  were  come  in,  they  went  up 
into  an  upper  room,  where  abode  both  Peter,  and 
James,  and  Jolin.and  Andrew,  Philip,  and  Thomas, 
Bartholomew,  and  Matthew,  James  f/ie  son  of  Al- 
pheus,  and  Simon  Zelotos,  and  Judas  the  brother  of 
James.' 

14  Tiiese  all  continued  with  one  accord  in  prayer 
and  sup])lication,  witli  tlie  women.J  and  Mary  the 
motlicr  of  Jesus,  and  witii  his  brethren. 

15  TAnd  in  those  days  Peter  stood  up  in  the 

•  Ch.a:J;  10:«;  11;)S.  b  I,a.  hjO;  Dan. 7:27;  Malt.  a-):3,  4.  c  Matt. 
Sii-TS;  1  ThPS*.  5: 1.  *2,  '  Or.  tkt  poicrr  nf  thf  Holy  (tliost  romhtf;  upon  yoii. 
■1  Malt.  2-h:I<J;  Luke  24:47-19.  c  John  -ill:  I'i.  '  ch.  2:7;  I3;:JI.  t  John 
14:3;  1  Thcsj.  4:IU.  /!>  Luke  24:52.     i  Luke  (1:13-10.     i  Luke  23:49,  55; 


C.  Restore  a^ain  tlie  kiiigilnm ;  tlic  temporal  kingdom,  by 
delivering  the  J.ews  from  the  jiower  nt'  tlic  Itonians. 

7.  Tiic  tiinex  or  the  seasoii'i ;  for  the  estaliliKhmeiit  of  earthly 
kiii.^doms.  Tlie  words  eontain  a  general  rel>nl<('  of  that 
curiosity  which  engageB  men  in  v;iin  questions  ahout  the 
timeH  and  seasons  of  (iod's  iirovidenti;il  di';dings  with  men. 

8.  Ye  s'tatl  receive  power;  he  turns  a\v;iy  their  llionjrhts 
from  these  vain  Iminiries  to  the  8|)iritu:il  olhce  and  work 
for  whieli  they  are  aliont  to  be  furnished  from  on  high. 

10.  Tvo  men;  angels  in  the  form  of  men.  Luke  24:4; 
.John  20:12. 

11.  Socome;  come  to  judgment.    Miitt.  2(i:fi4;  Rev.  1:7. 

12.  A  xaljltnlti-ila ifx  jounicii ;  a  little  less  than  a  mile. 

14.  Miirij  Ihr  m'lt/ier  of  Jcsun ;  this  is  the  ordy  time  she 
is  mentioned  ;ifter  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  she  Wiis 
with  other  redeemeil  sinners  supplicating  (lod  for  mercy. 

Ki.  T/iis  scripture;  that  nuotcil  in  ver.  20. 

18.  Tliis  mnn  purclinml ;  he  was  tin?  occasion  of  pnrchas- 
ing,  as  it  was  jiurchased  with  the  money  which  he  received 
for  tietraying  Christ.  Fullin/r  lieiiiltons;;  he  first  hanged 
himself,  .\fiitt.  27:.'),  and  then  tell  as  here  mentioned. 

20.  Tlie  book  of  Psulms;  I'sa.  09:2.0;  109:8.  lii.ihoprie ; 
ollicc. 

22.  From  the  baptism  of  John ;  the  time  when  Christ  en- 
tered on  the  duties  of  his  juddic  ministry. 

24.  Which  knoxrest  tlie  hearts  of  alt ;  this  is  the  peculiar 
prerogative  of  God,  1  f'hron.  2K:9;   I'sa.   139:1,  23;  Jer. 
17:10;  .lohn  2:24,  2.^);  21:17;  lU-v.  2:18,  23;  and  yet  this 
prayer  was  evidently  addressed  to  Christ. 
1232 


midst  of  the  disciples,  and  .said,  (the  nnuiber  A.r.ii 
of  tlic  names  together  were  about  a  hundred  and 
twenty.) 

16  Men  and  brethren,  this  scripture  must  needs 
liavc  been  fulhlled,  which  the  Holy  Giiost  by  the 
mouth  of  David  spake  before  concerning  Judas," 
which  was  guide  to  them  tiiat  took  Jesus.' 

n  For  he  was  numbered  with  us,"'  and  had  ob- 
tained part  of  this  ministry. 

18  Now  this  man  jiurcliased  a  lieKl  with  the  re- 
ward of  iniipiity ;"  and  falling  headlong,  iie  burst 
asunder  in  the  midst,  and  all  liis  bowels  gusiied  out. 

19  And  it  was  known  unto  all  the  dwellers  at 
Jerusalem ;  insomuch  as  that  field  is  called,  in  their 
proper  tongue,  Aceldama,  that  is  to  say,  Tlie  held 
of  blood. 

20  For  it  is  written  in  the  liook  of  Psalms,  Let 
his  habitation  be  desolate,  and  h't  no  man  dwell 
therein:"  and,  Ilis  bishopric*  let  anotlier  take.'' 

21  W^herefore  of  these  men  which  iiave  compa- 
nied  with  us  all  the  time  that  the  Lord  Jesus  went 
in  and  out  among  us,' 

22  Beginuingfrom  the  baptism  of  Jdlm,  unto  that 
same  ilay  tiiat  lie  was  taken  up  from  us.  must  one 
be  ordained  to  be  a  witness  with  us  of  iiis  resur- 
rection. 

23  And  they  appointed  two,  Joseph  called  Bar- 
sabas,''  who  was  surnamed  Justus,  and  JIatthias. 

24  And  they  prayed,  and  said,  Tiiou,  Lord,  which 
knowest  the  hearts  of  all  «ic«,'  show  whether  of 
tiiese  two  thou  iiast  chosen, 

2.')  Tiiat  lie  may  take  part  of  this  ministr^v  and 
apostlcshiji,  from  wiiich  Judas  by  transgression 
fell,  that  he  niiglit  go  to  his  own  jilacc. 

26  And  they  gave  forth  their  lots;  and  the  lot 
fell  upon  Mattliias;  and  he  was  numbered  witli 
the  eleven  apostles. 


21:10. 

k  P.«a.4l:<J 

■lohn  13: 

IS 

I 

Matt. 

20:47, 

John  IS- 

:3. 

n  Liiko  O 

:18. 

n  Matt 

27:.-)-lU;  2 

Vt.2:l5. 

0 

I's 

1.  09:25.     t  Or,  offirr. 

or  clinr;;r.     p 

I'«a. 

1U9:S. 

1  Luke  10:1 

2;  John 

15 

27. 

rch 

15:22 

•  Jcr. 

7:10 

Kov.  2: 

23. 

25.  His  own  place  ;  his  ;ipiiro|iriafe  abode;  that  for  which 
he  was  fitted ;  the  jilacc  of  lormcnt.     JIatt.  25:4C;  2(1:24. 
J.VSTrvCCTIOXS. 

.3.  As  the  resurrection  of  Christ  was  a  demonstration  of 
liis  Messiahship.and  of  the  triilh  and  justice  of  his  chiiiiis, 
(iorl  has  given  to  lliosc  who  have  the  Pililc  infallible  evi- 
dence of  the  ;ibsohite  certainty  of  th;it  gre;it  cvi^nt. 

7.  The  more  eagerly  good  men  ]iry  into  \vh;it  is  not  re- 
vealed, and  what  God  did  not  design  that  they  should  know, 
the  more  likely  they  will  be  to  ndsaiiprchcMd  ;Mid  neglect 
whiilhc  has  revealed,  and  what  decjilyconicriis  both  them- 
selves and  their  fellow-men.  It  is  Ihercrore  the  dictate  of 
wisdom  alw;iys  to  remember,  that  secret  things  belong 
unto  (!od,  and  things  revealed  to  us  and  our  chiMreii. 
Dent.  29:29. 

11.  The  certainty  that  .lesiis  Christ  will  come  to  judg- 
ment should  lc;id  every  man  to  iiiiitinue  in  the  faithful 
dischargi'  of  his  ;ippropriate  duties,  tli;il  when  the  f^:iviour 
slndl  ;iii|ieiir  he  may  be  found  rciuly,  :ind  lift  up  his  he;id 
with  joy,  kncjwing  that  his  eteniiil  redem]ilioM  h;is  come. 

M.  The  fact  that  Mary  tlu^  mother  of  .lesus  attended 
with  others,  when  they  met  to  implore  divine  mercy,  ia 
evidence  that  she,  as  well  as  they,  needed  mercy;  that 
she  was  a  sinner,  :inil  like  oilier  sinners,  could  be  saved 
only  lliroiigh  the  rich  gnice  of  God  in  .lesns  Christ. 

20.  Men  may  be  as  free  and  account:ible,as  jjraiseworlhy 
or  blameworth.v,  in  doing  what  the  liiblc!  declared  before 
they  were  born  that  they  would  do,  as  if  it  li:id  said  notll- 
iug  about  them. 


Descent  of  the  Spirit,  and 


ACTS  II. 


Peter's  Pentecostal  sennun. 


AD  33.  CHAPTER  II. 

1  The  apostles,  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  speaking  divers  lan- 
^lages,  are  admired  by  some,  and  derided  by  others.  14  Whom 
Peter  disproving,  and  showing  that  the  apostles  spake  by  the  power 
of  the  Holy  <-Thost.  that  Jesus  was  ri^en  from  the  dead,  ascended  into 
heaven,  had  poured  down  the  same  Holy  (jhost.  and  was  the  Messias, 
a  man  known  to  them  to  be  approved  of  trod  by  his  miracles,  wonders, 
and  si-^ns,  and  not  crucified  without  his  determinate  counsel  and  fore- 
knowledge: 37  he  baptizeth  a  great  number  that  were  convened.  41 
"Who  afterwards  devoutly  and  charitably  converse  together ;  the  apostles 
working  many  miracles,  and  G-od  daily  increasing  his  church. 

AND  when  the  day  of  Pentecost  was  fully 
come,"  they  were  all  with  one  accord  in  one 
place.'' 

2  And  suddenly  there  came  a  sound  from  heaven 
as  of  a  rusliing  niiglity  wind,  and  it  Hlled  all  the 
house  where  they  were  sitting.*^ 

3  And  tiiere  a])peared  unto  them  cloven  tongues 
like  as  of  fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of  them. 

4  And  they  were  all  filled  with  tiie  Holy  Ghost,'' 
and  began  to  speak  with  otlier  tongues,  as  the 
Spirit  gave  them  utterance.*^ 

5  And  there  were  dwelling  at  Jerusalem  .Jews, 
devout  men,  out  of  every  nation  under  heaven. 

6  Now  when  this  was  noised  abroad,*  the  multi- 
tude came  togetiier,  and  were  confounded,*  because 
that  every  man  heard  them  speak  in  liis  own  lan- 
guage. 

7  And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  marvelled, 
saying  one  to  another.  Behold,  are  not  all  these 
which  speak,  Galileans?'' 

8  And  how  hear  we  every  man  in  our  own  tongue, 
wherein  we  were  l)orn? 

9  Parthians,  and  Medcs,  and  Elamites,  and  the 
dwellers  in  Mesopotamia,  and  in  Judca,  and  Cai> 
padocia,  in  Pontiis,  and  Asia, 

10  Phrygia,  and  Pamphylia,  in  Egypt,  and  in  the 
parts  of  Libya  about  Cyrene,  and  strangers  of 
Eome,  Jews  and  proselytes, 

11  Cretes  and  Arabians,  we  do  liear  them  speak 
in  our  tongues  the  wonderful  works  of  God."^ 

"  Lev.  vi-i:lo.  b  cli.  1:U.  «  ch.  4:31.  J  ch.  1:.5  '  .Mark  l(i:17;  cli. 
1U:4G.  '  Gr.  w/ien  this  voice  was  made,  1  Or,  troubled  in  mind.  fch.l:ll. 
rl  Cor.  I2:IU,  as.  hob.  17:20.  ilThess.  6:7.  J  Joel  d:i:*.^JJ  k  Isi,  44::3; 
Ezek.  30:27.     1  ch.  21:4,  9,  10;  1  Cor.  12:10.     m  l\iirk  1:J:24;  2  I'el.  3:7,  lU. 

2.5.  In  the  future  woiM  every  m;in  will  go  to  the  jilace 
for  which  he  is  prepared.  To  he  prepared  for  heaven,  he 
must  in  this  world  lie  heavenly  in  temper  and  comluet.  If 
he  is  not,  his  place  in  the  next  world  will  lie  in  hell.  Psa. 
9:17;  Matt.  5:3(1;  10:28;  Luke  1(;:23;  Rev.  20:11. 

CHAPTER  II. 

I.  Penlecnxt;  this  signifies  the  fiftieth,  and  was  the  name 
of  the  feast  which  was  celeliratcd  on  the  fiftieth  day  from 
the  second  day  of  the  Jewisli  jiassover. 

3.  Cloven  tongues  like  as  nf  fire;  in  the  form  of  tongues 
divided,  and  in  appearance  like  fire,  which  rested  upon 
each  of  the  apostles. 

4.  Filled  leilh  Ike  Holy  Ghost;  received  hi.s  niiracnlons 
gifts.  Speak  with  otlier  loiif^ues;  in  various  otlier  languages, 
which  they  had  not  before  known. 

,5.  Diee'lina;;  sojourning  during  the  feast  of  Pentecost. 
Evt'rij  nation;  a  general  expression  for  people  of  various 
countries,  as  mentioned  in  ver.  0-11. 

C.  IVerc  confounded;  astouisheil,  and  thrown  into  great 
perplexity. 

8.  How  licnr  ire ;  wo  Parthians,  Modes,  and  Elamites  hear 
each  in  his  own  tongue. 

10.  Frovliilcs;  Oentilcs  who  had  been  converted  to  the 
Jewish  religion. 

II.  The  wonderful  works  of  God;  with  respect  to  Ilia  Son. 
14.  The  eleven;  tlie  eleven  apostles. 

IS 


12  And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  were  in  doubt, 
saying  one  to  another.  What  meaneth  this?'' 

13  Others  mocking,  said,  These  men  are  full  of 
new  wine. 

14  1  But  Peter,  standing  up  with  the  eleven, 
lifted  up  Ids  voice,  and  said  unto  them.  Ye  men  of 
Judca,  and  all  ye  that  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  be  this 
known  unto  you,  and  liearken  to  ray  words: 

15  For  these  are  not  drunken,  as  ye  suppose, 
seeing  it  is  btit  the  third  hour  of  the  day.' 

16  But  this  is  that  wiiich  was  spoken  by  the 
prophet  Jocl,^ 

17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days, 
saith  God,  I  will  pour  out  of  my  Sjiirit  u])on  all 
flesh  i"^  and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall 
pro|)hcsy,  and  your  young  men  shall  see  visions, 
and  your  old  men  sliall  dream  dreams: 

18  And  on  my  servants  and  on  my  hand-maidens 
I  will  pour  out  in  those  days  of  my  Spirit;  and 
they  shall  prophesy:' 

19  And  I  will  sliow  wonders  in  heaven  above, 
and  signs  in  the  earth  beneath;  blood,  and  fire, 
and  vapor  of  smoke : 

20  The  sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness,  and 
the  moon  into  blood,"'  before  that  great  and  nota- 
ble day  of  the  Lord  come : 

21  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whosoever 
shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be  saved." 

22  Ye  men  of  Israel,  hear  these  words:  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  a  man  approved  of  God  among  you  by 
miracles  and  wonders  and  signs,"  which  God  did 
by  him  in  the  midst  of  you,  as  ye  yourselves  also 
know :  ^ 

23  Him,  being  delivered  by  the  determinate  coun- 
sel and  foreknowledge  of  God."  ye  have  taken,  and 
by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain  :■■ 

24  Whom  God  hath  raised  np,  having  loosed  the 
pains  of  death:"  because  it  was  not  possible  that 
lie  should  be  holden  of  it.' 


n 

Psa.  f(i:5 

;   Rom 

10  13;  1  C 

nr. 

1:2;  Heb.  4:16. 

0  Jol.u 

14 

10. 

n ; 

Heb. 

.) 

4.    p  John 

15:24. 

q  Luke  22 

22 

24:44;  ch.3:18 

r  Matt 

2- 

:l  ; 

ch. 

.■")::«). 

s 

Luke  24: 

I  ch. 

;i:;i(l,  34;  1 

C 

ir.  B:14;   Eph.  1 

20;  Col. 

o 

12 

1  Thess. 

1 

lU;  Heb. 

l:i:20; 

1  ret.  1:21. 

t 

John  10:1s. 

15.  Tiie  third  hour ;  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  too  early 
for  them  to  be  att'ectod  with  strong  drink.  This  was  also 
the  hour  of  morning  worship,  and  devunt  .Tews  were  not 
accustomed  to  take  food  or  drink  till  after  that  time. 

IG.  This  is  that;  a  fulfilment  of  Joel  2:28-32.  Peterdoes 
not  quote  the  exact  words  of  Joel,  but  the  sense. 

17.  Last  days;  in  the  time  of  the  Messiah;  uniler  the 
gospel  dispensation.  See  visions — drcnm  dreams;  these  are 
mentioned  as  among  the  ways  in  which  (j'od  reveals  his 
will  to  men.     Matt.  2 :  13. 

18.  Shall  prophcsij ;  proclaim  the  will  of  God,  and  make 
known  future  events.     Acts  21:0-11. 

13.7  will  sIlow  imnders ;  such  as  are  described,  or  referred 
to,  in  Matt.  24:20-42;  Luke  21:25-36. 

20.  Sun — turned  into  darkness;  the  sun  and  moon  were 
emblems  of  the  civil  government  of  the  Jews,  which  should 
be  overthrown  and  destroyed  before  that  great  and  notable 
day,  when  the  Lord  .shotild  appear  for  the  salvation  of  his 
friends  and  the  destnution  of  his  enemies.  Compare  notes 
to  M;illhew,  chiilK  24. 

21.  Call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord;  Hom.  10: 12-M  ;  1  Cor. 
1:2;  2  Tim.  2:22. 

23.  Him,  being  delivered;  Matt.  26:53-56;  Luke  22:22; 
24:46;  John  I8::!7;   19:11. 

24.  It  was  not  possible ;  that  Jesns  should  continue  in  the 
grave,  consistently  with  the  fulfilment  of  (lod's  deterniiiia- 
tion  to  raise  him  up,  as  foretold  iiy  David.    Psa.  16:8-11. 

1233 


Wil'ness  to  the  resurrection. 


ACTS  II. 


Great  numbers  converted. 


25  For  David  speakctli  concerning  liim,  I  fore- 
saw tlie  Lord  always  before  my  face  ;  for  he  is  on 
my  right  hand,  that  I  should  not  be  moved  : 

26  Therefore  did  my  heart  rejoice, and  my  tongue 
was  glad ;  moreover  also  my  flesh  shall  rest  in 
hope: 

27  Because  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell, 
neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thy  Holy  One  to  see  cor- 
ruption. 

28  Thou  hast  made  known  to  me  the  ways  of  life; 
thou  shalt  make  me  full  of  joy  with  thy  counte- 
nance." 

29  Men  and  brethren,  let  me*  freely  speak  unto 
you  of  the  patriarcii  David,  that  he  is  both  dead 
and  buried,  and  his  sepulchre  is  with  us  unto  this 
day. 

30  Therefore  being  a  prophet,*'  and  knowing  that 
God  had  sworn  with  an  oath  to  him,"^  that  of  tiie 
fruit  of  his  loins,  according  to  the  flesh,  he  would 
raise  up  Christ  to  sit  on  his  throne;'' 

31  He  seeing  this  before,''  spake  of  the  resurrec- 
tion of  Christ,  that  his  soul  was  not  left  in  hell, 
neither  his  flesh  did  .see  corruption. 

32  This  Jesus  hath  God  raised  up,''  whereof  we 
all  are  wituesses.-' 

33  Tiicrefore  lieing  by  the  right  hand  of  God 
e.xalted,''  and  having  received  of  the  Father  tlic 
promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost,'  he  hath  shed  forth 
this,  which  ye  now  see  and  hcar.J 

34  For  David  is  not  ascended  into  the  heavens: 
but  lie  saith  himself  The  Louo  said  unto  my  Lord, 
Sit  thou  on  my  right  hand, 

35  Until  I  make  thy  foes  thy  footstool." 

36  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of  Israel  knowas- 

'  Psi.  lli:'<-ll.  •  Or,  /  fimy.  >>  2  Sam  -il-.i.  '  Hob.  6:17.  i  d  Sam. 
7:14,  l-i;  Paa.  13-i:ll.  »  1  I'et.  1:11.  1-,'.  '  ynT.  21.  S  I-uke21:4-.  h  cli. 
.5:31;  Phil.  2:9  i  John  lli:7,  1.3;  ch.  1 :4.  J  ch.  I0:4S;  Eph.  4:8.  k  Psi. 
110:1;    iMatt.  i«:ll.      I  P«a.   i:i.  6-ti;    Zech    l:i:I;   .lohn  iiX;   ch.  5:;il. 

2.').  H'm;  the  .Measiali.  IforeaaictlicLnrd;  saw  the  Lord 
before  my  eyes,  as  an  ol)jcet  of  continual  trust. 

20.  Ill  Impe;  in  hope  of  a  resurrection,  without  corrup- 
tion in  the  grave. 

27.  licit ;  this  woril  here  does  not  mean,  as  it  often  does, 
the  ]>lace  of  endless  torment ;  Viut  tlie  place  or  state  of  tlie 
deail.      Tliij  llnlij  One;  .lesus  (,'hrist. 

2H.  Full  of  joy;  the  joy  of  the  .Messiali,  in  view  of  his 
certiiin  resurrection  and  ascension  to  heaven. 

30.  Sworn  with  an  oalh ;  2  ,Sani.  7 :  12-29  ;  Psa.  89 : 3,  i,  3.5- 
37;  i:i2:ll;  Luke  l::i2,.i:i.  0/'//«'//u// o//j«/o/h.'!,- of  his  de- 
scendants.  Tositoii  liiillironc;  rule  over  the  jieople  of  (Jod. 

3:!.  7/i« /jrom/ve;  Joliii  II :2ri ;  l.'>:2(>;  l(i:7,  13-15.  This; 
their  power  to  speak  in  various  laiit;ua<;es. 

3t.  .Srf  tkou  Oil  my  ng'il  Imnd;  he  e.\alted  and  thine  ene- 
mies all  subdued.     P.sa.  110:1 ;  Matt.  22:42-11;. 

3iJ.  llnisc  of  Itracl ;  the  .Jewish  nation.  Lord;  John  17:2; 
1  Cr)r.  H:r>;  Kph.  1:20-23. 

37.  Ikitrd  thin;  that  they  had  crucified  the  Jfessiah,  the 
Lord  of  j;lory.  Prirkcd  in  their  heart ;  convicted  of  sin  and 
deeply  distressed.  What  shalt  ux  do  I  to  bo  saved  from  the 
guilt  and  punishment  of  sin. 

3tl.  Kcpcnt ;  hate  and  forsake  sin.  Be  linplizcd ;  in  pro- 
feasion  of  their  faith  in  Christ,  and  their  consecration  to 
bis  service.  Tlie  gift  of  tlie  Holy  Ghost ;  the  Holy  i^pirit,  to 
enlif^hten  their  minds,  purify  their  hearts,  ami  fit  them  to 
know  and  do  the  will  of  God. 

39.  Tlie  promine;  the  promised  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  of  pardon  and  s;dvatioii  lhrou;;h  repentance  and 
f;iith  in  the  Hedeemer.  Afiiroff;  distiint  nations,  (Jentiles 
as  well  as  .Jews.  Shalt  rail ;  by  the  preaching  of  his  gospel, 
and  leading  them  to  embrace  it. 

40.  Save  yourselves;  by  forsaking  your  sins  and  believing 

1234 


suredly,  flmt  God  hath  made  that  same  Jesus,  a.  d.  33. 
whom  ye  have  crucilied,  both  Lord  and  Christ.' 

37  1  Now  when  they  heard  //;w,  they  were  pricked 
in  their  heart,'"  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of 
the  apostles.  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ?" 

38  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  re- 
ceive the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

39  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  chil- 
dren,'' and  to  all  that  are  afar  ofl",'i  even  as  many  as 
the  Lord  our  God  shall  call. 

40  And  with  many  other  words  did  he  testify 
and  e.xhort,  saying,  Save  yourselves  from  this  un- 
toward generation. 

41  If  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word 
were  baptized  :  and  the  same  day  there  were  added 
unfo  them  about  three  thousand  souls. 

42  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apos- 
tles' doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of 
bread,  and  in  prayers.'' 

43  And  fear  came  upon  every  soid :  and  many 
wond(!rs  and  signs  were  done  by  the  apostles." 

44  And  all  that  believed  were  together,  and  had 
all  things  common ;' 

45  And  sold  their  possessions  and  goods,  and 
parted  them  to  all  men,  as  every  man  liad  need." 

46  And  they,  continuing  daily  with  one  accord 
in  the  temple,  and  breaking  bread  from  house  to 
house,+  did  eat  their  meat  with  gladness  and  sin- 
gleness of  heart, 

47  Praising  God,  and  having  favor  with  all  the 
peo[)le.''  And  the  Lord  added  to  the  church  daily 
such  as  should  bo  saved."' 


m  Ezek.  7:1U;  Znch.  12:10.  »  ch.  9:8;  18:30  o  Luke  21:47;  ch.  .1:19. 
p  Joel  2:2-j.  q  Eph.  2:13,  17.  r  1  Cor.  11:2;  Heb.  10:25.  •  Mark  18:17. 
I  ch.  4:32,  34.  u  l»4.  5»:7;  2  Cor.  9:1.  9;  1  John  3:17.  1  Or,  at  home. 
'Luke  2:52;  Rom.  14:18.     «■  ch.  5: 14;  1 1:24. 


on  the  Messiah,  deliver  yourselves  from  the  guilt  ami  ruin 
of  this  perverse  and  wicked  generation.  Matt.  11:1G-19; 
12:39;  10:4;  23::54-38. 

■i  1.  They  Ihiil  ghidly  received  his  word ;  they  who  believed 
what  Peter  had  said,  and  were  disposed  to  comply  with 
his  ilircctions.  Were  added;  added  to  the  conii)any  of 
believers. 

42.  Coidinncd  stendfasthj ;  in  Iheir  attendance  U]ioii,  recep- 
tion of,  and  obedience  t(.i  the  teiiching  of  the  aiiostles;  in 
Christian  communion  with  one  anotlier, and  uniled  prayer 
and  supplication  fur  blessings  un  tliemselves  and  tlx'ir  fel- 
low-men. 

4;i.  Fair  came;  on  account  of  the  gre;it  things  which  (ioil 
had  done  and  eiiiibled  the  apostles  to  do. 

44.  All  thinps  common ;  so  far  iis  Iheir  nuitiiid  w:inls  re- 
quired.    They  did  not  cst;iblisli  a  community  (d'g Is  by 

any  forin;d  arr;ingemenl,  but  in  the  fulness  of  Christian 
love  the  rii-h  sold  their  ]ioKsessioiis  :ind  goculs,  that  distri- 
bution might  be  m;iile  to  such  iis  needed  ;ud. 

4li.  T'icy,  conlinninp;  unitedly  to  frecpunt  the  teiiiide  at 
the  daily  hours  of  jirayer,  and  joyfully  part;d;ing  ol  bread 
at  each  ollntr's  houses,  with  sincere  ;ind  upright  lie;irts. 

47.  Favor  with  all ;  general  favor.     Tlve  church;  the  com- 
pany of  believers.     Saved;  from  eternid  ruin,  through  re- 
pentance of  sin  and  f:iith  in  .Jesus  Christ. 
l.NSTHrCTlONS. 

4.  When  Christians  are  united  in  waiting  upon  God  by 
prayer  and  supplication,  they  may  expect  in  due  lime  to 
receive  iibundaiitly  of  his  blessings;  and  to  be  furnished 
by  his  Spirit  for  the  viirious  duties  to  which  they  an-  (;;dled. 

1.3.  f)pjposers  of  thi'  Work  of  (Jod  show  the  we;ikiiesKand 
wickedness  of  their  ciiiise,  by  the  measures  which  llii'y 
ado[if,;ind  the  means  they  use  to  support  it.  \Vhen  drunk- 


A  lame  man  restored. 


ACTS  III. 


Peter's  exhortation. 


A.r.33.  CHAPTER  III. 

1  Peter  preaching  to  the  people  that  came  to  see  a  lame  man  restored 
to  his  feet,  V2  professetli  the  cure  not  to  iiave  been  wrought  by  his 
or  John's  own  power  or  holiness,  but  by  <Jod,  and  his  Son  Jesus,  and 
through  faith  in  his  name;  13  withal  reprehendmi;  them  for  crucify- 
ing Jesus.  17  Which  because  they  did  through  ignorance,  and  that 
thereby  were  fulhlled  Grod's  determinate  counsel,  and  the  s(;riptures; 
19  he  exliortetii  them  by  repentance  and  faith  to  seek  remission  of  their 
sins,  and  salvation  in  the  same  Jesus. 

"VyOW  Peter  and  Jolin  went  up  togetliei"  into 
_L\  the  temple  at  the  hour  of  prayer,"  being  the 
niiitli  hour. 

2  And  a  certain  man  lame  from  his  mother's 
womb  was  carried,  whom  they  laid  daily  at  the 
gate  of  the  temple  which  is  called  Beautiful,''  to 
ask  alms  of  them  that  entered  into  the  temple ; 

3  Who,  seeing  Peter  and  John  about  to  go  into 
the  temple,  asked  an  alms. 

4  And  Peter,  fastening  his  eyes  upon  him  with 
John,  said,  Look  on  us. 

5  And  he  gave  heed  unto  them,  expecting  to  re- 
ceive something  of  them. 

6  Then  Peter  said,  Silver  and  gold  have  I  none ; 
but  such  as  I  have  give  I  thee:  In  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  rise  up  and  walk." 

7  And  he  took  him  by  the  right  hand,  and  lifted 
him  up:  and  immediately  his  feet  and  ankle  bones 
received  strength. 

8  And  he  leaping  up  stood,  and  walked,  and 
entered  with  them  into  the  temple,  walking,  and 
leaping,  and  praising  God.** 

9  And  all  the  people  saw  him  walking  and  prais- 
ing God : 

10  And  they  knew  that  it  was  he  which  sat  for 
alms  at  the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  temple :  and  they 


'  Psa.  3.5:17;  Dan.  «:IU. 

b  John  il: 

S.     <:  ch 

4:1U. 

i  Isa.  35:6. 

e  John 

iO:-a 

ch. 

5:12.     < 

2  Cor.  3:5.    5  Matt 

22:.12, 

h  ch.  5 

:30,  ;il. 

iJuh 

n  17:1: 

Kph. 

:-20 

-22;  Phil 

2:0-11 

Htb.  • 

.:!); 

Rev.  1: 

3,  18.    J 

John  19 

:15. 

k  Matt. 

27: 17- 

■«; 

Luke  2:i 

16-2:J. 

1  Psa. 

IB 

10;  Luk 

e  1:35. 

■n  ch. 

7:52- 

22:14. 

eniiess  shall  teach  men  new  languages,  opposers  of  the 
gospel  may  be  wise ;  till  then  they  will  be,  in  the  sense  of 
the  Bible,  fools. 

21.  Prayer  to  (}od  is  as  important  to  every  individual  as 
the  salvation  of  his  soul. 

23.  iMen  may  lie  very  guilty  in  accomplishing  what  God 
has  purposed.     Ocn.  ,50:"2();  Isa.  10:5-7;  Acts  4:27,  28. 

31.  David  in  tlie  P.salnis  often  spoke  of  himself  in  lan- 
guage which  ap])licd  also  to  Jesus  Christ ;  the  Holy  Ghost 
thus  spoke  by  him,  and  made  known  what  should  take 
place  in  future  times.     Psa.  22:1-31:   110:1-7. 

37.  Wlieii  the  Holy  Ghost  accompanies  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel  he  convinces  men  of  their  sins,  and  leads  thciii 
to  ask,  "  Wliat  must  we  do  to  be  saved  ?"  And  when  they 
are  instructed  what  to  do,  he  inclines  them  to  do  it. 

40.  It  is  the  duty  of  men  to  save  them.sclves  from  eternal 
ruin  by  repenting  of  their  sins,  believing  on  Jesus  Christ, 
and  privately  and  ijublicly  consecrating  tliemselves  to  his 
service. 

47.  When  Clfristians  manifest  that  they  are  sincere  and 
earnest  in  the  cause  of  Christ ;  are  united  in  affections  and 
eflbrts;  are  joyful  in  the  Lurd,  and  strive  to  do  good  as 
they  have  opporttinity  to  all,  it  may  be  expected  that 
religion  will  prosper,  and  many  be  added  to  the  church  of 
such  as  shall  be  saved. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  Ninth  knur ;  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  Jews 
had  daily  tliree  hours  of  prayer,  the  third,  sixth,  and  ninth, 
or  at  nine,  twelve,  and  three  o'clock.   Dan.  i; :  10 ;  Psa.  '>h :  17. 

2.  Called  Beautiful;  this  was  a  very  splendid  gate  on  the 
east  side  of  the  (ciM|)le,near  to  Solomon's  porch.  John  10:23. 

G.  Such  as  lliavc;  the  power,  namely,  to  cure  him  of  his 
lameness.     In  llie  name  af  Jesus  Christ;  when  the  Saviour 


were  filled  with  wonder  and  amazement  at  that 
which  had  happened  unto  iiini. 

11  And  as  the  lame  man  which  was  healed  held 
Peter  and  John,  all  the  peojile  ran  together  unto 
them  in  the  porch  that  is  called  Solomon's,''  greatly 
wondering. 

12  1  And  when  Peter  saw  it,  he  answered  unto  the 
people,  Ye  men  of  Israel,  why  marvel  ye  at  this  ?  or 
why  look  ye  so  earnestly  on  us,  as  though  by  our  own 
power  or  holiness  we  had  made  this  man  to  walk?' 

13  The  God  of  Abraham,  and  of  Isaac,  and  of 
Jacob,^  the  God  of  our  fathers,''  hath  glorified  his 
Son  Jesus;'  whom  ye  delivered  up,  and  denied 
him  in  the  presence  of  Pilate,-*  when  he  was  deter- 
mined to  let  him  go.'' 

14  But  ye  denied  the  Holy  One'  and  the  Just,"" 
and  desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  unto  you; 

15  And  killed  the  Prince*  of  life,  wliom  God  hath 
raised  from  the  dead  ;"  whereof  we  are  witnesses." 

16  And  his  name,  through  faith  in  his  name,  hath 
made  this  man  strong,  whom  ye  see  and  know:  yea, 
the  faith  which  is  by  him  hath  given  him  this  per- 
fect soundness  in  the  presence  of  you  all. 

17  And  now,  brethren,  I  wot  that  through  igno- 
rance ye  did  it,  as  did  also  your  rulers.^ 

18  But  those  things  which  God  beforehad  showed 
by  the  mouth  of  all  his  prophets,  that  Christ  should 
suffer,*!  he  hath  so  fulfilled. 

19  Repent  ye  therefore,"'  and  be  converted,'*  that 
your  sins  may  be  blotted  out,'  when  the  times  of  re- 
freshing shall  come  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord : " 

20  And  he  shall  send  Jesus  Christ,''  which  before 
was  preached  unto  you : 

•  Or,  Author;  John  1:4;  1  Jnhn  5:11.  n  Matt.  2H:2-0;  Eph.  l:--'0  o  ch. 
2;:!2.  P  Luke  2:i::14;  John  10:3;  1  Cor.  2:8.  q  Luke  24:14;  ch.  2(i:22,  23. 
rch.  2:3S.  s  Isa.  1:16-20;  Joel  2:13.  t  Isa.  43:25.  u  Jer.  31 : 2.3-25 ;  Zeph. 
3:14-20;  Rev.21;4.    'oh.  1:11;  Heh.  9:2J. 

wrought  miracles,  the  power  existed  in  himself.  lie  per- 
formed them  in  his  Father's  name  only  in  the  sense  that 
the  Father  had  sent  him  to  do  them.  John  5:3(1;  10:25. 
But  when  the  apostles  wrought  miracles  the  power  was 
wholly  in  Christ,  and  they  obtained  the  exercise  of  it 
through  faith  in  him.     Compare  verses  12,  IG. 

13.  Glorified  his  Son  ;  by  showing  in  his  resurrection  and 
ascension  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  and  that  his  claim  to 
be  divine  was  just. 

14.  Denied  tlie  Holy  One;  Psa.  16:10;  Acts  2:27;  Matt. 
27:16-26. 

16.  His  name;  his  power.  Faith — hath  given;  faith  was  the 
means,  Peter  the  iiistrument,and  Christ  ttie  cause  of  the  cure. 

17.  Through  ignorance;  they  did  not  know  when  they 
crucified  him,  that  he  was  the  Messiah.  They  ought  to 
have  known  it ;  and  had  they  rightly  improved  their  means 
of  knowledge,  they  would  have  known  it.  But  they  hated 
him,  and  rejecled  the  light,  because  their  deeds  were  evil. 
John  15:24,25;  3:20;  Luke  23:34;  Acts  13:27;  1  Cor.  2:8; 
1  Tim.  1:13. 

18.  Clirisl  slionld  suffer ;  Psa.  16:10,  11;  22:15-18;  G9:l- 
21;  Isa.  o3::3-IO;  Da'n.  !):2G. 

19.  Be  converted ;  turn  from  all  your  sins  to  the  love  and 
service  of  God.  Wlicn  tlie  tunes  of  refreshing  shall  come  ;  tlie 
ctmiicctiou  of  these  words  with  the  following  verses  shows 
that  their  jiriniaiy  reference  must  be  to  that  great  season 
of  refreshing  when  Christ  shall  come  again  from  heaven  tu 
judge  his  enemies,  and  give  rest  to  his  ]ieople.  2  Tliess. 
1:7-10.  Of  tins,  tlie  spiritual  refreshments  which  he  now 
gives  through  the  out])ouring  of  his  Spirit  are  types  and 
earnests.  At  that  groat  day  of  refreshing,  the  sins  of  all 
who  arc  found  in  Ciirist  will  be  publicly  blotted  out,  and 
they  received  with  him  to  glory. 

20.  Which  before  was  preached;  proclaimed  in  the  Old  Tcs- 

1235 


Christ  the  great  Prophet. 


ACTS  IV. 


The  rulers  are  offended. 


21  Whom  the  heaven  must  roreive  until  the  times 
of  restitution  of  all  tilings,"  wliirli  God  liatli  spoken 
by  the  moutli  of  all  his  holy  prophets  since  the 
•vrorld  began.'' 

22  For  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A 
Prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto 
you  of  your  brethren,  lilce  unto  me;  him  sliall  ye 
hear  in  all  things  wiiatsoever  lie  shall  say  unto  you. 

23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  soul 
■which  will  not  hear  that  Prophet,  shall  be  de- 
stroyed from  among  tlic  people.'' 

24  Yea,  and  all  the  prophets  from  Samuel  and 
those  that  follow  after,  as  many  as  have  spoken, 
have  likewise  foretold  of  these  days. 

25  Ye  are  the  children  of  the  prophets,  and  of 
the  covenant  which  God  made  with  our  fathers,'" 
saying  unto  Abraham,  And  in  thy  seed  shall  all 
the  kindreds  of  the  earth  be  blessed.' 

26  Unto  you  first,'^God  having  raised  up  his  Son 
Jesus,  sent  him  to  bless  you,  in  turning  away  every 
one  of  you  from  his  iniiiuities.^ 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  The  rulers  of  the  Jews  offended  with  Peter's  sermon.  4  (though  thou- 
sands of  the  people  were  converted  that  heard  the  word,)  imprison  liim 
and  John.  .*>  After,  upon  examinatinn  Pt-ter  boldly  avouching  the 
lame  nnaii  to  be  healed  by  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  that  by  the  same 
Jesus  only  we  must  be  eternally  saved,  13  they  command  him  and 
John  to  preach  no  more  in  that  name,  ad<ling  also  threatening,  23 
whereupon  the  church  fleeth  to  prayer.  31  And  <.Tod,  by  moving  the 
place  where  they  were  assembled,  testified  that  lie  beard  their  prayer ; 
confirruing  the  chnrch  with  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with  mu- 
tual love  and  charity. 

AND  as  they  spake  unto  the  people,  the  priests, 
and  the  captain*  of  the  temple,  and  the  Sad- 
diicees,  came  upon  them. 

'  Man.  17:11.  b  Luke  I:7U.  c  D«ut.  1»:15-I9.  i  Rom.  9:4;  15:8. 
•  Gen.  •«;13.  '  Matt.  10:5;  Luke  21:47.  s  ha.  5il:a0;  Matt.  1:21  ;  Titus 
2:11-14.     "Or,  ni/<r.     h  Matt.  22:23;  eh.  a'):a.     i  ch.  2s:24.    J  John  1»:1.1. 

tamcnt  scriptures,  ainl  afterwards  more  ]ilainly  made  known 
by  himself  anil  his  ilisei|ik'S.  lint  aniiilier  reailiii};  of  the 
original  is,  "wliicli  was  before  oriiaineJ  for  you;"  namely, 
to  conic  as  your  .MeKsi;ih,  sillier,  and  be  glorified.  Com- 
pare chaj).  2:2:J;  1  I'd.  1:20. 

21.  Times  of  rcslilntion;  when  Christ  shall  appear  in  his 
glory,  eHtahlish  his  kingdom  as  foretold  in  tlie  Scriptures. 
and  reward  every  man  according  to  his  works.  Matthew 
25:31-16. 

22.  Moseslrulyaiiid;  Dent.  18:  l.'i-19.  Like  unto  me ;  Vhnsit 
was  like  unto  jMoses  in  being  aiijiointed  of  (iod  to  make 
known  his  will,  and  being  a  divinely  commissioned  leader 
of  his  jieoplc. 

23.  Mill  not  liear  thai  Prnplid ;  will  not  obey  the  Messiah. 
21.  Siimtu:/:  2  Sam.  7:  Hi,  2.'i,  2!). 

25.  Which  God  made  With  our  fatlicrs ;  Gen.  12:3;  18:18; 
22:18;  (ial.  3:1G. 

2«.  Unto  you  first;  the. leWB.  Isa.  59:20;  Matt.  10:5,  6; 
Luke  24:17;  .John  1:11. 

I\STRi;CTIOXS. 

1.  Those  who  love  (Jod  will  love  stated  seasons  for  pray- 
er, and  will  1)0  disjiosed,  as  they  have  op))ortnnily,  daily 
to  observe  them.  In  prayer  they  eommnne  wilh  their 
greatest  and  best  friend,  and  become  more  and  more  jiar- 
takers  of  his  excellence  and  joy. 

fi.  All  jiersoMH  m;iy  be  useful.  If  they  cannot  do  gnoil 
in  one  way,  they  may  in  :inolher  ;  and  true  religion  will  lead 
them  to  do  it.  They  will  make  efl'orts  for  this  purpose,  ami 
depend  upon  the  power  and  grace  of  Christ  for  success. 

12.  (jood  men,  when  their  cfTorts  to  be  useful  succeed, 
will  not  a.scribe  it  to  their  own  wisdom,  power,  or  good- 
ness, but  to  the  grace  and  prjwer  of  Christ,  and  Uiey  will 
give  him  the  glory. 

1236 


2  Being  grieved  tliat  they  taught  the  peo-  a.  n.  m. 
pie,  and  preached  through  Jesus  the  resurrection 
from  the  dead.'' 

3  And  they  laid  hands  on  them,  and  put  them  in 
hold  unto  the  next  day:  for  it  was  now  eventide. 

4  Howbeit,  many  of  them  which  heard  the  word 
believed;'  and  the  number  of  the  men  was  about 
live  thousand. 

5  1  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
their  rulers,  and  ciders,  and  scribes, 

fi  And  Annas  the  hig!i-]iiiest,'  and  Caiaphas,  and 
John,  and  Alexander,  and  as  many  as  were  of  the 
kindred  of  the  high-priest,  were  gathered  together 
at  Jerusalem. 

7  And  when  they  had  set  them  in  the  midst,  tliey 
asked.  By  what  ])0wcr,  or  by  what  name,  have  ye 
done  this?'' 

8  Then  Peter,  filled  wilh  the  Holy  Ghost,'  said 
unto  them,  Ye  rulers  of  the  people,  and  elders  of 
Israel, 

9  If  wo  this  day  be  examined  of  the  good  deed 
done  to  the  impotent  man,  by  what  means  he  is 
made  whole ; 

10  Be  it  known  unto  you  all,  and  to  all  the  peo- 
ple of  Israel,  that  by  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  of 
Nazareth,'"  whom  ye  crucilicd,  whom  God  raised 
from  the  dead,  even  by  him  doth  this  man  stand 
here  before  you  whole. 

11  This  isthestonewhichwassetatnaughtofyou 
builders,  which  is  become  the  head  of  tiie  corner." 

12  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other:  for 
there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven  given 
among  men,"  whereby  we  must  be  sav(;d.'' 

13  1  Now  when  they  saw  the  boldness  of  Peter 

k  Matt.  2l:2:i.     I  ch.  7:.M      m  ch.  »:«.  16.     n  Psa.  US:22;  Isa.  2e:16;  Matt. 
21:42.     oPsa. 45:17.     p  ch.  lU:4a;  1  Tim  2:5,  0. 

!().  Not  only  the  manner  in  which  Christ  wrought  mira- 
cles, but  the  manner  in  which  the  apostles  wrought  them 
and  spoke  of  llieni,  w:is  adapted  to  lead  men  to  view  Christ 
as  the  :tuthor  of  Ihose  miracles,  and  to  unite  in  honoring 
him  as  they  honor  the  Father.     .lohn  .'5:23. 

11).  By  repentance  and  conversion,  through  the  merits 
and  grace  of  Christ,  sin  may  be  pardoned,  and  nien_  deliv- 
ered from  its  power  and  ]iunislinii'ijt.  AH  therefore  to 
whom  he  is  made  known,  are  bound  thus  to  secure  these 
inestimable  blessings. 

CIIAPTKR  IV. 

1.  TVw  enptain ;  of  the  guard  near  the  temple.  Sadducees; 
Matt.  22:23. 

3.  In  hold;  in  juison,  or  under  guard,  for  safe-keeping. 
Eventide;  evening. 

4.  Thcnumher;  who  h;iil  believed. 

5.  Rulers;  members  of  the  S:tnliedrim,  oj  great  council 
of  the  Jewish  nation,  wdiich  consisted  of  about  seventy 
jiersons,  and  had  the  general  superintendence  of  public 
alTairs. 

(i.  Annnt;  he  had  been  high-jiriest,  and  was  f;itlier-in- 
law  to  Caiaphas,  who  was  high-jiricst  at  that  time.  Uf  tlie 
kind  ml ;  relations. 

7  Tlifij  iishd;  by  whose  autlnirily  and  power  Peter  and 
.lohn  li;id  cured  the  lame  man. 

1  (I.  Itij  the  name  nfjcsun  Christ  of  Nazareth ;  by  his  author- 
itv  and  jiower. 
"ll.  Thextnne;  Psa.  118:22;  Isa.  28:1(>;  Matt/ 21:42. 

12.  Satmtion;  Acts  10:43;  1  Tim.  2:5,  C. 

13.  Unle'irncd  and  ipnorant;  men  in  jirivate  life  who  had 
not  been  instructed  in  the  schools,  or  by  the  doctors  of  the 
law.     Took  knowledge  of  them,  Ihut  thnj  hid  hem  vith  Jesus; 


Peter  and  John  on  trial. 


ACTS  IV. 


Gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 


A  D.33.  and  John,  and  perceived  that  they  were  un- 
learned and  ignorant  men,-''  they  marvelled ;  and 
they  took  knowledge  of  them,  that  they  had  been 
with  Jesus. 

14  And  beholding  the  man  which  was  healed 
standing  with  them,  they  could  say  nothing  against 
it." 

15  r>ut  when  they  had  commanded  them  to  go  aside 
out  of  the  council,  they  conferred  among  themselves, 

16  Saying,  What  shall  we  do  to  these  men  ?  for 
that  indeed  a  notable  miracle  hath  been  done  by 
them  is  manifest  to  all  them  that  dwell  in  Jerusa- 
lem, and  we  cannot  deny  it." 

17  But  that  it  spread  no  further  among  the  peo- 
ple, let  us  straitly  threaten  them,  that  they  speak 
henceforth  to  no  man  in  this  name.'' 

18  And  they  called  them,  and  commanded  them 
not  to  speak  at  all  nor  teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

19  But  Peter  and  John  answered  and  said  unto 
them.  Whether  it  be  right  in  the  sight  of  God  to 
hearken  unto  you  more  than  unto  God,  judge  ye.° 

20  For  we  cannot  but  speak  the  things  which  we 
have  seen  and  heard.'' 

21  So  when  tliey  had  further  threatened  them, 
they  let  them  go,  finding  nothing  how  they  might 
punish  them,  because  of  the  people:"  for  all  tnen 
glorified  God  for  that  which  was  done. 

22  For  the  man  was  above  forty  years  old,  on 
whom  this  miracle  of  healing  was  showed. 

23  If  And  being  let  go,  they  went  to  their  own 
company,"  and  reported  all  that  the  chief  priests 
and  elders  had  said  unto  tiiem. 

24  And  when  they  heard  that,  they  lifted  up 
tlieir  voice  to  God  with  one  accord,  and  said.  Lord, 
thou  art  God,  which  hast  made  heaven,  and  earth, 
and  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is:' 

2.5  Who  by  the  mouth  of  tiiy  servant  David  hast 
said.  Why  did  the  heathen  rage,  and  the  people 
ima2:ine  vain  things?-' 


»Malt.  n:-2.);  1  Cor.  1:27.  bch.l9;:i().  =  John  1 1 :  47.  iioli.5:4li.  e  ch. 
S:^.  f  Jer.  200;  ch. '-'2:15;  l.Iohn  1:1,.3.  S  Matt.  21 :28;  ch.  5:20.  Ii  ch. 
2:44-46.  i  2  Kings  19: 15.  JPsa.  2:1,2.  !•  Luke  2:3:1-5,  etc.  1  Prov. 
21:30,  Isl.  46:10;  53:10;  ch.  3:18.     m  vcr,  13,31;  ch.  14:3;  25:31;  Eph. 


recognized  them  as  persons  wliom  they  had  seen  among 
the  followers  of  Jesus. 

14.  Nothing  against  it;  they  could  not  deny  the  reality  or 
greatness  of  the  miracle,  or  the  truth  of  what  Peter  had  said. 

17.  It;  the  knowledge  of  the  miracle  and  its  author. 

1!).  Judge  ye;  God  required  them  to  speak;  the  council 
forbade  tliem.     Which  ought  they  to  obey? 

20.  We  cannot;  they  could  not  obey  their  rulers,  and  yet 
do  right ;  neither  can  any  man,  when  rulers  command  what 
God  forbids. 

21.  Because  of  tlie  people;  should  they  punish  the  apostles, 
they  feared  that  the  people  would  rise,  and  give  them 
trouble. 

23.  T/ieirown  company;  the  company  of  believers. 
25.    T/ie  lieatken  rage;  I'sa.  2:1,  2. 

27.  Hast  anointed;  set  apart,  and  consecrated  to  be  the 
Saviour  of  men.     Herod— Pilate;  Luke  23:1-12. 

28.  Determined  lie/ore ;  .Acts  2:23;  3:18. 

30.  Strctdiingfiirth  thy  hand;  exerting  thy  power. 

32.  Had  all  things  common;  see  note  to  chap.  2:44. 

33.  Great  grace;  much  favor  and  assistance  from  God 
were  griinted  them. 

34.  Neither  mis  there  any  among  them  that  lacked;  that 
lacked  a  sujiply  of  their  w;iiits,  though  many  were  f;ir 
from  home,  and  hud  not  with  tliem  the  nieaiis  of  support. 

35.  As  he  had  need;  for  the  supply  of  his  present  neces- 
sities. 


26  The  kings  of  the  earth  stood  up,  and  the 
rulers  were  gathered  together  against  the  Lord, 
and  against  his  Christ. 

27  For  of  a  truth  against  thy  holy  child  Jesus, 
whom  thou  hast  anointed,  both  Ilerod,  and  Pon- 
tius Pilate,  with  tiie  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of 
Israel,  were  gathered  togetlier,'' 

28  For  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  coun- 
sel determined  before  to  be  done.' 

29  And  now,  Lord,  behold  their  threatenings: 
and  grant  unto  thy  servants,  that  with  all  bold- 
ness they  may  speak  thy  word," 

30  By  stretching  forth  thy  hand  to  heal ;  and 
that  signs  and  wonders  may  be  done  by  the  name 
of  thy  holy  child  Jesus." 

31  fAnd  when  they  had  prayed,  the  place  was 
shaken  where  they  were  assembled  together ;°  and 
they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  they 
spake  the  word  of  God  with  boldness." 

32  And  the  multitude  of  them  that  believed  were 
of  one  heart  and  of  one  soul :''  neither  said  any  of 
them  that  aught  of  the  things  which  he  possessed 
was  his  own  ;  but  they  had  all  things  common.'' 

33  And  with  great  power  gave  the  apostles  wit- 
ness of  the  resurrection  of  the  Lord  Jesus:'*  and 
great  grace  was  upon  them  all.' 

34  Neither  was  there  any  among  them  that 
lacked :  for  as  many  as  were  possessors  of  lands 
or  houses  sold  them,  and  brought  the  prices  of  the 
things  that  were  sold, 

35  And  laid  them  down  at  the  apostles'  feet:" 
and  distribution  was  made  unto  every  man  ac- 
cording as  he  had  need.'' 

36  And  Joses,  who  by  the  apostles  was  surnamed 
Barnabas,  (which  is,  being  interpreted.  The  son 
of  consolation,)  a  Levite,  and  of  the  country  of 
Cyprus, 

37  Having  land,  sold  it,  and  brought  the  money, 
and  laid  it  at  the  apostles'  feet. 

():19.  n  ch.  2:43;  5:12.  o  ch.  2:2,  4 ;  16:20.  P  ver.  29.  q  Rom.  1.5:5,  0; 
2  Cor.  13:11;  Phil.  2:2;  1  Pet.  3:-'.  r  ch.  2:44.  >  Luke  1:48,  49;  ch.  l.f, 
22.     lJohnl:16.     u  ver.  37  ;  ch.  5:2.     v  ch.  2:45;  6: 1. 

36.  Cyprus;  an  island  in  the  north-eastern  part  of  the 
Mediterranean.    Acts  13:4;  15:39. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  'When  the  gospel  is  faithfully  preached,  and  multi- 
tudes embrace  it,  its  opposers  are  greatly  grieved.  If 
they  have  jiower,  they  often  attempt  to  stop  it.s  progress 
by  force.  But  truth  cannot  be  bound  or  imprisoned  :  and 
the  imprisoning  of  those  who  proclaim  it,  is  often  the  occa- 
sion of  its  wider  extension  and  more  abundant  success. 

10.  Tlie  change  produced  in  a  man  by  the  inliuences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  is  truly  wonderful.  He  who  followed  t'hrist 
"afar  off,"  and  trembleil  at  the  voice  even  of  a  maid-.ser- 
vant,  can  now  face  undismayed  the  assembled  dignitaries 
of  the  nation,  and  without  f:tltering  charge  them  with  the 
commission  of  the  most  outrageous  crime,  the  crucifixion 
of  the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  a  lost  world. 

l(i.  Wicked  men  continue  to  oppose  the  cause  of  Christ 
without  any  good  reason,  and  when  they  can  with  truth 
say  notliing  against  it. 

11).  Hiniian  laws  which  require  men  to  disobey  God  are 
of  no  obligation,  and  should  not  be  obej'ed. 

24.  In  seasons  of  trial  the  friends  of  God  unbosom  them- 
selves to  him,  and  find  him  to  be  a  very  present  iind  ;ill- 
s\ifiicieiit  helper;  able  to  do  exceeding  abundanth'  above 
;dl  th:it  they  ask  or  think,  so  that  they  c;tn  add  tiieir  le  - 
timony  to  that  of  ten  thousand  thousand,  "  Blessed  are 
all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him."    I'sa.  2:12. 

1231 


Ananias  and  Sappfiira  slain. 


ACTS  V. 


Great  sis^ns  and  wonders. 


CHAPTER  V. 

1  After  tlial  Ananias  and  Sappliira  his  wife  for  their  hypocrisy  at  Peter's 
rebuke  haJ  fal.en  down  dead,  12  and  that  the  rest  of  the  apostles  had 
wrc>ught  many  miracles,  14  to  the  increase  of  the  faith;  17  the  apostles 
are  again  imprisoned,  19  but  delivered  by  an  angel  bidding  them  to 
preach  openly  to  all;  21  when,  after  their  teaching  accordingly  in  the 
temple,  '29  and  before  the  council,  33  they  are  in  danger  to  be  killed, 
through  the  advice  of  (>amaliel,  a  great  counsellor  among  the  Jews, 
they  be  kept  alive,  40  and  are  but  beaten ;  for  which  they  glorify  G-od 
and  cease  no  day  from  preaching. 

BUT  a  certain  man  named  Ananias,  with  Sap- 
pliira his  wife,  sold  a  possession, 

2  And  kept  back  part  of  the  price,  his  wife  also 
being  privy  to  if.  and  brousjlit  a  certain  part,  and 
laid  it  at  tlie  apostles'  feet." 

3  But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled 
thy  heart  to  lie  to*  tiie  Holy  Ghost,''  and  to  keep 
liack  part  of  the  price  of  the  land '!" 

4  While  it  remained,  was  it  not  thine  own?  and 
after  it  was  sold,  was  it  not  in  thine  own  power? 
why  hast  thou  conceived  this  thing  in  thy  heart? 
thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God.'' 

5  And  Ananias  liearing  these  words  fell  down, 
and  gave  up  the  ghost :  and  great  fear  came  on  all 
them  that  heard  these  things." 

6  And  the  young  men  arose,  wound  him  up,^  and 
carried  him  out,  and  buried  tmn. 

7  And  it  was  about  the  space  of  three  hours  after, 
when  his  wife,  not  knowing  what  was  done,  came 
in. 

8  And  Peter  answered  unto  her.  Tell  me  whether 
ye  sold  the  land  for  so  much  ?  And  she  said,  Yeu, 
lor  so  mucJi. 

9  Then  Peter  said  unto  her.  How  is  it  that  ye 
liave  agreed  together  to  tempt  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord?-  behold,  the  feet  of  them  which  liave  buried 
thy  husband  are  at  the  door,  and  shall  carry  thee 
out. 

10  Then  fell  she  down  straightway  at  his  feet, 
and  yielded  up  the  ghost:''  and  the  young  men 


•  Oh.  i-.M,  37.  •  Or,  to  tleccivt.  b  Luke  2-2:3;  ver.  9.  «  Num.  Wl:;); 
Deut.  2.3:-2li  Eccl.  5:4.  d  Pm.  139:4.  '  I'sa,  61:9;  ver.  Ill,  11.  f  John 
l'J:4U.    «  P«a  50:l-i;  ver.  3.     b  ver.  5.    i  ch.  2:43.    J  ch.  4:30;  Rom.  lij:  19; 


28.  The  enemies  of  God,  in  all  their  efforts  to  obstruct 
the  jjrogress  of  his  cause,  are  doing  only  wliat  he,  for  tlio 
wisest  and  best  reasons,  dcterniiiic-d  to  suHlt  them  to  do, 
and  wliat  )ie  will  overrule  for  tlie  highest  good  of  his 
people.     Koin.  8:28. 

3.5.  L'nion  to  (.'iirist  by  believing  in  him,  prndu(;es  union 
among  his  people,  and  Iriids  tlieiii  tn  di-liglif  in  doing  gond, 
as  they  have  opportunity,  to  all,  and  esin-i;ially  to  those  who 
arc  of  the  household  of  faith.     Gal.  (i:lu. 

CHAPTER  V. 

2.  lieing  privy;  secretly  knowing  and  concurring  in  the 
design  of  keeping  back  a  part  of  the  price  for  which  they 
sold  the  land,  while  they  professed  to  bring  the  whole. 

3.  Tlic  UdIij  Ghost;  who  was  present  with  the  apostles, 
and  under  whose  direction  they  acted. 

4.  While  It  remained;  before  lie  sold  it.  In  thine  own 
power;  at  his  disjiosal.  It  was  optional  with  him  to  give  it 
to  the  apostles  or  not,  as  he  chose.  There  was  no  con- 
straint or  compulsion  in  this  matter,  but  it  was  entirely 
voluntary.  Unio  dod;  by  lying  to  the  Iloly  Ghost,  who 
was  with  the  ajiostles,  tlicy  lied  unto  (iod  ;  for  he  was  God. 

5.  Gave  up  ihc  ghost ;  in.stantly  died. 

C.  IVound  him  up;  in  cloths,  as  was  then  the  custom  for 
burial. 

8.  Answered;  said.  So  much;  the  sum  that  Ananias  had 
brought,  as  if  it  were  the  whole  price  of  the  land. 

U.  Tempt  tlie  Spirit  of  the  Lord;  by  trying  to  deceive 
1238 


came  in,  and  found  her  dead,  and  carrying  a.  n.  33. 
her  forth,  buried  her  by  her  husband. 

11  And  great  fear  came  upon  all  the  church,  and 
upon  as  many  as  heard  these  things.' 

12  II  And  by  the  hands  of  the  apostles  were 
many  signs  and  wonders  wrought  among  the  peo- 
ple ;J  (and  they  were  all  with  one  accord  in  Solo- 
mon's porch. 

13  And  of  the  rest  durst  no  man  join  himself  to 
them:''  but  the  peo))le  magnified  them.' 

14  And  believers  were  the  more  added  to  the 
Lord,  multitudes  both  of  men  and  women;'") 

15  Insomuch  that  they  brought  Ibrtli  the  sick 
into  the  streets,'  and  laid  t/ion  on  beds  and  couch- 
es, that  at  the  least  the  shadow  of  Peter  passing 
by  might  overshadow  some  of  them. 

16  There  came  also  a  multitude  out  of  the  cities 
round  about  unto  Jerusalem,  bringing  sick  folks, 
and  them  which  were  vexed  with  unclean  spirits;" 
and  they  were  healed  every  one." 

17  1  Then  the  high-priest  rose  up,  and  all  they 
that  were  with  him,  (which  is  the  sect  of  the  Sad- 
ducces,'')  and  were  filled  with  indignation,* 

18  And  laid  their  hands  on  the  apostles,  and  put 
them  in  the  common  prison.'' 

19  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  by  night  opened 
the  prison-doors,  and  brought  them  forth,  and 
said, 

20  Go,  stanil  and  speak  in  the  temple  to  the  peo- 
ple all  the  words  of  this  life.'' 

21  And  when  they  heard  tfiat,  they  entered  into 
the  temple  early  in  the  morning,  and  tauglit.  But 
the  high-priest  came,  and  they  that  were  with  him, 
and  called  the  council  together,  and  all  the  senate 
of  the  children  of  Israel,"  and  sent  to  the  prison  to 
have  them  brought. 

22  But  when  the  oflieers  came,  and  found  thciu 
not  in  the  prison,  they  returned,  and  told, 


Heb.  2:4      k  John  l-,':42.     I  ch.  4:21.     m  ch.  2:47 
n  Mark  10:17,  If;  Jolin  14:12.    oJi,.5:l(i.     Pch.4.., 
12:5-7;  l6;2:!-.'7.     rlixod.  24:3;  John  6:li:l,  l>3;  17:S 


t  Or.  in  evtry  street. 
1,2.    1  Or.  envy.    1  ch. 
ch.  4:.'>,  8. 


him.  Carry  thee  out;  and  bury  thee,  as  they  did  thy  Iius- 
band. 

13.  Of  the  re.it;  of  tho.sc  outside  of  the  Christian  body. 
Durst  nil  man  join  himsr/f;  that  is,  aconrdiiig  to  soiiu',  in  a 
hypocritical  way.  like  Aii;tiii;ts  and  Siipphini.  lint  jicr- 
ha|is  the  meaning  is,  that  the  multitude  willimit  the  church 
w'ere  so  overawed  by  the  ileath  (if  these  two  persims,  that, 
for  the  present,  no  one  dared  openly  In  connect  himself  with 
the  Christi;!!!  biid3'  under  the  cliarge  of  the  apostles.  This 
m;ty  have  been  no  peiniaiieiit  hindenmce  to  the  increase  of 
the  church,  but  (inly  a  salutary  check  iiromiitivcofits  purity, 
while  the  work  of  conversion  went  on  aiiKiiig  the  people. 
Magnified  them;  regarded  and  spoke  of  llicm  with  great 
respect. 

M.  Tlu  more ;  greater  numbers  in  conseiiuence  received 
the  gospel,  being  iierKUade(l  IIkiI  it  was  frnni  (!od. 

1.5.  Ikih  and  couches;  beds  were  used  by  the  rich,  and 
couidies  by  the  iionr. 

17.  'nicy  that  were  with  him  ;  who  agreed  with  him.  espeo- 
iiilly  the  Sidducees,  wlm  denied  the  possibility  nf  a  resiir- 
rcetion.  If  ('hrist  Wits  indeed  risen, as  the  apostles  utlirmcd, 
it  ]iroved  iheir  doctrine  false;  and  lienco  the  bitterness  of 
their  oii]iiisitioii. 

20.  'J'he  worth  of  this  life;  the  way  of  eternal  life  through 
faith  in  .lesus  Christ. 

21.  The  senate ;  metiofagcand  influence,  called  clscwhcro 
elders  of  the  Jews,  and  the  estate  of  the  elders.  Chai<.i.5; 
22:5;  25:1S. 


The  apostles  hefore  the 


ACTS  V. 


council  are  delivered. 


A.  D.  .33.  23  Saying,  The  prison  trul}'  found  we  shut 
■with  all  safet)',  and  the  keepers  standing  without 
before  the  doors:  but  when  we  had  opened,  wc 
found  no  man  within. 

24  Now,  when  the  high-priest  and  the  captain 
of  the  temple  and  the  chief  priests  heard  these 
things,"  they  doubted  of  them  whereunto  this  would 
grow. 

25  Then  came  one  and  told  them,  saying,  Behold, 
the  men  whom  ye  put  in  prison  are  standing  in  the 
temple,  and  teaching  the  people. 

26  Then  went  the  captain  with  the  officers,  and 
brouglit  them  without  violence:  for  they  feared 
the  people,''  lest  they  should  have  been  stoned. 

27  And  when  they  had  brought  them,  they  set 
tliem  before  the  council :  and  the  high-priest  asked 
them, 

28  Saying,  Did  not  we  straitly  command  you 
that  ye  should  not  teach  in  this  name?'^  and  be- 
hold, ye  liave  filled  Jerusalem  with  your  doctrine, 
and  intend  to  bring  this  man's  blood  upon  us.'' 

29  1i  Then  Peter  and  the  other  apostles  answer- 
ed and  said,  We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than 
men.° 

30  The  God  of  our  fathers  raised  up  Jesus,  whom 
ye  slew  and  hanged  on  a  tree.' 

31  Him  hath  God  exalted'  with  his  right  hand 
to  be  a  Prince"  and  a  Saviour,'  for  to  give  repent- 
ance to  Israel,  and  forgiveness  of  sins. 

32  And  we  are  his  witnesses  of  these  things;^ 
and  so  is  also  the  Holy  Ghost,''  whom  God  hath 
given  to  them  that  obey  him. 

•Ch.4:l.  bMatt. 21:26.  <:oh.4:18.  d  Matt.  27-.25;  ch.  2:2.'),  36;  3: 15; 
7:.52.  ech.  4:19.  r  Gal.  3:13;  1  Pet.  2:24.  E  Phil.  2:9.  1>  Isa.  9:6.  i  Matt. 
1:21.  J  Luke  24:48.  kch.  2:4.  Uh.  7:54.  mch.  22:3.  •  In  the  third  year 
before  the  account  called  Anno  Domini,     t  Or,  believed,     o  Luke  13:1,  2. 

24.  77(5  chief  priests ;  these  were  the  heads  of  the  twenty- 
four  courses  into  which  the  priests  were  divided.  1  Chroii. 
24 ;  2  Chron.  8:14;  Luke  1 : 5.  Whereunto  this  would  grou-  ; 
what  woukl  be  the  effects  of  it. 

26.  Tiiei/;  tlie  ofiBcers.  2'Ac  people;  those  who  favored 
the  apostles. 

28.  r/i(S  Hflmc;  the  name  of  Jesus.  Bring  this  man's  blood; 
prove  us  guilty  of  murdering  him. 

29.  Obey  God;  he  commanded  them  to  preach ;  the  rulers 
forbade  it. 

30.  On  a  tree;  the  cross.     Gal.  3:13;  1  Pet.  2:24. 

31.  To  give  repentance ;  by  sending  down  the  Holy  Spirit, 
convincing  men  of  sin,  and  leading  them  to  hate  and  lur- 
sake  it. 

32.  77ie.se  things;  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  his  ascen- 
sion to  heaven,  and  his  giving  repentance  and  pardon.  The 
Hohj  Ghost;  by  his  miraculous  powers  and  his  sanctifying 
effects. 

33.  Cut  to  the  heart ;  enraged,  filled  with  wrath.  Chap. 
7:54. 

34.  A  doctor  of  the  law;  an  interpreter  and  teacher  of  the 
divine  law.    Chap.  22:3. 

3C.  Somebodij;  a  person  of  eminence  and  distinction,  a 
leader  of  tlie  people. 

37.  /)(;//.«  of  the  taxing ;  the  taxing  of  the  Jews  by  the 
Roman  government.  Drew  away  much  people ;  he  contended 
that  tlie  taxing  of  .Jews  by  a  heathen  government  was 
unlawful,  and  many  followed  him. 

38.  Thi<  counsel  or  this  work;  the  work  in  which  the 
apostles  were  engaged. 

40.  They  agreed;  so  far  as  not  further  to  pursue  meas- 
ures for  putting  them  to  death,  though  they  scourged  them, 
and  again  coiumaiidcd  them  not  to  preach. 

41.  Counted  worthy;  to  be  treated  somewhat  as  Clirist 
■was,  on  account  of  their  attachment  to  him  and  zeal  in  his 


33  1  When  they  heard  that,  they  were  cut  to  the 
hcart,^  and  took  counsel  to  slay  them. 

34  Then  stood  there  up  one  in  the  council,  a 
Pharisee,  named  Gamaliel,'"  a  doctor  of  the  law, 
had  in  reputation  among  all  the  people,  and  com- 
manded to  put  the  apostles  forth  a  little  s"iiace; 

35  And  said  unto  them.  Ye  men  of  Israel,  take 
heed  to  yourselves  what  ye  intend  to  do  as  touch- 
ing these  men. 

36  For  before  these  days  rose  up  Thcudas,' 
boasting  himself  to  be  somebody ;  to  whom  a 
number  of  men,  about  four  hundred,  joined  them- 
selves :  who  was  slain ;  and  all,  as  many  as  obeyed* 
him,  were  scattered,  and  brouglit  to  naught. 

37  After  this  man  rose  up  Judas  of  Galilee,  in 
the  days  of  tlie  taxing,  and  drew  away  much  peo- 
ple after  him:  he  also  perished;"  and  all,  even  as 
many  as  obeyed  him,  were  dispersed. 

38  And  now  I  say  unto  3'ou,  Refrain  from  these 
men,  and  let  them  alone:  for  if  this  counsel  or 
this  work  be  of  men,  it  will  come  to  naught  1° 

39  But  if  it  be  of  God,  ye  cannot  overthrow  it  ;•■ 
lest  haply  ye  be  found  even  to  fight  against  God.'' 

40  And  to  him  they  agreed :  and  when  they  had 
called  the  apostles,  and  beaten  them,''  they  com- 
manded that  they  should  not  speak  in  the  name  of 
Jesus,^  and  let  them  go. 

41  i  And  they  departed  from  the  presence  of  the 
council,  rejoicing  that  they  were  counted  worthy 
to  suffer  shame  for  his  name.' 

42  And  daily  in  the  temple,  and  in  every  house, 
they  ceased  not  to  teach  and  preach  Jesus  Christ." 

oProv.21:30;  Isa.H:lU;  Matt.  15:13.  Pjob34:29;  lCor.l:25.  qch.9:5; 
■i.'i:9.  'Matt.  10:17.  sch.  4:IS.  t  Matt.  5:12;  2  Cor.  12:  lU;  Phil.  1:29; 
Jas.  1:2;  1  Pet.  4:13-16.     "2  Tim.  4:2. 


cause.  This  was  an  evidence  of  their  likeness  and  devo- 
tion to  him.  Like  him,  they  despised  the  shame,  and  rejoiced 
in  the  prospect  of  coming  glory. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Lying  is  a  great  sin.  Those  who  practise  it  are  influ- 
enced by  Satan,  and  imitate  his  example. 

10.  Sometimes  known,  deliberate  wickedness  is  visited 
upon  the  sinner  by  immediate  divine  judgments ;  and  no 
person,  when  he  commits  known  iiiiquitv,  can  be  sure  that 
ii:  will  not  be  so  visited  on  him;  and  if  it  should  not  be, 
no  impenitent  transgressor  will  ultimately  escape.  Prov. 
11:21;  19:5. 

14.  The  Holy  Spirit  may  make  the  destruction  of  some 
the  occasion  of  the  s:dvation  of  others.  When  it  is  seen 
that  the  wicked  do  not  live  out  half  their  day.s,  and  that 
the  wages  of  sin  is  death,  many  may  be  led  to  forsake  sin 
and  live.     Psa.  5.5 :  23 ;  Pom.  (1 :  23. 

20.  Rulers  sometimes  forbid  what  God  commands,  and 
thus  make  it  the  duty  of  men  to  disobey  them  in  order  to 
obey  him. 

28.  Jlen  often  shrink  from  taking  the  responsibility  of 
their  own  actions,  and  are  tilled  willi  indignation  at  the 
statement  of  the  truth  concerning  them. 

33.  When  the  exhibition  of  truth  torments  men,  it  is 
evident  that  they  must  exjierience  a  great  change,  or  their 
torment  will  be  eternal;  for.Iehovah  is  a  God  of  truth,  and 
the  progress  of  his  government  will  be  developing  and 
illustrating  the  truth  for  ever. 

41.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  the  wicked  to  destroy  the 
happiness  of  the  righteous.  They  can  destroy  themselves, 
but  cannot  prevent  a  single  individu;d  who  hjves  and  trusts 
in  .lesus  Christ,  from  for  ever  shouting  with  the  heavenly 
host,  "Alleluia;  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth." 
Rev.  19  :C. 

1239 


Seven  deacons  chosen. 


ACTS  VII. 


Stephen  before  the  council. 


CHAPTER  Vl 


1  The  apostles,  desirous  to  have  the  poor  regarded  for  their  bodily  suste- 
nance, as  also  careful  themselves  to  dispense  the  word  of  (rod,  the  food 
of  the  soul,  3  appoint  the  office  of  deaconship  to  seven  chosen  men. 
5  Of  whom  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is 
one.  rj  Who  is  taken  of  those  whom  he  confounded  in  disputing, 
13  and  afterwards  falsely  accused  of  blasphemy  against  the  law  and 
the  temple. 

AND  in  tho.se  days,  when  tlic  number  of  the 
disciples  was  multiplied,  there  arose  a  mur- 
muriii<i:  of  the  Grecians  against  tlie  Hebrews,"  be- 
cause their  widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily 
ministration.'' 

2  Then  tiie  twelve  called  tlie  nuiltitude  of  the 
disciple.-;  unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  reason  that 
we  sliould  leave  tlie  word  of  God,  and  serve  tallies.'' 

3  Wherefore,  brethren,  look  ye  out  among  you 
seven  men  of  lionest  report,"  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  wisdom,  whom  we  may  appoint  over  this  busi- 
ness."^ 

4  But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually  to 
prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of  the  word.'' 

5  II  And  the  saying  pleased  tlio  whole  multitude : 
and  they  chose  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,'''  and  Philip,''  and  Prochorus,  and 
Nicanor,  and  Tinion,  and  Parmenas,  and  Nicolas 
a  proselyte  of  Antioch  ;' 

6  Whom  they  set  before  the  apostles :  and  when 
tiiey  liad  prayed,^  tliey  laid  their  hands  on  them." 

7  And  the  word  of  God  increased;'  and  the 
number  of  tlie  disciples  multiplied  in  Jerusalem 
greatly  ;  and  a  great  comiiany  of  tlie  priests  were 
obedient  to  tlie  faith.'" 

8  And  Stephen,  full  of  faith  and  ])ower,  did  great 
wonders  and  miracles  among  the  people. 

»  Ch.  «:-29;  11:20.  b  ch.  J:35.  c  Exod.  18:17-'.>0.  i  ch.  16:2;  1  Tim. 
S:7,-,IU.  eDeut.l:i:i.  flTim.4:l5.  fch, 11:24.  h  ch.  S:5,  2S;  21 :8. 
i  Rev   2:0,  15,    J  ch.   1:24.     k  ch.  0:17;  13:3;  1  Tim.  4:14;  5:22;  2  Tim. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  Grecians;  in  the  original  Hellenists,  that  is,  Jews, 
whether  by  descent  or  conversion  to  the  Jewisli  religion, 
who  used  the  (Jreek  language.  Datlij  minidmtion ;  daily 
distrilmtioii  to  the  poor. 

2.  Tlu:  twelve ;  the  twelve  apostles,  Matthias  having  been 
elected  after  the  death  of  Judas.  Not  reason;  not  reason- 
able or  proper. 

3.  Hnnest  report;  men  of  integrity  and  good  reputation. 
•I.  Priii/er — ministry  of  the  word ;  the  appropriate  duties 

of  their  ollice. 

5.  Multitude;  the  multitude  of  believers  who  were  col- 
lected on  the  occasion.  Proselyte  of  Antioch;  a  (jentile  of 
that  city,  wlio  had  embraced  the  Jewish,  and  afterwards 
I  he  Christian  religion. 

(1.  Luid  ttieir  hands  on  ttum  ;  in  token  tif  seeking  for  them 
the  divine  blessing,  and  consecrating  them  to  their  work. 

7.  The  word  of  God  increased;  was  prcaclicd,  and  eni- 
hraced  hy  greater  nilinberH. 

!).  Liticrtiiics;  liljertines  were  properly  persons,  or  the 
children  of  persons  who  liad  been  enslaved,  and  were 
afterwards  niiide  free,  bi  the  present  case  Jewish  litier- 
tines  are  meant,  of  whom  there  were  great  nmnhers,  the 
descendants  of  those  who  had  been  carried  as  ca|>tives  to 
Uonie,  and  afterwards  set  free.  The  v;uious  classes  of 
]iersons  mentioned  liad  each  in  Jerusalem  a  synagogue  or 
place  of  worship.  .Matt.  G:r>.  Disputing  with  Stephen; 
about  the  truth  of  what  he  declared. 

10.  Not  aide;  he,  lieing  assisted  hy  the  Holy  Ghoiit,  was 
superior  to  tlnni.  and  they  were  not  able  to  answer  liis 
iirgiiments.     .Matt.  10:  Ifl,  20;  I.nke  21 :  l."). 

11.  Sidiorned  men;  got  them  to  testify  falsely. 
14.   The  customs;  the  Jewish  ccrcmoiiieB. 

1240 


9  IT  Then  there  arose  certain  of  the  syna-  a.  p.  33. 
gogue,  whicli  is  called  the  synagogue  of  the  Liber- 
tines, and  Cyrenians,  and  Alexandrians,  and  of 
them  of  Cilicia  and  of  Asia,  disputing  witii  Stephen. 

10  And  they  were  not  able  to  resist  the  wisdom 
and  tlie  spirit  by  which  he  spake." 

11  Then  they  suborned  men,"  which  said,  We 
have  heard  him  speak  blasphemous  words  against 
Moses  and  against  God. 

12  And  they  stirred  up  the  jteoplc,  and  the  el- 
ders, and  the  scribes,  and  came  upon  him,  and 
caught  him,  and  brouglit  him  to  the  council, 

13  And  set  up  false  witnesses,  which  said,  Tliis 
man  ceaseth  not  to  speak  blasphemous  words 
against  this  holy  place,  and  the  law: 

14  For  we  have  iieard  him  say,  that  this  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  shall  destroy  this  place,'' and  shall  change 
the  customs"  which  Moses  delivered  us.'' 

15  And  all  that  sat  in  the  council,  looking  stead- 
fastly on  him,  saw  his  face  as  it  had  been  the  face 
of  an  angel. ■■ 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Stephen,  permitted  to  answer  to  the  accusation  of  blasphemy,  2  show- 
eth  that  Abraham  worshipped  God  rightly,  and  how  God  chose  the 
fathers  20  before  Moses  was  born,  and  before  the  t;ibernacle  and 
temple  were  built;  37  that  Moses  himself  witnessed  of  Christ;  44 
and  that  all  outward  ceremonies  were  ordained  according  to  the  heav- 
enly pattern,  to  lasl  but  for  a.  time;  .'il  reprehending  their  rebellion, 
and  murdering  of  (Jhrist  the  Just  One,  wliom  the  prophets  foretold 
sliould  come  into  the  world,  .'54  Whereupon  they  stone  hiiu  to  death, 
who  commendeth  his  soul  to  Jesus,  and  humbly  pr;iyeLh  for  them. 

THEN  said  the  high-iu'iest.  Arc  these  things  so? 
2  And  he  said,  Alen,  brethren,  and  fathers, 
hearken:*  The  God  of  glory  appeared  unto  our 

1:6.  1  Isa.  5.'):11;  ch.  12:24;  lil:2li.  >"  Psa,  132:!!.  IB;  John  12:42.  »  Luko 
21:15.  o  I  Kings  21:11),  l:!;  iM,itt.  26:50,  W.  P  Dan.  9:20.  *  Or,  rilej. 
qch.  25:8.     r  Exod.  31:30,  35.     •ch.22:l. 


15.  Tlie  face  of  an  angel;  benignant,  calm,  dignified,  aud 
resplendent. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  It  is  not  proper  that  ministers  of  the  go.spel  should 
be  drawn  off  from  their  appropri;ite  work  to  attend  to  sec- 
ular concerns.  The  more  exclusively  they  ;ire  lievotcd  to 
the  preaeliing  of  the  gospel  and  the  iliseliarge  of  religious 
duties,  the  more  tiiey  will  promote  their  own  best  inter- 
ests, anil  those  of  their  fellow-men.     1  Tim.  4:15. 

7.  AVhcn  minislcrs  of  the  gospel  are  wholly  and  ear- 
nestly devoted  to  their  upprojiriale  duties,  and  are  itssisted 
by  brethren  in  the  chureli  who  are  ]iioiiK,  wise,  able,  and 
active  in  doing  gotnl,  religion  will  geijer;illy  ]MtiKpi-r;  and 
not  only  many  of  the  common  ]ieople,  but  of  the  eiliic;ited, 
intelligent,  anil  iiillueiitial,  may  be  expected  to  embrace  it. 

10.  No  array  of  numbers,  letu'iiing,  or  ttdents,  can  fairly 
meet  or  refute  the  arguments  which  prove  the  Christiiui 
religion  to  bo  from  (ioil.  Its  Inilh  is  demonstrated  liy 
eviilenee  which,  if  it  be  rightly  apprehended  and  the  heart 
is  sincere,  will  carry  universal  eonviition.  No  one  can 
reject  it  willimit  sliowuig  that  he  is  either  ignorant  or 
wicked. 

Vi.  Men  who  reject  the  Chrisli;in  religion,  and  have 
power,  arc  apt  to  op|)osc  those  who  endiraee  it,  isi)eei;illy 
if  they  are  zealous  and  sui-ressfnl  in  its  ))riip;igatiiiii.  They 
sometimes  contend  th;it  (he  intrrests  of  the  state  rriinire 
this  ;  iind  eeclesiastics,  clothed  with  secular  authority,  and 
destitute  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  iirc  often  among  the  most 
fierce  and  malignant  of  persecutors. 

CHAPTER   Vil. 

1.  Stt;  as  )iis  accusers  had  said. 

2.  Mr.snpolnmia ;  this  word  means  between  two  rivers; 
it  was  the  country  which  hiy  between  the  Tigris  and  the 


Stephen's  defence 


ACTS  VII. 


before  the  councU. 


A.  D.ss.  father  Abraliara  when  he  was  in  Mesopota- 
mia, before  lie  dwelt  in  Charran, 

3  And  said  unto  iiini,  Get  thee  out  of  thy  coun- 
try, and  from  thy  kindred,  and  come  into  the  land 
wiiich  I  shall  show  thee." 

4  Then  came  ho  out  of  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans, 
and  dwelt  in  Charran :"  and  from  thence,  when  his 
father  was  dead,  ho  removed  him  into  this  land, 
wherein  ye  now  dwell. 

5  And  he  gave  him  none  inheritance  in  it,  no, 
not  so  much  as  to  set  his  foot  on :  yet  he  promised 
that  he  would  give  it  to  him  for  a  possession,  and 
to  his  seed  after  him,  when  as  yd  he  had  no  child.'' 

6  And  God  spake  on  this  wise,  That  his  seed 
should  sojourn  in  a  strange  land ;''  and  that  they 
should  bring  them  into  bondage,  and  entreat  them 
evil  four  hundred  years."^ 

7  And  the  nation  to  whom  they  shall  be  in  bond- 
age will  I  judge,  said  God :  and  after  that  shall 
they  come  forth,  and  serve  me  in  this  place.'' 

8  And  he  gave  him  the  covenant  of  circumcis- 
ion :s  and  so  Abraham  begat  Isaac,  and  circumcised 
him  the  eighth  day ;''  and  Isaac  begat  Jacob ;'  and 
Jacob  begat  the  twelve  patriarchs.^ 

9  IT  And  the  patriarchs,  moved  with  envy,  sold 
Joseph  into  Egypt:"  but  God  was  witli  him,' 

10  And  delivered  him  out  of  all  his  afflictions, 
and  gave  him  favor  and  wisdom  in  the  sight  of 
Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt;  and  he  made  him  gov- 
eriHU-  over  Egypt  and  all  his  house.'" 

1 1  Now  there  came  a  dearth  over  all  the  land  of 
Egy))t  and  Chanaan,  and  great  alBiction ;"  and  our 
fathers  found  no  sustenance. 

12  But  when  Jacob  heard  that  there  was  corn  in 
Egypt,  he  sent  out  our  fathers  first." 

13  And  at  the  second  time  Joseph  was  made 
known  to  his  brethren ;  and  Joseph's  kindred  Avas 
made  known  unto  Pharaoh.'' 

14  Then  sent  Joseph,  and  called  his  father  Jacob 
to  him,  and  all  his  kindred,  threescore  and  fifteen 
souls.'' 

15  So  Jacol)  went  down  into  Egypt,  and  died, 
he,  and  our  fathers, 

16  And  were  carried  over  into  Sychem,  and  laid 
in  the  sepulchre  that  Abraham  bought  for  a  sum 
of  money  of  the  sous  of  Enmior,  the  father  of  fcfy- 
chem."' 

17  But  when  the  time  of  the  promise  drew  nigh, 


>  Gen.  12 

1.     b 

Gen.  12:5. 

c 

Gen. 

l:J:1.5.     d 

Gen. 

15:13. 

10. 

B  Exod. 

!■ 

:40, 

41.    r 

ExoJ 

a 

12.    B  G 

en. 

17:U- 

11.    Ii  Gen.  21 

1-1. 

Gen 

25:2li. 

J 

Gen 

29:3-. 

,  etc. 

k 

Gen.  .17 

2-1 

I'sa. 

105:17. 

1  Gen 

.  .39:2, 

a?. 

">  Gen. 

•1 

:  11). 

0  Gen.  41 

54 

0  Gen 

4'. 

:1,  2 

p  Gen. 

45:4 

10.    q 

Gen 

4li:27| 

Euphrates.  In  this  region  was  Ur  of  the  (lialdees,  where 
lived  Terah,  the  father  of  Abraham.  Charran;  called  in 
the  Old  Testament  Haran.  Gen.  11:31.  This  was  also  in 
Mesopotamia. 

5.  He;  (iod.  Promised  that  lie  would  give  it  lo  him;  Gen. 
12:7;  13:14-18. 

C.  Snjourii  Ilia  strange  land;  Esypt.     Gen.  ir):13-lC. 

14.  Threescore  and  fifteen;  seventy-five.  The  number 
stated  in  tienesis  as  eomirif;  with  .Jacob  into  E,i;ypt  is  six- 
ty-si.K.  .Jacob,  with  Joscjih  and  his  two  sons  who  were 
already  there,  and  the  five  grandsons  of  Joseph  mentioned 
in  I  Chron.  7 :  14-23,  are  supposed  to  make  the  seventy-five. 
See  note  to  Gen.  46:27. 

11).  Were  carried;  the  fathers  were  carried:  .loseph  and 
others  were  carried  and  buried  in  Sychem,  called  in  the 
Old  Testament  Shechcm,  which  was  near  to  Samaria,  in  a 


which  God  had  sworn  to  Abraham,  the  people 
grew  and  multiplied  in  Egypt,'* 

18  Till  another  king  arose,  which  knew  not  Jo- 
seph. 

19  The  same  dealt  subtlely  with  our  kindred,  and 
evil-entreated  our  fathers,  so  that  they  cast  out 
their  young  children,  to  the  end  they  might  not 
live.' 

20  In  which  time  Moses  was  born,"  and  was  ex- 
ceeding fair,*  and  nourished  up  in  his  father's 
house  three  months: 

21  And  when  he  was  cast  out,  Pharaoh's  daugh- 
ter took  him  up,  and  nourished  him  for  her  own 
son.^ 

22  And  Moses  was  learned  in  all  the  wisdom  of 
the  Egvptians,  and  was  mighty  in  words  and  in 
deeds'."' 

23  And  when  he  was  fidl  forty  years  old,  it  came 
into  his  heart  to  visit  his  brethren  the  children  of 
Israel.'' 

.24  And  seeing  one  of  them  suffer  wrong,  he  de- 
fended him,  and  avenged  him  that  was  oppressed, 
and  smote  the  Egyptian : 

25  For*  he  su|)])osed  his  brethren  would  have 
understood  how  that  God  by  his  hand  would  de- 
liver them  ;  but  they  understood  not. 

26  And  the  next  day  he  showed  himself  unto 
them  as  they  strove,  and  would  have  set  them  at 
one  again,  saying.  Sirs,  ye  are  brethren ;  why  do 
ye  wrong  one  to  another? 

27  But  he  that  did  his  neighbor  wrong  thrust 
him  away,  saying.  Who  made  thee  a  ruler  and  a 
judge  over  us? 

28  Wilt  thou  kill  me,  as  thou  didst  the  Egyptian 
yesterday  ? 

29  Then  fled  Moses  at  this  saying,  and  was  a 
stranger  in  the  land  of  Madian,  where  he  begat 
two  sons. 

30  And  when  forty  years  were  expired,  there 
appeared  to  him  in  the  wilderness  of  mount  Sina, 
an  angel  of  the  Lord  in  a  llame  of  lire  in  a  bush.^ 

31  When  Moses  saw  it,  he  wondered  at  the  sight : 
and  as  he  drew  near  to  behold  it,  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  came  unto  him, 

32  Saying,  I  ain  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  the  God 
of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God 
of  Jacob.""  Then  Moses  trembled,  and  durst  not 
behold. 


Deut.  10:22.  '  Jo.sh.  aj:.')2.  »  Exod.  1:7-9.  '  Exod.  1:22.  "  Exod.  2:2. 
etc.  '  Of,  fair  lo  God.  v  Exod.  2:10.  wLufco24:10.  x  Exod.  2:11,  elc. 
tOr.iVijw.    yExoJ.  3:2,  etc.     ^  Matt.  22:32;  Heb.  11:16. 

piece  of  ground  Itought  by  Jacob  of  the  sons  of  Emmor, 
called  in  the  Old  Testament  Ihunor.  Gen.  33:  IS,  19  ;  Josh. 
24: 32.  Jacob  was  buried  in  the  field  of  Mach])clali,  which 
was  pnrchased  by  Abraham  of  the  sons  of  lleth.  Gen. 
23:4-20;  49:  2;),  30;  50:  13.  In  what  way  the  name  of 
.\brah.am  became  connected  with  the  juu-chasc  at  Sychem 
is  not  known. 

17.  Tlie  tune  cif  the  promise;  the  time  for  its  fulfilment. 
Gen.  12:7;  IS:  11-10;  22:17.  Tlie  people  grew ;  E.\od. 
1:7-9. 

30.  An  angel  of  the  Lord;  who  was  Jehovah  himself. 
He  is  spoken  of  in  Exod.  23:20,  21,  as  one  in  whom  is 
God's  name,  and  who  has  i)ower  to  ])ardou  sin.  He  is, 
therefore,  with  reason  sup]ioNed  (d  be  the  same  as  "  tho 
AVord  "  that  "  was  iu  tho  beginning  with  God,"  and  "  was 
God." 

1241 


Step/ten's  defence. 


ACTS  VII. 


He  is  stoned  to  death. 


33  Then  said  the  Lord  to  liim,  Put  off  tlij  slioos 
from  thy  feet :  for  the  phice  wiierc  thou  staiidest 
is  hoi)'  gi'ound.'' 

34  I  have  seeu,  I  have  seen  the  affliction  of  my 
people  which  is  in  Egypt,  and  I  have  heard  their 
groaninp-,  and  am  come  down  to  deliver  them.  And 
now  come,  I  will  s^cnd  thee  into  Egypt. 

35  This  Moses  whom  they  refused,  saying,  Who 
made  thee  a  ruler  and  a  judge  ?  the  same  did  God 
send  to  be  a  ruler  and  a  deliverer  by  the  hand  of 
the  angel  which  appeared  to  him  in  the  bush.** 

36  He  brought  them  out,  after  that  he  had 
showed  wonders  and  signs  in  the  land  of  Egypt,*^ 
and  in  the  Red  sea,  and  in  the  wilderness  forty 
years." 

37  1  This  is  that  Moses,  which  said  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God 
raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  uuto  me;'  "■ 
him  shall  ye  hear."' 

38  This  is  he,  that  was  in  the  church  in  the  wil- 
derness with  the  angel  which  spake  to  him  in  the 
mount  Sina.'^and  wil/i  our  fathers:''  who  received 
the  lively  oracles  to  give  unto  us:' 

39  To  wlnjni  our  fathers  would  not  obey,  but 
thrust  /lim.  from  them,  and  in  their  hearts  turned 
back  again  into  Egypt, 

40  Saying  uuto  Aaron,  Make  us  gods  to  go  be- 
fore us:  for  as  fin-  this  Moses,  which  brought  us 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot  not  what  is  be- 
come of  him.J 

41  And  they  made  a  calf  in  those  days,  and  offered 
sacrilicc!  unto  the  idol,  and  rejoiced  in  the  works 
of  their  own  hands.'' 

42  Then  God  turned,  and  gave  them  up  to  wor- 
ship the  host  of  heaven;'  as  it  is  written  in  the 
book  of  the  prophets,  0  ye  house  of  Israel,  have 
yc  offered  to  me  slain  beasts  and  sacrifices  by  the 
space  «/' forty  years  in  the  wilderness?'" 

43  Yea,  ye  took  up  the  tabernacle  of  Moloch, 
and  the  star  of  your  god  Rem])han,  figui'cs  which 
ye  made  to  worship  them:  and  I  will  carry  you 
away  beyond  Babylon. 


■  Jrnh.  5:15;  Kccl.  5:1.  b  Kxod.  U:19;  Num.  20:10.  »  Exod.  ch.  7,  8, 
9,  10.  11,  U.  il  Exnd.  10:.%'..  •  Or,  as  mijxrl/.  «  Deut.  1«:15,  IS;  ch.  3;-2-i. 
f  .Mit(.  17:5.  »  Eiod.  19:3,  17.  h  Ua.  IW:9;  Gil.  ■):  19;  Heb.  a:a.  i  Deut. 
5:27.31;  Johnl:17;  Rom  3:2.  )  KloJ  .•)J:1.  k  r)oiu.9:l«;  Psa. 106:19, 
2U  1  Dout  4:19;  2  Kinc"  I7;I<1;  I'«a.  nl:12;  Jer.  19:1:).  m  Amoa  5:25.  26. 
t  Or.  who  spnU.     n  Kxod.  25:49;  2it;.'i0;  Heb.  H:5.     I  Or,  having  reuiveti. 


38.  He;  jMoses.     Exod.  19:3-2.'). 

42.  Gave' them  up;  Psa.  XI:  12.  /(  is  written;  Amos 
6:25-27.  Have  ye  offered  to  me;  that  is,  to  rue  alone.  Tlie 
answer  is,  No;  ye  iiiiiiKleil  witli  niy  worship  tliat  of  your 
iilols.    See  note  to  Amos  .5:20. 

4:i.  Moloch — Ilemplian;  idol  gods.  Slophen  docs  not 
quote  the  cx.ict  words  of  the  jiroplict,  but  fMllowiiij;  the 
Septuagint,  gives  tlio  sense,  as  in  verses  iit,  iO,  and  in 
otiier  places. 

•11.  Tlie  tabernacle ;  a  sacred  tent,  or  movalilo  structure, 
used  heforc  the  erection  of  the  temple  for  religioiis  ser- 
vices, at  the  door  of  which  '!od  made  communications  to 
the  people.     Exod.  29:12,  43;  2.5:K.  9,  10;  Heh.  H;.'». 

4.J.  Jesm ;  Joshua.  .Ichiis  in  (ireek  is  tlic  same  as 
Joshua  in  Ilehrew.     Josh.  1:1,  2;  lieli.  4:S;  Josh.  11:23. 

46.  Tahernncle;  this  is  a  diflerent  word  from  that  which 
is  translated  tabernacle  in  verse  44,  ami  here  means  a 
permanent  structure,  or  fixed  habitution.  2  Sam.  7:2-7; 
1  Chron.  22:7-19. 

."il.  Stiff-necked;  imwillini;  to  bow  to  the  authority  or  re- 
gard the  voice  of  God.  Itaist  tlie  Holy  Ghost ;  by  refusing 
1242 


44  IT  Our  fathers  had  the  tabernacle  of  a.  d.  33. 
witness  in  the  wilderness,  as  he  had  appointed, 
speaking*  unto  Moses,  that  he  should  make  it 
according  to  the  fashion  that  he  had  seen." 

45  Which  also  our  fathers  that  came  after* 
brought  in  with  Jesus  into  the  [)Ossession  of  the 
Gentiles,"  whom  God  drave  out  before  the  face  of 
our  fathers,  unto  the  days  of  David  ;p 

40  Who  found  lavor  before  God,*"  and  desired  to 
find  a  tabernacle  for  the  God  of  Jacob/ 

47  But  Solomon  built  him  a  house.'* 

48  Howbeit,  the  Most  Highdwelleth  not  in  tem- 
ples made  with  hands;'  as  saith  the  prophet, 

49  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and  earth  /.s  my  foot- 
stool: what  house  will  ye  build  me?  saith  the 
Lord:  or  what  is  the  ])laco  of  my  i-est?" 

50  Hath  not  my  hand  made  all  these  things? 

51  Ye  stiff-necked^'  and  uncircumcised  in  heart 
and  ears,"  ye  do  always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost:  as 
your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye. 

52  Which  of  the  prophets  have  not  your  fathers 
persecuted?"  and  they  have  slain  them  which 
showed  before  of  the  coming  of  the  Just  One;''  of 
whom  ye  have  been  now  tlie  betrayers  and  mur- 
derers : 

53  Who  have  received  the  law  by  the  disposition 
of  angels,'-  and  have  not  kept  it. 

54  it  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  were 
cut  to  the  heart,"  and  they  gnashed  on  him  Avitli 
t/uir  teeth. 

55  But  he,  lieing  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,''  looked 
up  steadfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw  the  ghnw  of 
God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the  right  hand  of  God, 

56  And  said.  Behold,  1  see  the  heavens  opened,'' 
and  the  Son  of  man  standing  on  the  right  hand  of 
God." 

57  Then  they  cried  out  with  a  loud  voice,  and 
stop])ed  their  ears,  and  ran  upon  him  with  one 
accord, 

58  And  cast  /lim  out  of  the  city,'' and  stoned  /lim: 
and  the  witnesses  laid  down  their  clothes  at  a  young 
man's  feet,'  whose  name  was  Saul.^ 


oJn,h.3:H.  P  Nell.  9:24;  l'»a.  44:2;  7a:.55.  q  1  Sam.  16:1.  riciir.a2:7. 
si  Kings  6:1,  clc;  »:211.  I  1  Kings  f:27 ;  ch.  17:24.  u  |,a.  66:1,  2.  »  Kxtid. 
32:9;  hi.  4S:4.  «■  Lev.  26:41  ;  Jer.  9:20;  Horn.  2:2S,  29.  «  2  Chr.  36:16; 
IThes..  2:15.  ych.  3:14.  x  Gal.  3:19.  »  cli  5:33.  b  ch.  6:5.  c  Ezek. 
1:1.  >lDan.7:13.  e  Luko  4:29;  Heb.  13:12,  13.  '<:h.6:13.  »oh.S:l,3| 
22:20. 

to  follow  his  directions.  As  your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye;  he 
comes  now  to  the  :ip])licati<)n  of  his  narrative,  in  which  he 
has  made  ])rominent  the  disobedience  of  the  ))eople  to 
Moses,  and  their  attachment  to  idolatry  in  the  wildcnioss, 
verses  3.'),  39-13;  as  much  as  to  say,  .As  your  fallicrs 
treated  Moses,  so  do  you  Iri'at  lh:it  I'niphi^l,  iiUc  unto 
Moses,  of  whom  ho  prophesied. 

r>2.  The  Just  One;  Jesus  Christ.  Acts  3:11;  2  Cliron. 
3r.:lfi;  .\latl.  2C:M;;  27:2()-2(I;  John  19:12-18. 

53.  The  disposition ;  the  ministration.  Deut.  33:2;  (ial. 
3:19;  Ileb.  2:2. 

.')4.   Cut  ti)  the  heart ;  (■xcoeiIiii;;ly  enraged. 

.07.  Slappril  their  ears;  as  if  unwilliiif;  to  hear  words 
which  they  allccted  to  rej^ard  iis  blasphemous. 

."is.  The  vitiiesses  laid  dinvn  their  clothes;  the  false  wit- 
nesses mentioned  in  chap.  (i:i:i.  They,  according  to  the 
liiw,  were  to  cast  the  first  stones ;  and  they  laid  aside  their 
iip|M'r  pirments,  that  tiny  mit;ht  ilo  this  with  greater 
effect.  Lev.  24:11-111;  Deut.  17:7.  .S'»h/;  this  is  the  first 
mention  of  him  who  was  afterwards  tliu  great  apostle  of 
the  Ucutilcs. 


A  great  'persecution. 


ACTS  VIII. 


Philip  in  Samaria. 


A.  a  33.     59  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon 
God,  and  saying,  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit." 

60  And  he  ivnceled  down,  and  cried  with  a  loud 
voice.  Lord,  lay  not  tliis  sin  to  their  charge.''  And 
when  he  had  said  this,  he  fell  asleep. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  By  occasion  oT  the  persecution  in  Jerusalem,  the  church  bein^  planted 
in  Samaria,  5  by  Piiitip  the  deacon,  who  preached,  did  miracles,  and 
baptized  many,  among  the  rest  Simon  the  sorcerer,  a  f;reat  seducer  of 
the  people ;  14  Peter  and  John  come  to  confirm  and  enlarge  the  churchy 
■where,  by  prayer  and  imposition  of  hands  giving  the  Holy  Ghost,  18 
when  Simon  would  have  bought  the  like  power  of  them,  20  Peter 
sharply  reproving  his  hypocrisy  and  covetousness,  and  exhorting  hitii 
to  repentance,  together  with  John  preaching  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
return  to  Jerusalem.  '26  But  the  angel  sendeth  Philip  to  teach  and 
baptize  the  Ethiopian  eunuch. 

AND  Saul  was  consenting  unto  his  death.""  And 
at  tliat  time  there  was  a  great  persecution 
against  tlie  cliurch  which  was  at  Jerusalem  ;  and 
they  were  all  scattered  abroad  througliout  the 
regions  of  Judea  and  Samaria,''  except  tiie  apos- 
tles. 

2  And  devout  men  carried  Steplien  to  his  burial, 
and  made  great  lamentation  over  him. 

3  As  for  Saul,  he  made  havoc  of  the  church,  en- 
tering into  every  house,  and  haling  men  and  women, 
committed  them  to  prison." 

4  Therefore  they  that  were  scattered  abroad 
went  everywhere  preaching  tlie  word. 

5  Then  Philip  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria,'' 
and  preached  Clirist  unto  them. 


'  Psa.  31:5;  Luke  ■i3AB.  b  Matt.  5:44;  Luke  a3:M.  »  ch.  7:58.  d  ch. 
11:19  =ch.  a6:IU,  11  ;  Ga.1.  1:13.  foh.6:5.  e  a  Chr.  311:13.  hJohn4;41. 
4i.     iMirklG:17      J  .Mark  2:3-11;  ch.  9:*!,  34.    kMatt.ll:5      loh.l3:e; 


.59.  Calling  upon — and  saying,  Lord  Jesus;  the  word  God 
is  not  in  the  original,  as  its  being  printed  in  italics  shows. 
The  prayer  was  offered  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  it  was  the 
custom  of  the  Christians  in  the  days  of  the  a])ostles  to 
pray  to  him.  Luke  23:42,  43;  Acts  9:21;  22:16;  1  Cor. 
1:2. 

60.  This  sin ;  the  sin  of  murdering  him  on  account  of  his 
friendship  to  Christ.  Matt.  5 :  44 ;  Luke  23 :  34.  Fell  asleep ; 
peacefully  died,  and  was  received  to  glory  by  Jesus  Christ, 
to  whom  lie  prayed. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Opposers  of  religion  who  make  inquiries  about  it, 
should  be  treated  with  courtesy  and  kindness.  In  answer- 
ing their  questions,  we  should  endeavor  to  enlighten  their 
minds  with  regard  to  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  may  lead  them 
to  believe  in  him.     2  Tim.  2:25. 

17.  God's  promises  and  threatenings  all  have  a  set  time 
for  their  accomplishment ;  and  when  that  time  approaches, 
his  providences  will  be  so  ordered  as  to  secure  their  exact 
and  perfect  fulfilment.,  llab.  2:3;  jMatt.  24:35. 

27.  Persons  who  are  most  evidently  in  tlie  wrong  are 
generally  the  most  forward  and  earnest  in  opposing  those 
who  would  set  them  right;  and  the  best  endeavors  to  per- 
suade men  to  live  in  peace  are  often  met  with  insolence, 
reproach,  and  contempt. 

35.  In  obscurity  and  retirement  God  often  prepares  men 
for  the  discharge  of  great  and  momentous  public  duties; 
and  when  tlie  jiropcr  time  arrives,  he  so  orders  events 
tliat  tliey  cannot,  without  rebelling  against  him,  refuse  to 
leave  their  retirement  and  enter  upon  tho  responsibilities 
and  toils  of  public  life. 

49.  j\Ien  may  so  idolize  a  time,  a  place,  or  ;in  (nilward 
form  of  worship,  as  entirely  to  unfit  them  to  worship  him 
who  is  a  Sjiirit  "in  spirit  and  in  truth,"  and  lead  them 
violently  to  opjiose  and  bitterly  to  persecute  those  who 
maintain  that  none  but  si)iritiial  worshi]ipcrs  can  at  any 
time  or  in  any  place  or  form  be  accepted  of  him. 
.    61.  The  manner  in  which  tho  Holy  Ghost  and  those 


6  And  the  people  with  one  accord  gave  heed 
unto  those  things  wliicli  Philip  spake,''  hearing 
and  seeing  the  miracles  wliicli  lie  did." 

7  For  unclean  spirits,  crying  with  loud  voice, 
came  out  of  many  that  were  possessed  with  thcm:^ 
and  many  taken  with  palsies,-'  and  that  were  lame," 
were  healed. 

8  And  there  was  great  joy  in  that  city. 

9  But  there  was  a  certain  man,  called  Simon, 
which  bcforetime  in  the  same  city  used  soi-cery,' 
and  bewitched  the  people  of  Samaria,  giving  out 
that  himself  was  some  great  one:"' 

10  To  whom  they  all  gave  heed,"  from  the  least 
to  the  greatest,  saying.  This  man  is  the  great 
power  of  God. 

11  And  to  him  they  had  regard,  because  that  of 
long  time  he  had  bewitched  tliem  with  sorceries." 

12  But  when  they  believed  Philip,"  preaching  the 
things  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ,''  they  were  baptized,  both 
men  and  women. 

13  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also:  and  when 
he  was  baptized, he  continued  with  Philip, and  won- 
dered, beholding  the  miracles  and  signs*  which 
were  done. 

1-1  1  Now  when  the  apostles  which  were  at  Je- 
rusalem heard  that  Samaria  had  received  the  word 
of  God,  they  sent  unto  them  Peter  and  John : 

15  Who,  when  they  were  come  down,  prayed  for 
them,  that  they  might  receive  the  Holy  Ghost : 


Rev.  22:15.     m  ch.  5::36;  2  Tim.  3:2.  5.     n  2  Cor.  11 :  19.     oGal.3:l.     P  ver. 
37;  ch.  2:41.    q  ch.  1:3.    '  Gr.  signs  and  great  miracles. 


who  have  been  under  his  influence,  have  in  all  ages  been 
treated,  shows  a  deep-rooted  enmity  in  the  human  heart 
against  God.  Hence  the  necessity  taught  by  Jesus  Christ 
in  John  3:3,  and  the  duty  inculcated  in  Job  22:21 ;  Ezek. 
18:31;  Acts  3:19;  2  Cor.  5:20. 

58.  Men  may  be  very  scrupulous  in  some  respects  in 
the  observance  of  forms  of  law,  while  in  others  they 
grossly  violate  both  its  letter  and  its  spirit ;  and  forms  of 
law,  as  well  as  professions  of  religion,  may  be  prostituted 
to  the  commission  of  flagrant  injustice  and  atrocious 
crimes. 

59.  The  Holy  Spirit  leads  those  who  are  un<lcr  his  influ- 
ence to  pray  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  ask  of  him  the  richest 
blessings,  not  only  for  themselves  and  their  friends,  but 
also  for  their  bitterest  enemies,  and  for  all  tlieir  fellow- 
men.  In  thus  honoring  him  as  they  honor  the  Father,  they 
glorify  him  on  earth,  and  prepare  to  dwell  with  him  in 
heaven. 

CPIAPTER   VIII. 

1.  Consenting;  concurred  in  putting  Stephen  to  death. 

3.  Made  havoc;  furiously  iiss;iiilted  and  laid  waste.  Hal- 
ing; or  hauling,  dragging  by  force. 

4.  T/(c  «'orr/,-  the  word  of  God,  the  gospel. 

5.  Philip ;  one  of  the  seven.     Chap.  6:5. 

9.  Sorcerij;  deceptive  arts,  pretending  to  foretell  future 
events.  Bewitched;  amazed  tlu'in,  filled  them  with  aston- 
ishment. It  is  the  word  which  in  ver.  13  is  translated 
wondered. 

10.  The  great  power  of  God ;  endowed  with  supernatural 
power. 

13.  Believed  :  (he  niir;tcles  wliich  he  witnessed  seem  to 
have  convinced  him  of  the  reality  of  the  divine  power  that 
aceoinp;inied  the  gospel,  though  he  had  very  false  ideas 
res]H'cting  it,  and  soon  showed  that  he  did  not  love  God 
nor  his  truth. 

1,').  The  llohj  Ghost;  his  miraculous  influences,  so  that 
they  might  work  mu'acles. 

1243 


Simon  the  sorcerer. 


ACTS  VIII. 


The  Ethiopian  eunuch. 


16  For  as  yet  he  was  fallen  upon  none  of  them :" 
only  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesug.'' 

17  Then  laid  they  their  hands  on  them,  and  they 
received  the  Holy  Ghost.'= 

18  1[  And  when  Simon  saw  that  throuirh  laying 
on  of  the  apostles'  hands  the  Holy  Ghost  was 
given,  he  oftered  them  money,'' 

19  Saying,  Give  me  also  this  power,  that  on 
wiiomsoever  I  lay  hands,  he  may  receive  the  Holy 
Ghn-^t. 

lio  But  Peter  said  unto  him,  Thy  money  perish 
with  thee,  because  tliou  iiast  thought  that  the  gift 
of  God  may  be  purchased  with  money." 

21  Thou  hast  neitiier  part  nor  lot  in  this  mat- 
ter:'' for  thy  iieart  is  not  right  in  the  sight  of 
God.« 

2ii  Repent  therefore  of  this  thy  wickedness,  and 
pray  God,  if  periiaps  the  tliought  of  thy  heart  may 
be  lorgiven  thee.'' 

'I'i  For  I  perceive  that  tlion  art  in  tlie  gall  of 
bitterness,'  and  in  the  bond  of  inicpiity.J 

24  Then  answered  Simon,  and  said,  Pi'ay  ye  to 
the  Lord  for  me,  that  none  of  these  things  which 
ye  have  spoken  come  upon  nie.'' 

25  And  tiiey,  wiien  they  had  testified  and  preach- 
ed the  word  of  tlie  Lord,  returned  to  Jerusalem, 
and  preaclicd  the  gospel  in  many  villages  of  tlie 
Samaritans. 

2()  Ti  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  spake  unto  Phil- 
ip, saying,  Arise,  and  go  toward  tlie  south,  unto 
the  way  tliat  goeth  down  from  Jerusalem  unto 
Gaza,'  wliich  is  desert. 

27  And  he  arose  and  went :  and  behold,  a  man  of 
Etiiio])ia,"'  a  cunucli  of  great  autliority  under  Can- 
dace  queen  of  tlie  Ethiopians,"  who  luul  tlie  charge 
of  ail  her  treasure,  and  iiad  come  to  Jerusalem  for 
to  worsliip," 


'Ch.  lU:-.'.  boh.  ■J:S3;  111:48;  19:5.6;  1  Cor.  1:13.  ■=  oh.  0:6;  Hcb  G:^. 
■1  ITim.  «:.').  •  -iKinm  5:15,  10;  Matt.  111:8;  oh.  10:<I5;  11:17.  '  Josh. 
22.45.  »  l'«a.  7-*:3«.  37;  Ezck.  H::).  h  Dan.  4:27;  2  Tim.  2:25.  i  Jcr. 
4:19;  H.-b.  12:15.  J  P.a.  110:10;  I'rov.  5:22;  Ua.  2.^:22.  k  Exod.  f:S; 
Nam.  21:7;  1  King»  13:8;  Job  42:S;  Ja«.  5:10.      I  Jo»h.  15:47.     m  Zcph. 


l!l.  Til ix  power ;  lie  supposed  tliat,  shovild  lie  receive  it, 
he  might  enrich  or  e.\alt  liiinself. 

20.  T/iy  money  perish ;  a  strong  expression  of  aiiliorreiice 
of  liis  Herii.slmesH,  criminahty,  and  danger. 

21.  In  thn  mailer ;  in  tlie  I>k-Hsing8  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
Work  in  which  Peter  and  .John  were  engaged. 

2:J.  Gall  of  billerncsi — bondof  nixjuily;  in  the  most  loatli- 
soiiie  bondage  to  sin. 

21.  Xoiie  of  llie.ie  tilings;  the  piinishinents  threatened. 

2.'i.  Miiny  villages;  through  which  they  passed  on  their 
way  to  .leruaalcm. 

2(i.  Gaza;  a  city  about  sLxty  miles  south-west  of  Jerusa- 
lem, towards  Egypt.  Winch  is  desert ;  these  words  are  sup- 
f)o8ed  by  some  to  refer  to  the  city  as  having  been  recently 
aid  waste.  But  they  more  probably  i>oint  out  the  road 
which  I'hiiip  was  to  take,  as  that  one,  of  two  or  more, 
which  r;iii  through  a  desert  region. 

27.  ivV/iio^xo;  a  country  south  of  Egypt.  To  worship;  this 
showeil  th;it  he  was  either  a  Jew  or  a  proselyte  to  the 
Jewish  religion. 

2U.  The  Spirit ;  the  Holy  Spirit. 

'SI.   Tlie  scripture  which  lie  read ;  [sa.  .5.'?:7,  fl. 

.■J3.  In  his  h'lmdiatinii ;  this  ipiotution  is  from  the  SeptU- 
agint,  or  (ireek  version  of  the  (Jld  Testament,  which  was 
probably  the  one  that  he  used.  Judgment ;  justice  was 
denied  liim,  ami  he  w;>8  unrighteously  put  to  death.  Yet 
he  lives  in  glory,  and  innumerable  multitudes  will  eternally 
1244 


28  Was  returning;  and  sitting  in  his  char-  a.  d.s*. 
iot,  read  Esaias  the  propiiet. 

29  Then  the  Spirit  said  unto  Philip,  Go  near, 
and  join  thyself  to  this  chariot." 

80  And  Philip  ran  thither  to  /(tm,  and  heard  him 
read  the  prophet  Esaias,  and  said,  Understandest 
thou  what  thou  readest?" 

31  And  he  said.  How  can  I,  except  some  man' 
sliould  guide  nie?'  And  he  desired  Philip  that  he 
would  come  up  and  sit  with  him. 

32  The  place  of  the  scripture  wliich  he  read  was 
this.  He  was  led  as  a  sheep  to  the  slaughter;  and 
like  a  lamb  dumb  before  his  shearer,  so  opened  he 
not  his  mouth: 

33  In  his  humiliation  his  judgment  was  taken 
away:  and  who  shall  declare  his  generation?  for 
his  life  is  taken  from  the  earth.* 

34  And  the  eunuch  answered  Piiilip,  and  said,  I 
pray  thee,  of  wliom  speaketh  the  prophet  this  ?  of 
himself,  or  of  .some  other  man? 

35  Then  Philip  opened  his  mouth,  and  began  at 
the  same  scripture,'  and  preached  unto  him  Jesus." 

3G  And  as  they  went  on  their  way,  they  came  unto 
a  certain  water :  and  the  eunuch  said.  See,  here  is 
water;  what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized?" 

37  And  Philip  said.  If  thou  believest  with  all  tliy 
heart,  thou  mayest."'  And  he  answered  and  said, 
I  believe  that  Jesus  Ciirist  is  the  Son  of  God.'' 

3<S  And  he  commanded  the  chariot  to  stand  still : 
and  they  went  down  both  into  the  water,  both 
Philip  and  the  cunucli;  and  he  baptized  liini. 

39  And  when  they  were  come  ii])  out  of  the 
water,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  caught  away  Pliilip,^ 
that  tlie  eunuch  saw  him  no  more:  and  he  went  on 
his  way  rejoicing.'- 

40  But  Philip  was  found  at  Azotus:  and  passing 
through,  he  preached  in  all  the  cities,  till  he  came 
to  Cesarea. 

.•t:IO.  n  Isa.  56:3-5.  o  2Chr.  0:.'i2,  :M.  P  I«a.  65:2) ;  Hok.  0:3.  q  Malt. 
1:1:23,  51;  Kph.  5:17.  r  Psa.  25:U;  liom  1U:14.  "  Isa.  53:7,  «.  I  Luko 
24:27.  u  ch.  1H:2S.  v  oh.  10:47.  "  Mark  16: 16;  vcr.  12.  x  John  11:27; 
lCor.l2:3;  lJohn4:15.    y  1  Kings  18:12;  Ezok.  3:12,  14.     «  Paa.  ill):  14, 

adore  him.  Who  ulialt  declare  his  generation?  see  note  to 
Isa.  53:8. 

3.').  Preached  unto  him  Jesus;  showed  him  that  it  was 
Jesus  of  whom  tlie  prophet  spoke,  and  jiointed  out  the 
way  of  salvatidM  through  him. 

'At.  With  all  thy  heart;  if  you  are  heartily  convinced  that 
Jesvis  is  the  ,Mc-ssi;ih,aiid  trust  in  him  for  salvation.  I  be- 
lieve; I  receive  him  ;ih  my  S;ivioiir. 

■10.  Aziitns;  a  city  c;illcd  in  tlie  illd  Tcsl;imeiit  ,\shilod, 
about  Ihirly  milcH  iiortli  of  (iiizn.  I  S:im.  C>:  1.  Cesurca;  a 
city  on  the  Mediterranean,  about  si.xty  miles  north-west  of 
Jerusalem. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  efforts  of  wicked  men  to  sto])  tlie  ])rogre88  of  tho 
gos])el  are  often  overruled  for  its  adv;incement ;  and  yet 
their  wickedness  is  as  great,  and  wiUiout  rciientance  llieir 
punishment  will  be  as  dreadful,  as  if  their  actions  had  nut 
lieen  overruled  for  good. 

12.  When  the  gospel  is  faithfully  preached,  and  accnm- 
[lanied  by  the  iiilluciiccs  of  the  Holy  Siiirit.  men  of  all 
classes  embrace  it.  The}'  may  have  followed  ;irlfiil  deceiv- 
ers, and  been  Hiiiik  in  s|iirilu;il  ihirkness  and  death;  yet 
when  tlii'y  lic-licvc  iwid  fnllow  lliui  wlio  is  lln'  liglit  of  the 
world,  lliey  forsake  their  blind  guides,  and  walk  no  longer 
in  darkness,  but  have  the  liglit  of  life. 

22.  .Men  may  greatly  disidease  (Jod  in  their  thoughts, as 
well  as  iu  their  words  aud  actions.    Each  one  should  there- 


Saul  ^oelh  to  Damascus,  and 


ACTS  IX. 


becomes  an  apostle  of  Christ. 


AD.35  CHAPTER  IX. 

1  S:iul.  going  towards  Damascus,  4  is  stricken  down  to  the  earth,  10  is 
called  (0  tlie  npostleship,  18  .and  is  baptized  by  Ananias.  20  He 
preacheth  Christ  boldly.     23  The  Jews  lay  wait  to  kill  him;  29  so  do 

,  the  Grecians,  but  he  escapeth  both.  31  The  church  having  rest,  Peter 
heali-lh  Eneas  of  the  palsy,  36  and  restoreth  Tabitha  to  life. 

AND  Saul,  yet  breatliinu:  out  tlireatenin<!:s  and 
.'^laughter  against  the  disciples  of  tlie  Lord," 
•went  unto  the  high-priest, 

2  And  desired  of  iiim  letters  to  Damascus  to  the 
sj-nagogues,  that  if  he  found  any  of  this  way,*whetli- 
er  they  were  men  or  women,  he  might  bring  them 
bound  unto  Jerusalem. 

3  And  as  lie  journeyed,  he  came  near  Damascus: 
and  suddenly  there  shined  round  about  him  a  light 
from  heaven:'' 

4  And  lie  fell  to  the  earth,  and  lieard  a  voice 
saving  unto  him,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou 
me?'= 

5  And  he  said,  Who  art  thou.  Lord  ?  And  the 
Lord  said,  I  am  Jesus  whom  thou  persecutest:  it 
is  hard  for  thee  to  kick  against  the  jiricks.'' 

6  And  he  trembling  and  astonished  said,  Lord, 
■what  wilt  thou  liave  me  to  do?"  And  the  Lord 
said  untn  him.  Arise,  and  go  into  the  city,  and  it 
shall  be  told  thee  what  thou  must  do. 

7  And  the  men  which  journeyed  with  him  stood 
speechless,  hearing  a  voice,  but  seeing  no  man.'' 

8  And  Saul  arose  from  the  earth ;  and  when  his 
eyes  were  opened,  lie  saw  no  man :  but  they  led 
him  by  the  hand,  and  brougiit  him  into  Damascus. 

9  And  lie  was  three  days  without  sight,  and  nei- 
ther did  eat  nor  drink. 

10  II  And  there  was  a  certain  disciple  at  Damas- 
cus, named  Ananias;'*  and  to  liiin  said  the  Lord  in 


»  Ch 

8:3; 

Gal 

1:13. 

•  Gr. 

the  way 

b  1 

Cor.  15 

8. 

=  Matt 

25: 

40,  45. 

0 

ch.  5:3!l. 

t  ch. 

Hi:  30. 

f  Dan.  1U:7. 

S  ch 

22:12. 

h 

Tim.  1 

:i:t. 

'  ver. 

•2 

J  1 

Cor. 

1:2 

•2  Tim 

2:  J-. 

.     k  ch. 

13:2; 

Riim.  1 

:i; 

1  Cor.  1 

.5:11) 

;  Gal. 

fore  kcop  his  heart  with  all  diligence,  and  pray.  "Cleanse 
tlion  tne  from  secret  faults,"  as  well  as,  ''Keep  me  back 
from  presumptuous  sins;"  that  not  only  the  words  of  his 
mouth,  but  the  meditations  of  his  heart  maybe  acceptable 
iu  the  sight  ofUod  onr  strength  and  Redeemer. 

23.  Men  whose  great  object  is  self-exaltation  have  very 
erroneous  views  ot  the  nal;ure  of  true  religion,  and  of  the 
character  of  those  who  pcssess  it:  when  many  profess 
religion,  such  men  sometimes  unite  with  them,  but  after- 
wards by  their  conduct  show  that  tlieir  professions  were 
.false,  and  that  they  have  no  love  to  the  gospel,  and  no  part 
in  it.s  lilessings. 

35.  When  persons  wish  to  know  the  will  of  God  for  the 
purpose  of  doing  it,  and  in  order  to  this  are  in  the  habit  of 
searching  the  Hcri]iture3,  God,  in  his  providence,  will  en- 
lighten them  ;  and  the  knowledge  of  Christ  which  lie  com- 
municates to  a  single  individual  may,  in  its  intiuence,  be 
felt  through  kingdoms  and  to  future  ages. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1.  Hi^h-priest;  he  was  president  of  the  Sanhedrim  nr 
great  .Jewish  council,  and  signed  letters  in  llieir  iiaiiie  and 
with  their  authority. 

2.  Dumuscus;  a  city  of  Syria,  about  a  hundred  and  twenty 
miles  north-east  of  Jerusalem.  To  l/ic  siiniigos;i(cs;  to  the 
elders  or  rulers  of  the  synagogues  in  Damascus,  giving  him 
full  power  to  act  in  the  matter,  and  re(|niriiig  their  coi.ip- 
eration.  Ainioft/ii.i  wnij ;  the  way  of  the  Lord — any  of  his 
disciples,  ilijiht  hrinir  tlicm  bound  unto  Jcrutdlcin ;  to  bo 
tried  by  the  .Jewish  council  and  imnishcd.  Tins  wmild 
require  the  ooiiperation  not  only  of  the  synagogues  in  Da- 
mascus, but  of  the  civil  authorities  also,  which  was  often 
gntnted  upon  solicitation. 


a  vision,  Ananias.   And  he  said,  Behold,  I  am  here, 
Lord. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Arise,  and  go 
into  the  street  which  is  called  Straight,  and  inquire 
in  the  house  of  Judas  for  one  called  Saul,  of  Tarsus : 
for  behold,  he  praycth, 

12  And  hath  seen  in  a  vision  a  man  named  Ana- 
nias coining  in,  and  putting  his  hand  on  him,  that 
he  might  receive  his  sight. 

13  Tlien  Ananias  answered.  Lord,  I  have  heard 
by  many  of  this  man,  how  much  evil  he  hath  done 
to  thy  saints  at  Jerusalem:'' 

14  And  hero  he  hath  authority  from  the  chief 
priests'  to  bind  all  that  call  on  thy  name.-' 

15  But  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Gto  thy  way:  for 
he  is  a  chosen  vessel  unto  nie,''  to  bear  my  name 
before  the  Gentiles,'  and  kings,"'  and  the  children 
of  Israel:" 

16  For  I  will  show  him  how  great  things  he 
must  suffer  for  my  name's  sake." 

17  Aiid  Ananias  went  his  way,  and  entered  into 
the  house;  and  putting  his  hands  on  hini.P  said. 
Brother  Saul,  the  Lord,  even  Jesus,  that  appeared 
unto  tiiee  in  the  way  as  thou  earnest,  hath  sent  me, 
that  thou  miglitest  receive  thy  sight,  and  be  lilled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost.' 

18  And  immediately  tlierc  fell  from  his  eyes  as 
it  had  been  scales;  and  he  received  sight  forth- 
with, and  arose,  and  was  baptized. 

19  And  when  he  had  received  meat,  he  was 
strcngtliened.  Tiien  was  Saul  certain  days  with 
the  disciples  which  were  at  Damascus.'' 

20  And  straightway  he  )ireached  Christ  in  the 
synagogues,  that  he  is  tlie  Son  of  God. 


1-1.5 

Kph 

3 

7, 

ft.     1 

Rom. 

11: 

13; 

Ga 

.  2:7,  S. 

m 

ch. 

25:23 

etc. 

n  ch. 

2,-<-17 

,  etc. 

0 

ch. 

211:2:5 

;  2  Cor 

.  11 

■.■£i 

-27; 

2  Tim.  1 

:11 

12. 

I'ch. 

SS:17. 

qch. 

2:4. 

roh. 

2(i 

211 

;  Gal. 

1:17. 

5.  Tlie  Loril;  the  Lord  .Tesus  Christ.  Ver.  17,  27;  1  Cor. 
9:1;  15:8.  Hard;  painful  and  useless.  Pricks;  sharp  irons 
or  points  at  the  end  of  a  statf  or  goad  with  which  they 
drove  cattle.  It  was  a  proverbial  expression,  to  denote 
that  a  person's  efforts  against  others  would  only  injure 
himself 

7.  Stood  speechless,  hearing  a  voice,  but  seeing  no  man;  by 
comparing  the  present  account  with  chap.  22:9,  we  learn 
that  Saul's  compiinions  heard  a  voice  and  saw  a  light ;  but 
that  they  neither  understood  what  was  said  to  Saul,  nor 
saw  the  person  of  .Jesus. 

8.  Saw  no  man  ;  being  blinded  liy  the  glory  of  that  light. 
Chap.  22:11. 

9.  Three  days ;  this  meant  till  the  third  day,  or  one  whole 
day  anil  a  part  of  two  others.     Matt.  12:40;  l(i:21. 

jl.  Tarsm;  the  caidtid  of  Cilicia.  a  province  of  Asia 
Minor.  He  prayeth;  this  indicated  the  change  he  had  ex- 
perienced. 

12.  A  vision;  designed  to  prepare  Saul  for  his  interview 
with  Ananias. 

M.  Call  on  III y  name;  the  name  of  the  Lord  .Jesus.  Chris- 
tians ill  the  days  of  the  apostles  wore  distinguished  by  this. 
1  Cor.  1:2;  2  i'ini.  2:22. 

15.  A  chosen  vessel — to  bear  my  name;  I  have  selected  him 
to  make  me  and  my  salvation  known  to  Jews  and  Gentiles. 
Gid.  1:15-17. 

1(1.  He  must  suffer;  2  Cor.  11:23-28. 

17.  That  appeared  uuto  thee  in  the  way ;  that  Saul  saw  the 
person  of  the  I^ord  Jesus  is  implied  in  what  is  said  of  his 
companions,  that  they  8;iw  no  man;  and  is  allirmed  by 
.\naiiias  here  and  in  cha]i.  22:14.  I'aiil,  moreover,  men- 
tions it  as  a  necessary  (piiditication  of  an  apostle.   1  Cor. 9:1. 

20.   TheSonofGod';  the  Mcssitdi  foretold  by  the  prophets. 

1245 


Saul  lit  Jerusalem  and  Tarsus. 


ACTS  IX. 


Sncas  and  Tabilhi  restored. 


21  But  all  that  heard  him  were  amazed,"  and  said, 
Is  not  tliis  lie  that  der^troyed  them  whieli  called  on 
this  name  in  Jei-usalem,''"and  came  hither  for  that 
intent,  that  he  might  bring  them  bound  unto  the 
chief  priests  ? 

22  But  Saul  increased  the  more  in  strength,'^  and 
confounded  the  Jews  which  dwelt  at  Damascus, 
proving:  that  this  is  very  Christ.'' 

23  "  And  after  that  many  days  were  fulfilled, 
the  Jews  took  counsel  to  kill  him:'' 

24  But  tlieir  laying  wait  was  known  of  Saul. 
And  they  watched  the  gates  day  and  night  to  kill 
him.' 

25  Then  the  disciples  took  him  by  night,  and  let 
him  down  by  the  wall  in  a  basket.''' 

20  And  when  Saul  was  come  to  Jerusalem,''  he 
assayed  to  join  himself  to  tlie  disci])lcs:  but  tiiey 
were  all  afraid  of  him,  and  believed  not  that  he 
was  a  (lisei))le. 

27  But  Barnabas  took  him,'  and  l)rought  hiyn  to 
the  apostles,  and  declared  unto  them  how  he  had 
seen  the  Lord  in  the  way,  and  tliat  he  had  spoken 
to  him,  and  how  he  had  preached  boldly  at  Damas- 
cus in  the  name  of  .lesus.' 

28  And  he  was  with  them  coming  in  and  going 
out  at  Jerusalem. 

2!)  And  he  spake  boldly  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  disputed  against  the  Grecians :  but  tliey 
wont  about  to  slay  him.'' 

:}()  Which  when  the  brethren  knew,  they  brought 
him  down  to  Cesarea,  and  sent  him  forth  to  Tar- 
sus. 

:il  Then  iiad  the  churches  rest  throughout  all 
Judca  and  (lalilec  ami  Samaria,'  and  were  edi- 
fied ;'"  and  walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,"  and  in 
the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Uhost,"  were  multiplied.'' 

32  1  And  it  cameto  pass,as  Peter  passed  through- 

»  Gal  1:13,  •2-1  bch.8:3.  «  I'si.  t<4:7.  d  ch  1M:2^!,  e  ch.  2:1:13:  2S;3. 
f  P.i  .21:11  ;  :)7;:la,  ai;  aCor.  ll:2fl.elc.  f  Josh  2:1.').  liGal.l:ls.  i  ch. 
4:.lii.  J  rer.  ail-W.  kyer.-a.  I  P«a.  04:1.');  Zecli.  U:l  ;  ch.  8:1.  m  Rom. 
H:19.    "Pia.  80:11;  Col.  1:10.    o  .lohn  14:18,  17.    P  Zech.  8:2(I-!W.     q  ch. 


21.  This  name;  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

22.  Very  Clirist ;  the  true  Nf cssiiih. 

23.  Miinijdaip;  a  part  of  this  time  he  spent  in  Arabia,  a 
country  south  and  east  of  Judea.     (jal.  1:15-18. 

21).  Ai^'iijed;  attempted. 
27.  Hiininhan;  cliap.  4:3(i. 

29.  Grecians;  .Jews  and  i)ro8el3ie8  wlio  spoke  tlie  Greek 
lan^iiaj;e.     Cliap.  6:1. 

.'{!).  Ce^ircn;  eliap.8:40.    7(;rvi(,s;  liis native  eity.  Ver.ll. 

31.  Jii'Ica  and  Giddec  ami  Siimaria;  the  tliree  divisions 
intowliich  Palestine,  or  tlie  Holy  Luid,  was  divided.  Edi- 
fied; strengthened  and  advanced  in  kno\vleil|;o  and  piety. 

32.  Lijdda;  a  town  in  Judea  a  few  miles  south-east  of 
Joppa. 

31.  Mnkdhthee  wliole;  euretli  thee.  Peter  was  careful  to 
sliow  tliat  this  miracle  was  wrought  not  by  his  power, but 
by  the  power  of  (Jlirist. 

3.).  Sttron ;  a  fruitful  refjion  between  Joppa  and  mount 
Carmel, called  in  the  01iITest;uiient  Sharon.  I  t'hron..'»:  10 ; 
27 :  29  ;  Isa.  33 : 9 ;  3.'. :  2  ;  fi.i :  1 0. 

3r>.  Joppa;  a  town  on  lh(^  Mediterranean, about  forty-five 
miles  norlli-west  of  Jerusalem.  Tnhillm;  a  Kyriac  word, 
meaning  the  same  as  the  Greek  word  Dorcas.  Both  were 
applied  originally  to  the  j,'azelle,  an  animal  of  ),'reat  be.iuty. 

42.  lielicred  in  the  Lord ;  the  Lord  Jesus,  whom  Peter 
preached,  and  by  whose  jiower  he  wroiiKht  this  miracle. 
IN'.STKr(:TION.S. 

1.  Men  of  great  talents,  superior  rcligloua  advantages, 
and  extensive  learning,  may  be  so  opposed  to  Jesus  C'lurist 
1246 


out  all  qumiers,  he  came  down  also  to  the  a.  d.  aa 
saints  wiiich  dwelt  at  Lydda. 

33  And  there  lie  found  a  certain  man  named 
Eneas,  which  had  kept  his  bed  eight  years,  an^ 
was  sick  of  the  palsy. 

34  And  Peter  said  unto  him,  Eneas,  Jesus  Oiirist 
maketh  thee  whole  •.'^  arise,  and  make  thy  bed.  And 
he  arose  immediately. 

35  And  all  that  dwelt  in  Lydda  and  Saron'' saw 
him,  and  turned  to  tlie  Lord." 

36  *i  Now  there  was  at  .Joppa  a  certain  disciple 
named  Tabitha,  which  by  iiilcr]iretatioii  is  called 
Dorcas:*  this  woman  was  full  of  good  works  and 
alms-deeds  which  she  did.' 

37  And  it  came  to  pass  in  llioso  days,  that  sho 
was  sick,  and  died  :  whom  when  they  had  washed, 
they  laid  her  in  an  upper  chamber. 

38  And  forasmucli  as  Lydda  was  nigh  to  .Toppa, 
and  the  disciples  had  heard  tluit  Peter  was  there, 
they  sent  unto  liini  two  men,  desiring  him  tiiat  he 
would  not  delay*  to  come  to  them. 

39  Then  Peter  arose  and  went  with  them.  When 
hewas  come,  they  brought  him  into  tlie  upper  cham- 
ber :  and  all  tlie  widows  stood  by  him  weeping, 
and  showing  tiie  coats  and  garments  whicli  Dorcas 
made,  whih;  she  was  with  them." 

40  But  Peter  put  tlicm  ail  forth,'  and  kneeled 
down,  and  prayed;  and  turning  him  to  the  body 
said,  Tabitha,  arise.'"  And  she  opened  her  eyes: 
and  when  she  saw  Peter,  she  sat  up. 

41  And  he  gave  her  his-  hand,  and  lifted  her  up  ; 
and  when  he  had  called  the  saints  and  widows,  lie 
]iresented  iier  alive." 

42  And  it  was  known  tlirouglioul  ail  .loppa;  and 
many  believed  in  tlie  Lord.' 

43  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  he  tarried  many 
days  in  Joppa  with  one  Simon  a  tanner. 


.1:(i.  Hi;  4:111.  r  |  C|,r  .'i:  IB.  •  ch.  11  :ai  ;  S  Cor.  .1:10  •  Or.  lloe.  m  Kor, 
I  1  Tim. -2:10;  Tiui»-J:7.  M.  1  Or,  lie  grhvtd.  uEccl9:lU.  v  Matt.  0:25. 
>v  M.irl(  5:41.  4-.>;  John  11:4:).    x  1  Kings  17:«3.    y  John  12:11. 


as  to  wish  to  destroy  all,  both  men  and  women,  who  be- 
lieve in  him.     Acts  22:4,5;  2(i:!)-Il. 

4.  Wiekcd  men  in  ])crsccutin;:;('hristi;uisureiierKeriitiiig 
Christ.  I!ul  he  c;iii  reveal  himself  to  tliem  in  sueh  ;i  ni;iiiMer 
as  to  (ill  tlu'in  with  deep  coiist(riialion,;ind  le;id  thi'iii  with- 
out reserve  to  give  up  themselves  and  all  their  iiiteresta 
to  his  guidance  and  dis])nsal.     Acts  22:(i,  7;  2i;:12-:;(). 

5.  Ill  iierseeuting  Cliristiaiis,  men  injure  not  only  others, 
but  also  themselvi'S;  and  the  further  Ihey  proceed,  the 
more  they  linil  that  the  \v;iy  of  Iransgressors  is  hard. 

II.  When  men  oiler  from  the  hi'iirl  snpplic;itioiis  to  (!od, 
he  is  ready  to  visit  Ihcni  in  mercy;  ;inil  to  lliose  who  un- 
derstand his  character  and  Wiiys,  it  is  idwiiys  eneonnigiiig 
to  learn  concerning  any  one,  that  he  prays. 

20.  No  niiui  knows,  when  he  st;irls  on  a  journey,  wii:it 

will  t;ike  phicc  before  he  returns,    lie  niiiy  be  c;dliMl  lo  pass 

I  through  scenes  and  to  disclnirge  duties  totally  dillcreiit 

from  what  he  exjic'ctcMl.     A  man's  he;irl  devisclh  his  way, 

but  the  Lord  direcletli  his  steps.      I'rov.  I(i:H. 

Persecutors  may  become  |U'e;iehers.;Liid  those  who  went 
out  to  mnrd(>r,  return  to  save. 

23.  Wiekcd  men  ;ire  often  disposed  to  use  violence 
against  tliosi' who  difl'er  from  them  in  religion.  They  will 
favor  a  man  who  is  opi-nly  hostile  to  Christ ;  but  if  he  be- 
lieves on  him,  tiny  iire  rea<ly  to  put  him  to  death. 

.39.  Persons  who  are  very  benevolent  and  useful  in  life, 
will  be  alTeclioniitely  remr>mbered,  iind  greatly  lamented  in 
death  ;  and  all  their  works  performed  from  love  to  (iod  and 
to  men,  will  meet  a  gracious  and  alpundant  reward. 


Peter  seelh  a  vision, 


ACTS  X. 


and  soeth  to  Cesarea. 


AD".  CHAPTER  X. 

1  Cornelius  a  devout  man,  5  bein^  commanded  by  an  an^el,  sendeth 
for  Peter ;  1 1  who  by  a  vision  l-^,  '20  is  tau;^ht  not  to  despise  the  Gen- 
tiles. 3i  As  he  ^jreacheth  Christ  to  Cornelius  and  his  company,  44 
the  Holy  Ghost  falleth  on  them,  48  and  they  are  baptized. 

^T^IIERE  was  a  certain  man  in  Cesarea  called 
JL    Cornelius,  a  centurion  of  the  baud  called  the 
Italian  ba/id, 

2  A  devout  7nan,^  and  one  that  feared  God  with 
all  his  house,"  which  gave  much  alms  to  tlie  people,'^ 
and  prayed  to  God  always.* 

3  He  saw  in  a  vision  evidently,  about  the  ninth 
hour  of  the  day,  an  angel  of  God  coming  in  to  hira,'^ 
and  saying  unto  him,  Cornelius. 

i  And  when  he  looked  on  him,  he  was  afraid, 
and  said,  Wliat  is  it.  Lord?  And  he  said  unto 
him,  Thy  jtrayers  and  thine  alms  arc  come  up  for 
a  memorial  before  God.' 

5  And  now  send  men  to  Joppa,  and  call  for  one 
Simon,  whose  surname  is  Peter: 

6  He  lodgetli  witli  one  Simon  a  tanner,'^  wliose 
house  is  by  the  seaside:  he  shall  tell  thee  what 
thou  oughtest  to  do.'' 

7  And  wiien  tiie  angel  which  spake  unto  Cor- 
nelius was  departed,  he  calleil  two  of  liis  household 
servants,  and  a  devout  soldier  of  tlieni  that  waited 
on  him  continually; 

8  And  wlien  he  had  declared  all  t/iese  things  unto 
tliem,  he  sent  them  to  Joppa. 

9  1  On  the  morrow,  as  they  went  on  their  jour- 
ney, and  drew  nigh  unto  the  city,  Peter  went  up 
upon  the  house-top  to  pray,  about  the  sixtli  iiour:' 

10  And  he  became  very  iiuugry,  and  would  have 
eaten :  but  while  they  made  ready,  he  fell  into  a 
trance, 

11  And  saw  heaven  opened,-'  and  a  certain  vessel 
descending  unto  him,  as  it  had  been  a  great  siiect 
knit  at  the  four  corners,  and  let  down  to  the  cartli : 

12  Wherein  were  all  manner  of  four-footed  beasts 
of  the  earth,  and  wild  beasts,  and  creeping  things, 
anil  fowls  of  the  air. 


'  Ch. 

8:2 

29:13 

b 

Gen. 

18:19; 

P.sa. 

1(11:2-7; 

Eccl.  7:18 

eh. 

18:8. 

c 

Psa.  4 

:1. 

■i  Psa 

llfl 

•>:  I' 

rov  a:  a 

-5.     e 

Heb.  1:1 

.    t  Isi.  43:19. 

e  ch. 

!1 

4:1.     h 

eh. 

11:14. 

1  cl 

.11: 

.).  etc. 

J  ch. 

7:. 58:  Rev 

.19:11.     k 

Lev 

11:2. 

etc.;  ao 

«; 

Deut. 

14::> 

etc. 

Ezek. 

4:14. 

1  Mitt. 

15:11;  ver. 

28; 

Rom. 

CHAPTER  X. 

I.  Cesarea;  chap.  8:40.  Centurion;  captain  of  a  hundred 
men.  He  was  a  Geiitile  and  micirciiniciscd,  chap.  11:3,  but 
a  sincere  worsliipper  of  (Jod.  Italian  band;  a  band  of  Ro- 
man soldiers  from  Italy. 

3.  Ninth  hour;  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon;  one  of  the 
hours  of  daily  prayer. 

4.  Memorial ;  are  remembered,  noticed  with  approbation. 

5.  Joppa;  chap.  9:3G. 

C.  What  thou  nujrlited  to  do;  Cornelius  had  true  faith  in 
God  according  to  tlie  present  measure  of  his  liRht,  and 
hi.s  prayers  were  answered  in  the  reception  of  fuller  light. 
Malt.  13:12. 

y.  House-top;  the  tops  of  the  houses  were  flat,  and  jiions 
peo]ile  often  resorted  to  lliL-ni  for  meditation  and  ])niyer. 
iSVr//i  honr;  twelve  o'clock;  with  matiy,  one  of  the  .staled 
hour.s  of  prayer.     Psa.  ,W:17;  Dan.  6:10. 

10.  Trance;  a  state  in  which  he  became  insensible  to 
external  objects,  ;inil  absorbed  in  what  was  presented  to 
his  mind. 

II.  Knit;  f;istened  together.  Let  down  to  the  earth;  from 
heaven,  to  signify  that  the  offer  is  made  to  the  apostle  by 
God  himself. 


13  And  there  came  a  voice  to  him,  Rise,  Peter; 
kill,  and  eat. 

1-1  But  Peter  said,  Not  so,  Lord ;  for  I  have  never 
eaten  any  tiling  tliat  is  common  or  unclean.'' 

15  And  the  voice  spake  unto  him  again  the  second 
time.  What  God  hath  cleansed,  that  call  not  thou 
common.' 

16  This  was  done  thrice:  and  the  vessel  was  re- 
ceived up  again  into  heaven. 

17  Now  while  Peter  doubted  in  himself  what  this 
vision  whicli  he  had  seen  should  mean,  behold,  tlie 
men  which  were  sent  from  Cornelius  had  made 
inquiry  for  Simon's  house,'"  and  stood  before  the 
gate, 

18  And  called,  and  asked  whether  Simon,  which 
was  surnamed  Peter,  were  lodged  there. 

19  li  While  Peter  tliought  on  flic  vision,  the 
Spirit  said  unto  him,"  Behold,  tliree  men  seek  thee. 

20  Arise  therefore,"  and  get  thee  down,  and  go 
Avith  them,  doubting  nothing :  for  I  have  sent  them. 

21  Tiien  Peter  went  down  to  the  men  which  were 
sent  unto  him  from  Cornelius;  and  said,  Beliold,  I 
am  he  whom  ye  seek :  what  is  the  cause  wherefore 
ye  are  come'? 

22  And  tliey  said,  Cornelius  the  centurion,''  a 
just  man,  and  one  that  fearetli  God,  and  of  good 
report  among  all  the  nation  of  the  Jews,''  was 
warned  from  God  by  a  holy  angel  to  send  for  thee 
into  liis  house,  and  to  hear  words  of  thee. 

23  Then  called  lie  them  in,  and  lodged  them.  And 
on  the  morrow  Peter  went  away  with  them,  and 
certain' brethren  from  Joppa  accompanied  him.'' 

2-4  And  the  morrow  after  they  entered  into  Ces- 
area. And  Cornelius  waited  for  them,  and  had 
called  together  his  kinsmen  and  near  friends. 

25  And  as  Peter  was  coming  in,  Cornelius  met 
him,  and  fell  down  at  his  feet,  and  worshipped  him. 

26  But  Peter  took  him  up,  saying.  Stand  up;'  I 
myself  also  am  a  man. 

27  And  as  he  talked  witli  him,  he  went  in,  and 
found  many  that  were  come  together. 

14:14,  etc.;  t  Cor.  10:25;  1  Tim.  4:4.  mch.9:4.'J  nch. 11:12,  0ch.l5:7. 
P  ver.  1,  etc.  q  ch.  22:12;  Heb.  11:2.  r  ver.  45.  »  ch.  14:14,  15;  Rev. 
19:10;  22:9. 

12.  Alt  manner  of  four-footed  beasts — -and  fowls  of  the  air; 
clean  anil  unclean  alike. 

13.  Kill,  ami  cat;  he  rightly  understands  the  words  to 
mean,  kill  and  eat  any  one  of  the  animals  contained  in  the 
collection,  without  distinction  of  clean  and  unclean. 

14.  Common ;  not  sot  apart  as  pure.  The  reference  is, 
of  course,  to  the  Jewish  distinction  of  clean  ;ind  unclean 
aiiimal.s. 

15.  Hath  cleansed ;  declared  no  longer  nnclt\in  for  food. 
Under  this  symbol  of  tlie  abolition  of  the  Jewish  distinc- 
tion of  clean  and  unclean  animals,  is  signified  the  breaking 
down  of"  the  middle  wall  of  partition"  between  Jews  and 
Gentiles,  and  the  admission  of  the  latter  to  common  privi- 
leges with  Israelites. 

Hi.  Thrice;  three  times,  in  order  to  make  a  deeper  im- 
pression on  I'eter's  mind,  and  |irepare  him  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  Jews  and  Gentiles  alike. 

111.   The  Spirit;  the  Holy  Spirit. 

20.  VuulitiiiiX  withiii'^;  not  doubting  the  lawfulness  of 
going  to  Cornelius,  though  he  was  a  Gentile. 

22.  Words;  words  of  instruction. 

24.  Kinsmen ;  relatives. 

2.').   Worshipped;  prostrated  himself  before  him. 

2<i.  A  man  ;  oidy  a  man 

1247  • 


Pefer  preadieth  Christ  to 


ACTS  XI. 


Cornelius  and  his  company. 


28  And  lie  said  unto  them,  Ye  know  how  that  it 
is  an  unlawful  thing  for  a  man  that  is  a  Jew  to 
keep  company,  or  come  unto  one  of  another  na- 
tion-." but  God  hatii  showed  mc  that  I  should  not 
call  any  man  common  or  unclean.'' 

29  Therefore  came  1  unto  you  without  gainsaying, 
as  soon  as  1  was  sent  for :  \  ask  therefore  for  what 
intent  ye  have  sent  for  me? 

30  And  Cornelius  said,  Four  days  ago  I  was 
fasting  until  this  hour;  and  at  the  ninth  hour  I 
])rayed  in  my  house,  and  behold,  a  man  stood  be- 
fore me  in  bright  clothing,'' 

31  And  said,  Cornelius,  thy  prayer  is  heard,  and 
thine  alms  are  had  in  remembrance  in  tlie  sight  of 
God." 

32  .^cnd  therefore  to  Joppa,  and  call  hither  Simon, 
whose  surname  is  Peter  ;  he  is  lodged  in  the  house 
of  one  Simon  a  tanner  by  the  seaside:  who,  when 
he  Cometh,  shall  speak  unto  thee. 

33  Immediately  therefore  I  sent  to  thee;  and 
thou  hast  well  done  that  thou  art  come.  Now 
therefore  are  we  all  here  jiresent  before  God,  to 
hear  all  things  that  are  commanded  thee  of  God." 

34  •"  Then  Peter  opened  his  nioutii,  and  said,  Of 
a  truth  1  perceive  that  God  is  no  respecter  of  jter- 
sons:'' 

35  But  in  every  nation  he  that  fcareth  him,  and 
•worketh  rigliteousness,  is  accepted  with  him.-' 

3G  Tiie  word  which  God  scut  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  lireachinir  peace  bv  Jesus  Christ:''  he  is 
Lord  of  all:' 

37  That  word,  /  say,  ye  know,  whicli  was  pub- 
lished throughout  all  Jmlea,  and  began  from  Gal- 
ilee, after  the  baptism  which  John  preached  ; 

38  How  God  anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth  with 
the  Holv  Giiost  and  with  ])Ower  -J  who  went  about 
doing  good,"  and  healing  all  that  were  oppressed 
of  the  devil ;'  for  God  was  with  him.'" 

3!)  And  wc  are  witnesses  of  all  things  which  he 


»  John  4:U.  >>  ch.  1.^:!',  B;  E|ih.  3:0.  c  Matt.  *;3;  ch.  1:10.  d  Dan. 
111:1-2;  »er.  4,  etc.;  Heb.  (1:10.  «  Di-ut  5:27.  f  Deut.  10:17;  2  Chr.  19:7; 
Job  ai:19;  R"m  2:11;  Gal.  •.':0;  1  I'm.  1:17.  f  Rom.  -i:!:).  Ti\  A-.ii.  -JO; 
lO.I'i,  l:l;  Kph.  4:1.1-1!-'.  k  I«a.  57:1U;  Col.  1:-.U  i  Paa.  il:7-IO;  Malt. 
25:1,1;  Rom.  I1:U;  1  Cor.   15:47;  Kph.   l:a)--ij;  1  Pel.  3:44;  Rev.  17:11. 


28.  Unlawful;  viewed  by  tlic  Jcwb  as  improper.  Gcd 
fiath  showed  me;  in  the  vision  whicli  lie  liad  seen. 

2!).   (iaiiisdijinf^ ;  irnikiiif;  ulijoction. 

.34.  iVo  respecter  of  persons ;  he  accepts  and  Vilesses  all 
pioU8  jiersoiis,  whatever  their  nation  or  condition. 

3G.  Tlic  word;  the  gospel  or  way  of  salvation  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

'SI.  Tiint  word — ije  know;  tliey  had  some  general  know- 
ledge of  the  life  and  works  of  Christ. 

3K.  Anointed  Je.tU'i;  set  him  aii;irl,  :iiid  furniKhed  him  to 
be  the  Siivioiir  of  men. 

39.  A  tree;  tlie  cross. 

42.   Quick;  the  living. 

44.  Fell  on  alt  litem;  endowed  Ihem  with  miraculous 
powers,  and  cn;il)led  tlum  to  speak  in  languages  which 
they  li;id  never  Iciirmd.     .Matt.  3:11;  chap.  2:2-4. 

4:>.  Theij  of  the  circumcision ;  tlie  brethren  that  accompa- 
nied him  irom  Jopjia,  verse  2:5. 

48.  In  the  mime  of  the  I^rd ;  in  public  acknowledgment 
of  their  receiving  him  as  their  Saviour,  and  becoming  his 
diaciplcH. 

INSTI'.CCTIONS. 

4.  A  beneficent  disposilion  is  greatly  increased  by  llie 
habit  of  daily  prayer,     liotli  united,  and  sjiringing  from 
love  to  God  ami  to  men,  form  an  offering  which,  through 
grace,  is  peculiarly  acceptable  to  God. 
1248 


did  both  in  the  land  of  the  Jews,  and  in  Je-  a  d.  ji. 
rusalem  ;"  whom  they  slew  and  hanged  on  a  tree: 

40  Him  God  raised  up  the  third  day,"  and  showed 
him  openly ; 

41  Not  to  all  the  jieople,''  but  unto  witnesses 
chosen  before  of  God,''  nrn  to  us,  who  did  eat  and 
drink  with  him  after  he  rose  from  the  dead. 

42  And  he  commanded  us  to  preach  unto  the 
people,'  and  to  testify  that  it  is  he  which  was  or- 
dained of  God  to  be  the  Judge  of  quick  and  dead.' 

43  To  him  give  all  the  pro])hets  witness,'  that 
through  his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall 
receive  remission  of  sins." 

44  T  While  Peter  yet  spake  these  words,  the  Holy 
Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the  word.^' 

45  And  they  of  the  circumcision  which  believed 
were  astonished,  as  many  as  came  with  Peter,'"  be- 
cause that  on  the  Gentiles  also  was  poured  out  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

4(5  For  they  heard  them  speak  with  tongues,'^  and 
magnify  God.     Then  answered  Peter, 

47  Can  any  man  forbid  water,  that  these  should 
not  be  bajitized,'  which  have  received  the  Holy 
Ghost  as  well  as  we? 

48  And  he  commanded  them  to  be  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  Then  prayed  they  him  to 
tarry  certain  days. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  Petpr.  being  accused  for  going  in  to  the  Gentiles,  5  maketh  his  defence, 
18  which  is  accepted.  19  The  gospel  being  spread  into  I'henice,  and 
Cyprus,  and  Antioch,  Barnabas  is  sent  to  conKrm  them.  •,'(!  The 
disciples  there  are  lir.st  called  Christians.  27  They  send  relief  to  tho 
brethren  in  Judea  in  time  of  famine. 

AND  the  apostles  and  brethren  that  were  in 
Judea  heard  that  the  Gentiles  had  also  re- 
ceived the  word  of  God. 

2  And  when  Peter  was  come  up  to  Jerusalem, 
they  that  were  of  the  circumcision  contended  with 
him,' 

J  I.nkc4:18;  Heb.  I:(l.  k  Malt.  14:  LS.  I  IJnhn  3:8.  ir.John3:4.  n  Luke 
4M-:;  ch.  4:^14.  «  Matt.  ffl:l.  4.  1>  .John  14:44;  40,  41.  q  John  15. lU. 
r  Matt.  4S:1!1,  40.  i  John  5:44.  47;  eh.  17:31;  4  Cor.  5:10;  I  I'et.  4:5. 
t  l.uke  41-47,  41;  John  5:30.  a  John  3:14-17;  Rom  10:11.  >  ch.  4:31. 
wvcr.  43.     X  ch.  4:4.     ych.  .S:1'4.     i  ch.  10:41,  aS;  Gal.  4:  ]4. 

9.  When  God  is  about  to  call  his  people  to  the  discharge 

f)f  8peci;il  duties,  he  often  in  a  si)ecial  ni;uiner  iireparcs 
them  ;  and  though  ;it  llie  time  they  may  not  si-t-  the  rc;ison8, 
or  uiideistund  the  nu-aiiiug  of  his  ile;ilin^s,  the  sulisi-i]Ui-iit 
dispensations  of  his  jirovidcnce  m;iy  clc':ii-ly  reve:il  them. 

20.  .\s  I'cler  was  only  mim,  he  would  not  rc-ct-ive  ;uiy 
homage  or  respect,  cKcejil  wliiit  w;is  proper  for  other  men. 
Those  who  claim  nuu-e,  on  ;ic(-ouiit,  ;is  they  s;iy,  of  being 
his  suect-ssors,  nuuiifest  a  spirit  totally  dilfereiil  from  his. 

33.  When  people  are  assembled  with  a  r(-;d  desire  to 
he;ir  from  ministers  of  the  gos])el  all  which  God  has  eoin- 
m;inded  tlii-m  to  iire;u-h.  it  is  an  eviilence  that  he  is  about 
abundtintly  to  bless  them.  While  the  minister  is  preach- 
ing, the  Holy  Ghost  often  so  inllueiiecs  their  minds  as  to 
lead  them  to  glorify  God. 

ClIAP'i'KR  XI. 

1.  The  Gentiles;  those  to  whom  Peter  preached  at  tho 
house  of  Cornelius. 

2,  Thri/ — if  llie  circumcision;  the  believing  Jews.  Con- 
lenilrd  with  him  ;  found  fiiult  with  him  for  associating  with, 
and  preai-hiiig  the  gosjiel  to  Gentiles,  e;dled,  in  ver.  3,  the 
un(-ircum(-ise<l.  They  hail  not  yet  iipprehemleil  the  great 
truth  communicated  to  I'eter  in  the  vision  at  .ropp;i,  that 
the  gospel  of  Christ  knows  no  distiiielion  bet-\vceii  Jews 
and  Ucntilcs. 


Peter,  being  accused, 


ACTS  XI. 


maketh  his  defence. 


A.  D.«.     3  Saying,  Thou  wentest  in  to  men  uncir- 
cumcised,  and  didst  cat  with  them. 

4  But  Peter  rehearsed  the  matter  from  tlic  begin- 
iiing,  and  exi>ounded  it  by  order  unto  them,  saying, 

5  I  was  in  tiie  city  of  Joppa  praying:"  and  in  a 
trance  I  saw  a  vision,  A  certain  vessel  descending, 
as  it  had  been  a  great  slieet,  let  down  from  heaven 
by  four  corners ;  and  it  came  even  to  me : 

6  Upon  the  which  when  I  had  fastened  mine  eyes, 
I  considered,  and  saw  four-footed  beasts  of  the 
earth,  and  wild  beasts,  and  creeping  things,  and 
fowls  of  the  air. 

7  And  I  heard  a  voice  saying  unto  me,  Arise, 
I'etcr ;  slay  and  eat. 

8  But  I  said.  Not  so.  Lord :  for  nothing  common 
or  unclean  hatli  at  any  time  entered  into  my  mouth. 

9  But  the  voice  answered  me  again  from  heaven, 
Wliat  God  hath  cleansed,  that  call  not  thou  com- 
mon. 

10  And  this  was  done  three  times:  and  all  were 
drawn  up  again  into  lieaven. 

11  And  behold,  immediately  there  were  three 
men  already  come  unto  the  house  where  I  was, 
sent  from  Cesarea  unto  me. 

12  And  tlie  Spirit  bade  me  go  with  them,"  noth- 
ing doubting.  Moreover  these  six  bretlu-en  accom- 
panied me,  and  we  entered  into  the  man's  house: 

13  And  lie  showed  us  how  he  had  seen  an  angel 
in  liis  house,  which  stood  and  said  unto  him,  Send 
men  to  Joppa,  and  call  for  Simon,  whose  surname 
is  Peter ; 

14  Who  sliall  tell  thee  words,  whereby  tliou  and 
all  thy  house  shall  be  saved." 

15  And  as  I  began  to  speak,  the  Holy  Gliost  fell 
on  them,  as  on  us  at  the  beginning.'' 

16  Then  rememltered  I  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
how  tliat  he  said,  John  indeed  baptized  with  wa- 
ter;" but  ye  shall  be  baptized  with  the  Holy 
Ghost.f 

17  Forasmuch  then  as  God  gave  them  the  like 
gift  as  he  did  unto  us,*-'  who  believed  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  what  was  I,  tliat  I  could  withstand 
God?" 


«  Ch 

Ul 

:!) 

etc. 

b  John 

1(5:13. 

c  1 

'sa.19 

7-11 

;  .Tohn 

(i:r.:!, 

09.     d  ch 

.  2:4. 

'  Milt. 

;i: 

1 

.loh 

n  1:20,33;  ch. 

1:5. 

fisa. 

44:: 

;  Joe! 

2:  a-. 

r  ch.15 

:S,  9. 

h  Rom 

y 

•.!l 

-m. 

'  Rom. 

W:l-i 

l.-i 

15:9, 

IB. 

i  ch. 

8:1. 

k  Matt. 

10:0. 

1  ch.  0 

1; 

U 

•jy. 

m  Luke 

l:liG. 

0 

ch.  15 

11); 

1  Thcss.  1:9.     o  ch. 

9:27. 

12.  Six  brethren;  the  believing  Jews  who  went  with 
Peter  from  Cesarea  to  Joppa.     Chap.  10:23,  45. 
14.  All  til  ij  lionsc ;  all  lii.s  family. 

16.  The  Liird ;  the  Lord  Jesus,  chap.  1:.'). 

17.  Withstand  God;  resist  the  clear  indications  of  his  will. 

18.  Thfij  lield  their  peace;  being  convinced  that  Peter  did 
riglit.  Repentance  unto  life;  that  which,  through  the  grace 
of  God,  secures  eternal  life. 

19.  Phcnice;  or  Phoenicia,  a  province  on  tho  coast  north 
of  Palestine,  the  chief  cities  of  which  were  Tyre  and  Sidon. 
Cyprus;  an  island  in  the  north-cast  part  of  tlio  Mediterra- 
nean sea.  Antioch;  a  city  of  Syria,  about  three  hundred 
miles  north  of  Jerusalem,  on  the  river  Oroiites,  not  far  from 
tho  Mediterranean. 

20.  Cyrnie;  a  province  and  city  in  the  north  part  of 
Africa.  Grecians;  Jews  speaking  the  Greek  language. 
I'.ut  .another  reading  of  the  original  is  Greeks;  that  is,  Gen- 
tile Greok.H.     This  latter  is  to  lac  iireferrcd. 

21.  The  hand  of  the  Lord;  ho  accompanied  their  preach- 
ing with  divine  |iower. 

22.  Sent  forth  Barnabas;  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  tho 
brethren  in  preaching  tho  gospel. 

19 


18  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their 
peace,  and  glorified  God,  saying.  Then  hath  God 
also  to  tlic  Gentiles  granted  repentance  unto  life.' 

19  "  Now  they  wliich  were  scattered  abroad 
u])on  the  persecution  that  arose  about  Stejilien,' 
travelled  as  far  as  Piienice,  and  Cyprus,  and  An- 
tioch, preaching  the  word  to  none  but  unto  the 
Jews  onlj'.'' 

20  And  some  of  them  were  men  of  Cyprus  and 
Cyrene,  which,  when  they  were  come  to  Antioch, 
spake  unto  the  Grecians,' preaching  the  Lord  Jesus. 

21  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  tlicm:'" 
and  a  great  number  believed,  and  turned  unto  the 
Lord." 

22  T"  Then  tidings  of  these  things  came  unto  the 
cars  of  the  church  which  was  in  Jerusalem :  and 
they  sent  forth  Barnabas,"  that  he  should  go  as 
far  as  Antioch. 

23  Wlio,  when  he  came,  and  had  seen  the  grace 
of  God,  was  glad,''  and  exhorted  them  all,''  that 
with  purpose  of  heart  they  would  cleave  unto  the 
Lord."' 

24  For  he  was  a  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  of  faith  :^  and  much  people  was  added 
unto  the  Lord.' 

25  Then  departed  Barnabas  to  Tarsus,"  for  to 
seek  Saul : 

26  And  when  he  had  found  him,  he  brought  him 
unto  Antioch.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  a  whole 
year  they  assembled  themselves  witli*  the  church, 
and  taught  much  people.'  And  the  disciples  were 
called  Christians  first  in  Antioch. 

27  1  And  in  these  days  came  prophets  from 
Jerusalem  unto  Antioch."' 

28  And  there  stood  up  one  of  them  named  Aga- 
bus,''  and  signified  by  tlie  Spirit  that  there  sliould 
1)0  great  dearth  throughout  all  the  world :  which 
came  to  pass  in  the  days  of  Claudius  Cesar. 

29  Then  the  disciples,  every  man  according  to 
his  ability,  determined  to  send  relief  unto  the 
brethren  which  dwelt  in  Judca:^' 

30  Wliich  also  they  did,  and  sent  it  to  the  elders 
by  the  hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul.'' 


P  3  John  4. 

•>  ch.  13 

:43 

;  14:22. 

r  Psa.  1 

-:3;  Prov.  2' 

:15 

26 

,  2  Cor.  1 

17. 

»cl,. 

(i:5. 

ver.  21 . 

u  ch.  9:27 

30.     -Or 

in.     V  Matt 

•JB 

U). 

"  ch.  2 

17; 

13:1 

Eph. 

4:11.    « 

oh. 

21:10. 

y  Rom. 

5:2G;  1  Cor. 

10: 

1; 

2  Cor.  9: 

,  5!. 

2ch. 

12:2.5. 

J 

23.  The  f^raee  of  God;  the  great  success  God  had  given 
tho  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  the  conversion  of  sinners. 
Wuh  purpose  of  heart;  that  with  a  steady,  heartfelt  purpose 
they  would  continue  to  obey  Christ. 

25.  jTar.sMs;  Paul's  native  city.    Chap.  !):11. 

26.  Assembled  themselves;  for  public  worshiji.  With  the 
church;  the  disciples  of  Christ. 

27.  Prophets;  a  class  of  inspired  teachers  in  the  primi- 
tive church.  1  Cor.  12:28;  14;  Ephes.  4:11,  12.  They 
unfolded  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  under  the  illumination 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  sometimes  foretold  future  events. 
Compare  chap.  21:10,  11. 

28.  Signifcd  hij  the  Spirit ;  made  known,  under  the  influ- 
ence of  tho  Holy  Spirit.  Dearth;  famine.  Claudius  Cesar; 
he  was  the  fifth  Roman  emperor,  and  reigned  from  a.  d. 
41  to  54.  This  famine  took  place  as  predicted,  and  is  par- 
ticularly noticed  by  Josephus,  tho  Jewish  historian.  An- 
tiq.,  chap.  2,  sec.  5. 

30.  Elders;  leading  men  in  the  churches. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
2.  The  church  at  Jerusalem  claimed  and  exercised  tho 
right  of  private  judgment  in  matters  of  religion.    They 

1240 


Herod  vexelh  t/ie  church 


ACTS  XII. 


Peter's  release  from  prison. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

1  Kincr  Herod  persecuteth  the  Christians,  kilieth  James,  .and  iinprisnn- 
eth  Peter;  wliom  an  an^el  delivereth  upon  the  prayers  of  the  churcli. 
20  In  his  pr  de  taking  to  himself  the  lienor  due  to  God,  he  is  stricken 
by  an  angel,  and  dieth  miserably.  21  After  his  death,  the  word  of 
(jod  prospereth. 

NOW  about  that  time,  Herod  tlie  kino;  stretchetl 
fortli  ki.s  liaiids*  to  vex  certain  of  tiie  clmrcli. 

2  And  he  killed  James  the  brother  of  John  with 
the  sword.'' 

3  And  because  he  saw  it  pleased  the  Jews,''  he 
proceeded  further  to  take  Peter  also.''  Then  \yere 
the  days  of  unleavened  bread.'' 

4  And  when  he  hud  appreiicniled  him,  he  put  /liin 
in  prison,  and  delivered  him  to  four  (piateruions 
of  soldiers  to  keep  him;  intending  after  Easter 
to  bring  him  forth  to  the  people. 

5  Peter  therefore  was  kept  in  prison  :  but  prayer 
was  made  without  ceasing*  of  the  church  unto 
God  for  him. 

G  And  when  Herod  would  have  brought  him 
forth,  tlie  same  night  Peter  was  sleeping  between 
two  soldiers,  bound  with  two  chains:  and  the 
keepers  before  the  door  kept  the  ]5rison. 

7  And  behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
/rim,  and  a  light  shined  in  the  prison:"  and  he 
smote  Peter  on  the  side,  and  i-aised  him  up,  say- 
ing. Arise  up  quickly.  And  his  chains  fell  off 
from  his  hands.' 

8  And  the  angel  said  unto  him,  Gird  thyself,  and 

•  Or.  began.  >  Matt.  4:-.>l;  31:4!  b  ch.  al:-.>7.  c  John  21:  IS.  d  Exod. 
12:11,  1.3.  t  Or,  instant  and  earnest  praytT  was  tnade ;  2  Cor.  1:11;  Kph 
6:l-i,  19;  1  Thess.  5:17;  Jas.  5:1B.    c  Psa.  37:32,  33;  ch.  5:19.     '  ch.  l(i:-.>«. 

had  no  idea  of  being  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  Peter, 
unless  he  would  give  them  good  reasons  for  it;  and  lie 
had  no  idea  tliat  they  ought  to  be  satisfied  in  any  other 
■way.  He  therefore  candidly  and  fully  stated  the  reasons 
which  had  satisfied  his  own  mind,  and  these,  through  the 
divine  blessing,  satisfied  theirs.  Hence,  it  is  evident  tliiit 
he  did  not  elaiin,  anil  tliat  they  did  not  believe  him  to  be 
poite,  or  to  possess  those  jirerogatives  which  have  been 
aBSUined  by  his  pretended  sueeessors. 

1«.  Tliough  it  is  tlic  duty  of  men  to  repent,  that  they 
maj'  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  yet  all  are  so  wicked  tliat 
none  will  repent  unless  led  to  do  it  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 
In  this  sense  repentance,  when  exercised,  is  the  gift  of 
God. 

21.  When  the  Lord  accompanies  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel  with  his  divine  power,  multitudes  will  believe  it 
and  turn  from  *heir  sins.  Hence,  liis  presence  and  jiower 
should  alwitys  be  sought  by  preachcrfl  and  all  who  desire 
the  success  of  the  gospel. 

24.  Though  it  is  the  power  of  God  whieli  makes  the  gos- 
pel the  means  of  salvation,  yet  goodness,  faith,  and  fidelity 
are  no  less  ncedlid  in  ministers,  than  if  they  were  to  be 
the  sole  cause  of  their  success. 

29.  An  experimental  reception  of  the  gospel  produces  a 
benevolent  ilisposition,  a  desire  to  do  good  to  all,  espec- 
ially to  the  friends  of  (Ilirist.  The  jiroper  measure  of  con- 
tributions and  efforts  is  the  ability  whieli  God  gives. 

CII.M'TER  XII. 

1.  Ihrnil;  Ili^rod  Agrippa,  grandson  of  llcrod  the  Great, 
mentioned  in  .Matt.  2:1.     Vrx;  trouble,  persecute. 

2.  James ;  one  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee,  Matt.  4:21,  called 
James  the  greater,  or  senior, to  distinguish  him  from  James 
the  less,  or  younger,  wlio  was  the  son  of  Alplicus.  See 
introduction  to  the  epistle  of  James.  Matt.  10:3;  Mark 
15:40. 

."i.  The  (lays  nf  unleavened  bread;  the  passover.    Exod. 
12:12-17;  Luke  22:1. 
4.  Four  quaternions;  four  companies  of  four  soldiers 
12.50 


bind  on  thy  sandals.  And  so  he  did.  And  a.  d.«. 
he  sailh  unto  him,  Cast  thy  garment  about  thee, 
and  follow  me. 

9  And  he  went  out,  and  followed  him  ;  and  wist 
not  that  it  was  true  which  was  done  by  tlic  angel ;" 
but  thought  he  saw  a  vision.'' 

10  When  they  were  past  the  first  and  the  second 
ward,  they  came  unto  the  iron  gate  that  leadeth 
unto  the  city;  which  ojieneil  to  them  of  his  own 
accord :  and  they  went  out,  and  passed  on  through 
one  street;  and  forthwith  the  angel  departed  from 
him. 

11  And  when  Peter  was  come  to  himself,  he  said, 
Now  1  know  of  a  surety,  that  the  I^ord  hath  sent 
his  angel,'  and  hath  delivered  me  out  of  the  hand 
of  Herod,  iu\d  from  all  the  exjicctation  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Jews.J 

12  And  when  he  had  considered  i/ie  thin^,  he 
came  to  the  house  of  Slary  the  mother  of  John, 
whose  surname  was  Mark ;  where  many  were 
gatliered  together  praying."^ 

Vi  And  as  Peter  knocked  at  the  door  (d'the  gate, 
a  damsel  came  to  hearken,'  iiaiiied  llhoda. 

1-1  And  when  she  knew  Peter's  voice,  she  opened 
not  the  gate  for  gladness,  but  ran  in,  and  told  how 
Peter  stood  before  the  gate. 

15  And  they  said  unto  her.  Thou  art  mtid.  But 
she  constantly  afiiriucil  that  it  was  even  so.  Then 
said  they,  It  is  his  angel.' 


S  Psa.  13li:l.  h  ch.  10:3,  17.  i  2  Chr.  10:0;  Psa.  34:7;  D.an.  3:a<i;  6:!K; 
Heb.  1:14.  J  Psa.  33:l!?,  19;  97:10;  2  Cor.  1:10;  2  Pel.  2:9.  k  vor.  S. 
I  Or.  10  ask  who  was  there.     1  iMitt.  li:  10. 


each ;  making,  in  all,  sixteen.  One  company  guarded  him 
three  hours,  and  was  then  relieved  by  another.  Easter; 
the  passover.  Easter  is  supposed  to  have  been  originally 
the  name  of  a  heathen  least,  which  occurred  in  the  month 
of  April.  It  was  afterwards  a|iplie(l  to  llie  Jewish  feast 
of  the  passover,  which  occurred  about  the  same  time. 
Tynd;d.  in  his  translation  of  the  HiMe  into  English  in  l.')2(), 
used  this  word  instead  of  ]i;issover.  and  our  English  trans- 
lators ill  Kill  retained  it  in  their  version.  Hut  there  was 
no  ('hristian  feast  called  Easter  in  the  days  of  Peter.  And 
the  word  Tascha  which  is  here  translated  Easter,  means 
passover, and  sliould  have  been  so  translated.  Jhing  him 
forlli ;  for  trial  an<l  condeiiination. 

(i.  Would  have  liroti'riil  lam;  w;is  about  to  bring  him. 
Same  niglil ;  the  night  before  the  day  of  his  intended  exe- 
cution, licluven  two  .mltlicrs,  liouiid  villi  two  clmiiis;  each 
wrist  was  chained,  after  the  lionian  niaiiner,  to  the  wrist 
of  the  adjac-ent  soldier. 

7.  Jlis  chains  fell;  in  a  miraculous  way. 

8.  Cird  thijsctf;  it  was  then  customary  to  jiut  a  girdle 
around  the  body  when  about  to  walk.  Stiiidiils;  these 
covereil  the  soles  of  the  feet,  ami  were  fastened  by  strings 
or  strajis.     7'Ai/  gartncnt ;  i\ir  mantle,  or  outer  garment. 

9.  il'isl  »n(.-  knew  not.  That  it  was  true;  that  it  was  a 
real  event,  as  distinguisheil  from  a  vision. 

10.  li'aril ;  this  word  generally  iikmuis  a  iirison,  but  hero 
it  means  the  first  and  si^cond  guard,  who  seem  to  have 
been  ])rcveiited  in  a  supurnatural  way  from  seeing  him. 
Iron  pate;  which  led  out  of  the  prison  to  the  city.  Of  his 
own  accord ;  of  itself  without  liuinan  aid. 

11.  Come  to  himself;  become  conscious  that  wh;it  li;iil 
happenecl  was  a  re;ility  and  no  vision. 

12.  John — Mark;  the  writer  of  "The  Gospel  according 
to  .Mark,"  and  the  companion  of  Paul  and  Barnabas.  Vor. 
25. 

15.  Art  mad;  deranged,  or  bereft  of  reason.  His  angel; 
his  gu;irdian  angel,  who  tlii^y  thought  had  attended  him, 
and  come  in  his  Inrni  to  iii;ike  known  something  concerning 
him. 


IIcroiFs  miserable  end. 


ACTS  XIII. 


Paul  and  Barnabas  sent  forth. 


A. D  44.  16  But  Peter  continued  knocking:  and 
when  tliey  liad  opened  the  door,  and  saw  liiin,  they 
were  astoni^;lled. 

17  lint  he,  beckoning  unto  them  with  tlie  hand 
to  hoM  their  peace,  declared  unto  them  how  the 
Lord  iiad  brouglit  him  out  of  the  prison.''  And  he 
said,  Go  show  these  things  unto  James,  and  to  the 
brethren.  And  he  departed,  and  went  into  anoth- 
er place. 

18  Now  as  soon  as  it  was  day,  there  was  no 
small  stir  among  the  soldiers,  what  was  become  of 
Peter. 

19  And  wlien  Herod  had  sought  for  him,  and 
found  liim  not,  he  examined  the  keepers,  and  com- 
manded that  they  should  be  put  to  death.  And 
he  went  down  from  Judea  to  Cesarea,  and  there 
abode. 

'IQ  II  And  Herod  was  highly  displeased*  with 
them  of  Tyre  and  Sidon  :  but  they  came  with  one 
accord  to  him,  and  having  made  Blastus  the  king's 
chamberlain*  their  friend,  desired  peace;  because 
their  country  was  nourished  by  the  king's  country.'' 

21  And  upon  a  set  day,  Herod,  arrayed  in  royal 
apparel,  sat  upon  his  throne,  and  made  an  oration 
unto  them. 

22  .Ind  the  people  gave  a  shout,  saying,  It  is  the 
voice  of  a  god,  and  not  of  a  man.'' 

23  And  immediately  the  angel  of  the  Lord  smote 
him,  because  he  gave  not  God  the  glory:  and  he 
was  eaten  of  worms,  and  gave  up  the  ghost. 


a  Psa.  G6:1G;  ch    1.3:16.     '  Or.  bare  a  hostile  mind,  intemlins  war.     t  Gr. 
tkat  was  over  the  king\s  bedchamber,     b  Ezek.  ^V;!?.     =  Jude  Ifi.     d  Col. 

17.  Unto  James;  not  James  the  son  of  Zebedee,  who  had 
been  slain.  Ver.  2.  He  is  the  same  James  that  is  men- 
tioned in  chap.  15: 13;  21:18;  and  is  generally  regarded  to 
have  been  James  the  less,  the  son  of  Alphens.  In  Gala- 
tians,  Paul  names  among  the  apostles  seen  by  him  on  his 
first  visit  to  .Jerusalem,  "  James  the  Lord's  brother."  Chap. 
1:19.  Afterwards  he  names,  chap.  2:9,  "James,  Cephas, 
and  John,"  as  "  pillars"  of  the  church  in  Jerusalem.  Wheth- 
er one  and  the  same  person  is  mentioned  in  these  two 
passages,  is  a  question  about  which  learned  men  are  not 
agreed.  See  introduction  to  the  epistle  of  James.  JVenl 
into  another  place;  to  avoid  the  rage  of  Herod. 

19.  The  keepers;  those  to  whose  care  Peter  had  been 
committed.     Cesarea;  chap.  8:40. 

20.  Tyre  and  Siilon ;  two  cities  of  Phccnicia,  on  the  Med- 
iterranean, north  of  Cesarea.  The  king's  chamhcrlatn ;  the 
officer  who  had  the  care  of  his  bedchamber.  Was  nour- 
ished; supplied  with  grain  and  other  provisions. 

22.  Gave  a  shout ;  flattered  him  with  boisterous  applause, 
as  if  he  were  more  than  human. 

21!.  Gaoe  not  God  the  glorij;  he  did  not  rebuke  their  im- 
pious llatlery,  but  was  glad  to  be  called  a  god,  and  receive 
divine  honors. 

21.  Grew  and  midliplied  ;  the  gospel  was  more  successful, 
and  the  number  of  behevors  greatly  increased. 

25.  liarnabas  and  Stud  returned  from  Jerusalem.;  they  re- 
turned to  Antioch.  Their  mimstry;  the  service  for  which 
they  were  sent.     Chap.  11:30. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  No  degree  of  piety  or  usefulness  ran  always  save 
Christians  from  persecution,  or  from  sudden  and"  violent 
,  death.  Yet  the  wicked,  wliile  they  thus  seek  to  destroy 
the  people  of  Goil,are  often  made  instrumental  in  deliver- 
ing thcni  from  all  trouble,  and  putting  them  into  immedi- 
ate possession  of  the  joys  of  heaven. 

."i.  In  all  seasons  of  trial  the  peoi)le  of  Cod  liave  an  un- 
failing support.  To  him  ihey  may  apply,  with  full  assur- 
ance that  he  deeply  sympathizes  in  their  tri:ds,  and  in  the 
best  time  and  w;^  will  grant  tliem  all  needed  aid. 


24  1  But  the  word  of  God  grew  and  multiplied." 

25  And  Barnabas  and  Saul  returned  from  Jeru- 
salem, when  they  had  fulfilled  their  ministry,*  and 
took  with  them  John,  whose  surname  was  Mark. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Paul  and  Barnabas  are  chosen  to  go  to  the  G-entiles.  7  Of  Sergius 
Paulus,  and  Elymas  the  sorcerer.  14  Paul  preacheth  at  Antioch, 
that  Jesus  is  Christ.  4'2  The  G-entiles  believe;  4,')  but  the  Jews  gain- 
say and  blaspheme;  46  whereupon  they  turn  to  the  Genliles.  48  As 
many  as  were  ordained  to  life  believed. 

NOW  there  were  in  the  church  that  was  at 
Antioch  certain  prophets  and  teachers;  as 
Barnabas,  and  Simeon  that  was  called  Niger,  and 
Lucius  oi^  Gyrene,  and  Manaen,  which  had  been 
brought  up  with  Herod^  the  tetrarch,  and  Saul. 

2  As  they  ministered  to  the  Lord,  and  fasted, 
the  Holy  Ghost  said.  Separate  me  Barnabas  and 
Saul  for  the  work  whcreunto  I  have  called  them.'' 

3  vViid  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and 
laid  their  hands  on  them,  they  sent  them  away. 

4  If  So  they,  being  sent  forl'h  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
departed  uiito  Seleucia;  and  iVom  thence  they 
sailed  to  Cyprus. 

5  And  when  they  were  at  Salamis,  they  preached 
the  word  of  God  in  the  synagogues  of  the  Jews : 
and  they  had  also  John  to  their  minister. 

6  And  when  they  had  gone  through  the  isle 
unto  Paphos,  they  found  a  certain  sorcerer,  a  false 
prophet,  a  Jew,  whose  name  icas  Bar-jesus : 

1-6.    1  Or,  rAor^e;  oh.  11:29,  30.    i  Or.  Herod's  foster-brother,    e  Gal.  1:10; 
1  Tim.  2:7. 


15.  It  is  sometimes  difficult  for  Christians  to  believe  the 
answers  of  their  own  prayers,  though  God  has  said  that  he 
is  more  ready  to  give  blessings  to  those  who  ask  him,  than 
earthly  parents  are  to  give  food  to  their  children.  Yet 
when  he  actually  gives  them,  they  are  so  speedy  and  abun- 
dant, that  his  people  are  astonished,  and  tempted  to  ascribe 
his  mercies  to  almost  any  thing,  rather  than  his  gracious 
interposition  in  answer  to  their  prayers. 

22.  Noisy  flattering  aj)plause  of  public  speakers  is 
adapted  to  injure  them.  It  tends  to  feed  their  pride,  lead 
them  to  forget  their  dependence  on  God,  and  prevent  them 
from  giving  glory  to  him. 

23.  Jehovah  is  a  jealous  God.  Those  who  claim  or  con- 
sent to  receive  honors  due  only  to  him,  or  to  assume  any 
of  his  prerogatives,  he  views  with  peculiar  abhorrence. 
Yet  Jesus  Christ  received  divine  honors,  and  pronounces 
those  blessed  who  bestow  them.  In  him  the  Father  is  well 
pleased,  and  he  commands  all  the  angels  in  heaven  to  wor- 
ship him.  Of  course  he  must  be  God.  John  1:1;  Heb. 
1:8;  1  John  5:20. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1.  Cijrene;  chap.  11:20.  Herod;  not  the  Herod  spoken 
of  in  the  preceding  cluiplcr,  but  bis  uncle,  Herod  Antipas, 
who  is  mentioned  in  l.nkir  3:1,  19. 

2.  Ministered  to  the  Lord;  were  engaged  in  divine  wor- 
ship. Separate;  set  apart.  The  work;  the  work  of  mis- 
sionaries to  the  pliiccs  afterwards  mentioned. 

3.  Laid  their  hands  on  them;  the  mode  of  sotting  them 
apart  to  their  work. 

4.  Seleucia;  a  seaport  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Orontes, 
about  fifteen  miles  from  Antioch. 

.').  Salamis;  a  city  in  the  south-east  part  of  Cyjirus.  .Tohn 
to  their  minister;  John  whose  surname  was  Mark,  as  tlieir 
assistant. 

ti.  Paphos;  a  city  on  the  west  side  of  Cyprus.  Sorcerer: 
a  magician,  or  fortune-teller ;  one  who  pretended  to  fore- 
tell future  events.  Bar-jesus;  meaning,  son  of  a  man  named 
Jesus,  or  Joshua. 

1251 


Paul  in,  Cyprus,  and  at 


ACTS  XIII. 


Antiodi  in  Pisidia. 


I  Which  -was  witli  the  deputy  of  tlie  country, 
Sergiur-  Paulas,  a  prudent  man ;  wlio  called  for 
Barnabas  and  Saul,  and  desired  to  hear  the  word 
of  God. 

8  But  Elymas  the  sorcerer,  (for  so  is  his  name 
by  interpretation.)  -withstood  them,''  seeking  to 
turn  away  the  deputy  from  the  faitli. 

9  Then  Saul,  who  also  is  called  Paul,  fdled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  set  his  eyes  on  him, 

10  And  said,  0  full  of  all  subtlety  and  all  mis- 
chief, thou  child  of  the  devil,  tlum  enemy  of  all 
righteousness,  wilt  thou  not  cease  to  pervert  the 
riglit  ways  of  the  Lord? 

II  And  now,  behold,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is 
upon  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  blind,  not  seeing  the 
sun  for  a  season.  And  immediately  there  fell  on 
him  a  mist  and  a  darkness ;  and  he  went  about 
seeking  some  to  lead  him  by  the  hand. 

12  Then  the  deputy,  when  he  saw  what  was  done, 
believed,  being  astonished  at  the  doctrine  of  the 
Lord. 

13  Now  when  Paul  and  his  company  loosed  from 
Paphos,  they  came  to  Perga  in  Pamphylia :  and 
John  departing  from  them,''  returned  to  Jerusalem. 

14  *i  But  when  they  departed  from  Perga,  they 
came  to  Antioch  in  Pisidia,  and  went  into  the 
synagogue  on  the  sabbath-day,''  and  sat  down. 

15  And  after  the  reading  of  the  law  and  the 
prophets,'"  the  rulers  of  the  synagogue  sent  unto 
them,  saying,  IV  men  and  brethren,  if  ye  have  any 
word  of  exhortation  for  the  jjcoplo,"  say  on. 

IG  Then  Paul  stood  up,  and  beckoning  with  his 
hand,  said,  Men  of  Israel,  and  ye  that  fear  God, 
give  audience. 

17  The  God  of  this  people  of  Israel  chose  our 
fathers,"^  and  exalted  llie  jieople  when  they  dwelt 
as  strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt,-  and  with  a 
high  arm  brought  he  them  out  of  it.'' 

18  And  about  the  time  of  forty  years  suffered  he 
their  manners'  in  the  wilderness.' 

19  And  when  he  had  destroyed  seven  nations  in 

•  aTim.3:«.  bch.  15:38.  cch.ln:!.  d  ver. -J?,  e  Ueb.  l;)  aS.  '  Dcut. 
7;6,  7.  p  Psa.  10.j:*23.  h  Exod.  IU:I4,  16.  •  Gr.  ctro()opliore(icn.  perhaps  fnr 
etrophophoresen,  bore,  or  fed  thrm,  as  a  nurse  bearetit,  or  feedeth  Iter  r/iild; 
Deut.  1:31,  according  to  Ihc  Seventy;  und  so  Chry.ioslom.      >   Exnd.  10:35. 

7.  Dcputi/;  that  is,  the  proconsul;  the  title  borne  by 
those  governors  of  proviiices  that  were  appointed  by  the 
Roman  senate.     Prudent;  intelligent,  wiHO,  candid. 

8.  Ell/mas;  apparently  an  Arabic  word  meaning  wise  or 
learned,  tliat  is,  in  the  arts  of  sorcery.  Turn  away  the  dep- 
uty;  prevent  his  embracing  the  gospel. 

9.  Paul ;  his  Hebrew  name  was  Saul.  This  is  the  first 
time  he  is  called  Paul;  but  after  this,  he  is  always  called 
by  this  name. 

10.  Child  of  the  devd ;  like  him  in  temper  and  conduct. 
Pervert;  misrepresent, an<l  turn  men  away  from  the  truth. 

11.  The  hand  of  the  Lord;  he  will  visit  thee  in  jndfjiiient. 

12.  Doctrine  of  the  Lord;  not  merely  the  doctrine,  but  the 
divine  power  accompanying  it.     Compare  Mark  1:27. 

13.  Ijoaaed;  set  sail,  departed.  Perga  m  Pamphijhu ; 
Pampliylia  was  a  province  in  the  south  part  of  Asia  Minor, 
and  Perga  was  its  capital.  John  departinp  from  them;  an 
act  which  Paul  strongly  disapproved.     Chap.  1.5:38. 

14.  Antioch  in  Pimdin;  so  called,  to  distinguish  it  from 
Antioch  in  Syria.  Pisidia  was  a  province  north  of  Pain- 
jiliylia,  on  the  borders  of  which  was  Antioch. 

l.i.  Law  and  the  prophets ;  portions  of  both  which  were 
read  in  the  synagogue  on  the  Sabbath. 
16.  Giw  ou<iimc«,- hearken. 
1252 


the  land  of  Chanaan,^  he  divided  their  land  a.  d.  45. 
to  them  by  lot.'' 

20  And  after  that,  he  gave  vnto  them  judges 
about  the  space  of  four  hundred  and  iifty  years, 
until  Samuel  the  jiropliet.' 

21  And  afterward  they  desired  a  king:'"  and  God 
gave  unto  them  Saul  tJie  son  of  Cis,"  a  man  of 
the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  by  the  s])ace  of  forty  years. 

22  And  when  he  had  removed  him,"  he  raised  up 
unto  them  David  to  be  their  king;''  to  whom  also 
he  gave  testimony,  and  said,  1  have  found  David 
the  son.  of  Jesse,  a  man  after  mine  own  heart,'' 
which  shall  fiiUil  all  my  will. 

23  Of  this  man's  seed  hath  God,  according  to  his 
promise,""  raised  unto  Israel  a  Saviour,  Jesus:' 

2-4  When  John  had  iirst  preached,  before  his  com- 
ing, the  baptism  of  repentance  to  all  the  people  of 
Israel.' 

25  And  as  John  fulfilled  his  cour.se,  he  said, 
Whom  think  ye  that  1  am?  I  am  not /(c.  But  be- 
hold, there  cometh  one  after  me,  whose  shoes  of  his 
feet  I  am  not  worthy  to  loose. 

26  Alen  and  brethren,  children  of  the  slock  of 
Abraham,  and  whosoever  among  you  feareth  God, 
to  you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent." 

27  For  they  that  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  and  their 
rulers,  because  they  knew  him  not,  nor  yet  thevoices 
of  the  propiiets  which  are  read  every  sabbath-day, 
they  have  fulfdlcd  them,  in  condemning  him.'' 

28  And  though  they  found  no  cause  of  death  in 
him,  yet  desired  they  Pilate  that  he  should  be  slain. 

29  And  when  they  had  fullillcd  all  that  was 
written  of  him,  they  took  him  down  from  the  tree, 
and  laid  him  in  a  sepulchre. 

30  But  God  raised  iiim  from  the  dead: 

31  And  he  was  seen  many  days  of  them  which 
came  up  with  him  from  Galilee  to  Jerusalem,  who 
are  his  witnesses  unto  the  jieople."' 

32  And  we  declare  unto  you  glad  tidings,  how 
that  tiic  promise  wliicli  was  made  unto  the  lathers," 

33  God  hath  fullilled  the  same  unto  us  their  chil- 


JDciit.7:l.     k  Josh.  14:1,  etc.     I  Jucic. '2:10.     ">  I  Sam.  8:5.     ■>  I  Sam.  10:1. 


o  I  Sam.  31:0.     p  2  Sam    .0:3. 


1  Sam.  13:14.     r  Psa.  132:11.     •  Matt. 


1:21.    1  Matt.  3:1-11.    u  Matt.  10:0.    v  Luk,,  21:20,  41.    wch.l:3.    i  Rom. 
4:i:j. 


17.  A  high  arm;  with  great  power,  and  in  a  wonderful 
manner. 

18.  Suffered  he  their  manners;  bore  with  their  provoca- 
tions ami  sustained  their  lives ;  or  according  to  another 
reading,  bore  or  fed  them  as  a  nurse  a  child,  as  it  is  in  the 
margin. 

19.  Seven  nation/:;  Josh.  3:10;  11:8. 

21.  Cw;  in  (j reek, is  the  same  as  Kish  in  Hebrew.  ISam. 
9:1;  10:1. 

22.  Gave  testimony ;  1  Sam.  13:H;  16:1-12;  Psa.  89:20. 
2.').  Ills  course;  course  of  service,  his  ministry.     Not  he; 

not  the  Messiah.     John  1:20;  Matt.  3:11. 

2C,  The  word  of  this  salvation;  the  offer  of  salvation 
through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ. 

27.  Because  they  knew  htni  not;  did  not  know  him  to  be 
the  Messiah.    The  voices  of  Ihc  propluts ;  they  did  not  under- 
stand the  true  meaning  of  the  prophecies.     They  liaveful-  , 
fdled  them;  by  crucifying  ('hrist,  they  did  what  the  proph- 
ets had  foretold. 

2S.  A'o  caiLv  if  death ;  no  crime. 

31.  Them  which  came  up;  his  apostles  and  others. 

32.  The  promise ;  of  the  Messiah  and  his  salvation. 

33.  This  day  have  I  begotten  lltce;  the  resurrection  of  Christ 
from  the  dead  was  the  great  public  mapifestation  of  \\}m 


The  Gentiles  hear  the  gospel. 


ACTS  XIV. 


Paul  and  Barnabas  cr'pdkd. 


A.  D.  45.  dren,  in  that  he  hath  raised  up  Jesus  again ; 
as  it  is  also  written  in  the  second  psalm,  Thou  art 
my  Son;  tliis  day  have  I  begotten  tlicc." 

34  And  as  concerning  tliat  he  raised  him  np  from 
the  dead,  noio  no  more  to  return  to  corruption,  he 
said  on  this  wise,  I  will  give  you  the  sure  mercies" 
of  David. 

35  Wherefore  he  saith  also  in  another/>sa/ffi,  Thou 
shalt  not  suffer  tliy  Holy  One  to  sec  corruiition." 

36  For  David,  after  lie  had  served  his  own  gen- 
eration by  the  will  of  God,*  fell  on  sleep,  and  was 
laid  unto  his  fathers,  and  saw  corru|)tion  :"= 

37  But  he,  whom  God  raised  again,  saw  no  cor- 
ruption."* 

38  1  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  inen  and 
brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto 
you  the  forgiveness  of  sins:" 

39  And  by  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from 
all  things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by 
tlie  law  of  Moses.'' 

40  Ben'aro  therefore,  lest  that  come  upon  you, 
which  is  spoken  of  in  the  ]n-ophets  : 

41  Behold,  ye  despisers,  and  wonder,  and  perish  : 
for  I  work  a  work  in  your  days,  a  work  which  ye 
shall  in  no  wise  believe,  tiiough  a  man  declare  it 
unto  you."-' 

42  And  when  the  Jews  were  gone  out  of  the  syn- 
agogue, the  Gentiles  besought  tiiat  these  words 
might  be  preaciied  to  them  the  next  sab1)ath.* 

43  Now  when  tiie  congregation  was  broken  up, 
many  of  the  Jews  and  religious  proselytes  followed 
Paul  and  Barnalms;  who,  speaking  to  them,  per- 
suaded them  to  continue  in  the  grace  of  God." 

44  IT  And  the  next  sabbath-day  came  almost  the 
whole  city  togetiicr  to  hear  the  word  of  God. 

»  Psa.  '2:7.  *  Gr.  ta  osia,  holy,  or  jusl  thini^s;  which  word  the  Seventy, 
both  in  the  place  of  Isa.  5.J::J.  and  in  many  others,  use  for  that  which  is  in  the 
Hebrew,  merries,  b  Psa.  IG:  lU.  t  Or,  after  he  had  in  his  own  ns:e  served 
tlie  will  of  God.  »  1  Kings  2:10.  d  ch.  2:24.  e  Dan.  (1:24;  Lulte  2J:47; 
lJohn2:l2.     t  Isa. 53:11;  Hab.2:4;  Rom.  3:23;  b:3.     s  Isa.  20:14;  Hab. 


as  the  Son  of  God  ;  the  act  by  which  he  was  "  declared  to 
be  the  Son  of  God  with  power."     Rom.  1:4. 

34.  The  sure  mercieft  uj  David;  the  sure  meixies  promised 
to  David,  I.sa.  55 : 3 ;  namely,  that  God  would  never  remove 
his  mercy  from  him,  but  that  his  tlirone  shoukl  he  estab- 
lished for  ever.  2  Sam.  7: 12-17.  This  promise  is  fulfilled 
in  the  resurrection  of  Jesiis  Christ  the  Son  of  David,  and 
his  exaltation  to  universal  dominion. 

35.  Another  ■psalm  ;  Psa.  l(i:10. 

39    Cmdd  not  be  justified;,  Rom.  3:20;  Hcb.  9:8-28. 

40.  Spaken  nf;  Hab.  1:5.  Tlie  apostle  follows  the  Greek 
version  of  tlie  Seventy,  which  agrees  for  substance  with 
the  Helirnw. 

41.  A  work;  a  work  of  desolating  judgment ;  namely,  the 
oviTthrow  of  the  land  by  foreign  enemies. 

i:i.  Reli^iiim  prnsetijte-i ;  (Jeiitilcs  wlio  had  embraced  the 
Jewish  religion.  In  ike  grace  of  God  ;  in  the  profession  and 
practice  of  the  gospel. 

4li.  Necesmrij;  in  order  to  obey  the  command  and  fulfil 
the  aiipoiiitinent  of  God.  Luke  24:47.  Judge  yoursehes 
umrortliij,  show  yourselves  unfit  longer  to  receive  even  the 
ofler  of  salvation.  We  turn  to  the  Gentiles;  we  devote  our- 
selves to  the  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  heathen. 

47.  f^'uiing;  Isa.  49 :B.  lie  for  salvation;  be  a  Saviour. 
Unto  the  eiah  of  the  eaiih;  to  all  people. 

48.  Ordained  to  eternal  life;  Rom.  8: 28-30;  2Thes8.  2:13; 
1  Pet.  1:2. 

50.  Demut ;  devout  in  the  observance  of  the  Jewish  law. 

51.  Shook  off  till'  dint;  in  token  of  abhorrence  of  tlieir 
wickedness.  .Mark  (j:ll.  Iconium ;  a  city  of  l^ycaonia,  a 
province  north-east  of  Pisidia. 


45  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multitudes,  they 
were  filled  with  envy,  and  spake  against  those 
things  which  were  spoken  by  Paul,  contradicting 
and  blaspheming.' 

40  Then  Paul  and  Barnabas  waxed  bold,  and 
said.  It  was  necessary  that  the  word  of  God  should 
first  have  been  spoken  to  you :'  but  seeing  ye  put 
it  from  you,  and  judge  yourselves  unworthy  of 
everlasting  life,  lo,  we  turn  to  the  Gentiles.'' 

47  For  so  hath  the  Lord  commanded  us,  saying, 
I  have  set  thee  to  be  a  light  of  the  Gentiles,  that 
thou  shouldest  be  for  salvation  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth.' 

48  And  when  the  Gentiles  heard  this,  they  were 
glad,  and  glorified  the  word  of  the  Lord:  and  as 
many  as  Avere  ordained  to  eternal  life  believed.'" 

49  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  published 
throughout  all  the  region. 

50  But  the  Jews  stirred  up  the  devout  and  hon- 
orable women,  and  the  chief  men  of  the  city,  and 
raised  persecution  against  Paul  and  Barnabas," 
and  exjiellcd  them  out  of  their  coasts. 

51  But  they  shook  oft' the  dust  of  their  feet  against 
them,"  and  came  unto  Iconium. 

52  And  the  disciples  were  filled  with  joy.  and 
with  the  Holy  Ghost." 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  Paul  and  Barna-bas  are  persecuted  from  Iconium.  8  At  Lystra  Paul 
healeth  a  cripple,  whereupon  they  are  reputed  as  gods.  19  Paul  is 
stoned.  21  Tliey  pass  through  divers  churches,  confirming  the  disci- 
ples in  faith  aiid  patience.  26  Returning  to  Antioch,  they  report 
what  Grod  had  done  with  them. 

NI)  it  came  to  pass  in  Iconium,  that  they  went 
both  together  into  the  synagogue  of  the  Jews, 


A 


1:5.  t  OTf  in  the  week  between,  or  in  tlie  sabbath  between.  hch.I.|:22;  Heb. 
0:11,12;  12:15.  i  ch.  1B:6.  )  Malt.  10:0;  Lnke  34:47;  Rom.  1:16.  kDeut. 
32:21;  Matt.  21:43;  Rom.  1U:19.  I  Isa,.  49:G.  m  ch.  2:47;  Rom.  B:30. 
ii2Tim.3:ll.  "  Mark  6:11 ;  Luke  9:5;  ch.  18:0.  p  Matt.  5:12;  1  Thess. 
1:6. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  True  ministers  of  Christ  are  prepared  for,  and  called 
to  their  work  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Tliis,  however,  does  not 
supersede  the  neccssit_v,  or  lessen  the  propriety,  in  order 
to  their  greatest  usefulness,  of  their  being  set  apart  with 
prayer  and  the  laying  on  of  liands. 

8.  Teachers  of  falsehood  and  pretenders  to  sujierior 
power  are  always  afraid  of  the  faithful  preaching  of  tlio 
gospel.  iSo  far  as  it  is  embraced  and  fcillowed,  tlieir  iiiHu- 
ciice  will  be  gone  ;  they  therefore  misrepresent  and  oppose 
it,  slander  those  who  preach  it,  and  in  v;irious  ways  seek 
to  ])revcnt  men  from  receiving  it. 

l(i.  A.  correct  and  extensive  knowledge  of  history,  es- 
pecially the  liistory  of  the  churcli,  is  of  great  importauco 
to  ministers  of  tlie  gosiiel.  To  show  what  (Jod  li:is  done 
in  his  providence,  as  well  as  what  he  has  said  in  his  word, 
is  a  means  of  communicating  to  men  a  knowledge  of  his 
character  and  will,  and  presenting  the  motives  to  love  and 
obey  him. 

27.  Men  who  do  notunderstand  the  meaning  of  the  Bible, 
and  who  malignantly  persecute  those  who  obey  it,  may 
nevertheless,  in  their  opposition,  be  fulfilling  its  predic- 
tions, and  thus  adding  to  the  evidences  of  its  divine  origin, 
and  of  the  truth  of  its  declarations. 

3i).  Hy  believing  in  Christ,  men  may  be  aecejUed  and 
treated  as  righteous:  but  they  are  so  wickeil,  that  none 
will  believe,  uidess  (Jod  by  his  Sjiirit  l(';id  them  to  do  it. 

■18.  When  any  believe  in  Christ,  it  slmws  that  the}'  were 
from  the  beginning  "chosen  to  salvation,  through  sancti- 
lication  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth;"  the  glory 

1253 


A  cripple  healed  al  Lystra. 


ACTS  XIV. 


Paul  returns  to  Antioch. 


and  so  spake,  that  a  great  multitude  both  of  the 
Jews  and  also  of  the  Greeks  believed. 

2  But  tlie  unbelieving  Jews  stirred  up  the  Gen- 
tiles, and  made  their  minds  evil  aliected  against 
tlic  brethren. 

3  Long  time  tlierefore  abodetlieyppcakingboldly 
in  tlie  Lord,  wliieh  gave  testimony  unto  the  word 
of  his  grace,  and  granted  signs  and  wonders  to  be 
done  by  their  lumds." 

4  But  the  multitude  of  the  city  was  divided :  and 
part  held  with  the  Jews,  and  part  with  tlie  apos- 
tles." 

5  And  wlien  there  was  an  assault  made  both  of 
the  Gentiles,  and  also  of  tlie  Jews,  with  tlieir  rul- 
ers, to  use  them  despitefully,  and  to  stone  them, 

6  They  were  aware  oiit,  anil  fled  unto  Lystra  and 
Derbe,"  cities  of  Lycaonia,  and  unto  the  region  that 
lieth  round  about: 

7  And  tiiere  tliey  preached  the  gospel. 

8  1  And  there  sat  a  certain  man  at  Lystra,  im- 
potent in  liis  feet,  being  a  cripjilc  from  ins  mother's 
womb,''  wlio  never  iiad  walked  : 

9  The  same  lieard  Paul  speak :  wlio  steadfastly 
beholding  him,  and  perceiving  that  he  had  faith  to 
be  healed," 

10  Said  with  a  loml  voice,  Stand  upright  on  thy 
feet.     And  he  leaped  and  walked.' 

1 1  And  when  the  people  saw  what  Paul  had  done, 
tliey  lifted  up  tlieir  voices,  saying  in  the  speech  of 
Lycaonia,  The  gods  are  come  down  to  us  in  the 
likeness  of  men.'' 

12  And  they  called  Barnabas,  Jupiter;  and  Paul, 
Jlercurius,  because  he  was  the  ciiief  speaker. 

13  Tlien  the  priest  of  Jupiter,  wliich  was  before 
tlieir  city,  lirought  oxen  and  garlands  unto  tlie 
gates,  and  would  have  done  sacriiice  with  the  peo- 
ple." 

14  W/iirk  when  tlic  apostles,  Barnabas  and  Paul, 
heard  of,  they  rent  their  clothes,'  and  ran  in  among 
the  people,  crying  out, 

15  And  saying.  Sirs,  why  do  ye  tiiese  things? 
We  also  are  men  of  like  passions  witli  you,^  and 
preach  unto  you  that  ye  should  turn  from  tlicsc 

•  Mark  16:21);  Uob.  2:4.  bch.  aH:jl.  c  Mail  l(l:-i:).  ilnh.3:2  e  Matt. 
9:«,  29.  '  l«i.  . •!.'>:  11.  »oh.  2-(:«.  ti  Dm.  2:  Hi.  i  .Malt.  20:05.  jch.  10:20; 
Ja..5:17;  Rev.  19:10.  I"  ISam.  12:21;  1  Kinip.  10:1:1;  Jer.ll:22;  Jonah 
2:!-;   1  Cor  S;4.     I  1  ThM«.  1:9.     "Gen.  1:1;  INa.  :)):0;  110:0;  Rev.  11:7. 


therefore  of  every  thing  good  in  them,  and  of  all  the  good 
done  or  enjoyed  by  them,  bclongB  to  God. 

CIFAPTER  XIV. 

3.  Gave  testimony;  proved  the  truth  of  wliat  they  taught, 
by  enabling  them  in  his  name  to  work  miracles. 

6.  Lmtra  and  Derhe;  cities  of  Lycaonia,  u  province  of 
Asia  .\riiior. 

9.  Faith  to  be  liealeil;  confidence  in  the  i)Owcr  of  (.'hrist, 
by  means  of  I'aul,  to  heal  him. 

11.  Spccrh  of  Lijcnonia;  the  language  of  that  province. 

12.  Jupiter;  considered  by  the  Greeks  and  llomans  as 
the  greatest  of  their  gods.  Mercurius;  regarded  as  the 
gfid  of  eloquence. 

l.'i.  Before  tlieir  cilij;  in  front  of  their  city  was  a  temple 
iletlicatcd  to  .lupiter.  Gurlantli;  wrcatlis  of  flowers,  with 
which  they  decorated  the  victims  to  be  oIl'iTcd  in  sacrifice. 

14.  Rent  their  dollies;  in  token  of  their  abhorrence  of 
such  sacrifices. 

lr>.  Men  of  like  pnsftioin ;  frail,  sinful,  dying  men.  Tliese 
vanities;  the  worship  of  false  and  imaginary  gods. 

16.  All  naiions;  the  gentile  world.  Their  own  ways; 
1254 


vanities"  unto  the  living  God,'  which  made  a.  0.40. 
heaven,  and  earth,  and  tlie  sea,  and  all  things  tliat 
are  therein : '" 

16  Who  in  times  past  suflered  all  nations  to  walk 
in  their  own  ways." 

17  Nevertheless  he  left  not  liimself  without  wit- 
ness," in  that  he  did  good,  and  gave  us  rain  from 
licaven,''  and  fruitful  seasons,  filling  our  hearts  with 
food  and  gladness. 

18  And  with  these  sayings  scarce  restrained  tliey 
the  people,  that  tliey  had  not  done  sacrifice  unto 
them. 

I'J  *i  And  there  came  thitlier  certain  Jews  from 
Antioch  and  Iconiuni,  who  pei-suaded  the  people, 
and  having  stoned  ]*aul,''  drew  /li/n  out  of  the  city, 
supposing  he  had  been  dead. 

20  Howijcit,  as  the  disciples  stood  round  about 
him,  he  rose  up,  and  came  into  the  city:  and  the 
ne.^t  day  he  dejiarted  willi  Uarnabas  to  Derbe. 

21  And  when  they  had  preached  the  gosjiel  to 
that  city,  and  had  taught  iiuuiy,"  they  returned 
again  to  Lystra,  and  to  leoniiini,  and  Antioch, 

22  Conhrming  the  souls  of  the  disciples,  and  ex- 
horting them  to  continue  in  the  faith,'  and  that  wc 
must  through  much  tribidation  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  God.'' 

23  jUid  Avlien  they  had  ordained  them  elders  in 
every  church,  and  had  ]>rayed  witli  fasting,  they 
commended  them  to  the  Loril,  on  whom  they  be- 
lieved. 

24  And  after  they  had  passed  throughout  Pisidia, 
they  came  to  Pamjiliylia. 

25  And  when  they  had  preached  the  word  in 
Perga,  they  went  down  into  Attalia: 

2t>  And  thence  sailed  to  Antioch,  from  whence 
they  had  lieen  reconiniendcd  to  the  grace  of  God 
for  the  work  which  they  fiillilled.' 

27  And  when  they  were  come,  and  had  gathered 
the  church  together,  they  rehearsed  all  that  God 
had  done  with  them,"  and  how  he  had  opened  the 
door  of  faith  unto  the  Gentiles. "' 

28  And  there  thev  abode  long  time  with  the  di.s- 
ciples. 


n  Pm.  81 

12; 

ch.  17: 

■)(). 

»  Rnm.  1 

:2n 

P  Job  5;  10;  Pna 

147:8 

Matt 

S:4i5. 

q  2  Cor.  1 

1:25 

•Gr 

Artrf  tuntU  vtany 

diKipttx. 

rch.  13:43. 

Horn. 

H:I7; 

2  Tim.  3. 

12. 

>  ch.  1 

):1 

3;  15:40. 

u 

oh.  15:4. 

»  1  Cor 

10:9; 

2  Cor 

2:12; 

Rev.  3:8 

ways  of  idolatry  and  wickedness,  without  a  written  reve- 
lation. 

17.  Witness;  evidciicos  of  his  existence,  power,  and 
goodness. 

19.  Persuaded  the  people ;  persuaded  thoni  that  l':tiil  and 
Barnabas  were  biid  men,  anil  doreivcrs. 

22.  Coiifirmiitfr  the  .snii/s- ;  iimtrmting  and  establishing 
them  in  tiie  lailh  iiml  practice  of  the  gospel. 

23.  Urddiiinl  tlifni  chins;  sit  it)>art  jiersiins  to  take  the 
care,  oversight,  ami  inHtruction  of  tlio  churches. 

24.  Pamphylin;  on  tlieir  way  bat.'k  towards  Antioch  in 
Syria,  from  wliich  they  wiiit.     t'lia)).  i:!:l. 

2.'>.  Alloliii ;  a  sea|)ort  in  I'iiiiiplivHa  fioiii  whirli  they 
could  sail  to  Antioch. 

21;.  'III!'  work—fnifillnl;  tli(^  missionary  work  to  which 
they  li;iil  been  appointed,  eliap.  i:i:2,  3. 

27.   The  chnrdi ;    the  di.sciples  at  Antioch.     Ojxnied  Ike 
door  (f  fiiith  niitn  the  (icntilfn;  iirejiarcd  tlie  way  to  preach 
to  theiii  the  gospel,  and  led  tliciii  to  I'lnbrace  it. 
INSIItllTIONS. 

1.  In  preaching,  the  manner,  us  well  as  the  matter,  is 
important ;  and  it  should  bo  the  earnest  desire,  tho  fervent 


T}i£.  apostles  and  elders 


ACTS  xy. 


coiisuli  ahoiU  circumcisiori. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


1  Great  dissension  ariseth  touching  circumcision.  6  The  apostles  con- 
sult about  it.  22  and  send  their  determination  by  letters  to  the  churches. 
36  Paul  anil  Barnab.as.  tlunking  to  visit  tlie  brethren  together,  fall  at 
strife,  and  depart  asunder. 

AND  certain  men  wliicli  came  down  from  Judca 
tauglit  the  brethren,''  and  said,  p]xcept  ye  be 
circumcised  after  tlie  manner  of  Moses,'' ye  cannot 
be  saved. 

2  When  therefore  Paul  and  Barnabas  liad  no 
small  dissension  and  disputation  with  tlieni,  they 
determined  that  Paul  and  Barnabas,  and  certain 
other  of  them,  slioiild  go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto  tlie 
apostles  and  elders  about  tliis  question.'^ 

3  And  being  brought  on  their  way  by  tlie  church,'' 
they  passed  through  Phenice  and  Samaria,  declar- 
ing the  conversion  of  the  Gentiles:"  and  they  caused 
great  joy  unto  all  the  brethren/ 

4  And  when  they  were  come  to  Jerusalem,  they 
were  received  of  the  church,  and  of  the  apostles 
and  elders,  and  they  declared  all  things  that  God 
had  done  witli  thein.^ 

5  But  there  rose  up  certain*  of  tlie  sect  of  the 
Pharisees  wliich  believed,  saying.  That  it  was  need- 
ful to  circumcise  them,  and  to  command  t/tcm  to 
keep  the  law  of  Moses." 

6  1  And  the  a])ostles  and  elders  came  together 
for  to  consider  of  this  matter.' 

7  And  when  tlierc  had  l)een  nineh  disputing, 
Peter  rose  up,  and  said  unto  them,  Men  a7id  breth- 
ren, ye  know  how  that  a  good  while  ago  God  made 
choice  among  us,  tiiat  tlie  Gentiles  by  my  mouth 
should  hear  the  word  of  the  gospel,  and  believe.-' 


a  Gal.  2:13.  b  Lev.  12:3;  John  7:2>.  =  Gal.  2:1.  d  Rom.  15:24;  1  Cor. 
16:6.  II;  3  John  6.  ech. 14:27.  f  Luke  15:7, 10.  ech.21:19.  •  Or,  rose  up, 
said  they,  cerlo/n,  etc.    hver.  1.    i  Matt.  It::-.'U.   j  Matt.  16:18, 19;  ch.  10; 2U. 


prayer,  and  the  diligent  effort  of  every  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel, so  to  speak  that  multitudes  of  all  classes  shall,  through 
the  grace  of  God,  be  led  to  believe. 

4.  When  great  numbers  embrace  the  gospel,  those  who 
continue  to  reject  it  are  often  filled  with  wrath  against 
those  who  preach  it.  The  connnunitj'  is  divided.  A  part 
join  the  friends,  and  a  part  the  enemies  of  Christ,  and  great 
commotions  follow.  These  results  wicked  men  attribute 
to  the  gospel;  but  thoy  spring  from  opposition  to  it,  and 
the  opposers,  not  the  faithful  preachers  of  the  gospel,  are 
responsible  for  the  evils  thus  occasioned. 

15.  Faithful  ministers  of  the  gospel  will  be  careful  to  let 
none  think  of  them  as  any  thing  more  than  men,  of  like 
infirmities  with  other  men  ;  and  if  they  are  instrumental  of 
good,  they  will  inculcate  upon  all  that  the  glory  belongs 
wholly  to  God. 

2S.  (Jlmrches  need  officers  to  take  the  oversight  of  them, 
to  instruct  them,  and  labor  for  their  H])iritual  good;  and 
it  is  proper  that  they  should  be  set  apart  to  tliis  work, 
that  tlie  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  should  be  sought  for 
them,  :uid  they  be  particularly  commended  to  his  gracious 
guidance  and  care. 

27.  Correct  accounts  of  the  maimer  in  which  God  has 
delivered  his  peo])le  from  trials,  and  crowned  their  labors 
with  his  blessing,  are  very  useful.  They  lead  Christians 
to  jiiit  greater  confidence  in  him,  to  lU'ay  more  earnestly 
for  spiritual  blessings,  and  with  increased  fidelity  use  the 
means  which  are  needful  to  obtain  them. 

CITAPTKR   XV. 

1.  Certain  mm ;  Jews  who  had  become  Christians.  The 
brethren ;  tlie  Christians  at  Antioch.  The  manner  of  Moses; 
as  taught  by  him. 

5.  The  Pharisees;  though  converted  to  Christianity,  they 


8  And  God,  which  knoweth  the  hearts,''  bare 
them  witness,  giving  them  the  Iloly  Ghost,  even 
as  he  did  unto  us; 

9  And  put  no  difference  between  us  and  them, 
purifying  tiieir  hearts  by  faith.' 

10  Now  tlierefore  why  tempt  ye  God,  to  ))ut  a 
yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  disciples,"'  which  neither 
our  fathers  nor  we  were  able  to  bear  ? 

11  But  we  believe  that  through  the  grace  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  shall  be  saved,"  even  as 
they. 

12  1  Then  all  the  multitude  kept  silence,  and 
gave  audience  to  Barnabas  and  Paul,  declaring 
what  miracles  and  wonders  God  had  wrought 
among  the  Gentiles  by  them." 

13  1  And  after  they  had  held 'their  peace,  James 
answered,  saying.  Men  and  brethren,  hearken  unto 
me. 

14  Simeon  hath  declared  how  God  at  the  first 
did  visit  the  Gentiles,''  to  take  out  of  them  a  peo- 
ple for  his  name. 

15  And  to  this  agree  the  words  of  the  prophets ; 
as  it  is  written, 

16  After  this  I  will  refurn,  and  will  build  again 
the  tabernacle  of  David,  wliich  is  fallen  down  ;  and 
I  will  build  again  the  ruins  thereof,  and  I  will  set 
it  up : 

17  Tliat  the  residue  of  men  might  seek  after 
the  Lord,  and  all  the  Gentiles,  upon  whom  my 
name  is  called,  saitli  the  Lord,  who  doeth  all  tliese 
things." 

18  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world."^ 


k  oh. 1:24.  1  Heb.  9:13,  14;  1  Pet.  1:22.  mGal.5:l.  n  Rom.  3:24;  Eph 
2:8;  Titus  3:4,  5.  o  oh.  14:27.  P  Luke  8:31,  32.  q  Amos  9:11,  12.  'Num. 
2:J:19;  Isa.  46:10. 


still  retained  their  attachment  to  many  rites  and  ceremo- 
nies of  the  Jewish  dispensation. 

7.  Bij  my  mouth  should  hear  the  word  of  the  gospel ;  Peter 
was  the  first  who  preached  the  gospel  to  the  Gentiles, 
and  thus  opened  the  way  for  their  admission  into  the 
Christian  church.     Acts  10:34-48. 

8.  Bare  them,  witness;  testified  to  their  acceptance. 

9.  By  faith  ;  by  believing  in  Christ. 

10.  Tempt  i/e  God;  by  acting  against  the  manifestationa 
of  his  will.  A  yoke;  the  burdensome  rites  and  ceremonies 
of  the  Jewish  religion. 

11.  Even  as  they;  Jews  as  well  as  Gentiles  must  bo  saved, 
not  by  works,  or  tho  observance  of  rites  and  ceremonies, 
but  through  grace,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ. 

13.  James;  see  note  to  cliaji.  12:17. 

14.  Simeon;  the  Hebrew  mode  of  spelling  Simon,  mean- 
ing Simon  Peter.     Ver.  7. 

1.5.  The  prophets;  they  had  foretold  that  the  gospel 
slioulil  be  pre;iched  to  the  (Jentiles  as  well  as  Jews.  Isa. 
2:2-4;  41):(;;   Amos  9:11,  12. 

16.  1 — will  huild  again  the  tabernacle  of  David ;  here  rep- 
resenting David's  royal  family,  which,  after  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  fell  into  obscurity.  It  was  rebuilt  in  the  person 
of  Christ,  the  son  of  David  according  to  the  flesh,  and  tho 
true  heir  to  Daviil's  throne.  Luke  1:32,  33.  The  aiiostlo 
in  tills  quotation  follows  the  Greek  translation  of  the  Sev- 
enty. 

17.  Upon  whom  my  name  is  called;  who  are  c;illcd  .It-ho- 
vali's  people. 

l.s.  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from  the  beginning 
of  the  world;  as  much  as  to  8;iy,  The  cidling  of  the  (ien- 
tiles  into  the  church  is  in  accordance  with  God's  purpose 
from  llio  beginning.  Why  then  throw  hinderances  in  their 
w.ay  ? 

1255 


A  letter  is  sent  to  Anticch. 


ACTS  XV. 


Paul  and  Barnabas  p-.rl. 


19  Wherefore  my  sentence  is,  tliat  we  trouble  not 
them,  which  from  among  tiic  Gentiles  are  turned 
to  God:^ 

20  But  that  we  write  unto  them,  tliat  they  ab- 
stain from  pollutions  of  idols,''  and  from  foruica- 
tion,'^  aud//-07?i  things  strangled,  and//v)/?!.  blood.'' 

21  For  Moses  of  old  lime  liatli  in  every  city  them 
that  preach  him,  being  read  in  the  synagogues 
every  sabbath-day.'' 

22  Then  pleased  it  the  apostles  and  elders,  with 
the  whole  church,  to  send  chosen  men  of  their  own 
company  to  Antioch,  with  Paul  and  Barnabas; 
namely,  Judas  snrnamed  Barsabas,'' and  Silas,  chief 
men  among  the  brethren  : 

2:i  And  they  wrote  ktfcrshy  them  after  this  man- 
ner: The  apostles  and  elders  and  brethren  send 
greeling  unto  the  brethren  which  are  of  the  Gen- 
tiles in  Antioch  and  Syria  and  L'ilicia. 

24  Forasmuch  as  we  have  heard,  that  certain 
which  went  out  from  us  liave  troubled  you  with 
words."-'  suliverting  your  souls,  saying,  Ye  must  be 
circumcised,  and  keep  the  law  ;''  to  whom  we  gave 
no  suc/i  commandment:' 

2o  It  seemed  good  unto  us,  lieing  assembled  with 
one  accord,  to  send  chosen  men  unto  you,  with  our 
beloved  Barnabas  and  Paul : 

2G  Men  that  have  hazarded  their  lives  for  the 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.^ 

27  We  have  sent  therefore  Judas  and  Silas,  who 
shall  also  tell  you  the  same  things  by  mouth.* 

25  For  it  seemed  good  to  the  lloly  Ghost,  and  to 
us,  to  lay  upon  you  no  great(.'r  liurtlen  than  these 
necessary  things;" 

2'J  That  ye  abstain  from  meats  oiTercd  to  idols, 
and  from  blood,  and  from  things  strangled,  and 

«  1  TheM.  1:9.  >>  Exod.  20:4,3;  I  Cor.  S:I,etc.;  I0:2j;  Rev.  2:14,20: 
0.2U.  c  I  Cor.  0:9,  Irt;  Col.  3:.5;  1  The.ss.  4:3.  d  Lev.  17:14;  Deut.  12:l(i, 
•it.  «  ch.  13:15.  27.  'cb.  I:*).  S  ver.  1  ;  Gil.  5:12.  h  Gal.  5:4.  >  Gal. 
V!:4.     J  ch.  13:50;  14:19.     '  Gc.  word,     k  Hev.  2:24.     1  ver.  20.     ■>>  2  Cor. 

19.  Sentence;  opinion,  or  jiulgniciit.  Thai  we  trouble  not 
tlum;  \iy  iniposint;  Ujion  tlicni  .lewi.sli  cercnionios. 

20.  J'olhilion«  of  iiliili;  from  iisin;;  mc-at,s  ofi'erctl  in  sacri- 
fice to  idols,  or  in  uny  w.iy  (-oniiiviiij;  at  idolatry.  Fornica- 
tion; a  Kin  wliicdi  \v:i.s  c.vcccdingly  common  among  tlie 
Gentilf«,  and  against  wliich  they  needed  a  special  warning. 
T/tinga  sliaii<j;led;  animals  killed  liy  stningling  without  the 
shedding  of  their  lilood.  The  eating  of  blood  was  forbid- 
den hy  the;  ancient  law.  Gen. 'J  :•!-(; ;  Lev.  17  :  10-14.  From 
the  re.'idiiig  of  the  law  in  the  synagogue  on  the  Sabbath, 
ver.  21,  this  was  known  to  the  Jews;  and  should  Chris- 
tians use  blood,  it  would  unnecessarily  prejudice  the  Jews 
against  the  gospel. 

24.  Tfonljled  i/ou  with  wortl.s,  .subverting  ijnur  souls ;  com- 
jiarc  tlio  ni;inner  in  which  Paul  sijcaks  of  these  men  in 
(Jal.  2:4.  Tiny  had  subverted  their  souls  by  inculcating 
error,  and  turning  them  from  the  truth.  Tlic  law;  the 
ritual  law  of  Moses. 

28.  Seemed  prmd  lo  the  Iliilij  (iliosl;  the  apostles,  elders, 
anil  brithreii.  in  their  consuh;ilions  on  this  subject,  were 
under  the  inlluence  of  the  Holy  Sjiirit,  and  by  him  were 
led  to  a  right  result. 

.11.  Tlicij  rejoiced  for  the  consolation ;  which  tho  letter  con- 
tained. 

.'52.  Proptids ;  chap.  1 1 :  27. 

.'!(i.  Every  cilij;  in  which  they  had  preached  in  their 
missionary  tour.     ('hap.  l.'i,  14. 

37.  John — Mark;  his  mother  was  a  sister  of  Barnabas. 
Col.  4:10. 

38.  IVho  departed;  chsip.  13:13. 

39.  Cyprus;  the  native  place  of  Barnabas.     Chap.  4:3G. 

1256 


from  fornication:'  from  which  if  ye  keep  a. d  52 
yourselves,'"  ye  shall  do  well.     Fare  ye  well. 

30  So  when  they  were  dismissed,  they  came  to 
Antioch :  and  when  they  had  gathered  the  multi- 
tude together,  they  delivered  the  epistle: 

31  Which  wlicn  they  had  read,  they  rejoiced  for 
the  consolation.* 

32  And  Judas  and  Silas,  being  propliets  also 
themselves,  exliorlcd  the  brelhren  with  many 
words,  and  confirmed  them." 

33  And  after  they  had  tarried  there  a  space,  they 
wore  let  go  in  peace  from  the  brethren  unto  tho 
apostles." 

;')4  Notwithstanding,  it  pleased  Silas  to  abide 
there  still. 

35  Paul  also  and  Barnabas  conlinuod  in  Antioch, 
teacliing  and  preaching  the  word  of  the  Lord,  with 
many  others  also. 

3G  1[  And  some  days  after,  Paul  said  unto  Barna- 
bas, Let  us  go  again  and  visit  our  brethren  in  (svery 
city  where  we  have  preached  the  word  of  the  Lord," 
and  see  how  they  do. 

37  And  liarnabas  determined  to  take  wilh  them 
John,  whose  surname  was  Mark.'' 

38  But  Paul  thought  not  good  to  take  liim  with 
them,  who  departed  from  them  from  Pamphylia/ 
and  went  not  with  them  to  the  work. 

39  And  the  contention  was  so  sharp  between 
tliein,  that  they  departed  asunder  one  from  the 
other:  and  so  Barnabas  took  Mark,  and  sailed 
unto  Cyjirus; 

40  And  Paul  cliosc  Silas,  and  departed,  being  rec- 
ommended by  the  brethren  uiilo  the  grace  of  God." 

41  And  he  went  through  Syria  and  Cilicia,  con- 
firming the  churches.' 

11:9;  Jas.l:a7;  1  John  5:21  ;  .lude  20.  21.  1  Or,  elliorlalion.  ■>  oh.  14:22. 
"1  Cor.  10:11;  2  John  10.  p  cli.  13:4,  etc.  a  ch  12:12,  25;  Col.  4:1U.  'ch. 
13:13.     >ch.  14:28;  20:32.     1  oh.  1G:5. 


41.  Confirmuif!  the  churches ;  strengthening  and  C8t;iblish- 
ing  them  in  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gospel. 
INSTHCCTION'S. 

5.  The  errors  of  men  are  not  idl  ;it  once  removed  by 
their  conversion;  they  need  further  instniction,  observa- 
tion, and  experience,  as  well  as  the  continued  leaching  of 
the  lloly  Spirit.  But  if  they  ;ire  re;illy  born  of  (iod,  and 
use  lUdper  iiioaiiH.he  will  enlighUii  llicm:  ;ind  ;is  they  seo 
their  errors  they  will  rcMounce  iIkiii,  and  become  more  and 
more  conformed  in  f;iilli  ;in«l  ]ira<tice  to  his  revealed  will. 

15.  The  belter  Christians  undersUmd  and  obey  the  Bible, 
the  more  clearly  they  will  seo  that  they  should  receive 
and  love  one  another  as  brethren,  even  as  Christ  leceiveB 
and  loves  them. 

19.  In  the  primitive  church,  reter  had  no  iircemiiience 
above  James  and  the  other  iiiiostles.  He  alone  did  not 
send  out  a  letter  to  the  brelhren  in  Antioch,  nor  did  James, 
or  any,  or  all  the  apostles  do  it.  They  consulted  wilh  tho 
(dders  and  brethren,  and  sent  out  the  ejiistle  in  the  name 
of  all  united.  This  course  seemed  good  not  only  to  them, 
but  also  to  Ihe  lloly  (ihost.     Ver.  2H. 

31.  .\  right  unilerstiinding  of  Ihe  will  of  (Iod  and  a  dis- 
position to  follow  it,  give  grciil  joy  to  his  jieoplc.  It  is  a 
powerful  means  of  e.\tending  his  kingdom,  increasing  the 
number  (d"  his  subjects,  and  hastening  the  tiino  when  all 
shall  know  him  from  the  least  to  Ihe  greatest. 

:i9.  Contentions  uniong  ministers  and  Christians,  while 
they  often  show  their  weakness  and  wickedness,  and  arc 
exceedingly  injurious  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  are  sometimes 
manifestly  overruled  lo  the  furlheran<e  of  the  gospel,  aud 
the  wider  and  more  rapid  exleusioii  of  his  kiiiijdoui. 


Paul  is  called  to  Micedonia. 


ACTS  XVI. 


Ilicis'dh  out  an  evil  spirit. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Paul  having  circumcised  Timothy.  7  and  being  called  by  the  Spirit 
from  one  couiilry  to  another,  14  converteth  Lydia,  IG  casteth  out  a 
spirit  of  divination.  19  For  which  cause  he  and  S.las  are  wliipped 
and  imprisoneJ.  "Jfi  The  prison  doors  are  opened.  31  Ilie  jailer  is 
converted,  37  and  Ihey  are  delivered. 

THEN  came  ho  to  Dcrbe  and  Lystra:''  and  be- 
hold, a  certain  di.-^ciple  was  there,  named  Tim- 
othcus,''  the  son  of  a  certain  woman  which  was  a 
Jewess.'^  and  believed ;  but  his  father  ivas  a  Greek : 

2  Which  was  well  reported  of  by  the  brethren 
that  were  at  Lystra  and  Iconium.'' 

3  Him  would  Paul  have  to  o'o  forth  with  him; 
and  took  and  circumcised  him''  because  of  the 
Jews  which  were  in  tlio.se  quarters:''  for  they 
knew  all  that  his  father  was  a  Greek. 

4  And  as  they  went  through  the  cities,  they 
delivered  them  the  decrees  for  to  keep,  that  were 
ordained  of  the  apostles  and  elders  which  were  at 
Jerusalem.'-' 

5  And  so  were  the  churches  established  in  the 
faith,''  and  increased  in  number  daily. 

6  Now  when  they  had  gone  throughout  Plirygia 
and  the  region  of  Galatia,'  and  were  forbidden  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  to  preach  the  word  in  Asia,J 

7  After  they  were  come  to  Mysia,  they  assayed  to 
go  into  Bithynia :  but  the  Spirit  suffered  them  not. 

8  And  thev  passing  by  Mysia,  came  down  to 
Troas." 

9  And  a  vision  apjiearcd  to  Paul  in  the  night: 
There  stood  a  man  of  Macedonia,'  and  prayed  him, 
saying,  Come  over  into  Macedonia,  and  help  us. 

10  And  after  he  had  seen  the  vision,  immediately 
we  endeavored  to  go  into  Macedonia,'"  assuredly 
gathering  that  the  Lord  had  called  us  for  to  preach 
the  gospel  unto  them. 

11  Therefore  loosing  from  Troas,  we  came  with 
a  straight  course  to  Samothrauia,  and  the  next  day 
to  Neapolis; 

12  And  from  thence  to  Philippi,"  which  is  the 
chief"  city  of  that  part  of  Macedonia,  and  a  colony: 
and  we  were  in  that  city  abiding  certain  days. 


»Ch.  14-0  b  ch.  1!):-M;  Horn.  l(i:'Jl;  1  Cor.  4:17.  caTim.  1:,')  ■ 
0:3;  1  Tim  .^:  10;  Hob.  1 1  :2.  ^^  Gal.  ■J:3-3;  .5:1-).  f  1  Cor.  9:-2«.  s 
l-'KaS, -J'l,  hch.  1.5:41.  I  Oal.  l:-i;  1  P..t.  1:1.  J  Amos  ^:  11,  1-';  1 
1-2:11;  Rev.  1:1,  II.  k  -2  Cor.  ■i:\-i:  i  Tim.  4:13.  1  ch.  10:.iO.  m  2 
•Jl."),     ol'hil.  1:1.     •  Or,  lilt  first,     t  Gt.  saMalli-dai/.     o  ch.  41:5.     I>  1 


<1  ch. 

e  ch. 

Cor 

Cor. 

P  Luke 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

1.  Dsrbe  and  Li/fstm;  oliap.  14:6. 

3.  Circumcise  I  him ;  this  Paul  riiil,  not  becaii.se  it  was 
needful  to  salvation,  but  to  i)rcvcnt  the  Jews  from  l)eing 
prejuilicml  a;.;aiMst  Tirnotliy  as  a  prcac-lu^r  of  the  {gospel. 

4.  Tiie  decrees;  tlic  decision  to  wliicli  the  aiiostlcs  and 
brctlireii  at  .lenisalem  hail  come,     (,'liap.  15:211. 

6.  Piirij'jin;  tliis  was  tlie  (Central  and  larfjest  province 
in  Asi;t  .Minor,  (iaiatia  ;  a  ]irovinee  east  of  Pliryi<ia.  Afia ; 
tiiis  word  here,  and  in  other  places  in  the  New  Testament, 
refcr.s  to  proconsular  Asia,  of  wdiich  Ephesus  was  the  capi- 
tal. 

7.  71///W17,- north-west  of  Phrygia.  /f.Mai/«/,- attempted. 
Hilhiiiiii ;  a  province  east  of  Mysia,  and  north  of  I'hrygia. 
'Lie  Spirit;  the  Holy  .Spirit. 

8.  Trom;  a  city  near  the  site  of  ancient  Troy,  on  the 
north  part  of  the  vEgcan  sea,  wliich  separates  Asia  Minor 
from  Kurope. 

9.  Mirednnia;  a  country  in  the  south-east  of  Europe. 

10.  We;  from  this  it  ajipiars  that  Luke,  the  writer  of 
this  book,  accomiianied  I'aul.  Compare  cliap.  2U:5,  etc. 
Assuredly  gathering;  being  convinced. 


13  And  on  the  sabbath*  we  went  out  of  the  city 
by  a  river-side,  where  prayer  was  wont  to  be 
made;"  and  we  sat  down,  and  spake  unto  the 
women  which  resorted  thither. 

14  1[  And  a  certain  woman  named  Lydia,  a  seller 
of  purple,  of  the  city  of  Thyatira,  wliich  wor- 
shipped God,  heard  us:  whose  heart  the  Lord 
opened,"  that  she  attended  unto  the  things  wliich 
were  spoken  of  PauL 

15  And  when  she  was  baptized,  and  her  house- 
hold, she  besought  us,  saying.  If  ye  have  judged 
me  to  be  faithful  to  the  Lord,  come  into  my  house, 
and  abide  there.''     And  she  constrained  us. 

I()  'i  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  we  went  to  prayer, 
a  certain  damsel  possessed  with  a  spirit  of  divina- 
tion' met  us,'' which  brought  her  masters  much  gain 
by  soothsaying:^ 

17  The  same  followed  Paul  and  us,  and  cried, 
saying.  These  men  are  the  servants  of  the  most 
high  God,'  which  show  unto  us  the  way  of  salva- 
tion." 

IS  And  this  did  she  many  days.  But  Paul,  being 
grieved,  turned  and  said  to  the  spirit,!  connnand 
tlicc  ill  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  to  come  out  of 
her.^'     And  he  came  out  the  same  hour."' 

I'J  1  And  when  her  masters  saw  that  the  hope  of 
their  gains  was  gone,'^  they  caught  Paul  and  Hilas, 
and  drew  them  into  the  market-place^  unto  the 
rulers,^' 

20  And  brought  them  to  the  magistrates,  saying. 
These  men,  being  Jews,  do  exceedingly  trouble  our 
city,^ 

21  And  teacli  customs  wliich  are  not  lawful  for 
us  to  receive,  neither  to  observe,  being  Romans. 

22  And  the  multitude  rose  up  together  against 
thcin ;  and  the  magistrates  rent  ofl  their  clothes, 
and  commanded  to  beat  them. 

23  And  when  they  had  laid  many  stripes  upon 
them,"  they  cast  thcyn  into  prison,  charging  the 
jailer  to  keep  them  safely : 

24  Who,  having  received  such  a  charge,  thrust 

•34:1.1.  1  Heb.  i:i:'2.  I  Or,  Python,  r  l  Sam.  2^:7.  »  ch.  19:24.  1  Gen. 
11:1^-22.  II  ch.  l.'i:2(i;  Heb.  1U:20.  v  Murk  1  :25.  34.  i'Markl(i:17  «  oh. 
ni:21-27.  i  Or,  court,  y  Matt.  10:18.  z  1  Kings  16:17;  ch.  17;G.  »  2  Cor. 
8:5;  11:23,2.5;  IThess.  2:2. 

11.  Samothracia;  an  island  in  the  north  part  of  the  JR'^e- 
an  sea.     Neapolis;  a  seaport  of  Macedonia. 

12.  Philippi — acolonij;  inhabited  liy  Roman  citizens,  and 
enjoying  special  privileges.  This  was  the  lirst  inlrodiie- 
tioji  of  the  gosi)el  into  Europe. 

14.  Thyatira  ;  a  city  of  Lydia,  a  province  in  Asia  Minor. 
VVnrshipped  God ;  was  a  proselyte  to  the  Jewish  religion. 
ffV/o.sT  heart  the  Lord  opened;  inclined  to  believe  what  I'aul 
lireached. 

Hi.  Topraijer;  llie  place  of  prayer.  Spirit  of  divinal inn  ; 
an  evil  spirit,  under  the  iiilluence  of  which  she  professed 
to  divine,  that  is,  to  reveal  things  beyond  the  reach  of 
huma.n  knowledge.  Sooth.sai/inc;;  professing  to  foretell 
future  events. 

18.  Being  grieved ;  at  her  debased  iuid  wreli'heil  condi- 
tion, and  the  evil  she  might  occasion,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ;  this  showed  that  the  author  of  this  miracle  was 
not  I'aul,  but  Christ. 

19.  Hope  of  their  gains;  the  hope  of  making  any  more 
money  in  that  w'ickcd  way. 

21.  Cifdoms  u'hichare  not  taivful ;  a  new  religion  contrary 
to  the  Roman  law. 

21.  Tlie  inner  prison ;  from  which  it  would  bo  most  didi- 

1257 


Paul  and  Silas  delivered 


ACTS  XVII. 


f  rem  prison  ly  an  angel. 


them  into  the  inner  prison,  and  made  their  feet 
fast  in  the  stocks. 

25  1  And  at  midnight  Paul  and  Silas  prayed,-' 
and  sang  praises  unto  God:''  and  tlic  prisoners 
heard  them. 

2(1  And  suddenly  there  was  a  great  earthquake, 
so  that  the  foundations  of  the  jirison  were  sliaken  :'' 
and  immediately  all  tlie  doors  were  opened,  and 
every  one's  bands  were  loosed.'' 

27  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  awaking  out  of 
Ins  sleep,  and  seeing  the  prison  doors  open,  lie 
drew  out  his  sword,  and  wouhl  have  kiUed  himself, 
su])])i)sing  that  tlic  prisoners  had  been  tied. 

28  i5ut  i'aul  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Do 
thyself  no  harm:"  for  we  are  all  lierc' 

29  Then  lie  called  for  a  liglit,  and  sprang  in,  and 
came  trembling,*^  and  fell  down  before  Paul  and 
Silas, 

30  And  brouglit  them  out,  and  said.  Sirs,  what 
must  1  do  to  be  saved?'' 

31  And  they  said,  Delieve  on  tlie  Lord  Jesus 
Clirist,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved,'  and  thy  liouse.J 

32  And  tlicy  s|iake  unto  him  tlie  word  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  all  that  were  in  his  house." 

33  And  he  took  them  the  same  hour  of  the  night, 
and  washed  their  stripes ;  and  was  baptized,  he 
and  all  his,  straightway. 

34  And  when  ho  had  brouglit  tliciii  into  his  house, 
he  set  meat  before  them,'  and  rejoiced,'"  believing 
in  God  with  a'U  liis  house. 

35  1  And  when  it  was  day,  the  magistrates  sent 
the  sergeants,  saying.  Let  those  men  go. 

36  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  told  this  saying 


»Jas.  3:13.  bPsa.  31:1.  '  nli.  4:31.  ■!  Isa.  42:7;  oil.  .'5:19;  1-J:7,  lu. 
'  Eccl.  7:1.5-17.  fProv.  24:11,  12:  1  ThMS.  .'5:15.  e  Jer.  5:22.  Iieh.2:37; 
8:0.    1  Hlb.  2:4;  John  3:lli,3fi;  (i:47;  ch.  13:.3i).     J  ch.  2:.39.    l<Rom.l:l4, 


cult  to  escape.  Stocks;  pieces  of  wood  in  which  their  feet 
were  fastened. 

2(i.  Hands;  chains,  cords,  or  fetters  l)y  which  tliey  were 
confined. 

27.  Woidd  have  killed  himself;  to  avoid  the  punislimcnt 
of  deatli,  to  which  those  were  liidile  wlio  allowed  prisoners 
to  escape,     ("ompare  cliaj).  12:111. 

:iO.  To  he  saved;  from  sin,  and  the  wrath  of  a  ju.stly  of- 
fended (<od. 

:)I.   Til ij  home;  thy  family. 

:i.'i.  Seiismnh;  the  lictors  who  attended  on  the  magis- 
trates, and  executed  their  commands. 

."iT.  heinir  Romans;  Iwiviiig  a  ri;;ht  to  the  jirivileRes  of 
Koinan  citizens,  whom  it  was  unlawful  thii.s  to  scourge  and 
imprison.  Let  Ihem  come;  this  would  he  ;i  pulilic  aclcnow- 
ledgment  liy  the  magistrates  that  they  li;id  done  wrong. 

3'J.  Besought  them ;  to  overlook  the  injustice  which  Imd 
heen  done  them,  and  to  depart. 

■10.  Comforted  them;  l>y  recounting  tlie  goodness  of  God, 
and  encouraging  thein  to  love  and  trust  in  him. 

IN.'^'riiriTfONH. 

3.  Christian  wisdom  will  le;id  men  to  do,  nmler  some 
circumstances,  what  it  will  lead  them  1o  refuse  to  rlo  un- 
der others.  It  is  not  enough  that  a  thing  is  not  forhidden: 
to  he  justified  in  doing  it,  we  must  also  have  reason  to  lic- 
lievc  that  it  will  be  useful;  that  it  is  not  only  lawful,  but 
also  expedient,     ll'or.  ti:I2;  10:23. 

1 4.  Whenever  men  believe  on  .Icsiis  dhrist,  and  are  dis- 
jxiseil  to  obey  him.  it  is  evidence  that  the  Lord  has  re- 
newed their  hearts  by  his  .Spirit.  To  him  therefore,  not 
to  thcni,  or  those  who  have  preached  the  gosiwl,  belongs 
the  glory. 

Ifi.  Men  are  often  more  anxious  to  know  their  fortunes 
than  their  duty.  They  moro  earnestly  seek,  and  liberally 
1258 


to  Paul,  The  magistrates  have  sent  to  let  a.d.ss. 
you  go :  now  therefore  depart,  and  go  in  peace. 

37  But  Paul  said  unto  them.  They  have  beaten 
us  openly  uncondemned,  being  llomans,"  and  have 
cast  us  into  prison ;  and  now  do  they  thrust  us 
out  privily?  nay,  verily  ;  but  let  them  come  them- 
selves and  fetch  us  out." 

38  And  the  sergeants  told  these  words  unto  the 
magistrates :  and  they  feared,  when  they  heard 
that  they  were  Romans. 

39  And  they  came  and  besought  them,''  and 
brought  thrm  out,  and  desired  t/ieia  to  dejiart  out 
of  the  city  .'I 

40  And  th(>y  went  out  of  the  prison,  and  entered 
into  f/ic  house  o/'Lydia:''  and  when  they  had  seen 
the  brethren,  they  comforted  them,  and  departed. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  P;iul  preaclietli  at  Thessalonica,  4  where  some  believe,  and  others 

fiersecute  him.  10  He  is  sent  to  Berea,  and  preaciieth  there.  13 
Jein;;  persecuted  at  Thessalonica,  l*')  iie  coineth  to  Athens,  .iiid  dis- 
putetfi,  and  preaciieth  tiie  living  God  to  them  unknown,  3-1  wliereby 
many  are  converted  unto  Christ. 

NOW  when  they  had  passed  through  Am]ihip- 
olis  and  Apollonia,  they  came  to  Thessalo- 
nica, where  was  a  .synagogue  of  the  Jews: 

2  And  Paul,  as  iiis  manner  was,  went  in  unto 
them,''  and  llii'ee  sabbatli-dtiys  reasoned  with  them 
out  of  the  scrijitures, 

3  Ojieniiig  and  alleging,  that  Christ  must  needs 
have  sufi'ered,  and  risen  again  i'rom  the  dead;' 
and  that  this  Jesus,  whom  I  jircach"  unto  you,  is 
Christ. 

10.  1  Luke  5:23.  mKom.  5:11.  n  ch  22:25.  o  Dan.  0:  If',  19;  Malt.  10:18. 
PExod.  II  :H;  Uev.3:9.  qMatt.S:34.  rver.M.  »  Luko  4:10;  ch.  9:20;  13:5, 
14.     1   Luko '24:20,  40;  ch.  lb:28;  Gal.  3:1.     •  Or,  w/iolH,  said  he,  /prrar/i. 

pay  for  specious  delusions  and  lying  vanities,  than  for 
siilifitantial  rc;dities  and  momentous  truth. 

19.  Under  the  iutiuence  of  S;it;ui,  i)ersoii8  may  pretend 
to  foretell  future  events,  and  to  exercise  siipcriiatural 
power ;  but  when  Christ  delivers  them  from  the  snares  of 
Satan,  sncli  pretensions  will  cease. 

20.  Miuiy  are  grc;itly  troul)led  when  S;it;in  is  prevented 
from  heliiiug  them  to  iimko  money;  and  e;iriiestly  contend 
tli;it  the  proseciilinii  of  their  wicked  emiiloyment  is  essen- 
tial to  the  pnblii'  good. 

2;').  It  is  not  in  the  jiower  of  the  wicked  to  make  the 
righteous  uiihaiipy,  or  prevent  their  rejoicing  with  ex- 
ceeding joy, 

;iO,  To  a  convicted  sinner,  the  most  imimrlaiit  of  all 
things  is  salvation  from  sin  and  hell.  To  obtain  it,  ho 
must  do  something;  an<l  the  business  of  a  minister  is,  to 
show  him  what  he  nniBt  do,  set  before  him  the  motives, 
and  look  to  the  Holy  (jhost  to  le;id  him  to  do  it. 

37.  It  is  sometimes  right  and  wise  to  claim  the  jirotec- 
tion  of  civil  law;  to  appeal  from  Ihe  jiiiigmeiit  of  inferior 
magistrates  to  higher  tribunals,  and  let  all  know  that  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  citizens  are  not  to  be  triinipled  on 
with  impunity,  (ioveriiliienl  is  niif;iitlifiil  to  itself,  to  its 
subjects,  and  to  (iod,  if  it  f;iils  to  be  it  terrcu-  to  evil-doers, 
and  a  praise  an<l  protection  to  those  that  do  well. 

CHAPTER  XVTL 

1.  Amphipolis;  the  chief  eity  of  the  liisl  or  eastern  divis- 
ion of  .Macedonia.  Thessalonica;  the  capital  of  the  second 
division  of  M;i(redonia. 

2.  The  scriptures ;  the  Old  Testament. 

3.  Mint  nerds  hare  suffered ;  the  Scriptures  forelolil  that 
the  Messi;di  would  suffer.  His  deiith  wiis  needliil  in  order 
to  their  fulfilment,  and  to  the  salvation  of  mea. 


Paul  preaches  at  Tlicssalcnlca, 


ACTS  XVIT. 


at  Eerea,  and  lI  Athens. 


A.D.53.  4  And  some  of  them  believed,"  and  con- 
sorted with  Paul  and  Silas;''  and  of  the  devout 
Greeks  a  great  multitude,  and  of  the  chief  women 
not  a  few. 

5  IBut  the  Jews  which  believed  not,  moved  with 
envy,  took  unto  them  certain  lewd  fellows  of  the 
baser  sort,  and  gatlierod  a  company,  and  set  all  the 
city  on  an  uproar,  and  assaulted  the  house  of  Ja- 
son," and  souijlit  to  bring  them  out  to  the  people. 

6  And  when  they  found  them  not,  they  drew 
Jason  and  certain  brethren  unto  the  rulers  of  the 
city,  crying,  These  that  have  turned  tlie  world 
upside  down  arc  come  liitlicr  also;'' 

7  Whom  Jason  liath  received:  and  these  all  do 
contrary  to  the  decrees  of  Cesar ,■=  saying  tiiat  there 
is  another  king,  one  Jesus. 

8  And  they  troubled  the  people  and  the  rulers 
of  the  city,''  when  tliey  heard  tliese  things. 

9  And  when  tlicy  had  taken  security  of  Jason, 
and  of  the  others,  tliey  let  tJiem  go. 

10  1  And  the  bretlircn  immediately  sent  away 
Paul  and  Silas  by  night  unto  Berca  :"  who  coming 
thither,  went  into  the  synagogue  of  the  Jews. 

11  These  were  more  noble  than  those  in  Thessa- 
lonica,''  in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all 
readiness  of  mind,'  and  searched  the  scriptures 
daily.J  wliether  tliose  things  were  so. 

12  Tiierefore  many  of  lliem  believed;  also  of 
honorable  women  which  were  Greeks,  and  of  men, 
not  a  few. 

13  But  when  the  Jews  of  Thessalonica  liaxl  know- 
ledge that  the  word  of  God  was  preached  of  Paul 
at  Bcrea,  they  came  thither  also,  and  stirred  up 
the  people." 

14  And  then  immediately  the  brethren  sent  away 
Paul  to  go  as  it  were  to  the  sea:'  but  Silas  and 
Timotheus  abode  there  still. 

15  And  they  tliat  conducted  Paul  brouglit  him 

»Cli.  aH:->t.  b-JCor.  e:r);  1  Thess.  1:5.  (i,  t  Rom.  I(i:-Jl.  >1  l.uke  a3:5; 
ch.lO:-i|l.  e  Luke 'iii-j;  .liilin  1«:1-.'.  '  Matt,  a:!!;  .lohri  1 1:4-.  Sch.n;-2o; 
ver.  14.  i>  Psa.  119:;i!».  lUO.  i  Jas.  1:2);  1  Pet.  2:-.>.  J  l.-a.  34:16;  Luke 
16:20;  24:41;  John  5:30.  k  Luke  12:51.  1  Matl.  10:23.  mch.l8:5.  "Psa. 
119:130;  2  Pet.  2:8.     •  Or,  full  of  idols.     och.S:2.     P  Col.  2:8.     t  Or,  «ase 


4.  Consorted  with  Paul  and  Silas;  joined  tliem.  Devout 
Greeks  ;  Gentile  Greeks  who  liad  become  aciiuaiiitpd  with 
the  true  religion  as  revealed  in  the  Old  Testament,  and 
were  worshippers  of  Jehovah.  The  women  also  appear  to 
have  been  of  the  same  class.     So  also  in  ver.  12. 

5.  With  envy;  at  the  success  of  I'aul  and  .Silas.  Jason; 
a  relation  of  I'aul,  at  whose  house  he  and  Silas  stayed. 
Koni.  1(;:21. 

7.  Do  contrary  to  the  decrees  of  Cesar;  are  guilty  of  rebel- 
ling afrainst  Itim. 

9.  Taken  security  of  Jasnn ;  exacted  a  bond  of  him,  by 
wliich  he  was  made  resjionsible  that  no  disturbance  should 
be  catised  by  the  presence  of  I'aul  ;ind  Silas,  hi  accord- 
ance with  this  they  were  immediately  sent  away. 

10.  Berea;  a  city  of  Macedonia  south-west  of  Thessa- 
lonica. 

11.  More  nnhir ;  more  noble-minded — candid  iiii|uirers 
after  truth.  Whether  those  thini^i  were  so ;  whether  tlie  thin;is 
taught  by  Paul  and  Silas  were  true,  in  accordance  with 
the  Scriptures. 

V).  Athens;  the  most  distinguished  city  in  Greece,  and 
the  seat  of  literature,  philosophy,  and  the  lino  arts. 

17.  Disputed;  reasoned  with  litem  concerning  the  Mes- 
siahaliip  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  worship  of  the  one  living  and 
true  (!od,  and  the  retributions  of  cternitv. 

1».  Epicureans;  from  Epicurus  their  founder,  who  taught 
that  pleasure  is  the  chief  good.  Stoics;  from  stoa,  a  Greek 


unto  Athens:  and  receiving  a  commandment  unto 
Silas  and  Timotheus  for  to  come  to  him  with  all 
speed,'"  they  dc|3arted. 

16  If  Now  while  Paul  waited  for  tliein  at  Alliens, 
his  spirit  was  stirred  in  him,"  when  he  saw  the  city 
wholly  given  to  idolatry." 

17  Tiierefore  disjiuted  he  in  the  synagogue  with 
the  Jews,  and  witli  tlie  devout  persons,"  and  in  the 
market  daily  with  them  tliat  met  with  him. 

18  Then  certain  philosophers  of  the  Epicureans, 
andof  the  Stoics, encountered  him.''  And  some  said, 
What  will  this  babbler  +  say?  other  some.  He  seem- 
eth  to  be  a  setter  forth  of  strange  gods :  because 
he  preached  unto  them  Jesus,  and  the  resurrection. 

19  And  tliey  took  him,  and  brought  him  unto 
Areopagus,*  saying.  May  we  know  what  this  new 
doctrine,"  whereof  thou  speakest,  is? 

20  For  thou  bringest  certain  strange  things  to 
our  ears:''  we  would  know  therefore  wliat  these 
things  mean. 

21  For  all  the  Athenians  and  strangers  which 
were  there,  spent  their  time  in  nothing  else,  but 
eitlior  to  tell,  or  to  hear  some  new  thing. 

22  1i  Then  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of  Mars-hill,^ 
and  said,  Ye  men  of  Atiiens,  I  perceive  that  in  all 
things  ye  are  too  superstitious.'* 

23  For  as  I  passed  by,  and  beheld  your  devo- 
tions," I  found  an  altar  with  this  inscription,  TO 
THE  UNKNOWN  GOD.  Whom  therefore  ye 
ignorantly  worship,  him  declare  I  unto  you. 

24  God  that  made  the  world  and  all  things  there- 
in,' seeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth," 
dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  with  hands;'' 

25  Neither  is  worshi])ped  with  men's  hands,  as 
though  he  needed  any  thing,"'  seeing  he  givctli  to 
all  lil'e,  and  lircath,^  and  all  things;' 

26  And  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of 
men  for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,''  and 

fdlow.  1  Or,  Mars-liiU;  it  was  the  hifihest  court  in  Athens,  q  John  13:34; 
1  John  2:7.  y.  'Hns.  S:12.  ^  Or.  Ihe  court  o/the  Areopagilt-s.  '  Jer.  50:38. 
t  Or,  goils  that  ye  U'ors/iip;  Gal.  4:8.  '  ch.  14:15.  "Malt.  11:25.  v  ch. 
7;4«.  wPialm50:S.  x  Job  12:10;  Zech.  12:1.  y  Romans  11  ::il).  z  Mai. 
2:10. 


word  meaning  a  porch ;  because,  in  a  structure  so  named, 
Zeno  the  founder  of  this  sect  taught  his  doctrines.  Among 
these  the  two  following  were  prominent:  that  all  things 
are  fixed  by  necessity,  and  that  the  chief  good  of  man  lies 
in  raising  himself  to  a  state  of  indiflerence  to  all  earthly 
things. 

19.  Areopagus;  that  is,  as  the  wonl  means,  Jfars-liill;  a 
rocky  height  in  Athens,  opjiosite  the  western  end  of  the 
Acro]iolis,  where  the  highest  Atheni;tn  court  was  Indd. 

22.  Too  snperstitiinis;  lather,  very  religiously  inclined, 
very  much  disposed  to  honur  the  gods. 

23.  Passed  till;  passed  through  the  city,  and  beheld  the 
sacred  places  and  objects.  7'o  the  iinknoini  God ;  or,  as 
the  inscription  may  also  be  rentlered.  To  an  unknown  God. 
They  not  oidy  worshipiied  all  the  gods  that  were  known, 
Ijut'iiad  an  aitar  to  oni!  that  was  unknown.  However  this 
might  have  arisen,  it  showed  the  truth  of  what  I'aul  said, 
th;tt  tliey  were  much  inclined  to  honor  the  gods  ;  and  it  fur- 
nished him  with  an  admirable  occasion  of  preaching  to 
them  the  true  (Jod,  who  w;is  to  them  "  the  unknown  God." 

24.  Dwelleth  not  in  temples;  according  to  the  heatlien  idea 
of  a  lociil  anil  limitcil  presence.  lie  is  not  conliiicd  to  ;tny 
place,  but  tills  all  (jlaces. 

2(i.  //(///(  iniide  of  one  Mood;  caused  all  men  to  sjiring 
from  one  lamily.  Times — tiounds;  the  countries  where  they 
shoulil  live,  and  the  periods  during  which  they  should 
occupy  them. 

1259 


Paul's  discourse  at  Athens. 


ACTS  XVIII. 


He  preadeth  at  Curinth, 


liath  determined  the  times  before  appointed,"  and 
the  bounds  of  their  habitation  ;'' 

27  That  they  sliould  scclc  liio  Lord,  if  haply  they 
might  feel  after  him,  and  fuid  liim,  though  he  be 
not  far  from  every  one  of  us:" 

28  For  in  iiim  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our 
being:''  as  certain  also  of  your  own  poets  have 
said.  For  we  are  also  his  oftspriug.'' 

29  Forasmuch  then  as  wo  are  the  offspring  of 
God,  we  ought  not  to  think  that  the  Godliead  is 
like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or  stone,  graven  by  art 
and  man's  device.'' 

30  And  the  times  of  tliis  ignorance  God  winked 
atp  but  now  coniniaudeth  all  men  everywhere  to 
repent:'' 

31  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which 
he  will  judge  tlic  world  in  righteousness  by  (hat 
man  wliom  he  hath  ordained;'  whereof  ha  hath 
given  assurance*  unto  all  men,  in  that  he  hath 
raised  him  iVoni  tlio  dead. 

32  \  And  wiieu  they  heard  of  the  resurrection 
of  tlie  dead,^  some  mocked :  and  others  said,  We 
will  hear  tliec  again  of  this  matter} 

33  So  Paul  dc])arted  from  among  them. 

34  Howbeit,  certain  men  clave  unto  him,  and 
believed:  among  the  wiiich  was  Dionysius  the 
Areopagite,  and  a  woman  named  Damaris,  and 
others  with  them. 

»rM.31:15.  I>  Ua.  4.):-.'l.  cch.  1-1:17.  <lCol.l:l7.  eTitusl:l-2.  f  Isa. 
m-A'i.  MO.  e  Horn  3:2.).  h  [.uke  HAT;  Titus  2:11.  12.  i  Rnm.  2:18. 
•  Or,  offcTHl  failh.     i  ch.  20:9.     k   I.uke  14:I-J;  cli.  24:23.     1   Rom.   10::!. 

27.  Seek  the  Lord;  the  object  of  (iotl  in  creation  and  ijrov- 
idcnce  is,  tliat  men  may  know,  worsliip,  and  enjoy  him. 
This  they  may  do,  for  lie  is  everywhere  jiresciit,  sustain- 
ing, uplioldin^,  and  governing  all  tilings. 

28.  \'(>nr  own  poctn;  Aratus  of  Cilieia,  a  Greek  poet  who 
lived  more  than  tliree  hundred  years  l)efore,aiid  ('leanthos, 
who  lived  about  the  same  time  and  was  successor  of  Zeiio 
the  founder  of  the  Stoics,  both  expressed  the  sentiment 
referred  to ;  and  Aratus  expressed  it  in  the  very  words 
which  F'aul  quotes. 

29.  We  nv^ht  not  to  tliinic;  tlial  Jehovah  is  like  material 
objects  of  any  kind. 

30.  Winked  itt ;  suffered,  bore  with. and  did  not  give  them 
a  written  expression  of  liis  condemnation  of  these  sins,  or 
come  out  ill  judgment  against  tliem.  To  repent;  of  their 
idolatry  and  wickedness,  and  turn  to  the  worship  and  ser- 
vice of  the  one  only  living  and  true  (iod. 

:tl.  'I'/uit  man;  Jesus  Christ.  Ordained;  appointed  for 
this  innpose.     Assurance;  conclusive  evidence. 

'^^^.  Same  mocked;  they  considered  a  resurrection  inipos- 
siblo  and  absurd. 

34.  Clave  unto  liim;  believed  liis  doclrinea,  and  followed 
him  as  their  teacher.  ■  Tlie  Areopagite ;  a  member  of  the 
Areoiiagus,  or  Athenian  court. 

I.WSTKL'CTIONS. 

2.  The  sermons  of  ministers  should  not  be  mere  exhor- 
tations, or  addresses  to  the  iiassions  anil  imaginations  of 
men,  but  should  contain  sound  argument  and  conclusive 
reasoning — not  merely  asserting,  but  proving  the  great 
doctrines  and  duties  of  the  gospel,  and  enforcing  them 
upon  the  consciences  and  hearts  of  men. 

.I.  I'.ejecters  of  truth  and  violators  of  morality  are  apt  to 
unite  in  opposing  the  gospel,  and  in  doing  this,  the  openly 
vicious  of  the  basest  sort  can  plead  eartM^stl^-  for  the  con- 
stitution and  laws  oflhe  country,  and  express  great  fears  lest 
these  should  be  violated. and  the  public  receive  detriment. 

II.  lieadiness  of  mind  to  hear  the  gospel,  and  daily  to 
search  the  Si-riptures  for  the  purpose  of  understanding 
and  obeying  them,  is  evirlcnce  of  true  nobleness  of  siiiril, 
and  the  means  of  increasing  it,  and  of  leading  many  to  be- 
lieve in  Christ  the  Saviour  of  their  souls. 
1260 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


A.  D  .'4. 


3  Paul  laboreth  with  his  hands,  and  preacheth  at  Corinth  to  the  Gen- 
tiles. 9  The  Lord  encourai^eth  him  in  a  vision.  12  He  is  accused 
before  Lrallio  the  depury,  but  is  disinis*:td.  IS  Afterwards  passing 
from  city  to  city  lie  strenythenelli  the  disciples.  24  A[iullos,  bi'ini; 
more  perft'ctly  instructed  by  Aquila  ami  Priscilla,  2S  preaclieth 
Christ  with  great  etlicacy. 

AFTER  these  things  Paul  ileparted  from  Ath- 
ens, and  came  to  Corinth  ; 

2  And  found  a  certain  Jew  named  Aquila,'  born  in 
Pontus,  lately  come  from  Italy,  with  liis  wife  Pris- 
cilla, (because  that  Claudius  had  commanded  all 
Jews  to  depart  from  Rome,)  and  came  unto  tliein. 

3  And  because  he  was  of  the  same  craft,  he  aliode 
with  them,  and  wrought:'"  for  by  their  occupation 
they  were  tcnt-niakers. 

4  And  he  reasoned  in  tlie  synagogue  every  sab- 
bath," and  persuaded  the  Jews  and  the  Greeks. 

5  And  when  Silas  and  Tiniothcus  were  come 
from  Jlacedoriia,"  Paul  was  pressed  in  llie  spirit, 
and  testified  to  the  Jews  that  Jesus  was  Christ.* 

6  And  when  they  opposed  themselves,''  and  blas- 
]ihenied.  he  shook  /;/.v  raiment,"  ami  said  unto  them, 
Your  blood  he  upon  your  own  heads ; ''  I  am  clean  : 
from  henceforth  1  will  go  unto  the  Gentiles. 

7  1  And  he  deiiarted  thence,  and  entered  into  a 
certain  wetn^s  house  named  Justus,  one  that  wor- 
shipped God,  whose  house  joined  hard  to  the  syn- 
agogue. 


m  ch.  2l::!4.     n  cli.  17:2.     «  i:li.  V 
2:25.     q  Noll.  5:13.     r  Ezek.  :«:■!. 


:U,  15.     t  Or,  is  /Ac  (7irij(.     1'  2  Tii 


13.  The  uneasiness  which  men  Icel  when  others  receive 
the  blessings  which  they  themselves  reject,  is  evidence  of 
deep  wickedness  of  heart.  In  refusing  to  enter  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  and  in  trying  to  hinder  others,  they  mani- 
fest the  spirit  of  the  great  <lestroyer,  and  are  hasleniiig 
towards  the  place  jirepared  for  him  and  his  aiigels.i 

10.  .Men  may  be  renowned  for  human  learning,  and 
greatly  attached  to  rites  and  forms  of  devotion,  and  yet  bo 
ignorant  of  ihe  only  proper  object  and  way  of  religious 
worslii]!,  ami  be  sunk  in  deep  degra<latioii  and  wickedness. 

26.  As  all  the  human  race  are  tlic  olfspring,  and  are  uiidiT 
the  goveriimciif  of  one  common  Father,  they  are  all  brelli- 
ren  of  one  family,  and  are  bound  to  treat  one  anollicr  as 
such.  Each  has  rights  given  him  by  his  heavenly  Father, 
of  which  no  man  or  body  of  men  can  deprive  him,  willioiit 
deep  injustice  against  a  brother,  and  flagrant  rebellion 
against  (iod. 

31.  A  day  of  searching  and  righteous  judgniciil  is  cipin- 
iiig,  when  each  and  all  must  stand  before  an  omniscient 
and  alniightv  Judge,  who  will  render  to  all  according  lo 
their  wurks."     Uom.  2:(i-ll;  Itev.  11:11. 

CHAPTER  XV  II  I. 

1.  Cininlli;  Ihe  capital  of  Achaia,  a  province  of  (Jreece. 

2.  Ponlnx ;  the  north-eastern  province  of  Asia  Minor. 
Claudius;  the  Homaii  emperor,  who  reigned  from  a.  d. 
■11  to  .54. 

3.  Crap;  trade,  or  occuiialicm.  TVir//  were  tent-makers; 
it  was  the  custom  of  the  .lews  to  have  their  sons  taught 
some  mechanical  arl ;  that  they  might  thus,  in  any  emer- 
gency, be  able  to  ]U<)Vide  for  Ihenisi  Ives. 

<1.  Persuaded  tlic  Jews  ;  (hat  Jesus  was  the  Christ. 

.1.  Pressed  in  tlie  spirit ;  distressed  in  view  of  (he  condi- 
tion of  (ho  Jews,  and  powerfully  moved  to  preach  to  llicni 
the  gospel. 

(!.  Opposed  themselves;  set  themselves  against  him  and 
his  preaching.  Sliook  his  raiment ;  in  token  of  deep  al'lmr- 
rence  of  (heir  sins.  Your  lilond  ;  the  guilt  of  your  destruc- 
tion.    /  am  clean  ;  free  from  blame. 

7.  One  that  uvrshipped  God;  a  proselyte  to  the  Jewish 
religion. 


Insurrection  of  Ike  Jews. 


ACTS  XVIII. 


Apollo^  preac/iel/i  Christ. 


A.  D.54.  8  And  Crispus,"  the  chief  ruler  of  tlic  syn- 
agogue, believed  on  the  Lord  with  all  his  house ; 
and  many  of  the  Corinthians  hearing,  Ijelicved, 
and  were  baptized. 

9  Then  spake  the  Lord  to  Paul  in  the  night  by 
a  vision,  Be  not  afraid,  but  speak,  and  hold  not 
thy  peace: 

10  For  I  am  with  thee,''  and  no  man  shall  set  on 
thee  to  hurt  thee:  for  I  have  much  pcoi)le  in  this 
city. 

1 1  And  ho  continued  tkei-e'  a  year  and  six  months, 
teaching  the  word  of  God  among  them. 

12  1  And  when  Gallio  was  the  deputy  of  Achaia, 
the  .Tews  made  insurrection  with  one  accord  against 
Paul,  and  brought  him  to  tlie  judgment-seat," 

13  Saying,  This fel/oiu  persuadeth  men  to  worship 
God  contrai'y  to  the  law. 

14  And  when  Paul  was  now  about  to  open  /ns 
mouth,  Gallio  said  unto  the  Jews,  If  it  were  a 
matter  of  wrong  or  wicked  lewdness,  0  ye  Jews, 
reason  would  that  I  should  bear  with  you:** 

15  But  if  it  be  a  question  of  words  and  names, 
and  o/'your  law,''  look  ye  to  it;  for  I  will  be  no 
judge  of  such  matters. 

16  And  ho  dravo  them  from  the  judgment-seat. 

17  Then  all  the  Greeks  took  Sosthenes,"' the  chief 
ruler  of  the  synagogue,  and  beat  ki7n  before  tiie 
judgment-seat.  And  Gallio  cared  for  none  of  those 
things. 

18  1^  And  Paul  after  this  tarried  there  yet  a  good 
while,  and  then  took  his  leave  of  the  brethren,  and 
sailed  thence  into  Syria,  and  witli  him  Priscilla 
and  Aquila;  having  shorn  Ais  head  in  Cenchrea:° 
for  he  had  a  vow.** 

>1  Cor.  1:14.  !>  Matt.  3S:80.  *  Or.  .lal  there,  cjis.  o^o.  d  Rom.  1.3:. X 
«  John  IS::JI;  oh.  23:20;  25:11,19.  flCor.l;!.  sRom.lC:!.  h  Num. 
0:IS;  ch.  21:24.     i  oh.  17:2.     i  oh.  19:31  ;  2":  16.     k  1  Cor.  4:19;  Jas.  4:1.5. 


10.  Muck  people  in  this  city;  many  who  shall  receive  the 
gospel  and  be  saved. 

12.  Gallio;  theRomangovernorof  the  province  of  Achaia, 
and  brother  of  the  jihilosoiiher  Seneca.  Made  insurrection  ; 
assaulted  and  apprehended  Paul. 

13.  Contrary  to  the  laiv ;  the  law  of  Moses. 

14.  Open  /(M  moiU/i ;  to  speak  in  his  own  defence.  Wron^ 
or  wicked  lewdness;  injustice,  or  any  crime.  Reason  would; 
it  would  be  reasonable  to  hear  the  complaint  and  try  the 
cause. 

15.  A  question  of  words  and  names ;  merely  about  their 
religion. 

17.  Then  alt  the  Greeks ;  the  Gentiles  present,  who  sym- 
pathized with  Gallio  in  his  abhorrence  of  Jewish  bigotry. 
Sosthenes;  probablj'  at  that  time  a  leader  of  the  persecution 
against  Pavil.  Cared  for  none  of  those  things;  troubled  not 
himself  about  the  treatment  that  Sosthenes  received  from 
the  Greeks,  being  willing  that  ho  should  suffer  tho  indig- 
nation of  the  people. 

18.  Shorn  his  head;  cut  off  his  hair,  as  was  the  custom  in 
fulfilment  of  a  vow,  or  promise  to  the  Lord.  Ccnchrea ;  the 
seaport  of  Corinth,  about  ci^jht  miles  east  of  the  city. 

19.  Eptiesus;  a  city  of  Ionia  in  Asia  Minor,  about  forty 
miles  south  of  Smyrna. 

21.  This  feast;  the  feast  of  the  paseovor. 

22.  Cesarca ;  a  seaport  on  the  western  coast  of  Palestine. 
Gone  up ;  to  Jerusalem.  Aniioch  ;  in  Syria,  the  place  from 
which  lie  went  out  on  his  late  tour. 

23.  Galatia  and  Phrygia  ;  provinces  wliich  he  had  before 
visited.  Strengthening  all  the  disciples ;  conlirraing  their  faith 
in  the  gospel,  and  encouraging  them  to  persevere  in  holy 
living. 

24.  Alexandria ;  a  city  in  tho  north  part  of  Egypt,  found- 


19  And  he  came  to  Ephcsus,  and  left  them  there : 
but  ho  himself  entered  into  the  synagogue,  and  rea- 
soned with  the  Jews.' 

20  When  they  desired  him  to  tarry  longer  time 
with  them,  ho  consented  not ; 

21  But  bade  them  farewell,  saying,  I  must  by  all 
means  keep  this  feast  that  comcth  in  Jerusalem:^ 
but  I  will  return  again  unto  you,  if  God  will.''  And 
he  sailed  from  Ephesus. 

22  And  when  he  had  landed  at  Cesarea,  and 
gone  up  and  saluted  the  church,  he  went  down  to 
Antioch. 

23  And  after  he  had  spent  some  time  there,  he 
departed,  and  went  over  all  the  country  of  Galatia 
and  Phrvgia  in  order,'  strengthening  all  the  disci- 
ples.'" 

24  H  And  a  certain  Jew  named  Apollos,"  born 
at  Alexandria,  an  eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in 
the  scriptures,  came  to  Ephesus. 

25  This  man  was  instructed  in  the  way  of  the 
Lord;  and  being  fervent  in  the  spirit,"  he  spake 
and  taught  diligently  tho  things  of  the  Lord, 
knowing  only  the  baptism  of  John."' 

2G  And  he  began  to  speak  boldly  in  the  syna- 
gogue: whom  when  Aquila  and  Priscilla  had 
heard,  they  took  him  unto  them,  and  expounded 
unto  him  the  way  of  God  more  perfectly.'' 

27  And  when  he  was  disposed  to  pass  into  Achaia, 
the  brethren  wrote,  exhorting  the  disciples  to  re- 
ceive him :  who,  when  he  was  come,  helped  them 
much  which  had  believed  through  grace:"' 

28  For  he  mightily  convinced  the  Jews,  and  that 
publicly,  showing  by  the  scriptures  that  Jesus  was 
Christ.t^ 

1  Gal.  1:2.  m  ch.  14:22;  l.'i:.'i2,  41.  n  1  Cor.  1:12;  3:.'j,  6;  Titus  3:13. 
o  Rom.  12:11  ;  Jas.  5:16.  Poh.l9:3.  q  Heb.  6: 1 ;  2ret.  3:  IS.  rlC\.r.3:6; 
Kph.  2:t<.     fOT,is  the  Christ;  ver.5.     "John  5:39. 


ed  by  Alexander  the  Great,  about  three  hundred  years 
before  Christ. 

25.  Instructed  in  the  way  of  the  Lord ;  so  far  as  it  was 
revealed  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  made  known  by  tho 
preaching  of  John  the  B;iptist. 

26.  Expounded — mnrc  perfectly;  showed  him  what  had 
taken  place  since  the  preaching  of  John  with  regard  to 
the  Messiah,  and  pointed  out  more  clearly  the  way  of  sal- 
vation through  him. 

27.  Achaia;  a  part  of  Greece,  of  which  Corinth  was  the 
capital,  where  Aquila  and  Priscilla  had  lived.  The  brethren 
wrote ;  the  Christians  at  Ephesus  wrote  letters,  recommend- 
ing Apollos  to  the  Christians  in  Achaia.  Helped  them  much; 
by  his  zeal,  eloquence,  and  piety,  he  greatly  assisted  those 
who,  through  grace,  had  believed  in  Jesus  Christ. 

INSTltUCTIONS. 

3.  A  knowledge  of  useful  business  is  important  to  all, 
especially  to  ministers  who  are  called  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel and  establish  churches  in  heathen  lands  ;  and  diligence 
in  tho  discharge  of  appropriate  duties  is  lionorablc,  and 
highly  conducive  to  usefulness  and  enjoyment. 

9.  Ministers  of  the  gospel  are  at  times  liable  to  great 
fear  and  depression  of  spirits.  But  God  is  able  to  encour- 
age and  protect  them.  lie  would  have  them  remember, 
tiiat  among  their  ojiposers  may  be  many  who  will  be  their 
warmest  friends  ;  and  that  by  perseverance  and  fidelity  in 
preaching  the  gospel,  they  may  be  instrumental  in  prepar- 
ing them  for  an  exceeiiing  ;ind  etcrmil  weight  of  glorj'. 

21.  A  pious  m;in  with  right  views,  in  forming  liis  pl;in» 
will  not  lose  sight  of  his  dependence  on  God,  or  forget  that, 
if  the  Ijord  will,  he  shall  live:  and  do  this  or  that;  and  he 
will  honor  Ilim  by  t\u:  suil;ible  expression,  at  proper  times, 
of  this  momentous  truth. 

1261 


77ie  Holy  Ghost  is  given. 


ACTS  XIX. 


Tltc  tumult,  at  Ephestis. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


6  The  Holy  Ghost  is  given  by  Paul's  hands.  9  The  Jews  blaspheme 
his  il..ctrine.  which  is  confiniied  by  niincles.  13  The  Jewish  exor- 
cists 16  are  beaten  by  the  devil.  19  Conjuring  books  are  burnt.  24 
Demetrius,  for  love  of  gain,  raiseth  an  uproar  against  Paul,  35  which 
is  appeased  by  the  town-clerk. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  tliat  wliilc  Apollos  was 
at  Corinth,''  Paul  liaviug  passed  through  the 
upper  coasts,  came  to  Ephesus ;  and  finding  certain 
disciple.;;, 

2  He  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  received  the  Holy 
Ghost  since  ye  believed  ?  And  they  said  unto  him, 
We  have  not  so  nuich  as  heard  whether  there  be 
any  Holy  Ghost." 

3  And"  he  said  unto  them,  Unto  what  then  were 
ye  baptized?  And  they  said.  Unto  John's  bap- 
tism.'-" 

4  Then  said  Paul,  John  verily  baptized  with  the 
baptism  of  repentance,'^  saying  unto  the  people, 
that  tiicy  should  believe  on  him  which  should  come 
after  hiin.  that  is,  on  Christ  Jesus.'= 

5  Wiien  they  heard  this,  they  were  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jcsus.^ 

6  And  when  Paul  had  laid  his  hands  upon  them, 
the  Holy  Ghost  came  on  them  ;'='  and  they  spake 
with  tongues,''  and  prophesied.' 

7  And  all  tlie  men  were  about  twelve. 

8  And  he  went  into  the  synagogue,  and  spake 
boldlv  for  the  space  of  three  mouths;  disputing 
and  persuading  the  things  concerning  the  king- 
dom of  God.J 

9  But  when  divers  were  hardened,"  and  believed 
not,  but  spake  evil  of  that  way  before  the  multi- 
tude,' he  departed  from  them,'"  and  separated  the 
disciples,  disputing  daily  in  the  school  of  one  Ty- 
rannus. 

10  And  this  con  tinned  by  the  space  of  two  years;" 
so  that  all  they  wliich  dwelt  in  Asia  heard  the 
word  of  the  Lord  Jesus,"  both  Jews  and  Greeks. 

11  And  God  wrought  special  miracles  by  the 
hands  of  Paul:" 

12  So  that  from  his  body  were  brought  unto  the 
sick  handkerchiefs  or  ajjrons,  and  the  diseases  de- 


a  1  Cor.  3 

■'■', 

«. 

b  1  Sim.  3:7;  ch. 

8 

IB. 

c  ch. 

IS:i5.      i 

Matt 

3 

11. 

e  John 

I'l.'i 

•Zl 

3(1. 

f  ch.  «:10;  1  Cor. 

1  • 

13. 

r  oh. 

8:7.      l>ch. 

2:1; 

10:4(i. 

i  1  Cor. 

141 

etc. 

ich.i«:ifl;  -a-.a. 

k 

Rom 

11:7 

;  Hcb.  3:l: 

.     1  ver. 

*'; 

•J  Tim. 

1:1.5 

■i 

I'et 

•i:i\  Judo  10.    m  IT 

m.  U 

.').     » 

ch.  •Jl):31. 

ooh. 

W 

IH. 

26.  Great  zeal  anfl  eloquence,  united  with  love  to  fhrist 
and  tlie  souls  of  men,  are  not  tmowxh  to  make  a  iiiiiiistor 
of  the  rohjipI  most  useful.  He  must  also  Ije  acquainted 
with  the  word  and  the  providence  of  (!od,  and  he  ahlc  to 
show  how  one  is  a  fulfilment  and  illustration  of  the  other. 

CHAI'TER  XIX. 

1.  The  upper  coasts;  Phry^^ia  and  Oalatia,  which  lay  cast 
at  a  distance  from  the  sea  on  hif^her  ground  than  Ephesus. 

2.  Tlie  finlij  CliosI ;  his  miraculous  powers.  Not  so  much 
ashcard;  tliat  the  Holy  Spiritliad  been  given, inhis  special 
manifi'stations,  as  at  the  day  of  Pentecost.     Acts  2: 17,  18. 

6.  Tiic  Holy  Ohmt  came  on  them;  with  his  miraculous 
power,  as  he  had  done  on  other  disciples. 

9.  Hiirtlcnal ;  hy  resi.sting  and  rejcctinR  the  truth.  Vinl 
way;  the  way  of  salvation  whicli  Paul  preached.  The 
schnol ;  the  room  or  place  where  Tyranntts  taught. 

10.  Asia;  Tonia,  or  proconsular  Asia,  of  which  Ephesus 
was  the  capital. 

13.   Vagabond;  wandering  aVjout  from  city  to  city  in  the 
exercise  of  their  juggling  arts.     Ernrcists;  those  who  pre- 
tended, by  repeating  the  name  of  (!od,and  performing  cer- 
tain ceremonies,  to  heal  diseases  and  expel  evil  spirits. 
12fi2 


parted  from  tlicui,  and  the  evil  spirits  Avent  a.d.  .-* 
out  of  them.'' 

13  1  Then  certain  of  the  vagabond  Jews,  exor- 
cists, took  upon  them  to  call  over  them  which  had 
evil  spirits  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,''  saying, 
We  adjure  you  by  Jesus  whom  Paul  preacheth." 

14  And  there  were  seven  sons  of  one  .Sceva  a 
Jew,  and  chief  of  the  jn-icsts,  which  did  so. 

15  And  the  evil  spirit  answered  and  said,  Jesus 
I  know,  and  Paul  I  know ;  but  who  are  ye  ? 

16  And  the  man  in  whom  the  evil  spirit  was, 
leaped  on  them,  and  overcame  them,  and  prevailed 
against  tlieiii,'  so  that  they  fled  out  of  that  house 
naked  and  wounded. 

17  And  this  was  known  to  ail  the  Jews  and 
Greeks  also  dwelling  at  Ephesus;  and  fear  fell  on 
thcin  all,"  and  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  was 
magnified. 

18  And  many  that  believed  came,  and  confessed." 
and  showed  their  deeds. 

19  Many  also  of  them  which  used  curious  arts, 
brought  their  books  together,  and  burned  them 
before  all  men:  and  they  counted  the  ]n'iceof  them, 
and  found  it  fifty  thousand  pieces  of  silver. 

20  So  mightily  grew  the  word  of  God  and  pre- 
vailed.'"' 

21  1  After  these  things  were  ended,  Paul  pur- 
posed in  the  spirit,  when  he  had  passed  through 
JLacedoiiia  ancl  Acliaia,  to  go  to  Jerusalem,''  say- 
ing, After  I  have  been  there,  1  must  also  see  Rome.-'' 

22  So  he  sent  into  Macedonia  two  of  tlicin  that 
ministered  unto  liim,Timotlicus  and  Erastus;'-  but 
he  himself  stayed  in  Asia  for  a  season. 

23  And  the  same  time  there  arose  no  small  stir 
about  that  way." 

24  For  a  certain  man  named  Demetrius,  a  silver- 
smith, which  made  silver  shrines  for  Diana, brought 
no  small  gain  uiilo  tlie  craflsmen;'' 

25  Whom  he  called  together  with  the  workmen 
of  like  occupation,'^  and  said.  Sirs,  ye  know  that  by 
this  craft  we  have  our  wealth. 

26  Moreover,  ye  see  and  hear,  that  not  alone  at 


pMark  Ur.iO. 

ich 

.1:13. 

r  Mark  9:3y 

Luke  9:40. 

•  Josh 

0:20. 

t  I.uk. 

h:-J9.     " 

Lake  ] 

■(i.i 

,  ch.  a 

43;  5:5,  11. 

V  MaU.  3:0 

;  Rom. 

10:10. 

y  ch. 

l!S:a4.    « 

Gal.  a 

1. 

y  Horn 

15:23-28.    i 

Rom.  10:23; 

2  Tim. 

4:20. 

a  2  Cor. 

1:8;  0:9. 

Ijch. 

10: 

10,  HI. 

«  Rov.  18:11 

Wc  mljure  ynu;  charge  you,  hy  an  oath  in  tho  name  of 
.Icsus,  whom  Paul  iireachelh,  to  come  out. 

ir,.  Jesus  I  know,  and  Paul;  their  power  to  expel  us  we 
acknowledge,  hut  not  yours. 

17.  Maixiuficd;  he  was  increasingly  honored. 

18.  Confessed;  their  former  wickcil  dccils. 

19.  Cnrinns  arts;  cuimiug,  adroit  jiraclices  of  jugglery 
and  deception.  Hooks;  those  which  taught  tho  way  to 
practise  these  arts. 

21.  Macedonia  and  Achnia;  provinces  in  Orceco  wliich 
he  had  before  visited.     Chap.  1(1: 10;  17: 15;  18:12. 

22.  Eraslux;  he  had  been  ehaniherlain,  or  treasurer  <A 
Corinth.     ){om.  ir>:2.'i.     Aw,-  ver.  10. 

23.  TIml  way;  the  way  ofsidvalion  through  .Icsus  CliriKl. 
21.  Shrines  for  Dwna ;  I)i;ina  was  a  celehrated  healhcii 

goddess,  to  wliom  a  splendid  (cniiile  was  erected  at  K|ph- 
cstis.  The  shrines  were  Hni;il]  silver  temples,  in  imitation 
of  that  of  r)i;ina,  which  were  liought  hy  nmltituih^s,  aiLd 
kej)t  as  prei-ious  memorials.  Craftsmen;  the  silverBmitliB 
who  made  these  shrines. 

2.').  Croft ;  trade. 

2r>.  Turned  away  much  people;  turned  many  from  tho 
worship  of  idols. 


The  riot  fur  Diana  appeased. 


ACTS  XX. 


Paul  goeth  to  Macedonia. 


A.  D.60.  Epliesus,  but  almost  throughout  all  Asia, 
this  Paul  hath  persuaded  and  turned  away  much 
people,  saying  that  they  be  no  gods  which  are 
made  with  hands y"* 

27  So  tliat  not  only  this  our  craft  is  in  danger 
to  be  set  at  naught;  but  also  that  the  temple  of 
the  great  goddess  Diana  should  be  despised,''  and 
lier  magnilicencc  should  be  destroyed,  whom  all 
Asia  and  the  world  worshippeth.'= 

28  And  when  they  heard  these  sayings,  they  were 
full  of  wrath,'"  and  cried  out,  saying,  Great  is  Diana 
of  the  Ephesians. 

29  xVnd  the  whole  city  was  filled  with  confusion : 
and  having  caugiit  Gains"  and  Aristarchus,'  men 
of  Macedonia,  Paul's  companions  in  travel,  they 
rushed  with  one  accord  into  the  theatre. 

30  And  when  Paul  would  have  entered  in  unto 
the  peoi)le,  the  disciples  suftered  him  not. 

31  And  certain  of  the  chief  of  Asia,  which  were 
his  friends,  sent  unto  him,  desiring  fiiin  that  he 
would  not  adventure  himself  into  the  tlicatre.'-' 

32  Some  therefore  cried  one  thing,  and  some  an- 
other:" for  the  assembly  was  confused,  and  the 
more  part  knew  not  wherefore  they  were  come 
together. 

33  And  they  drew  Alexander  out  of  the  multi- 
tude, the  Jews  putting  him  forward.  And  Alex- 
ander beckoned  with  the  hand,'  and  would  have 
made  his  defence  unto  the  people. 

34  But  when  they  knew  that  he  was  a  Jew,  all 
with  one  voice  about  the  space  of  two  hours  cried 
out,  Great  is  Diana  of  the  Ephesians. 

35  And  when  the  town-clerk  had  appeased  the 
people,  he  said.  Ye  men  of  Ephesus,  what  man  is 
there  that  knoweth  not  how  that  the  city  of  the 
Ephesians  is  a  worshipper*  of  the  great  goddess 


» 1 

<1  Jer. 
■Jl:34 


l>si,  113;4;  Ki.  44:l(l-'20,  <>  Zcph.  2:11.  '  IJnhn  5:19;  Rev.  13:8. 
r.  5U:S-i.  e  Rora.  16:ii;  1  Cor.  1:14.  f  Col.  4:10.  s  oh.  21:12.  boh. 
4.     I  1  Tim.  1:20;  2  Tim.  4:14.     •  Gr.  the  temple-keeper,    i  Eph.  3:12. 


31.  Theatre;  which  was  customarily  used  as  a  jilace  for 
the  pubUc  assembling  of  the  citizens. 

33.  Pulltiii;  him  forward ;  for  the  purpose  of  giving  him 
opportunity  to  address  the  assembly. 

34.  Cried  out;  to  jirevent  Alexander  from  being  heard. 

35.  Town-clerk;  a  city  magistrate,  who  presided  in  the 
senate,  recorded  the  laws,  and  read  in  pulilic  what  was  to 
be  communicated  to  the  people.  Appeased  the  people;  quiet- 
ed them,  so  that  he  could  be  heard.  The  image;  the  image 
of  Diana  wliich  was  kept  in  the  temple,  and  which  they 
said  was  given  by  .Jupiter  the  chief  of  the  gods. 

36.  Cannot  Ije  spoken  against ,  cannot  be  denied  ;  must  bo 
admitted  as  true. 

37.  Churcli.ex;  temples. 

38.  yl  maWcr ;  just  cause  of  complaint.  Deputies;  procon- 
suls, who  presided  over  the  administration  of  justice.  Im- 
plead one  another ;  argue  their  cases  in  court. 

39.  Other  mailers;  things  which  concern  not  individuals 
merely,  but  the  public.  Lawjul  assemhlij;  one  not  got  nji 
by  tumult,  but  regularly  called. 

40.  Called  in  queslion  for  litis  day's  vproar ;  accused  to 
the  Roman  government  and  punished.  Riotous  assem- 
blies were  forbidden  by  I{oman  law,  and  the  penalty  for 
instigating  them  was  death.  The  Ephesians  therefore, 
especially  Demetrius  and  liis  associates,  were  in  no  small 
danger ;  and  when  they  came  to  consider,  they  were  very 
willing  to  disperse,  as  is  often  the  case  with  rioters  under 
an  efficient  government. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
9.  When  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  only  hardens  men, 
and  leads  them  more  bitterly  to  oppose  the  truth,  it  is 


Diana,  and  of  the  image  which  fell  down  from 
Jupiter  ?J 

36  Seeing  then  that  these  things  cannot  be  spoken 
against,  ye  ought  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  nothing 
rashly.'' 

37  For  ye  have  brought  hither  those  men,  which 
are  neither  robbers  of  churches,'  nor  yet  blasphem- 
ers of  your  goddess. 

38  Wherefore,  if  Demetrius,  and  the  craftsmen 
which  are  with  him,  have  a  matter  against  any 
man,  the  law  is  open,+  and  there  are  deputies :  let 
them  implead  one  another. 

39  But  if  yc  inquire  any  thing  concerning  other 
matters,  it  shall  be  determined  in  a  lawful*  assembly. 

40  For  wo  are  in  danger  to  be  called  in  question 
for  this  day's  uproar,  there  being  no  cause  whereby 
we  may  give  an  account  of  this  concourse. 

41  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  dismissed 
the  assembly.™ 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  Paul  goeth  to  Macedonia.  7  He  celebrateth  the  Lord's  supper,  and 
preaciieth.  9  Eutychus  iiaviiig  fallen  down  dead,  10  is  raised  to  life. 
17  At  Miletum  he  calleth  the  elders  together,  tclleth  them  what  shall 
befall  to  himself,  *2S  conimitteth  God's  flock  to  them.  29  warneth 
them  of  false  teachers,  32  conmiendctli  them  to  God,  36  prayeth  with 
thcui,  and  goeth  his  way. 

AND  after  the  uproar  was  ceased,"  Paul  called 
unto  him  the  disciples,  and  embraced  them, 
and  departed  for  to  go  into  Macedonia." 

2  And  when  he  had  gone  over  those  parts,  and 
had  given  them  much  exhortation,''  he  came  into 
Greece, 

3  And  there  abode  three  months.  And  when  the 
Jews  laid  wait  for  him,i  as  he  was  about  to  sail 
into  Syria,  he  purposed  to  return  through  Mace- 
donia. 

^  Frov.  14:29.  1  oh.  25:8.  t  Or,  the  court  days  are  kept.  I  Or,  ordinary. 
"2  Cor.  1:8-10.  nch. 19:40.  o  1  Cor.  10:5;  1  Tim.  1 :3.  P  IThess.  2:3,  11. 
q  oh.  23:12;  25:3;  2  Cor.  11:28. 

sometimes  best  for  ministers  to  leave  them,  and  go  where 
there  is  a  greater  prospect  of  success.  Tlie  rejection  of 
the  gospel  by  some  is  thus  made  the  occasion  of  salvation 
to  others. 

17.  The  efforts  of  wicked  men  to  exalt  themselves  result 
in  their  deeper  abasement ;  and  attempts  to  dishonor  Christ 
are  overruled  for  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  his  cause. 

19.  When  men  are  truly  converted  to  God  and  obey  his 
will,  they  will  forsake  their  former  wicked  jiractices,  how- 
ever popular  or  gainful;  and  all  that  property  wliieh  can- 
not be  made  useful  to  mankind  they  will  destroy. 

2fi.  The  gospel,  in  proportion  ;is  it  ]irevails,  will  render 
profitless  all  those  trades  ;ind  employments  which  demor- 
alize and  injure  mankind.  It  will  also  render  the  convic- 
tion universal,  that  men  have  no  right  to  prosecute  or 
encourage  any  business  which  is  not  beneficial  to  their 
fellow-men. 

34.  When,  by  the  ]u-evalenco  of  liiith  ;iiid  love,  wirked 
men  are  prevented  from  making  money  by  wrong-doing, 
they  are  often  tilled  with  wrath;  they  sometimes  excite  a 
tiniiult,  and  by  senseless  clamor  try  to  drown  the  voice  of 
reason,  and  to  sweep  away  all  that  hinders  them  by  the 
whirlwind  ot  passion. 

38.  Sometimes  men  of  standing  and  influence  arc  found 
with  the  r.abble  in  a  riot.  Not  unfrequently  desigin'ng  indi- 
viiluals,  who  live  on  the  vices  of  tiie  people,  and  whose 
pecuniary  interests  are  affected  by  tln^  increase  of  light, 
are  the  instigators  of  lawless  outbreaks  against  liberty  and 
life  ;  such  ought,  for  tlie  safety  of  the  public,  to  be  visited 
with  exemplary  punishment. 

12G3 


JEulycAus  raised  lo  life. 


ACTS  XX. 


Paul  and  the  elders  of  Epkesus. 


4  And  there  accompanied  liiin  into  Asia,  Sopater 
of  Berca;  and  of  tlie  Tiic-jsalonians,  Aristarclius" 
and  Sccundus;  and  Gaius  of  DerVie,  and  Tinio- 
theus;''  and  of  Asia,  Tycliicns'^  and  Trophimus.'* 

5  Those  going  before,  tarried  for  us  at  Troas. 

6  And  we  sailed  away  from  Philippi  after  the 
days  of  unleavened  bread,^  and  came  unto  them 
to  Troas  in  five  days  ; '  wiiere  we  abode  seven 
days. 

7  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,"^  when  the 
disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,'^  Paul 
preached  unto  them,  ready  to  depart  on  the  mor- 
row; and  continued  his  speech  until  midnight. 

8  And  there  were  many  lights  in  the  upper  cham- 
ber,' wliere  they  were  gathered  together. 

9  And  tliere  sat  in  a  window  a  certain  young 
man  named  Eutychus,  being  fallen  into  a  deep 
sleep:  and  as  Paul  was  long  preaching,  he  sunk 
down  with  sleep,  and  fell  down  from  the  thii'd 
loft,  and  was  taken  up  dead. 

10  And  Paul  went  down,  and  fell  on  him,'  and 
embracing  lilm,  said,  Trouble  not  yourselves;  for 
his  life  is  in  him.*^ 

11  When  he  therefore  was  come  up  again,  and 
had  broken  In-ead,  and  eaten,  and  talked  a  long 
while,  even  till  break  of  day,  so  he  departed. 

12  And  they  brought  the  young  man  alive,  and 
were  not  a  little  comforted. 

13  1  And  we  went  before  to  ship,  and  sailed  unto 
.Vssos,  there  intending  to  take  in  i'aul :  for  so  had 
lie  appointed,  minding  himself  to  go  afoot. 

14  And  when  he  met  with  ns  at  Assos,  we  took 
him  in,  and  came  to  Mitylene. 

15  And  we  sailed  thence,  and  came  the  ne.xt  day 
over  against  Chios;  and  the  ne.xt  day  we  arrived 
at  Samo.s,  and  tarried  at  Trogyllium  ;  and  the  next 
day  we  came  to  Miletus. 

10  For  Paul  liad  determined  to  sail  by  Ephesus, 
because  he  would  not  spend  the  time  in  Asia:  for 
he  hasted,  if  it  were  ])ossiljlc  for  him,  to  be  at  Je- 
rusalem the  day  of  Pentecost.' 

17  ^1  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus,  and 
called  the  ciders  of  the  church. 

18  And  when  they  were  come  to  him,  ho  said 
unto  them.  Ye  know,  from  the  lirst  day  that  I  came 
into  Asia,"'  after  what  manuei- 1  iiavcbeen  with  you 
at  all  seasons, 

•  Oh.  IB  29  bcb.  10:1.  «  Kph  0:21;  Col.  4:7:  2Tim  1:12;  Tilu.'i  .•):12. 
il  ch,  JI:2'J;  2Tim.  "Iiao.  e  Exod  2.1: 15.  '  2  Tim.  1:  IH  «  1  Cnrril:2; 
nov.l;IO.  I>  ch.  2:12.  40;  1  Cor.  10:10;  ll:'*-')!.  iclil:1.1  j  1  Kings 
17:21,  2Kinc«  1  ;H  k  Mm.  0:21.  1  oh.  2:1;  IS:21  ;  21:17;  1  Cor.  1«;M. 
">  en.  I!l;l,  10  1  I  Cor.  15:0,  10.  o  I'hil  ."):  IM.  P  2  Cor.  ^S-ll.  1  vcr. ;). 
'  »iT.  27.  •  2T.m  1:2.  >  Mirk  1:1.');  Luke  2^:47.  "  ch.  l!l:21.  v  Ja« 
4:14.     •  Or,  wait  for  me.     "  ch.  U;lll;  21:  II.     »  oil.  21 :13;  Rom.  8:3.5,  37; 


CHAPTER  XX. 

4.  Asia;  Asia  Minor,  or  proconsular  Asia.  Chap.  19:10. 
Tho  pcraoim  here  mentioned  were  rhrintiaii  bretliron. 

5.  For  us;  this  language  shows  tliat  Luke,  the  aiitlior  of 
llii.')  book,  w;i8  one  of  the  company.     Troas;  chap.  10:8. 

6.  Unleavened  bread ;  the  passovcr. 

7.  First  day  nf  the  week;  tlie  Lord's  day,  or  C'hristian  Sab- 
bath.    To  break  bread;  celebrate  the  Lord's  supper. 

13.  Asv)s;  a  maritime  city  near  Troas,  on  the  yligcan  sea. 

14.  Mdijleiie;  the  eapit;il  of  tho  island  of  Lesbos. 

15.  Chins;  an  island  in  tho  Av^cau  sea,  now  called  Scio. 
.Scmoi;  an  island  near  the  province  of  Lydia.  Tropyllium; 
a  town  on  the  coast  opposite  Samos.  Miletus,  a  maritime 
town  south  of  Ephesus. 

1264 


19  Serving  the  Lord  with  all  humility  of  a.  d. co. 
mind,"  and  with  many  tears,"  and  temptations,"' 
which  befell  me  by  the  lying  in  wait  of  the 
Jews:" 

20  ^nd  how  I  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profit- 
able u)ito  you,"  but  have  showed  yon,  and  have 
tauglit  yon  ]iublicly,  and  from  house  to  house,' 

21  Testifying  botli  to  the  Jews,  and  also  to  the 
Greeks,  repentance  towaril  God,  and  faith  toward 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

22  And  now,  behold,  I  go  bound  in  the  Spirit 
unto  Jerusalem,"  not  knowing  the  things  that  shall 
befall  me  there  :^' 

23  Save  that  the  Holy  Ghost  witnesseth  in  every 
city,  saying  that  bonds  and  afflictions  abide  me.'" 

24  But  none  of  these  things  move  mo,"  neither 
count  1  my  life  dear  unto  myself  so  that  J  might 
iinish  my  course  with  joy,-*'  and  the  ministry  which 
I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,'-  to  testify  the 
gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 

25  And  now,  behold,  I  know  that  ye  all,  among 
whom  I  have  gone  preaching  the  kingdom  of  God, 
shall  sec  my  face  no  more. 

26  Wherefore  I  take  you  to  record  this  day,  that 
1  «/»  )nire  from  the  blood  of  all  men;" 

27  For  1  have  not  shunned  lo  declare  unto  you 
all  the  counsel  of  God.*" 

28  IT  Take  heed  therefore  unto  yourselves,''  and 
to  all  the  flock  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  you  overseers,''  to  feed  the  church  of 
God,"  which  he  hath  jmrchascd  with  iiis  own 
blood.'' 

29  For  I  know  this,  that  after  my  departing  shall 
grievous  wolves  enter  in  among  you,"  not  sparing 
the  flock." 

30  Also  of  your  own  selves  shall  men  arise,  speak- 
ing perverse  things,  to  draw  away  disciples  after 
them.' 

31  Therefore  watch,^  and  remember,  that  by  the 
space  f>f  three  years  I  ceased  not  to  warn  every 
one  night  anil  day  with  tears.'' 

32  And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God, 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build 
you  up,'  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance  among  all 
them  which  arc  sanctified.'" 

33  1  liave  coveted  no  man's  silver,  or  gold,  or 
apparel." 

2C.r.4:10.  y2Tim.4:7.  i  2Cor.  4:1  ;  Onl.  1  :l .  •2Cor.7:2.  '  Kph. 
1:11.  »  Col.  4:17;  ITim.  4:in.  dUcb.  13:17.  e  Prov.  10:21  ;  .Irr.  3:15; 
John  21:15-17;  1  I'ot.  5:2,  3.  '  Knh.  1 :14  ;  Col  I  :M  ;  ll^h,  11;  12,  11 ;  1  I'cl. 
1:1S  11);  Itcv.  5:0.  It  ^^att.  7:1.');  2IVt.  2:1.  h  Jur.  13:211;  2.1:1;  Kzck. 
34:2,3;  Zrch,  11:17.  i  IJohn  2:10;  Jnilc  4,  olo.  J  2  Tim.  4:5.  k  Col. 
1:28.  1  .lohn  17:17.  m  oh.  2«:lM;  Col.  1:12;  Ilcb.  I):15;  1  Pot.  1:4. 
n  1  Bam.  12.3;  1  Cor.  9:12;  2Cor.  7:2 

10.  Sail  bi)  Ephesus;  pass  it  witliout  stoppinp;. 
17.   T/ir  ciders  nfthc  church  ;  pastors  and  tearliers. 
20.  Kept  back  Mithin/; ;  refrained  from  teaching  no  doc- 
trines or  duties  that  would  benelit  the  ])eo|)lc. 

22.  Hound  in  the  Spirit ;  induenced  by  the  Uoly  Ghost 
.and  a  strong  conviction  of  duty. 

20.  Pure  from  the  blond;  am  not  guilty,  through  unfaith- 
fulness, of  the  deslruction  of  any. 

28.  Overseers;  in  the  original,  bishops,  who  in  vcr.  17  arc 
railed  elders,  and  who  liad  the  oversight  of  tho  church. 
Goil;  .Tesus  (Ihrist. 

23.  Grievous  wolves;  teacliers  of  fidso  and  destructive 
doctrines.     The  flock;  the  ilinreli  of  (Jod. 

31.  Warn  every  one;  of  their  danger,  aod  point  out  the 
way  to  escape  it. 


Voyage  from  Mlklu.s  In  Tyre. 


ACTS  XXL 


Visits  at  Plokmais  ami  Ccsarea. 


A.  D  fill  34  Yea,  ye  yourselves  know,  tliiit  these 
hands  have  ministered  unto  my  necessities,  and 
to  them  that  were  with  me." 

35  I  have  showed  you  all  things,  how  that  so 
laboring  ye  ought  to  support  the  weak,''  and  to 
remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  he 
said,  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.'^ 

36  T  And  wlien  lie  had  thus  spoken,  he  kneeled 
down,  and  prayed  with  them  all.'' 

37  And  they  all  wept  sore,  and  fell  on  Paul's 
neck,  and  kissed  him,'' 

38  Sorrowing  most  of  all  for  tlie  words  which  he 
spake,  that  they  sliould  see  his  face  no  more.^  And 
they  accompanied  him  unto  the  ship. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  Paul  will  not  by  any  means  be  dissuaded  from  going  to  Jerusalem. 
9  Philip's  daughters  prophetesses.  17  Paul  corneth  to  Jerusalem;  21 
where  iie  is  apprehended,  and  in  great  danger,  31  but  by  the  chief  cap- 
tain is  rescued,  and  permitted  to  speak  to  the  people. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  that  after  we  were  gotten 
from  them,  and  had  launched,  we  came  with 
a  straight  course  unto  Coos,  and  the  day  following 
unto  Rhodes,  and  from  thence  unto  Patara : 

2  And  finding  a  ship  sailing  over  unto  Phenicia, 
we  went  aboard,  and  set  forth. 

3  Now  when  we  liad  discovered  Cyprus,  we  left 
it  on  the  left  hand,  and  sailed  into  Syria,  and  land- 
ed at  Tyre :  for  there  the  ship  was  to  unlade  her 
burden. 

4  And  finding  disciples,  we  tarried  there  seven 

a  Ch.  H:3;  1  Cor.  4:12;  1  Thess.  2:9;  2  Tiiess.  3:8.  b  Rom.  15:1:  Eph. 
4:2S;  IThess.  5:14  c  Luke  14: 12-14.  d  oh.  21:5.  e  Gen.  40:20.  f  ver. 
25.     g  ver.  12.     h  ch.  20::Jil.     i  ch.  8:2G-10;  Eph.  4:11  ;  2  Tim.  4:5.    j  ch. 

34.  Ministered  unto  my  necessities;  wrouglit  for  the  supply 
of  my  wants. 

35.  Support  the  weak ;  supply  the  wants  of  the  feeble  and 
destitute.  The  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  a  saying  of  our 
Lord  not  recorded  in  the  gospels,  though  the  truth  which 
It  contains  was  taught  abundantly  by  Jesus  Christ  on  many 
occasions.  Mlore  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive;  to  be  instru- 
mental iu  communicating  blessings,  than  in  merely  receiv- 
ing them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

7.  The  first  day  of  the  week  w;is  observed  by  the  apos- 
tles and  those  wlio  were  under  the  special  guidance  of  the 
Holy  (ihost,  as  the  Lord's  day  or  the  Christian  Sabbath,  a 
day  for  hearing  the  gospel  and  pubUc  Wdrship.  It  has 
been  so  observed  by  pious  men  and  bj'  the  church  of  God 
in  all  subsequent  ages,  and  it  will  continue  to  be  so  ob- 
served to  the  end  of  time. 

17.  It  has  ever  been  the  will  of  God  that  Christian 
churches  shonld  be  supplied  with  jiastors,  who  should 
jireach  to  them  the  gospel,  set  them  huly  examples,  super- 
intend their  religious  concerns,  and  devote  tlicmselves  to 
the  jiromotion  of  their  spiritual  good.  It  has  also  ever 
been  the  will  of  God,  that  some  of  his  ministers  should 
be  evangelists  or  missionaries;  .should  visit  and  gather 
churches  among  the  destitute  in  Christian  and  Pagan  lands, 
and  do  what  they  can  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture. 

2(;.  Ministers,  to  be  free  from  the  guilt  of  being  accessory 
to  the  ruin  of  men,  must  declare  to  them,  as  far  as  they 
understand  it,  the  divine  will;  and  especiidly  must  they 
show  them  tlie  author,  nature,  necessity,  and  evidences  of 
repentance  towards  (iod  and  faith  in  our  Lord  .lesus  Christ, 
and  set  before  them  the  motives  which  God  lias  revealed, 
and  which  are  suited  to  lead  them  to  cxerci.se  these  spir- 
itual graces ;  and  in  doing  this,  they  must  depend  upon  and 
earnestly  seek  the  influences  of  tlie  Holy  Ghost. 

35.  If  a  minister  of  the  giisjiel  is  not  supported  by  oth- 
«0 


days:  who  said  to  Paul  through  the  Spirit,  that 
he  sliould  not  go  up  to  Jerusalem.'^ 

5  And  wlien  we  had  accomplished  those  days, 
we  departed  and  went  our  way;  and  they  all 
brought  us  on  our  way,  with  wives  and  cliildren, 
till  we  were  out  of  the  city :  and  we  kneeled  down 
on  the  shore,  and  prayed.'' 

6  And  when  we  had  taken  our  leave  one  of  an- 
other, we  took  sliip ;  and  tliey  returned  home  again. 

7  And  when  we  had  finished  our  course  from 
Tyre,  we  came  to  Ptolemais,  and  saluted  the  breth- 
ren, and  abode  with  tliem  one  day. 

8  And  the  next  day  we  that  were  of  Paul's  com- 
pany departed,  and  came  unto  Cesarea;  and  we 
entered  into  the  house  of  Philip  the  evangelist,' 
wliicli  was  o/ie  of  tiie  seven  ;'  and  abode  with  him. 

9  And  the  same  man  had  four  daugiiters,  virgins, 
wliicli  did  prophesy.'' 

10  And  as  we  tarried  there  many  days,  there  came 
down  from  Judca  a  certain  prophet,  named  Aga- 
bus.' 

11  And  when  he  was  come  unto  us,  he  took  Paul's 
girdle,  and  bound  his  own  hands  and  feet,  and 
said,  Thus  saith  the  Holy  Ghost,  So  shall  the  Jews 
at  Jerusalem  bind  the  man  that  owneth  this  girdle, 
and  sliall  deli  ver /r/«i  into  the  hands  of  the  Gentiles.™ 

12  And  wlien  we  heard  tliese  things,  both  we, 
and  tliey  of  that  place,  besought  him  not  to  go  up 
to  Jerusalem." 

13  Then  Paul  answered,  What  mean  ye  to  weep 
and  to  break  my  heart?  for  I  am  ready  not  to  be 


0:5.     k  Joel  2:28;  ch.  2:17 
10:22,  23. 


1  ell.   11:2S.     ■■>  ch.  20:23;  ver.  33.     "  Matt. 


ers,  it  is  no  dishonor  and  no  dereliction  of  duty  for  him  to 
labor,  working  with  his  own  hands,  that  he  may  supjily 
his  necessities ;  and  in  proportion  as  he  resembles  his. 
Lord,  he  will  find  tliat  the  excellence,  usefulness,  and  hap- 
piness of  communicating  blessings  are  greater  than  of  mere- 
ly receiving  them.  The  soul  is  so  made,  that  if  it  would 
be  good,  it  must  do  good ;  and  if  it  would  be  happy,  it 
must  delight  in  making  others  happy. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1.  Them  ;  the  Ephesian  elders  at  Miletus.  Coos;  a  small 
island  near  the  south-west  corner  of  Asia  Minor.  Rhodes; 
an  island  not  far  from  Coos.  Patara;  a  seaport  iu  the  prov- 
ince of  Lj'cia. 

2.  Plienicia;  a  country  north-west  of  Canaan,  of  which 
Tyre  and  Sidon  were  princiintl  cities.     Chap.  11:19. 

3.  Cyprus;  an  island  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  Med- 
iterranean sea.     Chap.  13:4. 

4.  Said  to  Paul  through  the  Spirit :  the  Holy  Spirit  made 
known  to  them  the  dangers  to  which  Paul  would  bo  ex- 
posed, and  led  them  to  express  to  him  their  strong  desire 
that  he  sliould  not  go  u])  to  .Teriis;xleni.  Put  he  di<l  nut 
communicate  by  them  to  Paul,  who  himself  went  up  to 
Jerusalem  "bound  in  the  Spirit,"  any  authoritalive  com- 
mand  tu  desist  from  his  purpose. 

7.  Ptohniais;  a  city  south  of  Tyre,  and  near  mount  Car- 
mel. 

8.  Cesarea;  a  city  still  farther  south,  about  sixty  miles 
from  Jerusalem.  Evangelist ;  a  preacher  of  the  gospel  and 
founder  of  churches,  but  not  a  settled  pastor.  The  seven; 
chap.  r,:l-9. 

9.  Did  proplwsi);  see  note  to  chap.  11:27. 

10.  Ag(d)us;  chap.  11:27,  28. 

11.  (rcniiles;  the  Homans,  who  then  governed  Jiidea. 

12.  We  and  they;  Paul's  companions  and  the  disciples  at 
Cesarea. 

1'2G5 


Paul  arrives  at  Jerusalem 


ACTS  XXI. 


and  is  tlicrc  Ofprdicndcd. 


bound  only,  but  also  to  die  at  Jerusalem  for  tlie 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

14  Aud  when  he  would  not  bo  persuaded,  wc 
ceased,  sayinjr,  The  will  of  tlie  Lord  be  done." 

15  And  after  those  da3-s  wc  took  up  our  car- 
riages, and  went  up  to  Jerusalem. 

IG  There  went  with  us  also  certain  of  the  disci- 
ples of  Cesarea,  and  brought  with  them  one  Mna- 
son  of  Cyprus,  an  old  disciple,'^  with  whom  we 
should  lodge. 

17  And  wjicn  we  were  come  to  Jerusalem,  the 
brethren  received  us  gladly.'' 

IS  And  the  day  following  Paul  went  in  witli  us 
unto  James;''  and  all  tlie  elders  were  present. 

19  And  when  lie  iiad  saluted  them,  he  declared 
particularly  what  things  God  had  wrouglit  among 
the  Gentiles  by  liis  ministry.'' 

20  And  when  they  heard  it,  they  glorified  the 
Lord,  and  said  unto  him,  Tiiou  seest,  brother,  how 
many  thousands  of  Jews  tlierc  are  which  believe; 
and  they  arc  all  zeah>us  of  the  law:" 

21  And  they  arc  informed  of  tlioe,  that  thou 
teachest  all  the  Jews  whicli  are  among  the  Gen- 
tiles to  forsake  Moses,  saying  that  tiiey  ought  not 
to  circumcise  their  children,''  neitiier  to  walk  after 
the  customs. 

22  Wiiat  is  it  therefore?  tlie  multitude  must 
needs  come  togetiier:'  for  lliey  will  iiear  that  tliou 
art  come. 

2:5  Do  therefore  this  tliat  we  say  to  tlice:  We 
have  four  men  which  have  a  vow  on  them  ; 

24  Them  take,  and  purify  tliyself  witii  tiiem,  and 
be  at  charges  with  them,  that  they  may  shave  tJuir 
heads  :>  ami  all  may  know  that  those  things  wlierc- 
of  tliey  were  informed  concerning  tliee,  arc  noth- 
ing ;  but  that  thou  thyself  also  walkest  orderly, 
ami  keej)est  the  law. 

2a  As  touching  the  Gentiles  whicli  believe,  wc 
have  written  and  concluded  that  they  observe  no 
f!uch  thing,  save  only  that  they  keep  themselves 
from  things  otfercd  to  idols,  and  from  blood,  and 
from  strangled,  and  from  fornication.'^ 

2(j  Then  Paul  took  the  men,  and  the  next  day 
purifying  himself  with  them,'  entered  into  the  tem- 


ple," to  signify  the  accomplishment  of  the  A.n.  m. 
days  of  purification,"  until  that  an  ofl'cring  should 
be  olTered  for  every  one  of  them. 

27  And  when  the  seven  days  were  almost  ended, 
the  Jews  which  were  of  Asia,"  when  they  saw  iiim 
in  the  temple,  stirred  up  all  the  people,  and  laid 
hands  on  him,'' 

28  Crying  out,  Jlen  of  Israel,  help.  This  is  the 
man  that  teacheth  all  »?ifn  everywhere  against  the 
people,  and  the  law,  and  this  place:''  and  further, 
i)rought  Greeks  also  into  the  temple;  and  hath 
polluted  this  holy  ])lace. 

29  For  they  had  seen  licfore  with  him  in  the 
city,  Trophinnis.  an  Ephesian,"'  whom  they  sup- 
posed that  Paid  had  brought  into  the  temple. 

30  And  all  the  city  was  moved,  and  the  people 
ran  together:  and  they  took  Paul,  and  drew  him 
out  of  the  temple:  and  forthwith  the  doors  were 
shut. 

31  And  as  they  went  about  to  kill  him,"  tidings 
came  unto  the  cliief  ca])tain  of  the  band,  that  all 
Jerusalem  was  in  an  u])roar. 

32  Who  immediately  took  soldiers  and  centuri- 
ons, and  ran  down  unto  them:'  and  when  they 
saw  the  chief  cajitain  and  the  soldiers,  they  left 
beating  of  Paul. 

33  Then  the  chief  cnptain  came  near,  and  took 
him,  and  comnmnded  him  to  be  bound  with  two 
chains;"  and  dcnuuided  who  he  was,  aud  what  he 
had  done. 

34  And  some  cried  one  thing,  some  another, 
among  the  multitude:  and  when  he  could  not  know 
the  certainty  for  the  tunudt,  he  commanded  him 
to  be  carried  into  the  caslle." 

3r>  And  when  he  came  upon  the  stairs,  so  it  was 
that  he  was  borne  of  the  soldiers,  for  the  violence 
of  the  people." 

3()  For  the  multitude  of  the  peoiile  followed 
after,  crying,  Away  with  him.'' 

37  And  as  Paul  was  to  be  led  into  the  castle,  he 
said  unto  the  chief  cajitain,  May  I  sjicak  unto  thee? 
Who  said,  Canst  thou  si)eak  Greek? 

35  Artnotthou  that  Egy))lian, which  before  these 
days  madest  an  uproar,  and  leddest  out  into  the 


•  a  Tim.  4:fl.  b  Mm.  0:10;  !»):42.  <:  Pror.  1«:3I.  d  ch.  15:4.  •  ch. 
15:13,  Bto.:  Gal,  1:10.  (  ch.  •2tl:-li;  Rom.  15:18,10;  1!  Cor.  1-2:12.  itch. 
22::l;  Rom.  IO:-2.  hGal.5::).  I  ch.  l!l::12.  J  Num  0:U,  1.3,  18;  ch.  1»:1H. 
»  ch.  I  J:a),  29.     1  1  Cor.  U:'20.     "'ch.  41:18.     n  Num.  (i:|:|.    "ch.  al:l». 


15.  Carriages;  not  vehicles  to  carry  them,  but  things 
whicli  they  carricil,  their  hajtfjafjo. 

Ki.  Mimson  of  Cyprus ;  foniierly  "f  ('yi'^us,  hut  now  livinj; 
ill  .leriisalein,  with  whom  I'aul  ami  hiw  coiiiiiaiiioiis  lodged. 

18.  James;  sec  note  to  chu]).  12:17. 

20.  ZealoHn  of  the  law;  tlioii;^h  they  believed  in  Christ, 
they  still  observeil  the  ceremonial  law. 

21.  T!u:  Jews  whicli  are  among  lite  Gentiles;  wlio  lived  in 
heathen  countries.  Moses;  the  ceremonial  law  whicli  he 
enjoined.    Tliecusloms;  the  religious  practices  of  the  Jews. 

22.  Wial  IS  il ;  what  is  to  be  done  ? 

24.  Purify  lliipdf  with  them;  perform  tlic  ceremonies 
required  for  ]miilii.ation  in  the  Mosaic  law.  Num.  0: 1-20. 
Be  at  cliargei;  by  bi:aring  the  expense  of  the  offerings  nia<le 
in  such  ca.ses,  Sliare  their  heads;  cut  their  hair,  which  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  their  vow  had  been  siifTcred  to  grow; 
and  which,  when  cut,  showed  that  they  were  released. 
Chap.  18:18.  Are  nothing;  are  not  as  they  liavc  been  rep- 
resented. 

25.  Touching  tlie  Gentiles  which  believe;  chap.  11:19-29. 

1266 


Pch. 

■20:21. 

qch.  0 

:13 

14; 

84: 

.5,  0, 

rch 

20:4. 

■  a  Cor.  11:23 

tto. 

toh. 

•23:27;  21:7. 

u  ch. 

an 

21; 

VIT 

<>; 

■:pii. 

0:20. 

V  ch. 

23:10.  1 

fl      w 

r.a. 

55:9 

llab. 

:3.     « 

Lu 

<o2y 

:1» 

.lohl) 

1U:1 

5;  ch 

22:22; 

1  Cor.  4 

:13. 

26.  Entered  into  the  temple;  to  make  known  to  the  ]>riest 
when  the  vow  would  end,  and  Hum  prepare  the  way  for 
the  customary  sjicrilices  to  be  ofl'i-red, 

27,  Seven  days;  llie  time  llic  vow  was  to  last, 

28.  (ireekx;  (ioritiles,  who  were  ciiiisidcred  as  unclean, 
and  wcr<!  furbidderi  to  enter  tliiil  ]i;iit  of  ihe  tcmido  ap))ro- 
priatcd  td  Ihe  .lews,  lest  ihey  Kliould  defile  it. 

29,  Trnphimus;  he  had  come  willi  I'aul  from  Kphesus. 
('ha]i,  20:4,  They  supposed;  tlicy  interred  thin  fniiii  hiiviug 
seen  him  in  the  city  with  I'auI, 

:il.  Chief  captain ;  the  Itomaii  ofllcer  in  coiiiMiiUid  ni  Ilic 
military  forces  at  .lenisidem, 

:v.i.  Hound  with  two  clmins;  a  fnlfihnoiit  of  llie  projihecy, 
ver,  11, 

:m,  Thccastle;  the  fortress  of  Antonia,  where  the  soldiers 
were  statioucil, 

'A'}.   The  stairs;  which  led  from  the  temple  to  the  c;iHtle. 

US,  That  Egyptian;  this  Kgyptiaii  is  ineiilioiied  hy  Jo- 
sephiis,  Anliq,  IJ,  20,  chap.  8,  sec.  C;  and  Jewish  VS'ars,  B. 
2,  chap.  13,  sec.  C>. 


Paul's  address,  declaring  his 


ACTS  XXII. 


conversion  and  apost/esMp. 


A. D.60.  wilderness  four  thousand  men  tliat  were 
murderers?" 

39  IJut  Paul  said,  I  am  a  man  which  am  a  Jew  of 
Tarsus,"  a  citij  in  Cilicia,  a  citizen  of  no  mean  city :" 
and  I  beseech  tliee,  suffer  me  to  spealv  unto  the 
people. 

40  And  wlien  he  had  sriven  him  license,  Paul 
stood  on  the  staii's,  and  beckoned  with  the  hand 
unto  the  people."  And  when  there  was  made  a 
great  silence,  lie  spake  unto  them  in  the  Hebrew 
tongue,  saying, 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

I  Paul  declareth  at  large,  how  he  w.is  converted  to  the  faith,  17  and 
called  to  his  apostleslnp.  22  At  the  very  mentioning  of  the  G-entiles, 
the  people  exclaim  on  him.  24  He  should  have  been  scourged,  2-3 
but  claiming  the  privilege  of  a  Roman,  he  escapeth. 

MEN,  brethren,  and  fathers,''  hear  ye  my  de- 
fence which  I  make  now  unto  you.° 

2  (And  when  they  heard  that  he  spake  in  the 
Hebrew  tonu'ue  to  them,  they  kept  the  more  si- 
lence: and  lie  saith,) 

3  I  am  verily  a  man  which  am  a  Jew,  born  in 
Tarsus,'  a  city  in  Cilicia,  yet  brought  up  in  this 
city  at  the  feet  of  Gamaliel,"  and  taught  according 
to  the  perfect  manner  of  the  law  of  the  fathers,''  and 
was  zealous  toward  God,'  as  ye  all  are  this  day.-i 

i  And  I  persecuted  this  way  unto  the  death, 
binding  and  delivering  into  prisons  both  men  and 
women.'' 

5  As  also  the  high-priest  doth  bear  me  witness, 
and  all  the  estate  of  the  elders :  from  whom  also 
I  received  letters  unto  the  brethren,  and  went  to 
Damascus,'  to  bring  them  which  were  there  bound 
unto  Jerusalem,  for  to  be  ]mnished. 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  I  made  my  jour- 
ney, and  was  come  nigh  unto  Damascus  about 
noon,  suddenly  there  shone  from  heaven  a  great 
lisrht  round  about  me. 


•  This  Egyptiin 

rose  A 

D.  55 

oh.  5;3(!. 

a  c 

h.  9 

11  ;  • 

■2:3.     b 

ch. 

2-2: '35. 

c  ch.  !■-> 

17.     tl  ch. 

7:-i.     e 

1  IVt. 

3:15. 

Ich 

•21 

30; 

•2  Cor 

11  :^2^2 

I'lii 

.  3:5. 

e  oh.  5: 

H.     1>  ch. 

■211:5. 

Gal. 

1:14. 

J  ih 

•21 

•2U; 

Rnm 

10:-2. 

k  ch 

.  W:3; 

•JU:9-13 

l'hil.3.G 

;  iTim 

.  l:l-i. 

1  ch 

O-.i, 

etc 

m 

Dan. 

10:7. 

n  ch 

<J:I7. 

39.  Tarsus;  Paul's  native  city.  Chap.  9:11.  No  mean 
city;  Augustus  the  Roman  emperor  made  it  a  free  city, 
which  released  the  citizens  from  ti'ibute,  and  permitted 
them  to  be  governed  by  their  own  laws.  Joscphus  says 
it  was  the  metropolis,  and  most  renowned  city  of  Cilicia, 
Antiq.  I!.  1,  chap,  (i,  sec.  6;  and  Xeuophon  calls  it  a  great 
and  fiourisliing  city. 

40.  T/ie  Hebrew  tongue;  the  dialect  of  the  Hebrew  then 
spoken  in  Palestine. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  It  is  delightful  to  Christians  when  travelling  to  find 
disciples  of  Christ  in  places  which  they  visit,  and  to  t.arry 
with  tlicm,.when  convonicut.  The  more  they  love  Christ 
and  are  like  him,  the  more  they  will  love  one  another. 
But  their  stay  togetiier  on  earth  must  be  short,  and  when 
called  to  part,  it  is  a  great  privilege  to  commend  one  an- 
other to  God,  and  beseech  him,  that  if  they  meet  not  again 
on  earth,  they  may  meet,  to  part  no  more,  in  heaven. 

13.  Affection  for  friends  should  not  be  so  manifested 
or  indulged  as  to  unlit  us  or  them  for  the  performance 
of  duty. 

21.  To  excite  opposition  to  the  gospel,  its  enemies  often 
misrepresent  it.  They  slander  those  who  preach  it,  and  in 
various  ways  show  themselves  to  be  followers  of  )iim  who, 
from  the  beginning,  abode  not  in  the  truth,  but  was  a  liar, 
aud  the  father  of  it.    John  8:41. 


7  And  I  fell  unto  theground, and  heard  a  voice  say- 
ing unto  me,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me? 

8  And  I  answered.  Who  art  thou.  Lord?  And 
he  said  unto  me,  I  am  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whom 
thou  persecutest. 

9  And  they  that  were  with  mc  saw  indeed  the 
light,"'  and  were  afraid ;  but  they  heard  not  the 
voice  of  him  that  spake  to  me. 

10  And  I  said.  What  shall  I  do,  Lord?  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  me.  Arise,  and  go  into  Damascus; 
and  there  it  shall  be  told  thee  of  all  things  which 
are  appointed  for  thee  to  do. 

11  And  when  I  could  not  see  for  the  glory  of 
that  light,  being  led  by  the  hand  of  them  that 
were  with  me,  1  came  into  Damascus. 

12  And  one  Ananias,"  a  devout  man  according 
to  the  law,  having  a  good  report  of  all  the  Jews 
which  dwelt  thcre° 

13  Came  unto  me,  and  stood,  and  said  unto  me. 
Brother  Saul,  receive  thy  sight.  And  the  same 
hour  I  looked  up  upon  him. 

14  And  he  said.  The  God  of  our  fathers^  hath 
chosen  thee,''  that  thou  shouldest  know  his  will, 
and  see''  that  Just  One,"  and  shouldest  hear  the 
voice  of  his  mouth.' 

15  For  thou  shalt  be  his  witness  unto  all  men 
of  what  thou  hast  seen  and  heard." 

16  And  now  why  tarriest  thou?  arise,  and  be 
baptized,  and  wash  away  thy  sins,''  calling  on  the 
name  of  the  Lord.™ 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  I  was  come 
again  to  Jerusalem,  even  while  I  prayed  in  the 
temple,  I  was  in  a  trance ;'' 

18  And  saw  him''  saying  unto  me.  Make  haste, 
and  get  thee  quickly  out  of  Jerusalem :  for  they 
will  not  receive  thy  tostimony  concerning  me. 

10  And  I  said.  Lord,  they  know  that  I  impris- 
oned and  beat  in  every  synagogue  them  that  be- 
lieved on  thee:^ 


o  ch.  10:2'2;  1  Tim.  3:7;  Heb.  11:2.  P  ch.  3:13;  5:30.  <I  ch.  0:15;  Gal. 
1:15.  r  ver.  18;  ICor.  9:1;  15:8.  ■  ch.  3:14 ;  7:5-2.  t  1  Cor.  ll:-23;  Gal. 
l:l-2.  u  ch.  23:11;  -20: in,  etc.  »  Heb.  10: ■22:  1  Pet.  3:21.  "  Rom.  10:13; 
ICor.  l:-2.     «  2  Cor.  12:2.     r  ver.  14.     z  ver.  4. 

26.  Some  things  are  in  themselves  indifferent ;  if  we  do 
them  we  are  not  the  better,  and  if  we  neglect  them  we  are 
not  the  worse :  if  our  doing  them  would  tend  to  injure 
others,  we  should  not  do  them  ;  if  it  would  tend  to  benefit 
others,  we  should  not  neglect  them  ;  but  we  should  not  do 
wrong  to  conciliate  bad  men,  or  I'ur  any  other  i)urjiose. 

3fi.  The  course  which  gooil  men  take  to  remove  the 
prejudices  and  to  conciliate  the  favor  of  the  wicked,  is 
sometimes  the  occasion  of  increased  hostiUty,  and  more 
violent  and  deadly  oi^position. 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

3.  T^T'ic;;  chap.  21:39.  IT/jw  f//i/,- Jerusalem.  Gamaliel; 
a  celebrated  Jewish  teacher. 

4.  T/iisu'iijj;  the  Christian  cause. 

5.  Higli-pricst ;  chap.  9:1,2.  Estate  of  the  elders ;  the  San- 
hedrim, or  national  council  of  the  Jews. 

C-13.  The  conversion  of  Paul.     Chap.  9:3-18. 

9.  Heard  not  the  voice;  see  note  to  chap.  9:7. 

14.  Shouldest — see  that  Just  One;  Jesus  Christ.  Chop. 
3:14;  7::)2.     See  also  note  to  chap.  9:17. 

IG.  Wash  avaij  Ihij  sins,  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord; 
be  cleansed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  faith  in  Christ 
and  obedience  to  his  comnumds. 

18.  llim;  tlio  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

19.  They  know  that  I  imprisoned;  he  thought  that  the 

12G7 


Paul  is  rescued  from  scourging. 


ACTS  XXIII. 


and  bmigfit  before  the  Saiiheclrim. 


20  And  when  the  blood  of  thy  martyr  Steplien 
was  shed,  I  also  was  standing-  by,"  and  conscntinj^ 
unto  liis  death,"  and  kept  the  raiment  of  them  tiiat 
sh'w  him. 

'21  And  he  said  unto  me,  Depart :  for  I  will  send 
thee  far  lience  unto  tlie  Gentiles.'^ 

22  And  they  gave  liim  audience  unto  tliis  word, 
and  then  lifted  up  their  voices,  and  said,  Away 
with  sucli  a  fellow  from  the  earth:  for  it  is  not  ht 
that  he  should  live.'' 

23  And  as  they  cried  out,  and  cast  off  t/icir 
clothes,  and  threw  dust  into  tiie  air, 

24  The  chief  captain  commanded  him  to  be 
lirought  into  tiie  castle,  and  bade  that  he  sliould 
l)e  examined  by  scourging;  that  he  might  know 
wherefore  they  cried  so  against  him. 

25  And  as  they  bound  iam  witii  thongs,  Paul 
said  unto  the  centurion  that  stood  by.  Is  it  lawful 
for  you  to  scourge  a  man  that  is  a  Roman,''  and 
uncondemned? 

2()  Wiien  the  centurion  heard  that,  he  went  and 
told  the  chief  captain,  saying,  Take  heed  what 
tiiou  doest :  for  tliis.  man  is  a  Roman. 

27  Tiien  the  ciiief  captain  came,  and  said  unto 
him.  Toll  me,  art  thou  a  Roman?     He  said,  Yea. 

28  And  the  chief  cajitain  answered,  Witli  a  great 
sum  obtained  I  this  freedom.  And  Paul  said,  But 
I  was  free  born. 

21)  Then  straightway  they  departed  from  him 
whicli  siiould  have  examined  him:"  and  the  cliief 
captain  also  was  afraid,  after  he  knew  that  he  was 
a  Roman,  and  because  he  had  bound  him. 

"Ch.7:58.  bch.8:l.  c  oh.  13:3,  47;  Rom.  1 :5;  U  :  13;  1.5: 16;  Gil.  2:7, 
H;  Bph.  3:7,8;  ITim.  2:7.  d  ch.  25:21.  c  oh.  10:37;  25:16.  *  Or,  lor- 
lured  him.    'ch.23:2:<.    f  ch.  24:16;  2Cnr.  1  :I2;  Heb.  13:1M.    liJohnlB:a2 

kiiowledj^e  which  the  men  of  Jerusalem  liad  of  his  former 
treatment  of  tlie  Christians  would  convince  them  of  his 
sincerity,  and  dispose  them  to  listen  to  his  arguments.  But 
the  Saviour,  who  better  knew  their  hearts,  saw  that  it 
would  not. 

20.  Stephen;  chap.  7:58;  8:1. 

22.  Uiit')  this  word;  that  God  would  send  liim  to  the  (Icn- 
tilos.  That  the  (ientiles  should  be  admitted  to  equal  [iriv- 
iloges  with  the  Jews  in  the  Messiah's  kingdom,  was  that 
doctrine  whicii  above  all  others  gave  offence  to  them. 

23.  Threw  dud;  expressive  of  their  abhorrence. 

24.  Cu-rf/c;  chap.  21:  :J4.  Scour ji;mfr;  whi]iping — a  Roman 
mode  of  torturing  men,  to  make  them  ccmU'ss  their  crimes. 
Tlial  he  might  knoiv;  his  ignorance  of  the  Hebrew  tongue, 
used  by  both  Paul  and  his  enemies,  probably  prevented 
him  from  understanding  the  nature  of  the  charge  made 
against  the  apostle. 

25.  TVion^.s;  cords  or  straps.   ./4  7?oma)? ;  a  Tioman  citizen. 

28.  This  freedom  ;  of  liomaii  citizenshiji.  This  was  some- 
times conferred  as  a  reward  for  distinguished  services, 
Bometiines  inherited,  and  sometimes  bought  with  money. 

29.  Tlie  chief  rxipUiin — vas  afraid;  to  l)ind  a  I'mrjan  citi- 
zen, uncondemned,  for  the  purpose  of  scourging  liim,  was 
contrary  to  the  Roman  law,  and  exposed  him  who  did  it 
to  severe  punishment. 

30.  Have  known  the  certainly;  the  crime  of  which  ho  was 
accused.     Tlum ;  the  .lowish  council. 

IXSTIiUCTION'S. 

1.  Tlie  best  defence  wliich  a  man  can  make  of  himself 
and  his  conduct  often  is  to  give  a  plain  statement  of  the 
])rovidcnccs  of  (!od,of  the  reasons  which  satisfied  his  own 
mind,  and  which,  in  his  view,  ought  to  satisfy  the  minds 
ijf  others. 

14.  Persecutors  of  Christ  and  his  cause  are  Romctimcg 
made  his  cordial  friends,  and  eminently  instrumental  in 
extending  the  triumphs  of  his  kingdom,  having  been  chosen 
1268 


30  On  the  morrow,  because  he  would  have  ad.  go. 
known  the  certainty  wherefore  he  was  accused  of 
the  Jews,'  he  loosed  him  from  /lis  bands,  and  com- 
manded the  chief  ])riests  and  all  their  council  to 
appear,  and  brought  Paul  down,  and  set  him  be- 
fore them. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  As  Paul  pleadeth  his  cause,  2  Ananias  commantleth  them  to  smite 
him.  7  Dissension  among  his  accu.sers.  11  ^rod  encourageth  him. 
14  The  Jews"  layinj?  wait  for  P.aul  20  is  declared  unto  the  chief  cap- 
tain.   27  He  sendetii  him  to  Felix  the  governor. 

AND  Paul,  earnestly  beholding   the  council, 
said,  Men  and  brethren,  I  have  lived  in  all 
good  conscience  before  God  until  this  day.'-' 

2  And  the  high-priest  Ananias'commiinded  them 
that  stood  by  him  to  smite  him  on  the  mouth.'' 

3  Then  said  Paul  unto  him,  God  shall  smite  thee, 
tliou  wiiited  wall :  for  sittest  thou  to  judge  me  after 
tiie  law,  and  conimandest  me  to  be  smitten  con- 
trary to  the  law?' 

4  And  they  that  stood  by  said,  Revilest  thou 
God's  high-priest? 

5  Then  said  Paul,  I  wist  not,  brethren,  that  he 
was  the  higii-pricst :  for  it  is  written,  'I'hou  shalt 
not  speak  evil  of  the  ruler  of  thy  peo]ile.' 

6  1i  But  when  Paul  perceived  tiiat  Ilie  one  part 
were  Sadducees,  and  tlie  otlier  Piiarisces,  he  ci-ied 
out  in  the  council,  Men  ond  brethren,  1  am  a  Piiar- 
isce,  the  son  of  a  Pharisee:''  of  the  hope  and  res- 
urrection of  the  dead  I  am  called  in  question.' 

7  And  when  he  had  so  said,  there  arose  a  dissen- 


I  Lev.  1B:.35;  Dent.  25:1,  2;  John  7:51.     J  Exod.  22:2S;  Eccl.  10:20;  2  Pet. 
2:10;Jud68.     »  ch.  26:5;  Phil.  3:5.     I  oh.  24:15,  21 ;  26:0;  28:20. 


to  salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief 
of  the  truth.     2  Thess.  2:13. 

21.  Christ  not  only  call.s  his  ministers,  but  assigns  them 
the  places  and  conditions  in  which  they  are  to  labor.  These 
may  bo  very  different  from  what  they,  if  left  to  tlieniselves, 
would  select;  yet  ho  orders  them  in  wisiimn,  and  if  liis 
servants  follow  his  directions,  he  will  render  them  as  use- 
ful as  will  best  inomote  his  glory,  and  the  highest  good  of 
his  kingdom. 

25.  As  civil  government  is  an  ordinance  of  Cod.  it  is 
sometimes  proper,  when  assailed,  to  avail  ourselves  of  its 
protection.  True  religion  inculcates  submission  under 
trials,  and  the  use  of  all  suitable  means  to  avoid  and  re- 
move them. 

CHAPTER  XXIIT. 

1.  Lived  in  all  good  conscience;  done  what  1  thought  to  be 
right. 

2.  Smite  him  on  the  mouth ;  liy  this  he  would  indicate  that 
Paul  had  uttered  ;i  falsehood. 

3.  Smite  thee;  visit  thee  in  judgment.  IVhitcd  wall ;  hyp- 
ocrite. 

5.  Wist  not;  knew  not.  At  this  time  the  nccupancy  of 
the  high-priesthood  had  become  very  irregular.  If  .'ina- 
nias  actually  was  then  the  high-priest,  it  is  jirobable  lh;it 
P:inl  either  ilid  not  know  the  fact,  or  at  the  moment  did  not 
advert  to  it.     //  is  written;  Kxod.  22:2H. 

fi.  lam  a  Pharisee;  Paul  agri'cd  with  tho  Pharisees  in 
believing  that  the  soul  lives  after  tho  death  of  the  body, 
an<l  that  there  will  bi'  ;i  resurrection— points  on  which 
theydilfered  from  the  Sadducees.  Ucsurrertionof  the ih'ud ; 
he  contended  that  Jesus  Christ  had  actually  risen.  This 
showed  that  lie  was  the  Mr'ssi.ah,  that  the  iloctrine  of  a 
resurrection  was  true,  and  that  all  men  would  bo  raised. 
ICor.  15:12-23. 


The  Jeics  conspire  to  kill  him. 


ACTS  XXIII. 


He  is  conveyed  to  Cesarea. 


A  D.  m.  sion  between  the  Pharisees  and  the  Saddu- 
cees:  and  the  multitude  was  divided. 

8  For  the  Sadducees  say  that  there  is  no  resur- 
rection, neither  angel,  nor  spirit:"  but  the  Phari- 
sees confess  both. 

9  And  there  arose  a  great  cry :  and  the  scribes 
that  were  of  the  Pharisees'  part  arose,  and  strove, 
saying,  We  find  no  evil  in  tliis  man  :^  but  if  a  spirit 
or  an  angel  hath  spoken  to  him,''  let  us  not  tight 
against  God.* 

10  And  when  there  arose  a  great  dissension,  the 
chief  captain,  fearing  lest  Paul  sliould  have  been 
pulled  in  pieces  of  them,  commanded  the  soldiers 
to  go  down,  and  to  take  him  by  force  from  among 
them,  and  to  bring  him  into  the  castle. 

11  And  the  night  following  the  Lord  stood  by 
him,''  and  said,  Be  of  good  cheer,  Paul :  for  as  thou 
hast  testified  of  me  in  Jerusalem,  so  must  thou  bear 
witness  also  at  Rome.' 

12  And  when  it  was  day,  certain  of  the  Jews 
banded  together,'"'  and  bound  themselves  under  a 
curse,*  saying  that  they  would  neither  eat  nor 
drink  till  they  had  killed  Paul." 

13  And  they  were  more  than  forty  which  had 
made  this  conspiracy. 

14  And  they  came  to  the  chief  priests  and  elders,' 
and  said.  We  have  bound  ourselves  under  a  great 
curse,  that  we  will  eat  nothing  until  we  have  slain 
Paul. 

15  Now  therefore  ye  with  the  council  signify  to 
the  chief  captain  that  he  bring  him  down  unto  you 
to-morrow,  as  though  ye  would  inquire  something 
more  perfectly  concerning  him:  and  we,  or  ever 
he  come  near,  are  ready  to  kill  him.^ 

16  And  when  Paul's  sister's  son  heard  of  their 
lying  in  wait,  he  went  and  entered  into  the  castle, 
and  told  Paul.'' 

17  Then  Paul  called  one  of  the  centurions  unto 
him,  and  said.  Bring  this  young  man  unto  the  chief 
captain:  for  he  hath  a  certain  thing  to  tell  him.' 

18  So  he  took  him,  and  brought  him  to  the  chief 
captain,  and  said,  Paul  the  prisoner  called  me  unto 
him,'"  and  prayed  me  to  bring  tliis  young  man  unto 
thee,  who  liatli  something  to  say  unto  thee. 

19  Then  the  chief  captain  took  him  by  the  hand, 
and  went  with  him  aside  privately,  and  asked  him, 
What  is  that  thou  hast  to  tell  me  ? 

20  And  he  said.  The  Jews  have  agreed  to  desire 
thee  that  thou  wouldest  bring  down  Paul  to-morrow 


•  Milt.  29:83;  Mark  12:18;  LulteaO:27.  boh. 25:25;  26:31.  cch.  22:17, 
18.  'lch.5:39.  t  Psa.  4G:1,  7;  cli.  18:9;  27:2.3,  24.  t  ch.  28:30,  31 ;  Horn. 
1:15.  e  vpr.  21,  30;  ch.  25:3.  '  Or,  U'illi  an  ontk  of  execration,  h  Psa. 
31:13.     iHos.4:9.    J  I'sa.  21 :11 ;  37:32,  Si.     k  2  Sam.  17:17.     I  Prov.  22:3; 

8.  Neither  angel,  nor  spirit;  no  such  tiling  as  created 
spirits  existing,  separate  from  bodies.  Confess  both;  re- 
ceive both  doctrines  as  true. 

9.  A  snirit  or  an  an  get ;  chap.  22:6-8,  17-21. 

11.  The  Lord;  the  Lord  .Jesus. 

12.  A  curse;  a  soUiinn  oath,  imprecating  divine  vengeance 
on  tlumselves  should  they  eat  or  drink  before  they  had 
killed  I'aul. 

21.  Loolcing  for  a  promise  from  thee;  that  he  would  bring 
Paul  down. 

2.'}.   Third  hour  of  the  night ;  nine  o'clock. 

24.  Felix;  lie  had  been  a  slave  of  Antonia,  the  mother  of 
Claudius  tho  Roman  emperor,  but  was  freed  and  became 
governor  of  Judca. 


into  the  council,  as  though  they  would  inquire  some- 
what of  him  more  perfectly."* 

21  But  do  not  thou  yield  unto  them:"  for  there 
lie  in  wait  for  him  of  them  more  than  forty  men, 
which  have  bound  themselves  with  an  oath,  that 
they  will  neither  eat  nor  drink  till  they  have  killed 
him :  and  now  arc  they  ready,  looking  for  a  prom- 
ise from  thee. 

22  So  the  chief  captain  then  let  the  young  man 
depart,  and  charged  him,  See  thou  tell  no  man  that 
thou  hast  showed  these  things  to  me. 

23  And  he  called  unto  him  two  centurions,  say- 
ing. Make  ready  two  hundred  soldiers  to  go  to 
Cesarea,  and  horsemen  threescore  and  ten,  and 
spearmen  two  hundred,  at  the  third  hour  of  the 
night ; 

24  And  provide  them  beasts,  that  they  may  set 
Paul  on,  and  bring  him  safe  unto  Felix  the  gov- 
ernor. 

25  And  he  wrote  a  letter  after  this  manner : 

26  Claudius  Lysias  unto  the  most  excellent  gov- 
ernor Felix  sendeth  greeting. 

27  This  man  was  taken  of  the  Jews,  and  should 
have  been  killed  of  them:  then  came  I  with  an 
army,  and  rescued  him,''  having  understood  that  ho 
was  a  Roman. 

28  And  when  I  would  have  known  the  cause 
wherefore  they  accused  him,  I  brought  him  forth 
into  their  council:'' 

29  Whom  I  perceived  to  be  accused  of  questions 
of  their  law,''  but  to  have  nothing  laid  to  his  charge 
worthy  of  death  or  of  bonds.'* 

30  And  when  it  was  told  me  how  that  the  Jews 
laid  wait  for  the  man,'  I  sent  straightway  to  thee, 
and  gave  commandment  to  his  accusers  also,  to  say 
before  thee  what  they  had  against  him."    Farewell. 

31  Tlien  the  soldiers,  as  it  was  commanded  them, 
took  Paul,  and  brought  liim  by  night  to  Antij>atris. 

32  On  the  morrow  they  left  the  horsemen  to  go 
with  him,  and  returned  to  the  castle : 

33  Who,  when  they  came  to  Cesarea,  and  deliv- 
ered the  epistle  to  the  governor,^  presented  Paul 
also  before  him. 

34  And  when  the  governor  had  read  the  letter,  he 
asked  of  what  province  he  was.  And  when  he 
understood  that  he  was  of  Cilicia;"^ 

35  I  will  hear  thee,  said  he,  when  thine  accusers 
are  also  come.''  And  he  commanded  him  to  be 
kept  in  Herod's  judgment-hall.'' 


Matt. 

10:16. 

m  oh 

.  28:17 

Kph 

3:1 

;  4:1; 

Philc. 

9. 

n 

ver. 

12 

0 

Exod. 

«l-2. 

P  ch. 

21:33 

24:7. 

q  oh. 

22:30.     r 

oh.   Ih: 

15; 

2:) 

.19. 

» 

ch 

26:31. 

1  vpr. 

20,  21 . 

uoh. 

24:8;  25:6.    ' 

ver 

26-30 

.    'voh 

21 

39 

X 

oh. 

21: 

1,  etc.; 

25:10 

1  Matt.  27: 

27. 

27.  An  armij;  a  band  of  soldiers.  A  Roman;  a  Roman 
citizen. 

31.  Aniipatris;  a  town  about  forty  miles  from  Jerusalem, 
on  the  way  to  (,'csarca. 

35.  Herod's  judgment-halt ;  literally,  Herod's  praHorium  ; 
this  was  the  palace  built  l\v  Ilcrod  the  (ire;it  ut  Cesarea, 
and  now  occupied  by  the  Roman  govcrnur  Felix. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

7.  There  is  no  bond  of  ])ormanent  union  among  perse- 
cutors of  Christians.  They  may,  for  sellish  purposes,  unite 
for  a  time  in  opposing  the  truth  ;  but  the3'  are  easily  di- 
vided ;  and  God,  through  their  divisions,  may  deliver  his 
people  from  their  power. 

1269 


Paul  is  accused  before 


ACTS  XXIV. 


Felix  by  TertuUns. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


1  Paul  being  accused  by  TertuUns  tlie  orator,  10  answereth  for  his  life 
and  doctrine.  24  He  preacheth  (Jhrist  to  the  governor  and  his  wife. 
20  The  governor  hopetli  for  ^  bribe,  but  in  vain.  27  At  last,  going 
out  of  his  otfice,  he  leaveth  Paul  in  prison. 

AND  after  five  days,  Ananias"  tlic  liigli-pricst 
descended  witli  the  elders,  and  with  a  certain 
orator  ?!flOTfrfTertulliis,  wlio  informed  the  governor 
ajraiust  Paul.'' 

2  And  when  he  was  called  forth,  Tertullus  began 
to  accu,se  him,  saying.  Seeing  that  by  thee  we  enjoy 
great  quietness,  and  that  very  worthy  deeds  are 
done  unto  tliis  nation  by  thy  providence," 

3  We  accept  //  always,  and  in  all  places,  most 
noble  Felix,  with  all  thankfulness. 

4  Notwithstanding,  that  I  be  not  further  tedious 
unto  thee,  I  pray  thee  that  thou  wouldest  hear  us 
of  thy  clemency  a  few  words. 

5  For  we  have  found  this  man  a  pestilent ye/Zou','' 
andamoverof  sedition  amongall  the. lews  through- 
out the  world,  and  a  ringleader  of  the  sect  of  tiie 
Nazarenes : 

(')  Wiio  also  hath  gone  about  to  profane  the  tem- 
ple:'-' whom  we  took,  and  would  have  judged  ac- 
cording to  our  law.' 

7  But  the  ciiief  captain  Lysias  came  upon  us,  and 
with  great  violence  took  Aim  away  out  of  our  hands,'' 

8  Commanding  his  accusers  to  come  unto  thee:*" 
by  examining  of  whom,  thyself  inayest  take  know- 
l('dtr(;  of  all  these  things  whereof  we  accuse  him. 

'.)  And  the  Jews  also  assented,  saying  that  these 
thitiirs  were  so. 

10  Tlien  Paul,  after  that  the  governor'  had  beck- 
oned unto  him  to  s])eak,  answered,  Forasmucii  as 
I  know  that  thou  hast  been  of  many  years  a  judge 
unto  this  nation,  I  do  the  more  chcerfull}'  answer 
for  myself.:' 

11  Because  that  tjiou  maye.-^t  understand,  that 
there  are  yet  but  twelve  days  since  I  went  up  to 
Jerusalem  for  to  worshi|i.J 

12  And  they  neither  found  me  in  the  temple  dis- 

>  Ch.  23:-2;  23;».  bp,a.  n:^.  e  P«a  1-^:2.  d  Luke  83:2;  ch.  0;I3; 
iri:20;    17:0;  21:2^;  I  PbI.  2:12.  10.      «  cli.   1!):37;  21:2^.      (John  18:.')1. 

1  ch.  21:.?.1.     h  ch.  'Zi-.W.     '  Felix,  made  Procurator  nier  Judm,  A.  D.  Si. 
iiret..l:l5.     Jch.al:!.!.     k  ch.  25:1;  2^:17.     I   IPct. :):!(!      m  Mic.  ■!:.'); 

2  Tim.  1:3.     n  Matt.  HAU;    Luk«   lli:l(i;    21:27;    John  1:4.5;   ch.  13:15; 
20:22;  2^:23;  Rom.  3:21.    •  ch.  23:0,  etc.;  20:0,  7;  ii:W.  etc.     p  Dan. 


11.  The  Lord  Jesus  Ciirist  is  al)lo,.it  any  time  and  in  any 
jilacc,  til  manifest  liimsclf  to  his  people,  to  till  tlieiri  with 
jiiy,  and  make  their  enemies  the  occaHioii  of  accomplishing 
wliat  is  most  earnestly  to  he  desired. 

21.  IJijjoted  and  li3'poeritica]  iirofcssors  of  religion,  who 
liave  adopted  wrong  principles,  and  hcen  cornijited  by 
wicked  practices,  are  often  among  tlie  most  rieceitfid, 
hardened,  and  cruel  of  mankind,  ami  tlie  most  malignant 
opposers  of  divine  truth. 

29.  The  persecution  of  peaceahle  citizens  on  accoimt  of 
their  religion,  of  their  reading  the  Bildc,  and  judging  of 
it.s  meaning,  is  such  an  outrage  as  to  he  condemned  even 
liy  lieathen.  When  practised,  it  has  ever  been,  and  ever 
will  be,  a  foul  disgrace  not  only  to  the  Christian,  but  to 
the  civilized  worlil. 

t'HAPTER  XXIV. 

1.  Tertidlus;  a  lawyer  emidiiyed  to  plead  against  Paul. 

6.  Pestilent  fdlow ;  literally,  a  pest. 

6.  Profane  the  temple;  cha]).  21:27-30. 

7.  Lipias;  chap.  21:31-1(1;  2:i:2r>-:iO. 

It.   Thewaij;  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  the  Christian 
religion  is  commonly  called  "the  way,"  chap.  9: 2;  ]9:9  ;  etc. 
1270 


puting  with  any  man,  neither  raising  uji  the  a  t>  m 
people,  neither  in  the  synagogues,  nor  in  the  city  :'' 

13  Neither  can  they  prove  the  things  whereof 
they  now  accuse  me.' 

14  But  this  I 'confess  unto  thee,  that  after  the 
way  which  they  call  heresy,  so  worshij)  I  tlie  God 
of  my  fathers,'"  lielieving  all  things  which  are  writ- 
ten in  the  law  and  in  tlie  pro]iliets :" 

15  And  have  ho|ie  toward  God."  which  they  them- 
selves also  allow,  that  there  shall  be  a  resurrection 
of  the  dead,  both  of  the  just  and  unjust." 

16  And  herein  do  I  exercise  myself,  to  have 
always  a  conscience  void  of  oflence  toward  God, 
and  toward  men.'' 

17  Now,  after  many  years,  I  came  to  bring  alms 
to  my  nation,  and  offerings.'' 

18  Whereu])on  certain  Jews  from  Asia  fmnd  me 
purified  in  the  teiiij)le,  neither  with  multitude,  nor 
with  tumult. 

19  Who  ought  to  have  been  here  before  thee, 
and  object,  if  ihey  had  aught  against  me.' 

20  Or  else  let  these  same  here  say,  if  they  have 
found  any  evil-doing  in  me,  while  I  stood  before 
the  council, 

21  Except  it  be  for  this  one  voice,  that  I  cried, 
standing  among  them,  Touching  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead  I  am  called  in  fjuestiou  by  you  this  day. 

22  And  when  Felix  heard  these  things,  having 
more  perfect  knowledge  of  that  way,  he  deferred 
them,  and  said.  When  Lysias  the  chief  captain 
shall  come  down,'  I  will  know  tiie  uttermost  of 
your  matter. 

23  And  he  commanded  a  centurion  to  keep  Paul, 
and  to  let  him  have  liberty,"  and  that  he  sliould 
forbid  none  of  his  acquaintance  to  minister  or  come 
unto  him. 

24  And  after  certain  days,  when  Felix  camewith 
his  wife  Jtrusilhi,  wliich  was  a  Jewess,  he  sent  for 
Paul,  and  heai'tl  jiim  concerning  Ihe  faith  in  Christ. 

2.5  And  as  he  reasoned  of  righteousness,'  teuii)er- 
ance,"'  and  judgment  to  come,"' Felix  trembled,-  and 

12:2;  John  5:2",  20;  1  Ctir.  15:19-27;  Rev.  20:0,  13.  q  ch.  23:1.  r  ch. 
ll:2il,3U;  20:10;  Rom.  15:23.  "ch.  25:lli.  I  ver.  7.  u  ch.  27:3;  4-:  10. 
V  I'rov.  10:12;  Jer.  22:I.')-I7;  Dan.  1:27;  Jnliii  10:8.  "  Prov.  31 :4,  5 ;  D:Ln. 
5:1-1;  Hon.  7:5;  1  Pet.  AA.  '  P«a.  .',0:3.  4;  Dan.  12:2;  Malt.  2.');3MG; 
2  Cor.  5:1U:  R«v.  20:12.  y  P«a.  09:1;  l»a.  a2:llj  Ilab.  3:10;  Hob.  4:1, 
12. 

Heresy;  the  original  word  signifies  rather,  sect,  that  is,  scliis- 
matic  p.arty.  >So  the  Jews  fivlsely  and  reproachfully  called 
the  Christians. 

l'>.  Jfarchnpr;  of  a  resurrection. 

Hi.  /  exercise  myself;  lutbitnally  strive.  A  cnnsrienre  mid 
nf  offence;  one  tliat  shall  accuse  me  of  no  departure  from 
iliity  towards  Cod  or  man. 

18.  Ptirrficd ;  according  to  the  ceremonies  of  the  Mosaic 
law.     Chap.  21:2(1-28. 

20.  Council;  chap.  23: 1-10. 

22.  Tli/il  vaij;  Tlie.  Christian  way.  See  note  to  ver.  H. 
Deferred  ;  imt  olf  Ihe  further  hearing  of  the  case  till  Lysias 
should  arrive.  Whether  Felix  was  sincere  in  this  delay 
appears  doubtful  from  his  conduct  as  recorded  in  verses 
2(i,  27. 

21.  Drusillii ;  she  was  daughter  of  the  first  llerod  Agrip- 
)ia;  Wiis  m;irried  lo  .Vziziis  king  of  Knicsa,  but  afterwards 
left  him,  and  became  lh<^  wile  of  Kelix. 

2.'>.  KiplilcDHsiicss ;  doing  right  towards  (iod  and  man. 
Trmpernnce ;  the  Jiroper  regulation  of  the  ajipetites  and 
passions.  Judgment  to  come;  the  future  general  judgment, 
when  all  will  receive  from  Christ  according  to  their  works. 
Chap.  17:31;  iMatt.  25:31-10.     Fclu  trembled;  in  view  of 


Paul  before  Fesliis 


ACTS  XXV. 


appeddk  unto  Cesar. 


A.  D.60.  answered,  Go  thy  war  for  tins  time  ;"  when 

1  have  a  convenient  season,  I  will  call  for  thee. 

26  He  hoped  also  tliat  money  should  have  been 
given  him  of  Paul,  that  he  might  loose  him:'' 
wherefore  he  sent  for  him  the  oftener,  and  com- 
muned with  him. 

27  But  after  two  years  Porcius  Pestus  came  into 
Felix's  room:  and  Felix,  willing  to  show  the  Jews 
a  pleasure,''  left  Paul  bound. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

2  The  Jews  accuse  Paul  before  Festus.  8  He  answereth  for  himself, 
11  and  appealt'th  unto  Cesar.  14  Afterwards  Festus  openeth  iiis 
matter  to  ltin<j;  Agrippa,  23  and  he  is  brought  forth.  25  Festus  clear- 
eth  him  to  liave  done  nothing  wortiiy  of  death. 

NOW  when  Festus  was  come  into  the  province, 
after  three  days  he  ascended  from  Cesarea 
to  Jerusalem. 

2  Then  the  high-priest  and  the  chief  of  the  Jews 
informed  him  against  Paul,  and  besought  him, 

3  And  desired  favor  against  him,  that  he  would 
send  for  him  to  Jerusalem,  laying  wait  in  the  way 
to  kill  him.** 

4  But  Festus  answered,  that  Paul  should  be  kept 
at  Cesarea,  and  that  he  himself  would  depart  shortly 
thither. 

■5  Let  them  therefore,  said  he,  which  among  you 
are  able,  go  down  with  me,  and  accuse  this  man, 
if  there  be  any  wickedness  in  him. 

6  And  when  he  had  tarried  among  them  more 
than  ten  days,'  he  went  down  unto  Cesarea;  and 
the  next  day  sitting  on  the  judgment-seat,  com- 
manded Paul  to  be  brought. 

7  And  when  he  was  come,  the  Jews  which  came 


a  Prov.  1 :24-3a;  Matt.  2-.>:5;  2.1:1-10.     b  Exod.  23:8.     c  Mark  15:1.5:  ch. 
25:9.     <1  ch.  '2.1:14,  15.     '  Or,  as  some  copies  read,  no  more  than  eight  or 


his  sins,  and  his  prospects  at  the  coming  judgment.  A 
convenient  season;  such  a  season  does  not  seem  ever  to 
have  arrived. 

26.  Money — given;  as  a  bribe,  to  induce  liira  to  release 
Paul. 

27.  Came  into  Felix's  room  ;  succeeded  him  in  office.  Will- 
ing to  show  the  Jews  a  pleasure;  he  Ivnew  tliat  they  liad  no 
just  (grounds  of  accusing  him  to  the  Roman  enijicror,  and 
he  toulv  tliis  unrighteous  way  of  conciliating  their  good 
will.  Left  Paul  bound;  detained  him  as  a  prisoner,  though 
justice  required  his  release. 

INSTRUCTIOXS. 

5.  Eloquence  maybe  eniployed  in  propagating  falsehood 
and  promoting  wickedness.  It  then  becomes  a  world  of 
iniquity,  setting  on  fire  the  course  of  nature,  being  set  on 
fire  of  hell.     Jas.  3:5-10. 

10.  Christians  rejoice  to  state  facts  and  proclaim  truth 
before  those  who  are  capable  of  judging.  They  are  friends 
of  free  discussion,  knowing  that  from  it  truth  has  nothing 
to  fear.  Though  lUlsehood  may  be  specious,  and  when  set 
off  with  the  trajipiiigs  of  oratory,  may  for  a  time  prevail, 
truth  stated  in  its  native  simplicity,  and  shining  with  its 
own  brightness,  will  ultimately  triumph. 

l.j.  An  abiding  conviction  of  the  certainty  of  a  resurrec- 
tion, and  of  a  future  retribution  according  to  the  deeds 
done  in  the  body,  tends  jiowerfully  to  keep  the  conscience 
awake,  and  to  lead  men  liabitually  to  do  right;  while  the 
disbelief  of  those  truths  removes  a  powerful  restraint 
against  doing  wrong. 

2.5.  When  conviction  of  sin  produces  fearful  forebodings 
of  coming  wrath,  different  persons  take  oi>i)osite  courses. 
One  inquires,  "  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do?"  The 
Lord  shows  him,  leads  him  to  do  it,  and  ho  is  saved.  Chap. 
9:C.    Another  dismisses  the  subject,  continues  in  known 


down  from  Jerusalem  stood  round  about,  and  laid 
many  and  grievous  complaints  against  Paul,  which 
they  could  not  prove." 

8  While  he  answered  for  himself  Neither  against 
the  law  of  the  Jews,  neither  against  the  temple, 
nor  yet  against  Cesar,  have  I  offended  any  thing 
at  all. 

9  But  Festus,  willing  to  do  the  Jews  a  pleasure, 
answered  Paul,  and  said.  Wilt  thou  go  up  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  there  be  judged  of  these  things  before 
me? 

10  Then  said  Paul,  I  stand  at  Cesar's  judg- 
ment-seat, where  I  ought  to  be  judged:  to  the 
Jews  have  I  done  no  wrong,  as  thou  very  well 
kiiowest. 

1 1  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have  committed 
anything  worthy  of  death,  I  refuse  not  to  die:  but 
if  there  be  none  of  these  things  whereof  these  accuse 
me,  no  man  may  deliver  me  unto  them.  I  appeal 
unto  Cesar.'' 

12  Tlien  Festus,  when  he  had  conferred  with  the 
council,  answered.  Hast  thou  appealed  unto  Cesar? 
unto  Cesar  slialt  thou  go. 

13  And  after  certain  days,  king  Agrippa  and 
Bernice  came  unto  Cesarea  to  salute  Festus. 

14  And  when  they  had  been  there  many  days, 
Festus  declared  Paul's  cause  unto  the  king,  saying. 
There  is  a  certain  man  left  in  bonds  by  Felix : 

15  About  whom,  when  I  was  at  Jerusalem,*^  the 
chief  priests  and  the  elders  of  the  Jews  informed 
me,  desiring  to  have  judgment  against  him. 

1(3  To  wliom  I  answered.  It  is  not  the  manner  of 
the  Romans  to  deliver  any  man  to  die,  before  that 
he  which  is  accused  have  the  accusers  face  to  face, 


tendays.    '  Psi.  35:11;  Matt.  5:11,  12;  ch.  24:5,  13.     f  ch.  26:32.    S  vor. 
2,3. 


sin,  and  goes  down  to  perdition.  "To-day,  if  ye  will  hear 
his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts."  "  He  that  being  often 
reproved  bardeneth  his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  destroyed, 
and  that  without  remedy."     Heb.  3:7,  8;  Prov.  29:1. 

26.  AVorldly  minded  and  covetous  men  may  seek  to  make 
even  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  a  means  of  adding  to  their 
uiu-ighteous  gain.  Such  place  themselves  in  a  position 
where  there  is  little  hope  that  even  the  plainest  and  most 
faithful  exhibitions  of  the  truth  can  profit  them. 

27.  One  unrighteous  deed  on  the  part  of  a  ruler  places 
him  in  the  power  of  the  wicked,  who  will  compel  him  to 
buy  their  favor  by  further  acts  of  injustice. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

3.  Desired  favor  ;  desired  that  Festus  would  favor  them 
by  sending  for  Paul,  so  that  they  might  kill  him._ 
5.  Any  wickedness ;  if  he  has  committed  any  crime. 

10.  Cesar's  jwlgment-seat ;  the  lioman  tribunal,  before 
whicli  he  then  was.  Of  course  there  was  no  good  reason 
why  he  should  go  to  .Jerusalem. 

11.  I  appeal  unto  Cesar ;  I  will  go  to  Rome  and  be  tried 
before  the  emperor.  To  this,  as  a  Roman  citizen,  he  had 
a  right. 

12.  The  council;  his  own  council,  with  whom  he  was  ac- 
customed to  advise  in  the  administration  of  justice.  The 
original  has  a  dilfcrent  word  from  that  applied  to  the  Jew- 
ish council,  or  t^anhedrini. 

13.  Agrippa;  Ilerod  Agrippa,  son  of  the  Uerod  men- 
tioned in  chap.  12:  l,andgreat-gr,andson  of  Ilerod  the  (iieat, 
under  whose  reign  Christ  was  born.  Jlernke;  Agrippa's 
sister.  Slie  first  married  her  uncle  the  king  of  Chalcis,  and 
then  Polemon  king  of  Cilicia,  whom  she  deserted  to  live 
with  her  brother  Pelix  Agrippa.  Salute  Festus;  congratu- 
late him  on  his  accession  to  office. 

1271 


Paul  hefore  king  Agrippa 


ACTS  XXVI. 


maketh  his  defenot. 


and  have  license  to  answer  for  himself  concerning 
the  crime  laid  asrainst  him. 

17  Therefore,  wiien  they  were  come  hither,''  with- 
out any  delay  on  the  morrow  I  sat  on  tlie  judg- 
ment-seat, and  commanded  the  man  to  be  brought 
forth. 

18  Against  whom,  wlien  the  accusers  stood  up, 
they  brought  none  accusation  of  such  things  as  I 
supposed : 

ly  But  had  certain  questions  against  him  of  their 
own  superstition,  and  of  one  Jesus,  which  was 
dead,  wliom  Paul  affirmed  to  bo  alive.'' 

20  And  because  I  doubted  of  such  manner  of 
questions,*  I  aslvcd  him  whetlier  he  would  go  to 
Jerusalem,  and  tliere  be  judged  of  tlicse  matters. 

21  But  wlien  Paul  had  apjiealed  to  be  reserved 
unto  tiie  hearing*  of  Augustus,  I  commanded  him 
to  be  kept  till  I  miglit  send  liim  to  Cesar. 

22  Tiicn  Agripjia  said  unto  Fcstus,  I  would  also 
hear  the  man  myself.  To-morrow,  said  he,  thou 
shalt  hear  him. 

23  And  on  the  morrow,  when  Agrippa  was  come, 
and  Bcrnice,  with  great  poni]),''  and  was  entered 
into  the  ])lace  of  hearing,  with  the  chief  captains, 
and  principal  men  of  tlie  city,  at  Festus'  command- 
ment Paul  was  brouglit  forth.'' 

24  And  Festus  said.  King  Agrippa,  and  all  men 
which  are  here  present  with  us,  ye  see  this  man, 
about  wliom  all  tiio  multitude  of  the  Jews  have 
dealt  with  me,"  both  at  Jerusalem,  and  also  here, 
crying  that  he  ought  not  to  live  any  longer.'' 

25  But  when  I  l()und  that  he  had  committed 
nothing  worthy  of  death,'-'  and  that  he  himself  hath 
appealed  to  Augustus,''  I  have  determined  to  send 
him. 

2G  Of  whom  I  have  no  certain  thing  to  write 
unto  my  lord.  Wherefore  I  have  brought  him 
forth  before  you,  and  specially  before  thee,  0  king 


Agrippa,  that  after  examination  had,  I  might  a  n.  C2. 
have  somewhat  to  write. 

27  For  it  seemcth  to  me  unreasonable  to  send  a 
prisoner,  and  not  withal  to  signify  the  crimes  laid 


«Ver.  0.  bch.  18:15.  '  Or.  I  tms  doublfid  how  to  inquire  litreof.  t  Or, 
judgment,  c  F.zek.  7:21.  ilcli.i):l5.  c  ver.  3,  7.  '  ch.  •.'■2:2'2.  »ch.a3:SI, 
■£l\-iaM\.  hvcr.  U,l-.>.  1  Prov.  1S:13;  John  7:51.  J  Duut.  17:18.  t  di. 
a4:4.     I  2  Tim.  .MO.     m  ch.  22:3;  Phil.  »:5.     n  ch.  2.'):0.     o  Gen.  .1:15; 

20.  Doubted  of  sucli  manner  of  ijueatiotis;  how  such  ques- 
tions sliouhl  bo  disposed  of,  or  what  course  he  should 
take  witli  tlicni. 

21.  Au^^Lstits;  Augustus  and  Cesar  wore  used  as  terms  of 
office :  each  meant  tlic  Roman  ennjcror.  At  that  time,  this 
emperor  was  Nero. 

24.  Have  dealt  with  me ;  accused  before  mo,  and  wished 
me  to  condemn. 

20.  No  certain  thing;  no  crime  to  ;dlege,  or  accusation  to 
specify.     Snmcwiint ;  sometliiiip;  delinitc. 

27.  Signify;  point  out,  specifv. 

INSTULXTJON'S. 

7.  Persecutors  of  Christians,  tlioufjh  liigh  in  ecclesias- 
tical or  political  olfice,  will  often  make  st^itenients  which 
they  cannot  prove,  which  are  not  true,  and  the  falsehood 
and  iiialij^nity  of  which  are  so  manifust,  that  they  may  be 
Been  anil  condemned  even  by  enli;;lit(ned  heathen. 

11.  When  men  destitute  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  at  the 
head  of  ecclesiastical  affairs,  deny  the  rit;ht  of  private  judR- 
ment  and  are  disposed  to  persecute  those  who  exercise  it, 
Kond  men  sometimes  have  more  to  fear  from  them,  than 
from  the  most  at)«oliite  civil  despot. 

16.  To  condemn  a  man  unheard,  without  his  being  in- 
formed of  the  nature,  extent,  and  grounds  of  his  accusation, 
or  being  permitted  to  meet  and  e.\amine  his  accusers  face 
to  face,  is  the  essence  of  tyranny ;  and  must  be  condemned 
by  the  judgment  and  common-sense  of  the  whole  world. 

I'J.  VVorldly  politicians,  high  iu  office  aud  clothed  with 
1212 


against  him.' 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

2  Paul,  in  the  presence  of  Agrippa,  derlareth  his  life  from  his  childhood, 
VZ  and  liow  miraculously  he  w.as  converted,  and  called  to  his  spostle- 
ship.  24  Festus  duirgeth  him  to  be  mad,  whereunto  he  aiiswereth 
modestly.  28  Agrippa  is  almost  persuaded  to  be  a  Christian.  31 
The  whole  company  pronounce  him  innocent. 

THEN  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  Tliou  art  per- 
mitted to  speak  for  tliyself.  Then  Paul 
stretched  forth  the  hand,  and  answered  for  himself: 

2  I  think  myself  ha]iiiy,  king  Agri])]ia,  because  I 
sliall  answer  for  myself  tliis  day  before  thee,  touch- 
ing all  tiie  things  whereof  I  am  accused  of  the  Jews : 

I)  Especially  because  I  know  thee  to  be  exjicrt  in 
all  customs  and  questions  which  are  among  tlie 
Jews:'  wherefore  I  beseech  thee  to  hear  me  pa- 
tiently.'' 

4  My  manner  of  life  from  my  youtli,'  which  was 
at  the  first  among  mine  own  nation  at  Jerusalem, 
know  all  the  Jews; 

5  Which  knew  me  from  the  beginning,  if  they 
would  teslily,  that  after  the  most  straitest  sect  of 
our  religion  I  lived  a  Pharisee.'" 

6  And  now  I  stand  and  am  judged"  for  the  hope 
of  the  promise  made  of  God  unto  our  fatliers:" 

7  Unto  which  promise  our  twelve  tribes,  instantly 
serving  God  day  and  night,*  hope  to  come.''  For 
wiiich  liopc's  sake,  king  iVgrippa,  I  am  accused  of 
the  Jews. 

8  Why  should  it  be  thought  a  thing  incredible 
with  you,  that  God  slioiild  raise  the  dead?'' 

9  I  verily  thought  with  myself,  that  I  ought  to 
do  many  things  contrary  to  tlic  name  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth/ 


23 

:1S; 

49:10, 

Dout 

18; 

5 ;  2  Sam.  7 

:12 

Psa.  132:11 

,  Isa.  4:2;  7 

14; 

«:«, 

7; 

J  or 

2:J:5i 

»i:  14- 

10; 

Elek.  34:23 

Dan.  9:24;  Mic 

7:20;  Zsch 

13: 

1,7 

.M 

al.  y 

1;  ch. 

l.'):32 

Gi 

.4:4     1  Gr. 

nig 

lit  and  day. 

pLuke  2:37; 

1  Then. 

a: 

lU. 

q  1  Cor 

.lb:l: 

,20 

r  1  Tim.  1 

13. 

great  pomp  and  power,  often  think  and  speak  very  lightly 
of  events  into  which  iuigol.s  dcsiri'  to  loolc,  wliicli  fill  hc:tveu 
with  rapture,  and  will  be  the  lliinic  of grati'ful  and  ;idiir- 
ing  praises  from  multitudes  wliicli  no  man  can  number,  for 
ever  and  ever. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

3.  Expert;  Agri]i]ia  \v;iHof  IdiiiMH':indi'sceiit.  I!iil  from 
the  days  of  John  llyrcanns,  the  Iduma'.MiK  snutli  of  r;iles- 
tine,  to  whom  his  lUmily  belonged,  had  adopted  the  Jewish 
religion,  anil  were  reckoned  as  Jews. 

4.  Jcnisnkm;  though  boni  in  Tarsus,  Paul  was  early 
sent  to  Jerusalem  for  his  education.     Chap.  22:3. 

C.   The  promise;  of  the  .Messi;ih, 

7.  Hope  to  come ;  hope  to  experience  the  fulfilment  of  tho 
promise.  Hope's  sake ;  for  Iniving  believed  in  Christ  as  tho 
Messiah,  and  expecting  a  resurrection  through  him  to  end- 
less life. 

8.  Incredible;  not  to  bo  believed  |  absurd,  or  wanting 
evidence. 

9.  Verily  tlinught  with  mi/self;  in  persectiting  Christ,  I'aul 
was  sincere  in  his  errcir;  but  this  did  not  nndie  him  guilt- 
less, for  bis  belief  h;id  ils  roiindalion  in  a  wrong  Ht;ite  of 
heart.  Had  he  been  humble,  candid,  ;iii(l  leachable,  tho 
evidence  which  Jesiis  gave  of  his  MeHsi;ihship  would  havo 
carried  full  conviction  to  his  mind.  Contrary  to  tlie  lunne ; 
in  ojiposition  to  the  teachings  and  to  tho  followers  of 
Christ. 


Paul  dcfendtth  himself  aiid 


ACTS  XXVI. 


the  gospel  before  Agrippa. 


AD.  62.  10  Which  thing  I  al?o  did  in  Jerusalem :" 
and  many  of  the  saints  did  I  shut  up  in  prison, 
liaving  received  authority  from  the  chief  priests ;'' 
and  when  they  were  put  to  death,  I  gave  my  voice 
against  fheyn. 

11  And  I  punished  them  oft  in  every  synagogue,'' 
and  compelled  them  to  blaspheme ;  and  being  ex- 
ceedingly mad  against  them,  I  persecuted  them 
even  unto  strange  cities. 

12  Whereupon,  as  I  went  to  Damascus,*  with 
authority  and  commission  from  the  chief  priests, 

13  At  mid-day,  0  king,  I  saw  in  tlie  way  a  light 
from  heaven,  above  the  brightness  of  the  sun,  shin- 
ing round  about  me  and  them  which  journeyed 
with  me. 

14  And  when  wc  were  all  fallen  to  the  earth,  I 
heard  a  voice  speaking  unto  me,  and  saying  in  the 
Hebrew  tongue,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou 
me?  it  is  hard  for  thee  to  kick  against  the  pricks. 

15  And  I  said.  Who  art  thou.  Lord?  And  he 
said,  I  am  Jesus  whom  thou  persecutest. 

1(5  But  rise,  and  staiid  upon  thy  feet:  for  I  have 
appeared  unto  thee  for  this  purpose,  to  make  thee 
a  mhiister  and  a  witness  both  of  these  things  which 
thou  hast  seen,  and  of  those  things  iu  the  which  I 
will  appear  unto  thee;" 

17  Delivering  thee  from  the  people,  and  from 
the  Gentiles,  unto  whom  now  I  send  thee,'' 

18  To  open  their  eyes,*-'  and  to  turn  t/iem  from 
darkness  to  light,"  and  from  the  power  of  Satan 
unto  God,'  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of 
sins.J  and  inheritance''  among  them  which  are 
sanctified'  by  faith  that  is  in  me."' 

19  Whereupon,  0  king  Agrippa,  I  was  not  dis- 
obedient unto  the  heavenly  vision : 

20  But  showed  first  unto  them  of  Damascus,"  and 
at  Jerusalem,  and  throughout  all  the  coasts  of  Ju- 
dea,  and  the7i  to  the  Gentiles,  that  they  should 


a  Oh.  8:3;  Gal.  1:13.     bch.  9:14.     ccb.  2^:19 

J  ch.  B:3.     e  ch.  32:1,5, 

Eph.  3:7;  Col.  1:9:!,  '2.5.    t  ch.  22:91  ;  Rom.  11:13. 

elsa.  35:5;  42:7;  Epli, 

1:1.'*.     hLukel:79;  John  8:12;  2Cor.4:«;  1  Pet. 

2:9.    1  Col.  1:13.    J  Luke 

1:77;  Ej.h.  1:7;  Col.  1:14.     t   Eph.  1:11;  Col.   1 

12;   1   Pet.   1:4.      1  John 

10.  Authority;  chap.  9:14;  22:4,5. 

11.  Compelled  them  ;  that  is,  used  violent  means  to  induce 
them.  It  <hjes  not  follow  that  his  efforts  were  successful. 
Blaspheme;  the  name  of  Jesus,  by  denying  him  to  be  the 
Messiah.     Strange  citief: ;  cities  in  foreign  lands. 

12.  Whereupon;  while  engaged  in  this  persecution. 
Chap.  9:l-fi. 

17.  From  the  people;  that  is,  of  the  Jews.  Send  thee; 
chap.  22:21. 

IS.  Open  their  eyes;  enlighten  their  minds.  Darkness  to 
tight ;  the  ignorance  of  heathenism  to  the  saving  know- 
ledge of  the  gospel.  Power  of  Satan ,  from  his  service  to 
the  service  of  (iod. 

2il.  Damascus;  chap.  9: 19-23.  Meet  for  repentance ;  such 
as  true  repentance  produces. 

22.  Small  and  great;  all  classes  of  people.  None  other 
things;  except  those  which  were  foretold  in  the  Old  Tes- 
tament. Isa.  53:3-9;  I'sa.  16:10;  Acts  2:31;  13:35-37; 
Isa.  9:1,  2. 

27.  Bclievest  t/tou  the  prophets  ;  he  appeals  to  Agrippa  as 
a  Jew,  who  professed  to  receive  the  scriptures  of  the  Old 
Tcst4iment  as  the  word  of  God. 

28.  Persuadest  me;  by  the  evidence  exhibited  that  the 
prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament  concerning  the  Messiah 
were  fullilled  in  Clirist. 

29.  /  would  to  God;  1  earnestly  desire.  As  I  am;  real 
Christians.  These  bonds;  the  chains  with  which  he  was 
bound. 


repent  and  turn  to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for 
repentance." 

21  For  these  causes  the  Jews  caught  me  in  the 
temple,  and  went  about  to  kill  ?nf." 

22  Having  therefore  obtained  help  of  God,  I  con- 
tinue unto  this  day,  witnessing  both  to  small  and 
great,  saying  none  other  things  tlian  those  which 
the  prophets  and  Moses  did  say  should  come:'' 

23  That  Christ  should  suflcr,  and  that  he  should 
be  the  first  that  should  rise  from  the  dead,''  and 
should  show  light  unto  the  people,  and  to  the  Gen- 
tiles. 

24  And  as  he  thus  spake  for  himself,  Festus  said 
witli  a  loud  voice,  Paul,  thou  art  beside  thyself; 
much  learning  doth  make  thee  mad.'* 

25  But  he  said,  I  am  not  mad,  most  noble  Festus ; 
but  speak  forth  the  words  of  truth  and  soberness. 

26  For  the  king  knoweth  of  these  things,  before 
whom  also  I  speak  freely:  for  I  am  persuaded 
that  none  of  these  things  are  hidden  from  him ; 
for  this  thing  was  not  done  in  a  corner. 

27  King  Agrippa,  believest  thou  the  prophets? 
I  know  that  thou  believest. 

28  Then  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  Almost  thou 
persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian.' 

29  And  Paul  said,  I  would  to  God,  that  not  only 
thou,  but  also  all  that  hear  me  this  day,  were  both 
almost,  and  altogether  such  as  I  am,  except  these 
bonds." 

30  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  the  king  rose 
up,  and  the  governor,  and  Bernice,  and  they  that 
sat  with  them : 

31  And  when  they  were  gone  aside,  they  talked 
between  themselves,  saying.  This  man  doeth  noth- 
ing worthy  of  death  or  of  bonds. 

32  Tiien  said  Agrippa  unto  Festus,  This  man 
might  have  been  set  at  liberty,  if  he  had  not  ap- 
pealed unto  Cesar. 

17:17;  ch.  a0:.32;  1  Cor.  1:3(1;  Rev.  21:27.  m  Eph.  2:!-;  Hcb.  11:6.  »  ch. 
9:19.  etc.  o  Matt.  3:8.  p  ch.  21:3".  <!  Luke  •ii-.il,  4G.  r  1  Cor.  15:23. 
5  2  Kings  9:11.     t  Jas.  1:2:),  24.     "1  Cor.  .7:7. 


32.  Set  at  liberty;  he  is  an  innocent  man,  guilty  of  no 
crime. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  It  is  pleasant  to  proclaim  the  gospel  to  intelligent 
hearers,  espeeiall}'  such  as  are  well  acquainted  with  the 
Bible.  True  religion  does  not  fear,  but  courts  investiga- 
tion. It  accords  with  the  word  and  is  proved  to  be  true 
by  the  providence  of  God.  The  more  it  is  examined  in 
the  light  of  the  Scriptures  and  of  facts,  the  deeper  will  bo 
the  conviction  that  it  is  from  God ;  and  the  more  intelli- 
gent men  are,  the  more  guilty  they  will  be,  if  they  do  nbt 
embrace  it. 

9.  Conscience  is  not  always  a  safe  guide.  It  must  bo 
enlightened  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God,  and  aeci>mpa- 
nied  with  a  pious  heart.  All  should  feel  this,  and  so  ac- 
knowledge (iod,  that  he  may  direct  their  paths,  guide 
them  in  judgment,  ;ind  teach  them  his  way — that  way  of 
pleiisantness,  tliat  jiath  of  peace.     Prov.  3:0;  Psa.  2,''):  9. 

18.  Men  naturally  are  ignorant  of  spiritual  things,  yield 
themselves  the  willing  skives  of  Satan,  and  walk  in  dark- 
ness. They  need  the  goK|iel  of  Clirist,  acconipanicd  liy 
the  enlightening  and  purifying  inlliiences  of  liis  Sjiirit,  to 
turn  tliem  from  supremo  love  of  self  and  sin  to  suprinio 
love  of  God  and  holiness.  This  gospel  must  bo  carried 
and  ]u-eaelied  to  them,  by  men  wliom  God  raises  uji  and 
sen<ls  forth  for  this  purpose  ;  and  these  sliould  be  aided 
by  the  prayers  and  contributions  of  all,  till  the  gospel  ia 
preached  to  every  creature.     Mark  1():15. 

1273 


The  vdyage  to  Rome. 


ACTS  XXVII. 


Pa  u  I  forcldldh  da  iiffcr. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  Paul  shipping  toward  Rome,  10  foretelletli  of  the  danger  of  the  voy- 
age, H  out  is  not  believed.  14  They  are  tossed  to  and  fro  with 
tempest,  41  and  suffer  shipwreck,  44  yet  ail  come  safe  to  land. 

AND  when  it  was  determined  that  we  shonlil 
sail  into  Italj',  they  delivered  Paul  and  cer- 
tain other  prisoners  unto  one  named  Julius,  a  cen- 
turion of  Augustus'  band." 

2  And  entering  into  a  ship  of  Adramyttium,  we 
launched,  meaning  to  sail  by  the  coasts  of  Asia; 
one  Aristarchus,''  a  Macedonian  of  Thcssalonica, 
being  with  us. 

3  And  the  ne.Kt  day  we  touched  at  Sidon.  And 
Julius  courteously  entreated  Paul."  and  gave  /lim 
liberty  to  go  unto  his  friends  to  refresh  himself. 

•i  And  when  we  had  launched  fi'oin  tiience,we  sail- 
ed under  Cyprus,  because  the  winds  were  contrary. 

5  And  when  we  had  sailed  over  the  sea  of  Cilicia 
and  Pain|)hylia,  we  caine  to  Alyra,  a  city  of  Lycia. 

6  And  there  tlu;  centurion  found  a  sliip  of  Alex- 
andria sailing  into  Italy;  and  he  put  us  tlierein. 

7  And  when  we  had  sailed  slowly  many  days, 
and  scarce  were  come  over  against  Cniilus,  the 
wind  not  suffering  us,  we  sailed  under  Crete,'  over 
against  Saluione; 

8  And  hardly  passing  it,  came  unto  a  place  which 
is  called  Tlic  Fair  Havens;  nigh  whcrcunto  was 
the  city  o/'Lasca. 


"  Gh.  25:l-2,i5.  bcli.  19:20.  c  ch.  al:i3;  a-:  10.  •  Oi.  CaiiJi/.  t  Th« 
fast  was  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh  mnnth ;  Lev.  ^'Sri?,  '^.    1  Or,  injury. 

24.  When  a  man  treats  the  truths  of  tlie  Bible  as  reali- 
ties, and  speaks  and  acts  as  if  lie  expected  to  see  their 
fulfilment,  those  who  re^anl  these  truths  as  fables  often 
think  and  speak  of  him  as  deranged.  But  the  more  fully 
a  person  obeys  the  word  of  (iod,  and  lives  as  if  he  exiiect- 
ed  its  fulfilmeMt,  the  greater  evidence  he  gives  of  being  in 
his  right  mind ;  and  all  men,  who,  like  the  prodigal  son, 
come  to  their  right  mind,  will  view  and  treat  the  Bible  in 
the  same  way. 

29.  However  wickedly  true  Christians  may  be  treated 
by  others,  tliey  do  not  wish,  so  far  a.s  they  are  right,  to 
render  evil  for  evil;  but  in  all  suitable  ways,  to  promote 
the  highest  temporal  and  eternal  good  even  of  their  worst 
enemies. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1.  We;  Ltike,  Paul,  and  others.  Itnhj ;  a  country  in  the 
south  part  of  Europe,  Ijetween  the  Adriatic  and  .Mediter- 
ranean seas. 

2.  Ailm/ni/tlitim ;  a  seaport  of  Mysia  in  the  north-western 
part  of  Asia  .Minor.  It  lay  o])po8ite  to  the  isle  of  Lesbos. 
Arhlarchu;  chap.  19:^9;  20:4. 

3.  Siddii;  north  of  Cesarea,  from  whicli  Paul  sailed. 
Ver.  2;  chap.  2.0:4,  13,  21. 

4.  Under  Ci/iiriis;  along  its  northern  coast,  between  tlie 
island  and  the  main  land,  to  shield  tbeniselvcs  from  the 
violriicc  of  the  wind.  Winds  were  contrary;  they  were  the 
westerly  or  north-westerly  winds  which  prevail  there  at 
that  season. 

5.  T/it  sea  of  Cilicia  and  I'amphijlia;  the  sea  along  the 
coast  of  those  provinces  of  .Asia  Minor.  Cilicia  lay  on  Ihe 
south  coast  of  Asia  .Minor  opposite  Cyprus,  ami  Pam|diylia 
was  the  ue.\t  province  west.  Lijcia ;  next  west  of  I'ani- 
phylia. 

i;.  Alexandria  ;  a  city  of  Egypt. 

7.  Scarce;  with  dinieulty.  Cnidu.i;  a  town  in  the  prov- 
ince of  (laria  next  west  of  [..ycia.  It  is  in  the  south-wost- 
ern  angle  of  Asia  .Minor,  and  has  the  isle  of  Hhodes  oppo- 
site to  it.  Under  Crete;  near  that  island.  Sidmonc;  tlio 
easlern  extremity  of  ("rctc. 

8.  Hardly  passing  it;  coasting  along  it  with  difficulty. 

12U 


9  Now  when  much  time  was  spent,  and  a. d.62. 
when  sailing  was  now  dangerous,  because  the  fast 
was  now  already  past,*  Paul  admonished  t/icm, 

10  And  said  unto  them,  t?irs,  I  perceive  that  this 
voyage  will  be  with  hurt*  and  much  damage,  not 
only  of  the  lading  and  ship,  Init  also  of  our  lives.'' 

11  Nevertheless,  the  ceuturii)u  believed  the  mas- 
ter and  the  owner  of  the  shi])  more  tlian  those 
things  which  were  spoken  by  Paul.'' 

12  And  because  the  haven  was  not  commodious 
to  winter  in,  the  more  ])art  advised  to  depart  thence 
also,  if  by  any  means  they  might  attain  to  Phenice, 
and  there  to  winter ;  xr/iich  is  a  haven  of  Crete,''  and 
licth  toward  the  south-west  and  north-west. 

13  And  when  the  south  wind  blew  softly,  sup- 
posing that  tiiey  had  obtained  t/ieir  ]nirpose,  loos- 
ing thence,  they  sailed  close  by  Crete.''' 

14  But  not  long  after  there  arose*  against  it  a 
tempestuous  wind,''  called  Kuroclydou. 

15  And  when  the  ship  was  caught,  and  could 
not  bear  up  into  the  wind,  we  let  her  drive. 

IC)  And  running  under  a  certain  island,  which  is 
called  Clauda,  we  had  much  work  to  conic  by  the 
boat: 

17  Which  when  they  had  taken  u]),  they  used 
helps,  nndergirdiiig  the  ship;  and  fearing  lest 
they  should  fall  into  the  quicksands,'  strake  sail, 
and  so  were  driven. 

J  •JKingse:9.  10;  Dan.  2:30;  Amos3:7.    o  Prov.  27 : 1 2.    f  ver.  7.    g  ver.  21. 
iOr,txat.     Ii  P.-a.  107:35.     i  ver.  41. 


Fair  Havens;  on  the  southern  side  of  Crete,  about  midway 
between  its  eastern  and  western  extremities. 

9.  l\IudLtimc  was  ^ipent ;  on  account  of  the  conti'ary  winds. 
The  fust;  connected  with  the  great  day  of  atonement. 
Lev.  10:29,  30.  This  occurred  about  the  twentieth  of  Sep- 
tendier,  after  which  sailing  was  dangerous. 

10.  Much  damage — our  //res';  these  words  of  Paul  seem 
to  cxjiress  not  a  revelation  from  (iod,  but  rather  his  own 
sound  judgment.  AVilh  regard  to  his  own  life,  he  had 
received  from  the  Lord  the  assurance  that  he  should  seo 
Rome,  chap.  23: 11 ;  but  he  had  notyet  received  any  prom- 
ise that  the  lives  of  all  in  the  ship  should  be  saved.  Seo 
verses  23,  24. 

12.  Not  commodious  to  winter  in;  being  ojien  to  the  wind 
and  sea  on  the  south.  I'lienicc;  a  place  in  the  south-west 
part  of  Crete. 

13.  'y'/iciOH//M('/7ir/Wf«'.«')/7/.i/,- which  would  be  favor;tblc  to 
their  purpose,  as  the  coasi  a  few  miles  beyond  the  Fair  Ha- 
vens turns  to  the  north  of  west.    Close  hy;  near  the  shore. 

14.  Knrochidnn  ;  these  winds,  now  called  Levanters,  blow 
from  nearly  east-north-east. 

15.  Caught ;  suddeidy  met  by  the  wind.  Coidd  not  bear 
up;  sail  against  it.     Let  hrr  drive;  before  the  wind. 

10.  Clauda;  a  small  isl:ind  a  little  south  of  west  from 
th(^  I-'air  Havens,  at  the  distance  of  some  forty  or  fifty 
miles.  .M(lit:i,  llie  next  jdaee  where  wo  find  them,  is  a 
small  island  south  of  iSicily,  not  ipiite  five  hundred  miles 
to  the  west  of  Clauda.  To  come  by  the  boat ;  to  securo  it, 
by  tjiking  it  on  board.     Ver.  17. 

17.  Taken  vp;  taken  info  the  shi]),  to  prevent  the  boat 
being  broken  or  lost.  U.icd  helps,  itndcrgirding;  putting 
chains  or  ro|ies  around  the  vessel,  to  strengthen  it  and 
keep  it  together.  Qnifksnnds;  on  the  coast  of  Africa, 
south-west  of  them.  Stroke  sml ;  these  words  do  not  seem 
to  mean  that  thry  took  in  all  sail,  wbiidi  would  have  left 
them  drifting  towards  the  (luicUsiiiids  at  the  nierey  <d"tho 
wind  and  wav<'S ;  but  rather,  that  they  reduced  their  sail 
very  low.  This  would  enabli'  them,  while  driven  before 
the  winil,  to  keeji  the  ship's  head  in  a  measure  towards 
the  north-west,  and  thus  avoid  the  African  coast  and  the 
quicksands. 


They  are  over  taken  by  a 


ACTS  XXVII. 


tempest  and  skipwredcd. 


A.  D.62.      18  And  we  being  exceedingly  tossed  with 
a  tempest,"  the  next  day  they  lightened  the  ship; 

19  And  tlie  third  day  we  cast  out  witii  our  own 
hands  the  tackling  of  the  sliip."^ 

20  And  wlien  neither  sun  nor  stars  in  many  days 
appeared,"^  and  no  small  tempest  lay  on  m.v,  all 
hope  that  we  should  be  saved  was  then  taken 
away.'' 

21  But  after  long  abstinence,  Paul  stood  forth  in 
the  midst  of  them,  and  said,  Sirs,  ye  should  have 
hearkened  unto  me,''  and  not  have  loosed  from 
Crete,''  and  to  have  gained  this  harm  and  loss. 

22  And  now  I  exhort  you  to  be  of  good  cheer:" 
for  there  shall  bo  no  loss  of  any  man's  life  among 
you,  but  of  the  ship. 

23  For  there  stood  by  mc  this  night  the  angel 
of  God,''  whose  I  am,'  and  whom  I  serve,' 

24  Saying,  Fear  not,  Paul :  thou  must  be  brought 
before  Cesar:  and  lo,  God  hath  given  thee  all 
them  that  sail  with  thee." 

25  Wherefore,  sirs,  be  of  good  cheer :  for  I  be- 
lieve God,'  that  it  shall  be  even  as  it  was  told  me. 

26  Howbeit,  we  must  be  cast  upon  a  certain 
island.™ 

27  But  when  the  fourteenth  niglit  was  come,  as 
we  were  driven  up  and  down  in  Adria,  about  mid- 
night the  shipmen  deemed  that  they  drew  near  to 
some  country ; 

28  And  sounded,  and  found  i(  twenty  fathoms: 
and  when  they  had  gone  a  little  further,  they 
sounded  again,  and  found  U  fifteen  fathoms. 

29  Then  fearing  lest  we  should  have  fallen  upon 
rocks,  they  cast  four  anchors  out  of  the  stern,  and 
wished  for  the  day." 

30  And  as  the  shipmen  were  about  to  flee  out  of 
the  ship,  when  they  had  let  down  the  Ijoat  into  the 
sea,  under  color  as  tiiough  tiicy  would  have  cast 
anchors  out  of  the  foreship, 


al'sl.  I07:a7.  b  Job ->:  4;  Jonah  1:5.  «  Psa.  IOj:^^.  d  Ezek.  a7:  II .  ever. 
lU.  (  ver.  13.  s  Job  -"laO;  Psi.  112;?;  2Cor.  4:H,  9.  h  ch.  ai;  1 1  ;  Heb. 
1:14.  i  Deut.  3J:9;  Fsa  1:15:4;  Isa.  44:5;  Mai. 3:17;  John  17:9.  10;  1  Cor. 
6:20;  1  Pet.  2:9,  10.  J  Psa.  116:10;  Isa.  44:21;  Dan.  3:17;  6: 10;  John 
12:20;  Rom.  1:9;  2  Tim.  1:3.     k  Gen.  19:31,  29.     '  Luke  1:45;  Rom.  4:20, 


18.  Lightened  tlie  ship;  threw  overboard  some  of  her 
cargo. 

VJ.  TockUng;  whatever  behjiiged  to  the  ship  wliich 
could  lie  spared. 

20.  Neillier  sun  nor  stars;  the  mariner's  compass  was  not 
then  known.  When  sailors  could  not  seo  tho  heavenly 
bodies  or  the  land,  they  did  not  know  their  course. 

21.  Long  nljstinence;  from  food,  on  account  of  the  sever- 
ity of  the  storm  and  the  greatness  of  their  danger. 

24.  Goil  hatii  gircii  thee  all ;  for  thy  sake,  and  in  answer 
to  thy  pr;iycrs,  they  shall  be  preserved. 

27.  Fourteenth  night ,  after  tlie  commencement  of  the 
Btoriii.  Adria;  in  the  wider  sense,  including  not  only  tho 
Adriatic  gulf,  but  the  Ionian  sea  south  of  it.  Deemed; 
thought,  judged. 

2«.  Sounded;  letdown  a  lead  and  lino  to  ascertain  the 
depth  of  the  water.  Twenty  fathoms;  one  hundred  and 
twenty  feet.     Fifteen  fathoms ,  ninety  feet. 

20.  Four  anchors ;  to  hold  the  slii))  where  she  was.  Sicrn; 
the  hinder  part  of  tho  ship.  For  the  day;  for  daylight, 
that  they  might  see  where  they  were. 

:iO.  Shipmen;  sailors.  To  flee;  escape  to  the  shore,  and 
leave  the  others  tr)  tid^e  care  of  themselves  or  perish.  Un- 
der color;  under  the  pretence. 

:^1.  Paul;  who  saw  what  tliey  intended.  These;  the 
sailors.  Ye  cannot  be  saved;  tlieir  agency  was  necessary 
to  manage  tho  vessel.    Though  God  had  given  Paul  the 


31  Paul  said  to  the  centurion  and  to  the  soldiers, 
Except  these  abide  in  the  sliip,  ye  cannot  be  saved. 

32  Then  the  soldiers  cut  oil'  the  ropes  of  the  boat, 
and  let  her  fall  oif. 

33  And  while  the  day  was  coming  on,  Paul  be- 
sought them  all  to  take  meat,  saying.  This  day  is 
the  fourteenth  day  that  ye  have  tarried  and  con- 
tinued fasting,  having  taken  nothing. 

34  Wherefore  I  pray  you  to  take  some  meat ;  for 
this  is  for  your  health :"  for  there  shall  not  a  hair 
fall  from  the  head  of  any  of  you.'' 

35  And  when  he  had  thus  sixiken,  he  took  bread, 
and  gave  thanks  to  God  in  presence  of  tiiein  all ;' 
and  when  he  had  broken  it,  lie  began  to  eat. 

36  Then  were  they  all  of  good  cheer,  and  they 
also  took  some  meat. 

37  And  we  were  in  all  in  the  ship  two  hundred 
threescore  and  sixteen  souls. 

38  And  when  they  had  eaten  enough,  they  light- 
ened the  ship,  and  cast  out  the  wheat  into  the  sea. 

39  And  when  it  was  day,  they  knew  not  the 
land :  but  they  discovered  a  certain  creek  with  a 
shore,  into  the  which  they  were  minded,  if  it  were 
possible,  to  thrust  in  the  ship. 

40  And  when  they  had  taken  up  the  anchors, 
they  committed  t/tc7nsdves  unto  the  sea,*  and  loosed 
the  rudder-bands,  and  hoisted  up  the  mainsail  to 
the  wind,  and  made  toward  siiore. 

41  And  falling  into  a  place  where  two  seas  met, 
they  ran  the  ship  aground ;  and  the  forepart  stuck 
fast,  and  remained  unmovable,  but  the  hinder  part 
was  broken  with  the  violence  of  the  waves. 

42  And  the  soldiers'  counsel  was  to  kill  the  pris- 
oners,'' lest  any  of  them  should  swim  out,  and  escape. 

43  But  the  centurion,  willing  to  save  Paul,'  kept 
them  from  f/ieir  purpose;  and  commanded  that 
they  which  could  swim  should  cast  themselves  first 
into  the  sea,  and  get  to  land : 

21;  2  Tim  1:12.  mch.29:l.  n  Psa.  13l):0.  o  Matt.  15:32;  1  Tim.  5:2.3. 
Pi  Kuigsl:52;  Man. 10:30;  Luke  12:7;  21:18.  qlSam.9:13;  Mall.  15:36; 
Mark  b:(>;  John  Cvll,  33;  1  Tim.  4:'!,  4.  •  Or,  cut  the  anchors,  tluij  lift 
them  in  the  sea,  etc.    ■■  Psa.  74:20.    »  2  Cor.  11 :25. 


lives  of  all  in  the  ship,  the}'  were  yet  to  be  saved  by  tho 
use  of  the  appropriate  means. 

32.  Cut  off  the  ropes;  to  let  the  boat  fall  into  the  sea  and 
float  away,  so  that  the  sailors  could  not  escape. 

33.  Taken  nothing;  no  regular  meals,  or  very  little. 

38.  Cast  out  the  reheat ;  to  lighten  tho  ship,  and  get  it  as 
near  the  shore  as  possible. 

39.  Creek;  bay,  as  the  original  word  means.  Shore;  one 
where  they  could  land. 

40.  Taken  up ;  slipped  or  cut  the  ropes  which  fastened 
the  anchors  to  the  ship,  so  that  the  wind  might  drive  her 
into  the  bay,  now  called  Ht.  I'liul's  b;iy.  Loosed  the  rudder- 
bands;  the  rudder  had  been  mado  fast  during  the  storm. 
Now  it  was  loosed,  that  they  might  again  use  it  to  steer 
the  vessel. 

41.  Two  seas  met ;  and  formed  a  sand-bar  or  banl!,  stretch- 
ing out  into  the  sea.  Stutkfa-it ;  in  the  sand,  so  that  they 
could  get  no  nearer  to  the  shore. 

42.  To  kill  the  prisoners;  those  whom  they  were  taking 
to  Koine  for  trial,  lest  the  soldiers  to  whose  care  they  had 
been  committed  slio\ild  be  puiiishe<l  for  letting  them  go. 

43.  Tlu:  centurion;  ^\\V\\lti.  Ver.  1,  3.  Willing ;  v.ishmg 
to  save  I'aul.  Thus  was  I';iul  made  the  means  of  again 
saving  tho  prisoners  from  dealb.     Ver.  24,  31. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
3.  When  a  man's  ways  please  the  Lord,  he  can  make  not 
only  his  enemies,  but  strangers,  and  oven  heathen,  not 

1275 


Miracles  wrought  on  Mdita. 


ACTS  XXVIII. 


Paul  arriveih  at  Rome. 


44  And  the  rest,  some  on  boards,  and  some  on 
broken  pieces  of  the  ship.  And  so  it  came  to  pass, 
that  they  escaped  all  safe  to  land.* 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  Paul  after  his  shipwreck  is  kimlly  entertained  of  the  barbarians.  5 
The  viper  on  his  hand  hurteth  him  not.  8  He  healeth  many  diseases 
in  the  island.  11  They  depart  towards  Rome.  17  He  declaieth  to 
the  Jews  the  cause  of  his  coming.  21  After  his  preaching  some  were 
persuaded,  and  some  believed  not.  30  Yet  he  preacheth  there  two 
years. 

AND  when  they  were  escaped,  then  they  knew 
that  tlic  island  was  called  Melita.'' 

2  And  the  harliarous  ]iooplc  showed  us  no  little 
kindness r*-'  for  they  kindled  a  fire,  and  received  us 
every  one,''  because  of  the  present  rain,  and  be- 
cause of  the  cold. 

3  And  when  Paul  had  gathered  a  bundle  of 
sticks,  and  laid  them  on  the  fire,  there  came  a  viper 
out  of  the  heat,  and  fastened  on  his  hand. 

4  And  when  the  barbarians  saw  the  venomous 
beast  hang  on  his  hand,  they  said  among  them- 
selves, No  doubt  this  man  is  a  murderer,'  whom, 
though  he  hath  escaped  the  sea,  yet  vengeance 
suffereth  not  to  live. 

.5  And  he  shook  off  the  beast  into  the  fire,  and 
felt  no  harm.' 

0  Howbcit.  they  looked  when  he  should  have 
swollen,  or  fallen  down  dead  suddenly:  but  after 
tlipy  had  looked  a  great  while,  and  saw  no  harm 
come  to  him,  they  changed  their  minds,  and  said 
that  he  was  a  god.^ 

7  III  the  same  quarters  were  possessions  of  the 
chief  man  of  the  island,  whose  name  was  Publius; 

»P«a  lOTi-J-^ni);  ver.  a-J.  bch.27:'2fi.  c  Rom.  1 :  14  ;  Col.  3:11.  <i  Malt. 
In:4-i:  Heb.  13:-2.  c.Tohn7:a4.  (  Mark  10: 1^5;  Luke  10:10.  Sch.  14:11 
h  Ji-1.  3:U,  15.     i  Matt.  9:18;   Mark  0:5;  7:32;    10:1S;   Luke  4:40;  ch. 

merely  to  be  at  peace  with  him,  but  to  aid  and  assist  hhii. 
Prov.  1G:7. 

12.  The  majority  are  often  in  the  wronp;,  and  it  is  not 
alw.ivs  wise  or  safe  to  follow  them.  The  great  (lueBtion 
should  not  lie,  on  whieh  side  arc  the  greatest  numbers, 
but  on  which  arc  truth  ami  duty;  and  a  truly  pious  mini, 
in  seasons  of  danger  and  diflioiiUy,  may  say  and  do  things 
which  it  would  be  unwise  to  attempt  at  other  times. 

20.  (lod  in  his  providence  often  shows  men,  especially 
tho.se  who  traverse  the  ocean,  that  they  are  dependent  on 
liim  ;  that  all  their  efforts  to  deliver  themselves  are  utterly 
insulTicicnt,  and  that  be  must  save  thcni,  or  they  must 
perish. 

31.  A  future  event  may  ))e  certain  because  God  has 
determined  and  revealed  it,  and  it  may  also  be  true  that 
unless  men  use  the  jiroper  me:uiK  it  will  never  take  place. 
It  was  certjiin  that  all  the  two  hundreil  ;ind  seventy-five 
who  were  with  I'aul  in  the  ship  would  get  to  tind,  and  il 
was  also  certain  that  uidess  the  sailors  should  st;iy  and 
manage  the  ship  they  W(juld  not  get  to  land.  So  tliat  tlic 
use  of  jiroper  means  is  just  as  necessary  to  aecom|iliKli  an 
event  which  is  beforehand  certain,  as  it  would  lie  if  it 
were  not  certain,  and  its  accomplishment  depended  solely 
on  those  means. 

:5j.  The  gooilness  of  God  should  be  felt  and  acknow- 
Icdgprl  in  all  our  blessings ;  and  when  about  to  partake  of 
the  bounties  of  Proviilence,  we  shouM  thank  him  for  them, 
and  ask  him  to  make  them  the  means  of  our  good. 

42.  .Soldiers,  accustomed  to  killing  men,  are  apt  to  think 
little  of  the  value  and  sacredness  of  human  life.  Fighting 
is  ailaptcd  to  harden  men's  hearts,  and  to  nourish  and 
Strengthen  those  feelings  which  if  continued  will  shut 
them  for  ever  out  of  heaven. 

43.  It  is  often  a  great  blessing  to  wicked  men  to  have  a 

1216 


who  received  us,  and  lodged  us  three  days  a.  d.  ci 
courteously. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  the  father  of  Publius 
lay  sick  of  a  fever  and  of  a  bloody  flux :  to  whom 
Paul  entered  in,  and  jirayed,''  and  laid  his  hands 
on  him,  and  healed  him.' 

9  So  when  this  was  done,  others  also  which  had 
diseases  in  the  island,  came,  and  were  healed: 

10  Who  also  honored  us  with  many  honors ;'  and 
when  we  departed,  they  laded  us  with  such  things 
as  were  necessary." 

11  And  after  three  months  we  departed  in  a  ship 
of  Alexandria,  which  had  wintered  in  the  isle, 
whose  sign  was  Castor  and  Pollux. 

12  And  landing  at  Syracuse,  we  tarried  there 
three  days. 

13  And  from  thence  we  fetched  a  compass,  and 
came  to  Rhegium:  and  after  one  day  the  south 
wind  blew,  and  we  came  the  next  day  to  Putcoli : 

14  Where  we  found  brethren,  and  were  desired 
to  tarry  with  them  seven  days:  and  so  we  went 
toward  Rome. 

15  And  from  thence,  when  the  brethren  heard  of 
us,  they  came  to  meet  us  as  far  as  Apjiii-forum, 
and  The  Three  Taverns;'  whom  when  Paul  saw, 
he  thanked  God,  and  took  courage.™ 

If)  And  when  we  came  to  Rome,  the  centurion 
delivered  the  prisoners  to  the  captain  of  the  guard : 
but  Paul  was  sulTered  to  dwell  by  himself  with  a 
soldier  that  kept  him." 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  after  three  days 
Paul  called  the  chief  of  the  Jews  together :  and 
when  they  were  come  together,  he  said  unto  them, 

19:11;  1  Cor.  ia:<l,  21.  JlTheM.2:0;  1  Tim.  5:17.  k  M.ilt.  0:31-34 ;  IO:S- 
10;  2Cor.  i):.')-ll;  Phil.  4:1 1,  12.  1  ch.  21:5;  3  John  0-S.  •>>  Josh.  I:«,7, 
9;  1  Sam.  30:0;  Psa.  27:14.     "ch. -^1:23;  27:3. 


Christian  among  them.  For  his  sake  they  may  bo  saved 
from  dcMth,  and  also  in  answer  to  his  prayers,  through  tho 
abounding  grace  of  Gml,  from  endless  perdition. 

CHAPTER  XXV III. 

1.  Melita;  an  ishmd  about  sixty  miles  south  of  Sicily, 
now  c;dled  Malta.  It  is  a  little  north  of  west  from  tho 
island  of  Clauda.     See  note  to  chap.  27:16. 

2.  T/ie  bailiannix  people;  a  term  applied  to  the  islanders 
as  not  speaking  the  (ireek  language.    Compare  Koni.  1:11. 

3.  Viper;  a  poisonous  serpent.    Matt.  3:7. 

4.  Veiifxenncc;  that  divine  vengeance  which  even  hea- 
then persons  believe  to  follow  evil-doers. 

C.  ,Si™//fn,-  from  the  efl'ect  of  ]ioison. 

11.  W/toxe  sign  was  Castor  (I ml  I'dllux;  having  on  its  prow 
liainlx'd  or  carved  iigures  of  C;istor  an<l  Tollux,  two  heathen 
divinities,  who  were  sui)|)Osed  to  watch  over  sailors. 

12.  Syraruxe;  a  city  in  the  sonlh-westcru  part  of  Sicily. 
It  lay  on  the  way  from  Malta  to  lionie. 

13.  Felc/ird  a  compass ;  sailed  in  a  winding  course  ;  either 
because  they  followed  the  irregularities  of  the  coast,  or 
because  they  were  compelled  to  beat  against  a  head  wind. 
Uhepium;  a  city  near  the  south-west  extremity  of  ll.ily,  in 
the  iiresent  kingdom  of  Naples.  The  south  ii'ind  blew ;  which 
was  a  favorable  wind,  as  lliey  were  sailing  luirth.  Putcoli; 
nr)rlh  of  Hliegium,  toward  Itome.  It  was  about  eight  miles 
from  the  modern  city  of  Naiiles. 

l.").  Tlic  brrllircn;  Ciuistians  at  Rome.  Appii-forum;  a 
town  about  forty-three  miles  south  of  Home.  The  Three 
Tiirrrus;  ten  miles  further  towards  itome.  Whom;  tho 
brethren  from  Home,  a  part  of  whom  met  I'aul  at  Ajipii- 
fornm.  and  a  part  at  The  Three  Tavions. 

10.  With  a  soldier ;  to  whom  he  is  supposed  to  have  bcca 
chained. 


Paul  preacheth  the 


ACTS  XXVIII. 


gospel  to  the  Romans. 


A.  p.  62.  Men  and  brethren,  though  I  have  committed 
nothing  against  the  people,  or  customs  of  our  fa- 
thers," yet  was  I  delivered  prisoner  from  Jerusa- 
lem into  the  hands  of  the  Romans." 

18  Who,  when  they  had  examined  me,  would 
have  let  me  go,  because  there  was  no  cause  of 
deatli  in  me.° 

19  But  when  the  Jews  spake  against  it,  I  was 
constrained  to  appeal  unto  Cesar;*  not  that  I  had 
aught  to  accuse  my  nation  of. 

20  For  this  cause  therefore  have  I  called  for  you, 
to  see  you,  and  to  speak  with  you:  because  that  for 
the  hope  of  Israel"  I  am  bound  with  this  chain.'' 

21  And  they  said  unto  him,  We  neither  received 
letters  out  of  Judea  concerning  thee,  neither  any  of 
the  brethren  that  came  showed  or  spake  any  harm 
of  thee. 

22  But  we  desire  to  hear  of  thee  what  thou 
tliinkest:  for  as  concerning  this  sect,  we  know 
that  everywhere  it  is  spoken  against." 

23  And  when  they  had  appointed  him  a  day, 
there  came  many  to  him  into  his  lodging;''  to 
whom  he  expounded  and  testified  the  kingdom  of 
God,'  persuading  them  concerning  Jesus,  both  out 
of  the  law  of  Moses,  and  oiit  of  the  prophets,^  from 
morning  till  evening. 

aCh.  24:12,  13;  25:9.  b  ch.  21 :33.  etc.  c  ch.  24:10;  20:31.  dch. 3.5:11. 
e  ch.  26:6,7.  f  cli.  26:29;  Eph.  3:1;  4:1;  0:21);  2  Tim.  1:16;  2:0;  Phile. 
10,  13.  5  Luke  2:34;  ch.  24:5,  14;  1  Pet.  2:12;  4:14.  h  Phile.  22.  i  Luke 
24:27;  ch.l7:3;  19:8.    J  ch.  26:0,  22.     k  ch.  14:1;  17:4;  19:9;  Rom.  3:3. 

19.  Against  it;  against  Paul's  being  set  at  liberty.  I 
was  constrained ;  induced  by  a  suitable  regard  to  his  safe- 
ty', knowing  that  the  Jew.s  intended  to  kill  him.  Cliap. 
23:16;  25:11. 

20.  The  hope  .of  Israel ;  the  Messiah. 

22.  This  sect;  Christians. 

23.  Expounded  and  testified;  explained  to  them  the  mean- 
ing of  the  predictions  of  the  Me.ssiah  in  the  Old  Testament, 
and  sliowed  that  they  were  fulfilled  in  Jesus  Christ. 

25.  Well  spake  the  Holy  Ghost ;  he  spoke  the  truth.  Esaias; 
Isa.  6:!l,  10;  Matt.  13:14;  John  12:39,40. 

28.  The  salvation  of  God. ;  the  gospel,  whicli  makes  known 
his  salvation  and  the  way  to  obtain  it.     Chap.  13:41). 

29.  Great  reasoning;  about  what  Paul  had  said  to  them. 

30.  Two  whole  years ;  during  that  time  he  was  kept  as  a 
prisoner,  preaching  the  gospel  to  such  as  visited  him,  and 
writing  it  as  he  h;id  opportunity  to  others. 

31.  Preaching  the  kingdom  of  God;  making  known  the 
gospel,  and  urging  men  to  eiiihrace  it. 

INSTKUCTIONS. 

4.  The  sentiment  that  murderers  deserve  themselves  to 
die,  and  that  justice  requires  them  to  be  put  to  death,  is 
not  only  a  dictate  of  revelation,  but  seems  to  be  graven 
upon  the  hearts  of  all  men. 

15.  The  presence  of  Christian  friends,  especially  in  time 
of  trouble,  is  delightful.  Their  ccmntenance  and  support 
afhird  encouragement  in  duty,  and  the  blessings  which 
come  through  them  should  awaken  new  gratitude,  and 
cause  the  offering  of  new  thanksgiving  to  God. 

20.  All  proper  efforts  should  be  made  to  communicate 


24  And  some  believed  the  things  which  were 
spoken,  and  some  believed  not." 

25  And  when  they  agreed  not  among  themselves, 
they  departed,  after  that  Paul  had  spoken  one 
word.  Well  spake  the  Holy  Ghost  by  Esaias  the 
prophet  unto  our  fathers, 

26  Saying,  Go  unto  this  people,  and  say,  Hearing 
ye  shall  hear,  and  shall  not  understand ;  and  see- 
ing ye  shall  see,  and  not  perceive : 

27  For  the  heart  of  this  people  is  waxed  gross, 
and  their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,  and  their  eyes 
have  they  closed ;  lest  they  should  sec  witii  their 
eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  understand 
with  their  heart,  and  should  be  converted,  and  I 
should  heal  them.' 

28  Be  it  known  therefore  unto  you,  that  the  sal- 
vation of  God  is  sent  unto  the  Gentiles,'"  and  that 
they  will  hear  it. 

2y  And  when  he  had  said  these  words,  the  Jews 
departed,  and  had  great  reasoning  among  them- 
selves. 

30  And  Paul  dwelt  two  whole  years  in  his  own 
hired  house, and  received  all  that  came  in  unto  him, 

31  Preaching  the  kingdom  of  God,"  and  teaching 
those  things  which  concern  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
with  all  confidence,  no  man  forbidding  him. 

1  Psa.  81:11,12;  !sa.6:9;  Jer.  5:21;  Ezek.  3:6,7;  12:2;  Matt.  13:14,13; 
Rom.  11:3.  m  Matt.  21:41;  ch.  13:46,47;  18:6;  22:21;  26:17,  18;  Rom. 
11:11.     noh.  4:31;  Eph.  6:19. 

to  men  correct  information,  and  prevent  their  becoming 
so  prejudiced  as  to  hinder  them  from  candidly  hearing  the 
ti-uth  and  cordially  embracing  it. 

22.  The  fact  that  some  persons  are  very  unpopular,  and 
that  many  speak  against  them,  is  no  certain  evidence  that 
they  are  wrong.  Tlii.s  opposition  may  arise  from  the  fact, 
that  the  prevalence  of  their  doctrines  and  practices  would 
interfere  with  the  selfishness,  pride,  indolence,  covetous- 
ness,  and  other  vices  of  their  opposers. 

24.  The  same  divine  truths,  presented  by  the  same  speak- 
er, are  ti-eated  by  different  men  in  a  totally  different  nian^ 
ner.  Some  receive  and  treat  them  as  truths  ;  others  reject, 
and  treat  them  as  errors.  It  is  not  enough,  therefore,  that 
men  hear  these  trutlis,  and  the  evidences  which  support 
them :  they  must  also,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  led  to  believe, 
or  they  will  reject  them.  Hence  ministers,  while  theyiu-each 
to  men,  should  also  pray  to  God  that  his  truth  may  be  at- 
tended with  his  power,  and  be  not  only  heard  and  under- 
stood, lint  also  believed  and  obeyed, and  thus  be  the  means 
of  eternal  life. 

31.  We  arevery  incompetent  judges  as  to  the  time,  place, 
and  condition  in  which  we  may  be  most  useful.  If  Paul, 
during  the  two  years  of  his  confinement  as  a  prisoner  at 
Itome;  not  only  preached  the  gospel  to  all  who  came  to  him, 
but  as  has  been  snpposod,  also  wrote  the  c])istles  to  the 
Eiiliesians,  Philippians,  Colossiinis,  to  Timothy  and  Phile- 
mon, and  to  the  Hebrews,  he  may  thus  alre;idy  have  done 
mine  good  than  he  could  have  done  by  being  at  liberty, 
and  preaching  the  gospel  to  all  who  would  hear  him  dur- 
ing his  whole  life. 


121t 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PADL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  ROMANS. 


The  date  of  the  epistle  to  the  Romans,  as  well  as  the  place  where  it  was  written,  can  be  gathered 
with  much  certainty  from  the  epistle  itself,  taken  in  connection  with  other  notices  respecting  Paul  found 
in  the  New  Testament.  Paul  was  about  to  bear  alms  to  his  brctiiren  in  Jerusalem  from  Macedonia  and 
Achaia,  chap.  15:25,  26.  He  had  previously  exhorted  the  church  uf  Corinth  in  Achaia  to  make  this  very 
collection,  which  he  was  to  receive  of  them  when  he  came  to  them  througli  Macedonia,  1  Cor.  16:1-6. 
Tliat  he  was  also  to  bring  with  him  a  collection  from  the  Macedonian  churches,  is  manifest  from  2  Cor. 
8  : 1-4  ;  9  ;  1-4.  He  wrote,  moreover,  from  Corinth  ;  for  among  the  greetings  at  tlie  close  of  the  epistle  ia 
one  from  "Gaius  my  host,"  chap.  16:23,  a  Ci)rinthian  wliom  ho  had  baptized,  1  Cor.  1  :14  ;  lie  commends 
to  them  Phebe,  a  dcac(mess  of  the  church  at  Cenchrea,  the  eastern  port  of  Corintli,  chap.  16:1;  he  si)cak3 
of  "the  city"  where  he  is,  as  well  known,  ver.  23,  and  in  connection  with  the  mention  of  Cenchrea :  this 
can  be  no  other  city  than  Corintli.  Now  by  comparing  Acts  19:21  ;  20:1-3  ;  24  :  17,  we  find  that  this 
was  on  his  way  to  Jerusalem  by  Macedonia  and  Greece,  for  the  last  time  recorded  in  the  New  Testament. 
Chronologists  place  this  in  a.  d.  58,  or  according  to  some,  a.  d.  60,  in  the  reign  of  Nero. 

Concerning  tlie  founding  of  the  church  at  Rome  we  have  no  information.  So  late  as  the  date  of  this 
epistle  Paul  liad  not  visited  it,  chap.  1:10-15;  15:23,  24.  As  neitlicr  he  nor  any  of  the  brethren  with 
him,  in  sending  salutations  to  the  various  Christians  of  their  acquaintance  at  Rome,  say  any  thing  about 
Peter,  and  as  notliing  is  said  el.sewhere  in  the  Bible  of  his  being  at  Rome,  it  is  evident  that  he  was  not 
there  then  ;  nor  have  we  any  ground  to  believe  that  he  had  been  there,  or  was  there  afterwards. 

Of  tlie  composition  of  tlie  church  at  Rome  we  have  more  certain  knowledge.  Puundcd  in  the  metrop- 
olis of  the  gentile  world,  where,  as  we  know  from  many  notices  of  ancient  writers,  grciit  numbers  of  Jews 
resided,  it  must  have  been  of  a  mixed  character,  embracing  both  Jews  and  Gentiles.  Witli  this  agree  tho 
contents  of  the  present  epistle,  in  which  the  apostle  lays  himself  out  to  unfild  the  gospc^l  of  Christ  in  its 
deep  foundation  principles,  as  a  plan  of  salvation  provided  for  tlio  whole  world,  and  designed  to  unite 
Jews  and  Gentiles  in  one  harmonious  body  under  Christ  tlicir  cnmmnn  liead.  He  first  proves  that  both 
Jews  and  Gentiles  are  alike  tnniiT  sin,  and  alike  need  salvatimi  l)y  grace  ;  tliat  Al)rahain,  the  father  uf  tlio 
Israelitisii  nation,  wag  justified  by  faith,  not  by  the  works  of  tlie  law  or  any  outward  rite  ;  tliat  ;ill  his 
children  according  to  the  flesh  must  be  thus  justified,  since  to  fallen  sinful  men  the  law  can  give  deliver- 
ance from  neither  its  condemnatory  sentence,  nor  from  the  reigning  power  of  sin,  so  that  its  only  eflect  is 
to  work  wrath  ;  and  that  the  righteousness  which  God  gives  through  faith  in  Christ,  sets  men  free  from 
both  the  curse  of  the  law  and  from  the  dominion  of  sin,  thus  bringing  them  into  a  lilessed  state  of  justifi- 
cation, sanctification,  and  holy  communion  with  God  here,  with  the  promises  of  eternal  glory  hereafter. 
In  the  progress  of  this  discussion,  he  takes  occasion  to  show  that  literal  descent  from  Abraham  does  not 
entitle  men  to  the  promises  made  to  Alirahain,  whih;  faith  makes  the  Gentiles  the  true  children  of  Abra- 
ham, and  partakers  of  the  blessings  promised  to  him,  chap.  4.  And  since  the  doctrine  of  the  admission  of 
the  Gentiles  to  equal  privileges  with  the  Jews,  and  especially  of  the  rejection  of  lln!  unbelieving  part  of 
the  nation — %vhich  constitut<'d  the  great  body  of  the  people — was  exceedingly' ()freiiHiv(;  to  his  countrymen, 
the  apostle  devotes  three  whole  chapters,  9-11,  to  the  discussion  of  this  question.  lie  then  proceeds  to 
draw  from  the  whole  subject,  as  he  has  unfolded  it,  such  exhortations  in  respect  to  daily  life  and  conduct 
as  were  adapted  to  the  particular  wants  of  the  Roman  Christians  ;  thus  illustrating,  in  a  most  beautiful 
manner,  the  practical  power  of  the  deepest  doctrines  of  grace,  and  the  necessity  of  uniting  doctrine  with 
precept  in  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 
1278 


Pa%d  comme.ndeth  the  gospel,  and 


ROMANS  I. 


dcsireth  to  preach  it  at  Rome. 


A.  D.  60. 


CHAPTER  I. 


1  Paul  commendeth  his  calling  to  the  Romans,  9  and  his  desire  to  come 
to  them.  16  What  his  gospel  is,  aiul  the  righteousness  which  it  show- 
eth.  18  (jod  is  ant^ry  with  all  manner  of  sin.  21  What  were  the 
sins  of  the  Grentiles. 

T3'^UL,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,"  called  (o  be 
JL     an  apostle,''  separated  unto  tlie  gospel  of  God,*^ 

2  Which  lie  had  promised  afore  by  his  prophets 
in  the  holy  scriptures, 

3  Concerning  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
wiiich  was  made  of  the  seed  of  David  according 
to  tlic  flesh ;'' 

4  And  declared'  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  pow- 
er,°  according  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,'  by  the  res- 
urrection from  the  dead : 

5  By  whom  we  have  received  grace  and  apostle- 
sliip,  for  obedience  to  the  faith*  among  all  nations, 
for  his  name:^ 

6  Among  whom  arc  ye  also  the  called  of  Jesus 
Christ: 

7  To  all  that  be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God,  called 
to  be  saints:''  Grace  to  you,  and  peace  from  God 
our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

8  First,  I  thank  my  God  tiirough  Jesus  Christ 
for  you  all,  that  your  faith  is  spoken  of  throughout 
the  wliole  world.' 

9  For  God  is  my  witness,  whom  I  serve  with* 

"  Acts  a;:4).  b  Acts  0:15;  1  Cor.  1:1.  '  Acts  l:i:'>;  G.\l.  1:15.  d  Psi. 
89::ili.  •  Or.  ileUrmined.  =  Acts  13:  M,  34;  Rev.  1: 18.  fHeb.9:14.  t  Or, 
to  tlif  obedience  of  faith.  S  Acts  G:7;  ch.  16:'iG.  h  1  Cor,  1:'J;  1  Thess.  4:7. 
■  I  Cor.  I::J.  etc.;  iPet.  1:2.    jch.lfi:!!!.    t  Or,  in.    k  Acts  ■.>7:23.    I  1  Thess. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  A  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  called  to  be  an  apostle;  he  first 
jihices  himself  with  tlie  whole  body  of  believers  as  "a  ser- 
vant of  Jesus  Christ,"  and  tlien,  in  accordance  with  liis 
usual  custom,  asserts  his  apostolic  calling  ;  for  when  he 
writes  to  a  church  he  wishes  to  do  so  with  the  authority 
of  ;tn  apostle — one  specially  choseu  and  sent  out  by  Christ 
himself,  to  preach  his  gospel,  work  miracles,  gather  church- 
es, and  extend  his  kingdom  among  men.  Separated;  set 
apart  by  God  for  this  work.     Gal.  1:15. 

2.  Wkich  he  had  promised  afore  ;  he  is  careful  to  show  at 
the  outset  that  the  gospel  is  no  new  religion,  but  the  fulfil- 
ment of  the  promises  made  in  the  Old  Testament  to  the 
fathers. 

.).  The  seed  of  David;  a  descendant  of  David.  According 
to  tlie  flesh ;  as  to  his  human  nature. 

4.  Declared^-u'ith  power ;  powerfully,  conclusively  mani- 
fested to  be  Tiic  Son  of  God — according  to  tlie  Spirit  of  holi- 
ness; as  to  his  divine  nature.  The  words,  "according  to 
the  Spirit  of  holiness,"  stand  in  contrast  with  the  words, 
"according  to  the  flesh,"  and  seem  to  denote  the  divine 
Siiirit  of  Christ,  which  was  from  eternity,  and  became  mys- 
terioiLsly  uniteil  with  "the  man  Christ  Jesus."  To  this 
divine  nature  holiness  is  ascribed  as  an  essential  attribute 
of  ileity.  Bi/  the  resurrection  from  the  dead;  the  resur- 
rection of  Christ  was  the  crowning  seal  which  God  set 
to  tlie  claim  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth  to  be  the  Son  of  God  in 
tlie  high  and  inconnnunicable  sense  of  having  equality 
with  God.     See  introductory  note  to  John,  chii]i.  5. 

r>.  liij  whom ;  Jesus  Christ.  Grace  and  apostleship ;  the 
ollice  of  ajiostlc,  with  that  special  grace  which  qualifies  us 
to  discharge  its  duties  aright.  Eplies.  3:K.  In  using  the 
word  "we,"  he  joins  himself  with  the  other  apostles.  For 
obedience;  that  men  of  all  nations  might  bo  led  to  obey 
Christ. 

7.  Grace — peace;  in  this  apostolic  prayer  .Tcsus  Christ  is 
joined  with  tlie  Father  as  the  source  from  which  grace  and 
peace  flow  ;  which  coifld  not  be,  were  he  not  cipial  with  the 
Father  in  power  and  glory.  Grace  is  the  favor  of  God  be- 
stowed on  men  through  Josus  Christ,  and  peace  is  its  effect. 


my  spirit  in  tlie  gospel  of  his  Son,''  that  without 
ceasing  I  make  mention  of  you  always  in  my  pray- 
ers;' 

10  Making  request,  if  by  any  means  now  at 
length  I  might  have  a  ])rosperous  journey  by  the 
will' of  God,'"  to  come  unto  you. 

11  For  I  long  to  see  you,"  that  I  may  impart 
unto  you  some  spiritual  gift,"  to  the  end  ye  may  be 
established ; 

12  That  is,  that  I  may  be  comforted  together 
with^  you  by  the  mutual  faith  both  of  you  and 
me.P 

13  Now  I  would  not  have  you  ignorant,  brethren, 
that  oftentimes  1  purposed  to  come  unto  you,  (but 
was  let  hitherto,)  that  I  might  have  some  fruit 
among"  you  also,  even  as  among  other  Gentiles. 

14  I  am  debtor  both  to  the  Greeks,  and  to  the 
Barbarians  ;  both  to  the  wise,  and  to  the  unwise.i 

15  So,  as  much  as  in  me  is,  I  am  ready  to  preach 
the  gospel  to  you  that  are  at  Rome  also. 

16  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Ciirist  :"■ 
for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every 
one  that  believeth;^  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to 
the  Greek.' 

17  For  therein  is  the  righteousness  of  God  re- 
vealed from  faith  to  faith:"  as  it  is  written.  The 
just  shall  live  by  faith."' 


3:18.  mjas.  4:1,5.  n  ch.  15: «,  32.  och.  15:29.  S  Or,  )«.  p2Pet.  1:1. 
HOr.in.  qlCor.O:!!).  r  Mark  .■;:38;  2  Tim.  I  :H.  >  Jer.  23:29;  1  Cor.  l:18j 
MarklG:lG.     tActs3:3G.     "  ch.  3:21,  25.     v  Hab.  2:4. 


10.  To  come  unto  you;  for  the  apostle  had  not  yet  been 
in  Rome. 

11.  Spiritual  gift;  in  the  widest  sense,  including  all  that 
spiritual  edification  that  comes  from  the  Holy  Spirit  through 
the  communication  of  the  truth.  Established ;  in  the  faith 
and  practice  of  the  gospel. 

12.  Tliat  I  may  he  comforted  together  vilh  you;  lest  ho 
should  seem  arrogant  in  making  himself  a  mere  giver  of 
spiritual  good,  he  cxidains  that  he  means  the  mutual  edi- 
fication of  himself  and  the  Roman  Christians  by  their  mu- 
tual intercourse. 

13.  Let ;  hindered.  Some  fruit ;  be  the  means  of  good 
in  Rome,  as  he  had  been  in  other  places. 

14.  lam  debtor ;  he  was  under  obligation  in  consequence 
of  what  Christ  had  done  for  him.  Greeks  and  liarbarians — 
wise  and  unwise;  polished  and  rude,  learned  and  ignorant. 

16.  It  is  the  pom r  of  God ;  that  through  which  he  exerts 
his  saving  power  on  all  who  believe  and  obey  it.  Jew  first ; 
the  gospel  was  first  preached  to  the  Jews,  then  to  the 
Gentiles. 

17.  Therein  is  the  righteousness  of  God  rercalrd  from  faith 
to  faith;  in  the  original  the  words  "from  faith  "are  the 
same  that  are  often  elsewhere  rendered  "of  faith,"  chap. 
4:1();  10:6;  (!al.  3:7,  9,  12;  and  they  may  be  so  rendered 
here.  This  will  give  the  fiillowing  meaning:  In  it  is  re- 
vealed the  righteiuisuess  of  God  ;  a  righteousness  which 
is  of  fiuth.anii  which  is  given  to  faith.  The  righteousness 
of  God  is  licre,  as  often  elsewhere  in  Paul's  writings,  not 
God's  personal  righteousness,  but  the  righteousness  which 
ho  gives  to  sinners  through  their  faith  in  Christ;  in  other 
words,it  is  his  justifying  grace,  by  which  he  freely  pardons 
their  sins,  and  accejits  and  treats  them  as  righteous  for 
Christ's  sake.  This  righteousness  is  said  to  be  "  of  faith," 
in  contrast  with  that  which  is  "of  the  law,"  chap.  10:,'),  such 
as  the  holy  angels  have,  and  such  as  the  Jews  vainly  sought 
to  obtain  by  oliserving  the  precepts  of  the  Mosaic  law. 
Chap.  10:3;  Phil.  3:9.  The  apostle  adds  that  this  right- 
eousness which  is  "of  faith"  is  also  "to  faith."  since  it 
must  be  received  and  appropriated  by  each  one's  personal 
faith.  Shall  live  by  faith ;  Hab.  2:4.  What  the  iirophct 
says  of  faith,  in  the  general  sense  of  confidence  in  God  and 

I2T9 


The  prevailing  sins  cf 


ROMANS  I. 


the.  Gentiles  declared. 


18  For  the  ^rrath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven 
against  all  uiigodliLess  and  unrighteousness  of  men, 
who  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness;" 

19  Because  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is 
manifest  in  them;*  for  God  hath  showed  it  unto 
them.*" 

20  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  tlie  crea- 
tion of  the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood 
by  the  things  that  are  made,'-'  even  his  eternal  power 
and  Godhead;  so  that  they  are*  without  excuse: 

21  Because  tiiat  when  tiiey  knew  God,  they  glori- 
fied him  not  as  God,  neitlier  were  thaid^ful :  but 
became  vain  in  their  inmginations,  and  their  fool- 
ish heart  was  darkened/' 

22  Professing  themselves  to  be  wise,  they  became 
fools,'-" 

23  And  changed  the  glory  of  the  incorruptible 
God  into  an  image  made  like  to  corruptible  man, 
and  to  birds,  and  four-footed  beasts,  and  creeping 
things.' 

21  Wherefore  God  also  gave  them  up  to  unclean- 
ness  through  the  lusts  of  their  own  hearts,*-'  to  dis- 
honor tiieir  own  bodies  between  tiiemselves: 

25  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,''  and 
worshipped  and  served  the  creature  more*  than 
the  ('rcator,  wlio  is  blessed  for  ever.    Amen. 


»Eph.  5:6.  "Or,  (ot/iem.  Ijjnhlil:a.  c  Psi.  19:  l,  etc.  t  Or.  tlial  tliey 
maij  tit.  d  Jer.  2:5;  Ei>h.  4:17.  11.  ejer.  8:8,9.  '  Isa.  40:  Iti,  36;  Ezek. 
S:1U.    S  Ria.81:l-J;  2Tliess.  2:11.    hAmos2:4.    I  Or,  ra/Aev.    iEl)h.5:la; 


his  word,  the  apostle  rightly  applies  to  faith  in  Christ; 
since  all  true  faith  is,  in  its  essence,  the  same. 

IS.  For  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed ;  the  word  •'  for  "  con- 
nects this  verse  immediately  with  the  ]iri'ecding,  as  much 
as  to  say.  There  is  need  of  such  a  rit^hteousiiess  as  tlie 
KOSi)el  reveals  ;  for  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from 
lieaven,  etc.  He  then  jiroceeds  to  show,  in  the  reni;uii- 
der  of  the  chajiter,  how  the  (ieutiles  lie  under  this  wrath  ; 
and  ill  the  following;,  how  it  rests  on  the  Jews  also ;  so  that 
all  rneii  need  to  receive  from  (iod  a  rii^hteousness  which 
is  nut  of  law,  hut  of  faith.  Uii<:odliiicxs  and  unrtf^hleoiisncss  ; 
sins  aj;;iinst  (JckI  and  men.  lluld  tke  trutli  in  unrigliicous- 
ne.ss;  prevent,  by  their  wickedness,  its  proper  effect. 

ly.  T/iat  which  moij  be  known;  the  character  of  God  as 
manifested  in  his  works.  God  hath  showed  it ;  in  creation 
ami  providence. 

20.  From  the  creation  ;  ever  since  the  creation.  His  etcrnix! 
power  and  Gtuihead ;  his  divinity,  and  wortiiiness  of  beinj; 
loved,  adored,  and  obeyed.  IVilhoul  excuse;  having  no 
reason  for  disobeying  him. 

21.  Knew  God;  knew  so  much  of  liim  as  to  know  that 
they  ought  to  worship  and  serve  him.  Glorifml  him  not; 
did  not  honor  and  obey  him  as  (!od.  Vatu  in  their  innifri- 
naliom;  senseless  and  wicki-d  in  their  Ihoiights  iind  rea- 
BOnings  about  tin;  pmper  object  of  worship.  Fimlish  heart ; 
their  perverse,  wicked  mind.  Was  dmlcned ;  blinded  as 
to  the  spiritual  nature  and  perfections  of  God. 

'i2.  I'rofeinin^;  pretending  to  great  wisdom.  Became 
f(xih;  (■xhil)ited  the  greatest  folly. 

2:(.  CIvmged;  exchanged  the  one  only  living  and  true 
God  for  images  of  birds,  boasts,  and  reptiles. 

21.  God  also;  as  a  punishment  for  their  sins  in  thus  dis- 
honoring him,  abandoned  them  to  the  dDininion  of  corru]it 
desircH, appetites,  and  passions  ;  and  sulTered  them  to  com- 
niit  the  vilest  abominations,  to  their  ruin. 

2.5.  Chanced  the  truth  of  God  into  a  he;  the  true  God  for 
an  i'lol,  or  false  god.  IHorethnn;  instead  of.  Blessed  for 
ever;  worthy  of  eternal  love  and  praise. 

26.  This  muse;  because  of  their  wickedncsB  in  not  wor- 
shipping him  and  in  worshipping  idols. 

2H.  Reprobate  minil;  a  mind  ;ibliorred  of  God,  and  upon 
which  his  curse  rests.     Not  convenient ;  not  lit  or  proper, 
a  disgrace  to  human  nature. 
1280 


26  For  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto  a.  d  m. 
vile  affections:'  for  even  their  women  did  change 
the  natural  use  into  that  which  is  against  na- 
ture :  ' 

27  And  likewise  also  the  men,  leaving  the  natu- 
ral use  of  the  women,  burned  in  their  lust  one  tow- 
ard another ;  men  with  men  working  that  which 
is  unseemly,  and  receiving  in  themselves  that  rec- 
ompense of  their  error  which  was  meet. 

28  And  even  as  they  did  not  like  to  retain^  God 
in  their  knowledge,  God  gave  them  over  to  a  rep- 
robate mind,'  to  do  those  things  which  are  not 
convenient ; 

29  Being  tilled  witii  all  unrighteousness,  fornica- 
tion, wickedness,  covetousness,  maliciousness;  full 
of  envy,  murder,  debate,  deceit,  malignity;  whis- 
perers, 

30  Backbiters,  liaters  of  God,  despiteful,  proud, 
boasters,  inventors  of  evil  things,  disobedient  to 
parents, 

31  Without  understanding,  covenant-breakers, 
without  natural  affection,'  implacable,  unmerciful : 

32  Who,  knowing  the  judgment  of  God,  that 
they  Avhich  commit  such  things  are  worthy  of 
death,  not  only  do  the  same,  but  have  jileasure  in 
them'  that  do  them. 

.Tudc  10.    i  Or,  to  nrhtowleitc^e.    I  Or,  a  mind  void  a( judgmtnt.    1  Or,  un- 

sodabU.     '  Or,  consent  icit/i  them. 

32.  Knowing;  the  jud foment  of  God;  their  desert  of  his 
wrath.  Worthij  of  death;  .justly  exposed  to  it.  Do  the 
same;  commit  the  crimes  nientionod.  Have  pleasure ;  are 
jiloased  with  others  who  commit  them  and  encourage  them 
in  their  crimes. 

■INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Christ  has  a  twofold  nature,  human  and  divine.  lie 
is  both  (iod  and  man.  Of  this,  God  has  given  aluindant 
and  conclusive  evidence,  which  no  man  can  reject  without 
great  guilt. 

7.  Grace  and  peace,  with  all  their  blessings  for  this  life 
and  the  fuliire,  come  from  the  Father  and  the  Son.  For 
them  men  are  iiulebted  to  both  the  Father  and  the  Son; 
and  to  botli  should  give  all  honor  ami  glory,     liev.  .'i:!;-!. 

12.  C'liristiiin  intercourse  is  earnestly  desired  by  Chris- 
tian hearts,  and  is,  to  those  who  are  favored  with  it,  a 
means  of  increasing  excellence,  usefulness,  and  enjoyment. 

14.  When  Christ;  im]iarts  to  anyone  the  blessings  of  his 
grace,  it  l;iys  him  under  ]ieculiiir  obligations  to  do  good  as 
he  has  opportunity;  especially  to  promote  the  sjiiritual 
good  of  all  his  fellow-men. 

16.  As  the  gosjiel  is  the  means  by  which  God  exerts  on 
men  his  saving  power,  it  should  be  iire;iched  to'all  people  ; 
an<l  as  iieith(>r  the  power,  the  love,  nor  the  grace  of  God 
will  ever  save  any  who  reject  it,  all  who  hear  should  with- 
out delay  believe,  that  it  may  be  the  power  of  God  to  their 
salvation. 

20.  All  to  whom  God  has  niaiiifeKte<l  himself  in  creation 
and  )irovidcnce,  who  do  not  worship  him  and  iue  not  thank- 
ful for  the  blessings  which  they  receive,  are  without  excuse, 
and  hav<^  just  reasim  to  fear  his  awful  dis)>leasiir<-. 

2.'i.  The  doing  of  wliiit  jiersons  know  to  be  wrong  blinds 
their  minds,  hardens  their  lie;u"ts,  and  makes  them  nn  ire  wick- 
ed than  tlic-y  were  before.  As  a  ]iunisliment  fur  their  sins, 
God  often  HulVcrs  them  to  commit  other  sins,  and  still  others, 
until  they  bring  ujion  themselves  aggravated  drstruclion. 

32.  The  history  of  the  world  in  all  ages  shows,  tli;it  all 
means  to  overcome  human  depravity  without  the  gusjiel 
of  Christ,  or  to  remove  its  evils  without  faith  in  him.  will 
be  unavailing.  I'hilaiithropiHts,  therefore,  and  frieiids  of 
external  mcrndity  as  well  as  of  inleriiid  godliness,  hIhuiIiI 
unite  in  making  known  Jesus  Christ  as  soon  as  iiosuiblo 
to  every  human  being. 


GoiVs  impartial  judgment 


ROMANS  II. 


of  Jews  and  Gentiles 


A.  D.  60. 


CHAPTER  II. 


1  They  that  sin,  though  they  condemn  it  in  others,  cannot  excuse  them- 
selves, 0  and  much  less  escape  the  judgment  of  God,  9  whether  liiey 
be  Jews  or  trentiles.  14  The  G-entiles  cannot  escape,  17  nor  yet  the 
Jews,  "^5  whom  their  circumcision  shall  not  protit,  if  they  keep  not 
the  law. 

rHEREFORE  thou  art  inexcusable,  0  man, 
whosoever  tliou  art  thatjudgest :  for  wherein 
thou  judgest  another,  thou  condemnest  thyself;" 
for  thou  that  judgest  doest  the  same  things. 

2  But  we  are  sure  that  the  judgment  of  God  is 
according  to  truth  against  them  wliich  commit  such 
things. 

3  And  thinkest  thou  this,  0  man,  that  judgest 
them  which  do  such  things,  and  doest  the  same, 
that  thou  shalt  escape  the  judgment  of  God? 

-t  Or  dcspiscst  thou  the  riches  of  his  goodness 
and  forbearance  and  long-suffering  ;''  not  knowing 
that  the  goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  repent- 
ance?" 

5  But  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart 
treasurest  up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day 
of  wrath  and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment 
of  God  ;^ 

6  Who  will  render  to  every  man  according  to 
liis  deeds:" 

7  To  them  who  by  patient  continuance  in  well- 
doing seek  for  glory  and  honor  and  immortality, 
eternal  life: 

8  But  unto  them  that  are  contentions,*^  and  do 
not  obey  the  truth,"  but  obey  unrighteousness,  in- 
dignation and  wrath, 

9  Tribulation  and  anguish,  upon  every  soul  of 
man  that  docth  evil ;  of  the  Jew  first,  and  also  of 
the  Gentile;" 

10  But  glory,  honor,  and  peace,  to  every  man 


a  2  Sam.  ia:ti,  7.     b  Isi.  63:7,  etc. 

.lonah  4:2;  ch.  0:23.     c  Jsa.  30:18. 

JDeut.32:34;  Eccl.  1-.':14.    eProT.  24: 

.2;  Matt.  16:27;  Rev.  20:12.  (1  Tiin. 

6:3,4.     eSThess.  1:8.     •  Or,  Greek. 

I>  1  Pet.  1:7.     t  Or.  Greek.     '  Dcut. 

1U:I7;  2Chr.l9:7;  Gal.  6:7,8;  I  Pet 

1:17.    ijls.  1:22-25.    klCor.  11:14. 

CHAPTER  II. 

I.  Tliat  judgest ;  that  condemnest  others  on  account  of 
their  sins.  Tho  apostle  has  in  mind  tlie  Jews  especially. 
Doest  tlie  same;  committest  similar  sins. 

i.  Or despise.'it  thou;  they  who  take  occasion  from  God's 
long-sutFering  to  go  boldly  on  in  sin,  throw  contempt  upon 
liis  goodness.  Not  knowing ;  it  is  a  wilful  and  guilty  igno- 
rance, for  it  iias  its  ground  in  forgetfulnoss  of  God. 

6.  To  every  man  according  to  his  deeds ;  when  the  ques- 
tion is,  What  is  the  ground  on  which  siiniers,  who  liavc 
broken  God's  law,  can  be  justitieir?  I'aul  always  answers, 
Uy  faith,  and  not  by  the  deeds  of  the  law.  Chap,  a: 28; 
Gal.  2:lG,etc.  But  when  the  (piestion  is,  What  character 
will  God  accept'?  he  answers  with  .James,  "Not  tlio  hear- 
ers of  tho  law  are  just  before  God,  but  tlic  doers  of  the 
lawshallbe  justifieti."  Ver.  13,  comiiared  with  .Jas.  1 :  22-25  ; 
2:14-20.  True  faith  in  Christ  always  makes  men  such 
■•doers  of  the  law."  The  faith  that  is  without  works  is 
dead,  .las.  2:20,  and  will  be  disowned  by  Christ  at  the  last 
d;iy.     M;itt.  7:21-27. 

a.  Them  tluit  are  contentious ;  who  contend  against  the 
truth,  rebel  against  God,  and  do  what  they  know  to  be 
wrong. 

9.  T!ic  Jew  first;  especially  to  him,  on  account  of  his 
;ibuse  of  superior  light  and  privileges. 

10.  Tke  .few  first ;  on  account  of  his  wise  improvement 
of  his  peculiar  blessings.     Matt.  25:21;  Luke  19:17. 

II.  No  respect  of  persons ;  (!od  will  not  treat  men  accord- 
ing to  their  color,  country,  or  outward  condition,  but  ac- 
cording to  tlicir  character  and  conduct. 

81 


that  worketh  good ;''  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to 
the  Gentile :  + 

11  For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with  God.' 

12  For  as  many  as  have  sinned  witiiout  law  shall 
also  perish  without  law:  and  as  many  as  have 
sinned  in  the  law  shall  be  judged  by  the  law; 

13  (For  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  are  just  before 
God,  but  the  doers  of  the  law  shall  be  jiistitied.-i 

14  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law, 
do  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these, 
having  not  the  law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves : '' 

15  Wliicli  show  the  work  of  the  law  written  in 
their  hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,* 
and  their  thoughts  the  meanwhile^  accusing  or  else 
excusing  one  another;) 

16  In  the  day  when  God  shall  judge  the  secrets 
of  men  by  Jesus  Christ  according  to  my  gospel.' 

17  Behold,  thou  art  called  a  Jew,'"  and  restest  iii 
the  law,  and  makest  tliy  boast  of  God, 

18  And  knowest  Ins  will,"  and  approvest  the 
things  that  are  more  excellent,''^'  being  instructed 
out  of  the  law ; 

1 9  And  art  confident  that  thou  thyself  art  a  guide 
of  the  blind,  a  light  of  them  which  are  in  darkness, 

20  An  instructor  of  the  foolish,  a  teacher  of 
babes,  which  hast  the  form  of  knowledge  and  of 
the  truth  in  the  law.^ 

21  Tliou  therefore  whicli  teachest  another,  teach- 
cst  thou  not  thyself?  thou  that  preachest  a  man 
should  not  steal,  dost  thou  steal?i 

22  Thou  that  sayest  a  man  slu)nld  not  commit 
adultery,  dost  thou  commit  adultery?  thou  that 
abhorrest  idols,  dost  thou  commit  sacrilege? 

23  Tiiou  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the  law, 
through  breaking  the  law  dishonorest  thou  God? 


t  Or,  the  conscience  tvitnessi/tg  wllh  them.  §  Or,  betiveen  themselves.  1  Luke 
8:17;  ch.  16:25.  m  ver.  28.  "  Psa.  147:19,  2U.  I  Or,  Iriest  the  things  that 
differ.    oPhU.  1:10.    P  2  Tim.  1:13;  3:5.    q  Matt.  23:3,  etc. 


12.  Sinned  without  lav> ;  without  a  written  law  or  revela- 
tion of  duty.  Perishwitliout  law ;  without  being  condemned 
for  rejecting  or  sinning  against  a  revelation  which  they 
never  had.  In  the  Jaw;  in  possession  of  a  written  revelation. 
By  the  law ;  according  to  the  revelation  which  they  had. 

1,'}.  Hearers  of  the  law ;  those  who  have  a  written  reve- 
lation of  the  will  of  (iod,  and  know  their  duty.  Doers  of 
the  laio  ;  those  who  do  their  duty. 

14.  Not  the  law;  the  written  law.  Things  contained  in 
tilt  law;  such  things  as  tlie  law  recpiircs.  These;  such  as 
have  not  the  light  of  revelation — the  heathen.  Are  a  law ; 
they  have  a  sense  of  moral  right  and  wrong,  arising  from 
the  moral  ii;iture  or  conscience  which  God  has  given  them. 

15.  The  work  of  the  law ;  its  efl'ect  in  producing  a  convic- 
tion of  duty,  and  of  guilt  in  not  doing  it.  Accusing — ex- 
cusing; as  tiioy  have  done  or  not  done  what  they  thought 
to  be  right. 

K;.  According  to  my  gospel ;  tlie  judgment  of  the  last  day 
will  be  I)y  Jesus  flhrist,  as  is  revealed  in  the  gospel  which 
Paid  preadicd.  This  verse  is  connected  in  sense  with 
the  twelfth ;  what  intervenes  is  a  parenthesis. 

17.  A  Jew ;  a  friend  of  God — one  of  his  peculi;ir  people. 
Restest  in  the  law ;  dependest  upon  the  possession  and  ex- 
t(Tnal  ol)servaiice  of  it  for  salvation.  Makest  thy  hoast  of 
God;  of  having  him  for  thy  God,  while  the  ticiililcs  had 
other  gods. 

18.  Out  of  the  law ;  out  of  the  Scriptures. 

21.  Teachest  thou  not  thyself?  to  practise  what  thou  teacli- 
est. 

22.  Commit  sacrilege;  by  profaning  divine  things,  and 
taking  to  thyself  what  belongs  to  God. 

1281 


True  drcxinicisicnt. 


ROMANS  III. 


The.  Jews'  prerof^.ilice. 


24  For  tlio  name  of  God  is  Lla^plicmed  among 
tlie  Gentiles  tlirough  you,  as  it  is  written." 

25  For  circumcision  verih"  prolitctli,  if  thou  keep 
the  law :  but  if  thou  be  a  breaker  of  the  law,  thy 
circumcision  is  made  uncircunicision.'' 

26  Therefore,  if  the  uncircunicision  keep  the 
righteousness  of  the  law,''  shall  not  his  uncircuni- 
cision be  counted  for  circumcision? 

27  And  sliall  not  uncircunicision  -which  is  by  na- 
ture, if  it  fulfil  tlie  law,  judge  thee,''  who  by  the 
letter  and  circumcision  dost  transgress  the  law? 

28  For  lie  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  outwardly  ;" 
neitlier  is  that  circumcision,  which  is  outward  in 
the  liesii : 

29  But  he  is  a  Jew  which  is  one  inwardly  ;  and 
circumcision  is  that  of  the  heart,'  in  the  spirit,  and 
not  in  the  letter ;  whoso  praise  is  not  of  men,  but 
of  God.'-' 

»  Ezek.  30rai,  ■-•■).  b  Gil.  5:3.  c  Acts  10:3-l.  35.  d  Mitt.  13:^1,  42. 
e  Mitt.  3:0;  John  8:39;  ch.  9:6,  7;  Gal    0:15;  Rev.  2:9.     '  Deut.  lU:lli; 

24.  Is  blasphemed;  spoken  against  and  dishonored. 
Through  you;  on  afconnt  of  the  wicked  conduct  of  the 
Jews  as  Gods  professed  people,  as  it  was  of  old.  Isa. 
52:5;  Ezek.  3fi:23. 

25.  Circumcision  ;  this  was  one  of  tlio  rites  in  wliieh  tliey 
t;loried;  and  it  was  useful  if,  by  directing  their  tliou.^hts 
to  that  inward  purity  ami  consecration  to  (jod  wliich  it 
si.;nilie(I,  it  led  llieni  more  faithfully  to  obey  God.  If  it 
did  not,  it  <Iid  tliem  no  good;  they  would  be  treated  no 
better  tlian  if  tliey  had  not  been  circumcised. 

26.  Till' uncircumcixion  ;  those  who  have  not  been  circum- 
cised. Keep  tlie  rightrnusiiesx  of  the  law;  do  from  tlie  liglit 
of  nature  the  things  which  the  law  requires,  ver.  1-t. 

27.  Uncircumeision — by  nature;  that  is,  the  Gentile,  who 
remains  as  he  was  born,  nncircumcised.  Judge;  coudemn. 
Jiy  the  litter ;  with  a  written  revelation. 

28.  Not  a  Jew;  in  the  spiritual  sense,  that  of  being  a 
friend  of  (iod.  Oiilwnrdlij ;  by  outward  descent  from  Abra- 
ham. Ne't'ier  ;<  thai  circumcision ;  in  the  sjjiritual  sense  ;  that 
which  God  iipprovcs  and  will  i'ew;iril  as  obedience  to  him. 

29.  IiiwariUij;  in  heart  devoted  to  Goil,  as  was  Abraham. 
fompare  our  .Saviour's  words  :  "  If  yo  were  Abraham's  chil- 
dren, ye  would  do  the  works  of  Abraham."  .lolm  .S:39.  Of 
the  heart,  in  the  npirit ;  circumcision  denoted  the  necessity 
of  an  inward,  spiritual  change, areal  cutting  oiTof  sin, and 
the  practice  of  holiness.  This  God  will  reward,  not  the 
mere  outward  observance.  A''ol'  if  men  ;  men  look  on  the 
outward  appearance  and  often  expect  reward  for  what  is 
only  external.  Of  God;  he  looks  on  the  heart;  and  to  be 
accepted  of  him.  whatever  men  do  they  must  do  heartily 
as  unto  the  Lord.  His  love  must  reign  in  their  hearts, 
and  hia  will  govern  their  lives. 

IXSTRL'CTIOXS. 

1.  Men  often  practise  what  they  condemn  in  others,  with- 
out considering  that  in  so  doing  they  conilemn  themselves. 

4.  When  the  goodness,  patience,  ami  lonK-snfl'cring  of 
God  encourage  men  in  sin  instead  of  leading  them  to  for- 
s.iko  it,  it  is  fearful  evidence  that  they  are  ripening  for  ruin. 

10.  (Jreat  advantages,  if  rightly  imiiroved,  will  be  tlie 
means  of  increasing  future  blessedness;  if  neglected  and 
abuseil,  of  increasing  future  woe. 

l.j.  No  ni:in  will  bo  condemned  for  want  of  lijflit,  or  for 
violating  a  law  which  he  never  li:id  ;  but  for  neglecting  the 
light  which  (jod  gave  him,  and  doing  what  ho  knew  to  be 
wrong. 

17.  Belonging  outwardly  to  the  true  church  and  attend- 
ing upon  its  ordinances,  is  no  certain  evidence  of  true 
religion,  of  the  favor  of  (Jod,  or  ]irei>aration  for  heaven. 

24.  .Members  of  the  church  who  live  in  immorality, 
greatly  dishonor  God,  increase  the  wic^kedness  of  men, 
and  prepare  for  an  awfully  aggravated  ilestruclion. 

25.  The  observance  of  ordinances  is  useful  if  it  leads  men 
more  faithfully  to  obey  God;  if  it  docs  not,  it  does  them  no 

1282 


AV 


CHAPTER    III,  A.i,r^ 

1  Tlie  Jews'  prerogative;  .1  wliicli  tliey  li.ave  not  lost:  9  howbeit  ttie 
law  coiivincetli  them  also  of  sin;  "JO  thfreforo  no  flesh  is  justified  by 
tlie  law.  'JS  but  all,  witliout  tlitierence,  by  faiili  only:  31  and  yet  the 
law  IS  nr>t  abolished. 

HAT  advantage  then  luith  the  Jew?  or  what 
profit  is  there  of  circumcision? 

2  JIucli  every  way:  chielly,  because  that  unto 
them  were  cdinniittcd  tlie  oracles  of  God.'' 

'i  For  what  if  some  did  not  believe?'  shall  their 
unbelief  make  the  faith  of  God  without  eflect? 

i  God  forbid:  yea,  let  God  be  true,  but  every 
man  a  liar;  as  it  is  written.  That  thou  mightcst 
be  justified  in  thy  sayings,  and  mightcst  overcome 
when  tiiou  artjudged.J 

5  But  if  our  unrighteousness  commend  the  right- 
eousness of  God,  what  shall  we  say?  Is  God  un- 
righteous who  taketh  vengeance?  I  speak  as  a 
man. 

30:6;  Jer. -1:4;  Phil.  3:3;  Col.  5:11.     e2Cor.lO:l8.     b  Deut  4:7,  >:.     i  ch. 
10:16;  Heb.  4:2.    J  I'si.  51:4. 

good ;  and  dependence  upon  such  observances  for  salva- 
tion, if  continued,  will  ruin  them. 

29.  Ordinances  are  designed  to  jiromote  holinessof  heart; 
if  they  do  not,  their  oliject  is  not  ;vcciin)plishcd.  However 
strict  men  may  be  in  the  outwanl  observance,  or  liowever 
much  )iraise  they  may  receive  for  it  from  men,  they  aro 
not  approved  and  will  not  be  accepted  of  God. 

CHAPTER  111. 

In  the  first  part  of  this  chapter  the  apostle  meets  various 
objections  which  might  natur;dly  arise  in  the  mind  of  an 
unlielieving  .Jew  to  tlie  doctrine  which  he  hixs  estiiblished 
in  the  preceding  chapter,  th;it  the  <iutw;ird  relation  of  tho 
Jews  to  Abraham  and  their  (iutw;ird  jirivileges  cannot  save 
them,  but  that  (iod  will  ileal  with  them,  as  with  the  Gen- 
tiles, according  to  their  works.  \'er.  1-8.  He  then  returns 
to  his  great  theme,  tliat  since  Jews  and  Gentiles  are  alike 
under  sin,  they  iieeil  alike  the  righteousness  of  God  which 
is  of  fiiith,  not  of  works. 

1.  What  advantage;  has  the  Jew  above  the  Gentile,  if 
both  are  sinners  under  condemn;xtioii,  .and  neitlier  can  bo 
justilied  or  accepted  of  God  on  account  of  his  works? 

2.  Oraclen  of  God;  the  Scrijitures,  revealing  salvation 
through  a  Sitviour  to  come. 

:i.  What  if  some  did  not  beliere?  h,ad  not  faith  in  God,  and  as 
aconseipiencc  of  their  unliidief,  were  niilaithful  to  (iod  ;  for 
both  these  ideas  are  included  in  the  original  worth  S'lall 
their  unlielief;  their  unbelief  and  unlUithfulness  to  God's 
covenant  with  them,  by  which,  as  the  itpostle  has  l;iught, 
tlu^y  lost  its  benefits  ami  brought  upon  themselves  the 
wrath  of  God,  "who  will  render  to  every  man  aniirding  to 
his  deeds."  ('li;i]).  2:(i.  Midr.  tin-  fnitli  if  (liid  without  rjject? 
annul  (iod's  faitlifulness  in  fiillilllMg  the  terms  of  his  cov- 
en;iiil  wil.li  Abraham  and  his  seed  ?  The  unbelieving  Jews 
thoughl  th;it  (iod's  covenant  with  tln'ir  fathers  bound  him 
to  bestow  upon  them  etiiriiitl  life,  irresjiective  of  their  own 
conduct,  iiiid  tli;it  a  failure  to  do  this  would  be  a  violation 
of  the  divine  faith.  The  apostl",  h;iving  shown  that  cir- 
cumcision and  the  other  ]irivileges  of  the  covenant  can 
Iirofit  only  those  who  are  faithful  to  its  conditions,  and 

I  that  the  unfaithhil  Jew  will  be  conilemned  along  with  tho 
Gentiles,  rejects  with  horror  tlm  idea  that  this  is  an  annul- 
ling of  the  divine  fiitlifulness. 

4.  Let  Gild  lie  true;  (iod  is  true,  and  all  that  deny  it  are 
false.  This  slioulil  always  be  itdmitted.  Js  it  is  written; 
I'sa.  51:(.  Justified — onrroinc;  seen  to  bo  just  lUid  right 
when  complained  of.  and  in  all  that  he  does.  The  apostle, 
as  often  elsewhere,  follows  tlii^  rendering  of  the  f-ev<Mity. 

1  5.  If  our  unrighlrousncss  cnmmrnd  the  riplUcniixness  of  God; 
if  our  sins  aro  made  the  occasion  of  showing  the  truth  and 
justice  of  (iod,  and  are  thus  overruled  for  the  disphiy  of 
his  glory,  is  it  not  wrong  for  liiin  to  punish  us 'if  /  spe.alc 
as  a  man;  as  a  short-sighted  erring  man  might  speak. 


All  mm  are  under  sin,  and 


ROMANS  III. 


cannot  be  jiistijied  by  the  law. 


AD. 60.     6  God  forbid:  for  then  liow  shall  God 
judife  the  world?" 

7  For  if  the  trutli  of  God  hath  more  abounded 
throuu'h  my  lie  unto  his  glory,  why  yet  am  I  also 
judged  as  a  sinner? 

8  And  not  rather,  as  wc  be  slanderously  reported, 
and  as  some  affirm  that  we  say.  Let  us  do  evil, 
that  good  may  come?''  whose  damnation  is  just. 

9  What  then?  are  we  better  Maw  they?  No,  in 
no  wise:  for  we  have  before  proved*  both  Jews 
and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all  under  sin ; 

10  As  it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous,  no, 
not  one: 

11  There  is  none  that  understandetli,  there  is 
none  that  seeketh  after  God. 

12  They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are 
togctiier  beeome  unprofitable;  there  is  none  that 
doeth  good,  no,  not  one." 

13  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre ;''  with  their 
tongues  they  have  used  deceit ;  the  poison  of  asps 
is  under  their  lips:° 

14  Wliosc  month  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitter- 
ness : '" 

15  Their  feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood :" 


IG  Destruction  and  misery  are  in  their  ways; 

17  And  the  way  of  peace  have  they  not  known: 

18  There  is  no  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes.'' 

19  Now  we  know  that  what  tilings  soever  the 
law  saitii,  it  saith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  : 
that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,'  and  all  the 
world  may  become  guilty  before  God.* 

j  20  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall 
no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  sight :'  for  by  the  law 
is  the  knowledge  of  sin. 

21  But  now  the  righteousness  of  God  without 
the  law  is  manifested,  being  witnessed  by  the  law 
and  tiie  prophets;'' 

22  Even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by 
faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto  all  and  upon  all  them 
that  believe;'  for  there  is  no  diflerence; 

23  For  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the 
glory  of  God;'" 

24  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace,  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Ciirist  Jesus: 

25  Whom  God  hath  set  forth*  to  be  a  propitia- 
tion through  fiiith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  right- 
eousness for  the  remission*  of  sins  that  are  past, 
through  the  forbearance  of  God ; 


«JobS::i.    boh.  U:l,15.    •  Gr.  c/mr^ed.    c  Psi.  14,  .3:1.    d  Paa.  5:9.    e  Psi. 
Mil::!,     t  Psa.  111:7.     elsa.  59:7,  8.     hPsi.  36:1.     i  P,?a  107:-la.     t  Or,  s«6- 


6.  God  forbid;  certainly  not:  if  it  were,  God  would  not 
be  JH.st  or  right  in  punishing  any  one;  for  the  sins  of  all 
are  in  some  way  overruled  for  the  display  of  divine  per- 
fection, and  the  advancement  of  divine  gloiy.  This,  liow- 
ever,  does  not  alter  the  evil  nature  and  tendency  of  sin,  nor 
lessen  the  guilt  of  him  who  commits  it. 

7.  Through  my  lie;  if  when  I  am  false,  God  shows  his 
truth  in  punishing  me  as  he  has  declared,  and  thus  glori- 
fies himself,  why  am  I  to  blame  ?  Because  you  were  false  ; 
you  felt  wrong,  and  did  wrong.  When  a  man  commits 
murder  and  is  hung,  the  government  is  made  a  greater 
terror  to  evil-doers,  and  every  man's  life  is  rendered  more 
safe;  why  is  the  murderer  then  to  blame?  Because  he 
committed  murder.  lie  meant  it  unto  evil,  and  it  was  evil. 
Though  God,  through  his  ordinance  of  civil  government, 
jiuni.shes  him  and  thus  promotes  the  good  of  the  com- 
mimity,  that  does  not  alter  the  nature  of  his  crime,  or  the 
jiropriety  of  punishing  him  ;  tlie  government  had  told  him 
before  that  they  would  do  it.  Truth  therefore,  as  well  as 
justice  and  tlic  public  good,  required  his  execution. 

s.  And  not  rather;  and  why  should  we  not  ratlier  say,  if 
we  c:uTy  out  the  false  principle  of  the  objector.  Let  w.s  do 
evd,  that  good  maijronip?  as  evil  is  overruled  for  good,  why 
not  commit  it  to  accomplish  that  good  ?  as  some  say  is  right, 
and  aHirm  is  taught  in  the  Scriptures.  Because  it  is  wick- 
ed, and  renders  all  who  do  it  deserving  of  damnation.  It 
is  not  the  evil  that  docs  the  good ;  but  it  is  the  counter- 
acting and  overruling  of  evil,  and  the  treating  of  the  evil- 
doer as  he  deserves,  that  dues  the  gooil. 

9.  We,- Jews.  They;  Gentiles.  Belter;  in  condition  as 
to  the  way  of  ju.stilication.  Can  Jews  be  justified  in  any 
other  way  than  Gentiles?  In  no  wine;  certainly  not;  be- 
cause both  are  sinners,  and  if  saveil  it  niu.st  be  not  by  llieir 
own  works,  but  liy  believing  in  t'hri.st.  Thus  the  apostle 
returns  to  his  great  theme,  that  Jews  as  well  as  (ientiles 
need  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by  tiiith,  as  re- 
vciUed  in  the  gospel.  All  under  sin;  all  in  a  state  of  guilt 
and  I'ondemnation  as  sinners.  The  ipiotations  that  follow 
are  taken  from  various  parts  of  the  OM  Testament.  See 
the  marginal  references. 

10.  .'Is  d  (s-  wrdten;  Psa.  M:X-3;  r>:\:\-Z. 

lb  None  thit  undcrstandcth;  nalwally  aright  the  true 
character  of  (Jod,  or  the  blessedness  of  serving  him.  None 
that  xeeketh  after  God;  as  the  chief  good. 

12.  Out  of  the  way:  the  way  of  truth,  duty,  and  blessed- 
ness. {//lyjm/i/aWf,-  corrupt,  worthless.  HosealO.l.  None 
that  doct't  good;  none  naturally  jjlorify  God  or  do  right. 


ject  to  Ihe  judgment  of  God.    J  Psa.   H3:'>.     k  Acts  •ia-.ii.     '  cli.  5:1,  etc. 
"'Eccl.  7:20.     \  Or,  foreordained.     ^  Or,  passing  over. 

13.  An  open  sepulchre;  ready  to  swallow  upaiid  consume, 
as  the  grave  did  the  body  laid  in  it.  Psa.  5:9.  The  poi- 
son of  a.ips ;  their  words  are  destructive.     Psa.  140:3. 

16.  In  their  ways;  they  cause  misery  and  ruin. 

17.  The  way  of  peace;  of  holiness  and  blessedness  to 
themselves  and  others. 

18.  No  fear  of  God;  none  which  leads  them  to  love  and 
obey  him,  or  keeps  them  from  breaking  his  laws.  Psa. 
31) :  1.  This  is  the  account  given  of  Jews  who  were  blessed 
with  the  Scriptures  and  all  the  means  of  grace. 

19.  We  knoio;  are  certain  that  this  description  given  in 
the  law,  or  the  Bible,  concerning  men,  applies  to  those  who 
are  under  lite  law,  who  have  the  Bible.  Of  course  it  de- 
scribes the  natural  character  and  state  of  Jews  as  well  as 
Gentiles.  May  become  gnilty;  shown  or  proved  from  their 
own  conduct,  and  from  the  Bible,  to  be  guilty  and  deserv- 
ing of  condemnation. 

20.  By  the  deeds  of  the  law;  their  own  works  in  obedience 
to  law.  No  flesh  ;  no  individual  of  the  human  race.  Be  jus- 
tified; accepted  of  God  or  treated  as  righteous.  The  know- 
ledge of  sin ;  when  compared  witli  or  tried  by  the  law  of 
God,  men  are  shown  to  be  sinners,  shut  up  under  righteous 
condemnation,  without  the  possibility,  on  the  ground  of 
their  own  works,  of  ever  being  saved. 

21.  The  righteousness  of  God ;  that  which  he  has  provided 
in  atid  by  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  which  he  freely  gives 
to  sinners  vipon  condition  of  faith  in  Christ.  See  note  to 
chap.  1:17.  Without  the  law;  which  justilies  men  not  on 
the  ground  that  they  have  rendered  to  the  law  the  obedi- 
ence which  it  requires,  but  through  faith  in  Christ.  But 
it  must  be  carefully  remembered  that  this  faith  produces 
true  obedience  to  God's  law.  See  note  to  chap.  2:(;,  Is 
manifested ;  clearly  revealed  in  the  gosiiel.  Being  witnessed; 
having  been  referred  to.  foretold, and  described  in  the  Old 
Testament.  Gen.  ■A:V>\  12:3;  n:i\;  Dent,  18:1,'-),  19;  Psa. 
51:14;  "l:!."),  IC ;  85:10,  13;  89:ir,;  119:142;  Isa.  43:21; 
45:5,  24.  25;  40:13;  51:5,  7;  53:11;  54:17;  5(1:1;  61:11; 
U2:l,  2;  Dan.  9:24;  IIos.  10:12;  Jlab,  2:4;  Mai.  4:2. 

22.  Biifadh  of  Jesus  Christ ;  the  benefits  of  whoso  obedi- 
ence .anil  ileath  are  obtained  not  by  human  works  or  merit, 
but  by  receiving  him  as  a  Saviour,  and  trusting  in  him  for 
salvafi<m.  No  difference;  between  Jews  and  (ientiles, as  to 
the  way  of  salvation. 

24.  Freely  liy  his  grace;  it  is  wholly  of  grace,  not  of  debt, 
that  men  are  saveil. 

25.  Set  forth;  exhibited.  Prop;V(«//on,  propitiatory  sacri- 
fice.   Tlirovgh  faith  in  his  blood;  that  the  [iropitiatory  sacri- 

1283 


Justification  is  through  faith. 


ROMANS  lY. 


Abraham  sived  through  failh. 


26  To  declare,  /  say,  at  this  time  his  righteous- 
ness :  that  he  might  be  just,  and  tlio  justifier  of 
him  which  believeth  in  Je.sus." 

27  Wliere  M  boasting  then?  It  is  excluded.  By 
what  law?  of  works?  Nay ;  hut  iiy  tlie  law  of  faith. 

28  Therefore  we  conclude  that  a  man  is  justified 
by  faith  witliout  the  deeds  of  the  law.'' 

29  Is  lie  tlie  God  of  tlic  Jews  only?  is  he  not  also 
of  the  Gentiles?     Yes,  of  tlie  Gentiles  also: 

30  Seeing  it  is  one  God  which  shall  justify  the 
circumcision  Ijv  faitli,  and  uncircumcision  through 
faith.-^ 

31  Do  we  then  malvc  void  the  law  through  faith?'' 
God  forbid :  vca,  we  establish  the  law. 


>Aclsl3;3S,:ta.    b  ,er.  20--22;  ch.  8:3j  Gal.  2:16.    c  Gal.  3:8,  28.    d  Heb. 


fice  of  Christ  may  benetit  a  man,  he  must  appropriate  it  to 
himself  tlirnii^h  faith  in  Christ's  blooii ;  for  it  was  by  the 
Bheddiii^  of  liis  blood  that  the  propitiation  was  made.  De- 
clare his  riirhlcoiisnts^ ;  show  that  lie  is  righteous,  in  the  for- 
givcnes.s  of  sinners  who  believe  on  Christ.  Sms  that  are 
past;  committed  in  past  times,  and  which  God  forbore  to 
punish.  The  inflnence  of  Cln'ist's  atonement  cxtond.s  back- 
ward to  the  first  believer,  and  forward  to  the  end  of  time. 
From  Abel  to  the  trump  of  the  archan;;el,  all  who  arc  justi- 
fied and  saved  receive  this  gift  through  the  blood  of  Christ. 
2G.  At  tliis  time;  the  time  in  which  Paul  lived, under  (he 
gospel  dispensation.  Just,  and  the  jialifier;  tliat  is,  just 
while  at  the  same  time  he  is  the  justitier.  These  words 
set  forth  the  only  possible  condition  on  which  God  can 
forgive  sin.  In  doing  so,  lie  must  be  just  to  himself,  his 
trutli,  his  law,  and  the  interests  of  his  kingdom. 

27.  Where  is  lioastiitg;  in  this  way  of  saving  sinners, 
what  ground  is  there  for  them  to  be  vain  of  their  own 
merit  or  worthiness?  None  at  ail.  It  iscxclwled ;  it  is  not 
for  their  sakes,  but  for  Christ's  sake,  that  God  pardons, 
accepts,  and  saves  them.  Not  to  tliem.  but  to  him  be  all 
the  glory.  Ji;/  v'hat  lav:?  in  what  way  is  their  boasting 
excluded  ?  li^'  their  being  saved  through  their  own  works '! 
No ;  but  by  llieir  being  saved  in  God's  way,  by  grace, 
through  faitli  in  .lesus  Christ,  called  here  the  laxr  of  faith. 

28.  Tiicrefore;  in  view  of  the  whole  subject  and  all  the 
light  that  is  throwni  upon  it.  Without  the  dee<Is  of  tlie  lav; 
man's  obedience  to  law  is  not  the  ground  of  his  justifica- 
tion, but  the  merits  of  Christ. 

29.  Jev:s — Gentiles;  he  will  be  the  God  and  Saviour  of 
both — of  all  classes  and  all  nations  to  whom  Christ  is  made 
known,  on  the  same  condition — faith  in  his  Hon. 

30.  Circumciiion — itncircnmcision;  Jews  and  Gentiles.  By 
faith;  by  a  righteousness  which  is  of  faith,  not  of  law. 

Through  faith ;  by  means  of  their  faith. 

:il.  Make  void  the  taw;  the  law  of  God, as  a  rule  of  action, 
uud  sacredly  binding  on  all  who  know  it.  Does  the  fact 
that  God  saves  sinners  through  failh  in  Christ,  lessen  the 
sanctity  and  authority  of  his  law  as  an  expression  of  his 
will,  or  the  obligations  of  men  to  obey  it?  Iiy  no  means. 
We  establish  the  law;  show  its  excellence,  its  unchanging 
ohiligations,  and  lead  men  more  earnestly,  successfully,  and 
pcrsevcringly  to  strive  to  obey  it. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  As  the  Scriptures  are  the  voice  of  God,  making  known 
his  will  and  the  way  in  which  men  can  be  accepted  of  him, 
those  who  jiosscss  them  have  blessings  much  greater  than 
those  who  do  not.  Hence  they  should  be  given  to  all,  and 
all  should  be  taught  to  read  and  (diey  them. 

6.  The  fact  that  God  takes  occasion  with  regard  to  the 
sins  of  men,  to  display  his  perfections,  docs  not  alter  the 
evil  nature  of  sin,  or  lessen  the  guilt  or  danger  of  those 
who  commit  it. 

H.  Those  who  do  evil  for  the  purpose  of  accomplishing 
what  they  call  good,  or  break  the  law  of  God  professeilly 
to  honor  him,  will  be  justly  condemned  and  awfully  [lun- 
ished. 

19.  The  description  of  the  natural  character  of  man  whicli 

God  gives  in  the  Bible, applies  to  all  men.   It  is  a  dcscrip- 

1284 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  Abrah.-im's  f;iilh  Wtis  imputed  to  him  for  righteousness,  10  before  he 

^v.^s  circumcised.      13  lly   faith  only   he  .Trid  his  seed  received  the 

promise.     IG  Abrah;im  is  the  fatlier  of  all  that  believe.  *J4  Our  faith 
also  shall  be  impiiled  to  us  for  righteousness. 

"VTT'Il-^T  shall  we  say  then  that  Abraliain.  our 
V  V     fatlier,'  as   pertaining  to    the   ilesii   hath 
found  ? 

2  For  if  Abraliam  were  justified  by  works,  he 
hath  ivhereof  U)  glory;  but  not  before  God.' 

3  For  what  saitli  the  scripture?  Abraham  be- 
lieved God,  and  it  was  counted  unto  him  for  riglit- 
cousness.'^ 

4  Now  to  jiiin  that  worketh  is  the  reward  not 
reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.'' 


10:15,16.     eMltt.3:9.     f  ch.  3:271  1  Cor.  1:2!).    e  Gen.  15:6.     lich.ll:6. 

tion  of  the  human  race,  and  shows  that  all  men  are  sinners, 
guilty,  and  justly  condemned;  and  that  if  saved,  it  must 
be  not  on  account  of  their  works  or  worthiness,  but  on 
account  of  the  works  and  wortliiiu'ss  of  Christ. 

21.  The  way  of  salvation  revealed  in  the  Uld  Testament 
was  the  si\me  which  is  revealed  in  the  New.  The  revela- 
tion was  not  so  clear  and  fidl,  and  it  was  addressed  more 
to  the  outward  senses:  but  in  both,  (he  salvation  revealed 
is  of  grace,  not  of  debt;  obtained  not  by  works,  but  by 
faith  ;  ;ind  given  not  on  account  of  human  merits,  but  the 
merits  of  Christ. 

29.  .lehovah  is  the  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Benefactor  of 
all,  Jew  and  (jentile,  high  and  low,  rich  and  poor,  bond 
and  free.  When  they  believe  in  Christ,  lie  accepts  them 
with  equal  readiness,  adopts  them  into  his  family  as  his 
own  children,  and  loves  them  with  ctpial  ttfi'ection.  lie 
imprints  on  tliem  his  own  blessed  image,  and  as  they 
treat  each  other  so  ho  regards  them  as  treating  him. 

31.  The  way  of  saving  sinners  tlirough  the  incarnation, 
obeilience,  sutVering,  death,  resurrection,  and  intercession 
of  Christ,  and  by  faith  in  him,  shows  that  the  law  of  God 
is  holy,  just,  and  good;  that  the  violation  of  it  is  unspeak- 
ably wicked  ;  and  tliat  it  cannot  be  violated  wi(h  impunity; 
while  the  motives  for  obeying  it  in  order  to  honor  (iod,  to 
show  gratitude  to  the  l{cdeemer,and  become  in  heart  and 
life  like  llim  who  was  a  living  ]iersonifica(ion  of  its  excel- 
lence, are  greatly  increased:  sucli  love  and  obcilieiice  arc 
secured  as  never  were,  and  never  will  be,  secured  among 
men  in  any  other  way.  In  perfectly  obeying  the  divine 
law,  Christ  was  a  pattern  of  human  perfection,  which  all 
who  believe  in  him  suiiremely  desire  and  habitually  strivo 
to  copy;  saying  from  tlie.heart,  each  for  himself, 

"  Such  love,  and  meekness  so  divine, 
1  would  transcribe  and  make  them  mine. 
He  thou  my  p;ittern,  make  me  bear 
More  of  tliy  gr.-icinus  image  here; 
Tlien  God  ilie  Judge  .shall  own  my  name 
Among  tlie  followers  ol  the  Lamb." 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  As  pertaining  to  the  flesh ;  in  the  way  of  the  outward 
ordinances  and  works  of  law.  These  words  should  be 
connected  with  the  following. /»iM /""»(/,•  that  is,  found  as 
an  advantage  or  cause  of  boasting.  The  answer,  which 
the  apostle  omits,  is,  lie  hath  found  nothing.  And  this  ho 
]iroceeils  to  show. 

2,  3.  lie  liiith  whereof  to  glory;  if  his  works  are  (he  mer- 
itorious ground  of  his  justitication,  he  is  saved  of  deb(. 
not  of  grace.  lie  might  glory  in  his  works  as  the  ground 
of  his  salvation,  and  take  (o  himscir  the  |iraise.  Ihil  mil 
licfiirc  God;  that  is,  but  he  has  not  before  God  any  thing 
whereof  to  glory.  It  follows  that  he  was  not  justified  by 
works.  And  this  agrees  with  the  word  of  God.  For  what 
sailh  the  scripture?  see  (Jen.  15:(!.  //,-  his  belief.  Was 
ciiniitrd  unto  him  for  righteousness;  was  the  ground  of  his 
being  accejiied  as  righteous. 

1.  That  worketh ;  so  as  to  be  saved  on  the  ground  of  his 
own  merit.  The  reward;  his  salvation.  Not  of  grace,  hul 
of  delit ;  if,  in  obedience  to  law,  a  person  isjustilied,  his 
salvation  is  merited,  not  bestowed  as  a  gratuitous  favor. 


AbrahanCs  faith  imputed 


ROMANS  IV. 


to  him  for  righteousness. 


A.  D.60.  5  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  bcliev- 
eth  on  him  that  justifietli  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  righteousness." 

C)  Even  as  David  also  describeth  the  blessedness 
of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteousness 
without  works, 

7  Saying,  Blessed  are  they  whose  iniquities  are 
forgiven,  and  whose  sins  are  covered. 

8  Blessed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not 
iuipute  sin.'' 

y  Cometh  this  blessedness  then  upon  the  circum- 
cision orify,  or  upon  the  uncircumcision  also  ?  for 
wo  say  that  faith  was  reckoned  to  Abraham  for 
righteoiisuess. 

10  How  was  it  then  reckoned  ?  when  he  was  in 
circumcision,  or  in  uncircumcision?  Not  in  cir- 
cumcision, but  in  uncircumcision. 

11  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a 
seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had 
yet  being  uncircumcised ;''  that  he  might  be  the 
father  of  all  them  that  believe,''  though  they  be 
not  circumcised,  that  righteousness  might  be  im- 
jiuted  unto  them  also; 

12  And  the  father  of  circumcision  to  them  who 
are  not  of  the  circumcision  only,  but  who  also  walk 
in  the  steps  of  that  faith  of  our  father  Abraham, 
which  Afi  had  being  yet  uncircumcised. 

>  Hab  •.':4,  b  Pai.  :W:  1,  2  »  Gen.  17;  lU,  U  .  J  Luke  ly:9l  Joliil  8:3.'), 
etc.;  Ga!.  3:7,  29.     e  Gen.  17:4,  etc.     f  Gal.  3:18.     f  ch.  5:-JU.     h  IJolin 

5.  Ttiat  worlcctli  not ;  wlio  does  not  depend  on  his  works 
for  justification.  Ttie  xingoiUij;  sinners  who  believe  in 
t'hrist.  Hix  faitli ;  is  tlie  means  of  his  justification  and  sal- 
vation, through  the  atonement  and  righteousness  of  Christ. 

G.  David;  Psa.  32:1,2.  Imputeth  rigliteousness ;  accepts 
and  treats  as  righteous,  though  lie  is  a  sinner. 

7.  Sins  are  covered;  not  punished,  but  forgiven. 

8.  Not  impute  sin;  not  charge  it  ujion  him,  or  inflict  the 
sufllTing  tlireatened  against  those  wiio  commit  it. 

y.  Tins  tilessedncss ;  tlie  bfessedness  of  liaving  sin  for- 
given, being  accepted  of  (lod,  and  rewarded  as  righteous. 
Tlie  circumcision;  tliose  only  who  are  circumcised.  Uncir- 
cumcision; upon  those  also  wlio  are  not  circumcised. 

10.  Not  in  circumcision ;  not  after  he  was  circumcised.  In 
uncircumcision;  before  he  was  circumcised. 

11.  A  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  tlie  fuitli ;  a  token,  or  vis- 
ible sign,  tliat  by  means  of  tlie  faitii  which  he  exercised 
before  he  was' circumcised,  lie  was  justified  and  accepted 
with  Uod.  The  father ;  the  model  or  pattern  as  to  tlie  way 
of  acceptance  with  tJod,  for  all  who  should  believe,  though 
not  descendants  of  Abraliam,  and  not  circumcised  :  to  en- 
courage them  to  exercise  such  fiiith  as  he  did,  that  they 
also  might  be  justified,  and  through  grace  be  delivered  from 
tlic  punislimeut  of  sin  and  rewarded  with  eternal  bliss. 

12.  The  father  of  circumcision ;  of  his  natural  descendants 
who  were  circumcised,  provided  they  exercised  faith  in 
('hri.st. 

ii.  Heir  of  the  world ;  Con.  12:2,3;  15:,'-),C;  17:1-8;  Gal. 
3:(;-U,  11,  iii-18,  29.  Not— through  the  law;  not  on  the 
ground  of  obediinice  to  the  law,  or  through  the  merit  of 
liiiman  works,  but  through  the  rigliteousncss  bestowed 
upon  him  by  Cod  through  faith.     Ver.  3. 

11.  Theij  which  are  of  the  law;  those  who  seek  justifica- 
tion by  their  own  works.  Uc  heirs;  if  they  are  'by  their 
own  merits  entitled  to  the  blessings  which"(!od  promised 
to  .Abraliam.  Faith  is  made  void;  is  not  needful.  The  prom- 
ise; which  (lod  niade  to  faith.  Of  none  effect;  useless.  To 
connect  this  with  the  following  verse,  Kiip]ily  in  tliought. 
But  the  promise  cannot  be  through  the  law;  "because," 
etc. 

ir>.  Becanse  the  law  vorkelh  wrath  ;  that  is,  this  is  iis  effect 
upon  fallen  sinful  men.  It  lays  God's  authority  iii)oii  their 
consciences,  without  furnishing  the  grace  needful  to  enable 


13  For  the  promise  that  he  should  be  the  heir  of 
the  world,''  was  not  to  Abraham,  or  to  his  seed, 
through  the  law,  but  through  the  righteousness  of 
faith. 

1 4  For  if  they  which  are  of  the  law  ieheirs,  faith  is 
made  void,  and  the  promise  made  of  none  effect:'' 

15  Because  the  law  worketh  wrath:''  for  where 
no  law  is,  there  is  no  transgression." 

16  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  be  by 
grace;  to  the  end  the  promise  might  be  sure  to 
all  the  seed :  not  to  that  only  which  is  of  the  law, 
but  to  that  also  which  is  of  the  faith  of  Abraham, 
who  is  the  father  of  us  all, 

17  (As  it  is  written,  I  have  made  thee  a  father 
of  many  nations,')  before"  him  whom  he  believed, 
CVC71  God,  who  quickeneth  the  dead.J  and  callelh 
those  things  which  be  not  as  though  they  were.'' 

18  Who  against  hope  believed  in  hope,  that  he 
might  become  the  father  of  many  nations;  accord- 
ing to  that  which  was  spoken,  So  shall  thy  seed  be.' 

19  And  being  not  weak  in  faith,  he  considered 
not  his  own  body  now  dead,  when  he  was  about  a 
hundred  years  old,  neither  yet  the  deadness  of 
Sarah's  womb:'" 

20  He  staggered  not  at  the  promise  of  God 
through  unbelief;  but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving 
glory  to  God ; 

3:4.  i  Gen.  17:5.  •  Or,  like  unlo.  J  Eph.  2:1,  6.  k  1  Cor.  1:28;  1  Pet. 
2:1(1.     1  Gen.  lo:.5.     m  Hob.  11:11. 

tlicm  to  overcome  their  corrupt  passions.  Instead  of  mak- 
ing them  holy,  therefore,  and  fit  for  heaven,  it  works  wrath 
in  two  wa3'S  :  first,  by  laying  duty  upon  them  which  they 
do  not  perform,  it  becomes  the  occasion  of  jirovoking 
against  them  the  divine  wrath  ;  secondly,  in  the  same  way 
it  fills  their  minds  with  a  sense  of  guilt  and  fearful  appre- 
hension of  wrath  to  come.  Where  no  law  is,  there  /«  no  trans- 
gression; were  it  possible  that  one  should  be  alisolutcly 
without  law,  he  could  be  guilty  of  no  transgression ;  and 
the  less  clearly  the  divine  law  is  revealed,  the  less  does  it 
ojicrate  to  work  wrath.  Instead  of  saving  those  who  have 
violated  it,  and  .yet  seek  to  be  justified  by  it,  the  law  con- 
demns them.  As  all  men  have  violated  it,  none  can  be 
saved  by  it.  If  the  promises  were  made  only  to  those  who 
should  jicrfectly  obey  it,  all  would  fail  of  the  blessing.  See 
note  to  chap.  5:20. 

16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith;  the  promise  of  justification 
and  salvation  made  to  Abraham  and  his  seed,  that  .lehovah 
would  be  a  God  to  him  and  his  seed,  Gen.  17:2-7,  and  re- 
ferred to  in  Gal.  3: 29,  was  not  made  on  condition  of  perfect 
obedience  to  law,  or  on  the  ground  of  human  merit,  but  of 
grace  through  Jesus  Christ  to  all  who  slionld  believe.  Sure 
to  all  the  seed;  that  all  who  sliinild  in  faith  imilatc  .Miraham, 
might  obtain  (he  blessing  ]ironiised  to  liim  and  his  seed, 
of  having  .lehovah  fn-  their  (lod  and  portion.  Not  to  that 
onlif  which  IS  of  the  law;  not  to  Jews  only,  but  to  Gentiles 
also— to  all  who  believe.  The  father  of  us  all;  all  of  every 
nation  who  exercise  faith  in  Christ. 

17.  As  it  IS  wrdlen;  lien.  17:5.  lieforc  him;  in  his  sight, 
and  according  to  his  promise.  Quickeneth;  giveth  life  to. 
Things  which  lie  not;  which  have  not  taken  jilace.  Though 
they  may  appear  to  men  impossible,  ho  sjieaks  of  tliem  as 
if  they  were  already  accom]ilislied,  and  thus  shows  their 
certainty. 

18.  Against  hope;  against  all  human  expectation,  or  aji- 
parent  possibility.  In  hope;  that  the  things  promised  would 
certainly  lake  place.  The  father ;  an  illustrious  ]iattern  of 
faith,  for  the  imilalion  of  all  who  should  believe, 

19.  Dead — deadness;  as  to  what  was  promised,  they  be- 
ing at  a  time  of  life  when  it  woukl  not  be  according  to  the 
ordinary  cmirse  of  nature. 

20.  lie  staggered  not ;  he  did  not  let  his  advanced  age,  or 
that  of  his  wife,  prevent  him  from  believing  that  tliey 

1285 


Tlit  advantage  and  extant 


ROMANS  V. 


if  justification  hy  faith. 


21  And  being  fully  persuailcd,  that  what  he  had 
promised,  he  was  able  also  to  perlbrm." 

22  And  therefore  it  was  imputed  to  him  for 
righteousness. 

23  Now  it  was  not  written  for  his  sake  alone," 
that  it  was  imputed  to  him  ; 

24  But  for  us  also,''  to  wliom  it  shall  be  imputed, 
if  we  believe  on  iiim  tliat  raised  u})  Jesus  our  Lord 
from  the  dead;'' 

25  Who  was  delivered  for  our  offences,"  and  was 
raised  again  for  our  justiiieation/ 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Being  justified  by  faith,  we  iiave  peace  with  God,  2  and  joy  in  our 
hope,  8  that  since  we  were  reconciled  by  his  blood,  when  we  were 
enemies,  10  we  shall  much  more  be  s;ived  being  reconciled.  12  As 
sin  and  death  came  by  Adam,  17  so  much  more  rightt-ousness  and 
life  by  Jesus  Christ.     20   Where  sin  abounded,  grace  did  superabound. 

'^T^HEREFORE  being  justified  by  faith,"  we  have 

JL.   ])eace  with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ: 

2  13y  whom  also  we  have  access  by  faith  into  this 


a 

Gen.   13:14^ 

Luke 

I::i7, 

45;    Heb. 

11:1!) 

!>  ch 

15:4; 

1  Cor. 

in 

11 

'  A 

U  2;  3D.    i 

Mirk 

11!;  lU; 

John  :i:M 

-Hi, 

e  Isi    53:5,  6 

2  Cor 

5 

21  • 

lUb 

9:2' ;  I  Pet 

2:24 

Rev. 

i:.5.    M  Cor.  I.i: 

7;  IPe 

I.  1:21 

f  Un.. 

32 

"; 

)-;pii 

.  i.U;  Col. 

1:20. 

Ii  John  14:6.     ■ 

Ueb. 

3:0.     J 

Mill. 

5:11,  1 

2; 

Jas. 

should  h;ive  a  son  and  receive  the  blessings  which  God 
li;i'l  promised.  Giving  glory  to  God;  by  the  manifestation 
of  strong  fUitli  in  liim. 

2'i.  It;  his  unwavering  confidence  in  God.  Was  imput- 
ed to  him;  as  tlie  means  of  liis  being  accepted  of  God  and 
graciously  treated  as  rigliteous. 

'i.i.  That  it;  tliat  his  faith  was  imputed  to  him  for  right- 
eousness. 

2t.  It  shall  be  imputed;  if  we  possess  and  manifest  faith 
similar  to  that  of  Abraham,  our  failli  sliuU  Ik;  imputed  to 
us  for  righteousness,  as  his  was  to  him.  This  account  of 
Aliraham  w;is  transmitted  to  us  to  induce  us,  by  exercis- 
ing similar  faitli,  to  become  his  spiritual  seed,  and  heirs 
to  the  eternal  blessings  promised  to  him. 

:i.>.  Was  delivere  I  for  our  olfenrei;  dQli\crc'l  to  death  on 
account  of  our  sins.  For  our  justification ;  in  whicli  is  im- 
plied the  resurrection  of  our  bodies,  and  our  admission, 
iom4>lete  in  soul  ;uid  body,  to  the  enjoyment  of  eternal 
lif<(  in  heaven.  iJotli  the  death  of  Christ  and  his  resurrec- 
tion were  necessary  to  complete  the  work  of  our  redemp- 
tion. But  the  apostle  naturally  ascribes  to  the  former  the 
e.xpiation  of  sin ;  to  tlie  latter,  our  introduction,  tliroiigh 
the  justifying  grace  of  (lod,  to  a  new  divine  life  in  holy 
communion  with  him. 

IN.STUrCTIOX.S. 

C.  Saint.s  under  the  Old  Test:iment  were  saved  in  the 
same  way  as  saints  under  tlio  New :  not  on  account  of 
their  own  works,  but  on  account  of  Christ,  and  through 
faith  in  him. 

11.  It  is  dangerous  to  put  the  sign  for  the  tiling  signi- 
fied, or  make  the  one  a  substitute  for  the  nlher.  Those 
who  depend  on  the  sign  are  <lcstitiite  of  the  thing  signi- 
fied ;  and  so  long  as  they  continue  to  do  it  will  rciri;iin 
destitute.  Glorying  in  the  shadow,  they  lose  the  sub- 
wt;incc. 

13.  The  way  of  salvation  through  faith  in  Christ  is  suit- 
ed to  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men.  None  are  so  good 
tliat  they  can  be  saved  in  any  other  way ;  and  none  are  so 
bad  that  thry  cannot  be  saved  in  this. 

20.  We  shoulrl  never  doubt  the  truth  of  what  God  lias 
declared,  on  account  of  any  difilciilties  in  the  way  of  its 
fulfilment;  but  should  expect  its  fulfilment  as  certainly  as 
if  there  were  no  obstacles  in  its  way.  Isa.  40:8:  46:10; 
I.uke  2I:3S. 

23.  What  is  written  in  the  Pcriptures  was  written  for 

tlie  instruction  of  men,  not  only  of  that  iigc,  but  of  all  ages. 

They  are  given  by  inspiration,  and  arc  all  profibiblo  for 

doctrine,  reproof,  correction,  and  instruction  in  rightcous- 

1286 


grace  wherein  we  stand,"^  and  rejoice  in  hope  a.  d.  cu. 
of  the  glory  of  God.' 

3  And  not  only  .vo,  but  we  glory  in  tribulations 
also  :J  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience ; 

4  And  patience,  experience;  and  experience, 
hope : 

5  And  ho])e  maketli  not  ashamed;"'  because  the 
love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  whicli  is  given  unto  us.' 

G  For  when  we  were  yet  witlsout  strength,  in 
due  time*  Christ  died  for  tiie  ungodly.™ 

7  For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will  one  die: 
yet  peradveiiture  for  a  good  man  some  would  even 
dare  to  die. 

8  But  God  commcnd<>th  his  love  toward  us,  in 
that,  while  wo  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us." 

9  Much  more  then,  being  now  justificil  by  his 
blood,''  we  shall  be  saved  from  w^-ath  through  iiim.'' 

10  For  if  when  we  were  eneiuies,  we  were  rec- 
onciled to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  niucji  more, 
being  reconciled,''  we  shall  b(!  saved  by  his  life."' 

1:2.12.  kPhil.l:20.  '  Eph.  1:13.  14.  •  Or.  oKordin^  to  Ike  limt.  "Gal. 
4:4.  n  John  15:1.3;  1  Pel.  3:18;  1  John  3:1G.  •  llcb.  y:l4,  22.  P  1  TheM. 
1:10.    qch.8:3a.    r  John  14:19. 


ncss.  They  sluuild  therefore  be  studied  by  all  wlui  have 
them ;  and  slnuild  be  sent  to  all  the  destitute,  that  tiiey 
m;iv  be  led  to  believe  oil  Christ,  and  thus  obtain  eternal 
life" 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Hare  peace  with  God;  are  recoiieilod  to  him,  and  in  a 
state  of  fiivor  with  him. 

2.  Into  this  grace;  into  this  gracious  state  of  ])caco  and 
love.  Tlie  glory  of  G'oil ;  that  glory  whicli  he  has  prom- 
ised and  will  bestow  upon  liis  believing  jieojile. 

3.  Tribulations ;  trials — not  because  ihey  aie  pleasant, 
but  because  they  are  useful.  I'alicnce;  in  the  old  sense  of 
endurance — the  quality  of  bearing  suUeriug  with  calmness 
and  nn\v;iveriiig  furtitude. 

4.  Experience;  also  in  the  old  Latin  sense  of  trial,  and 
then  junuf,  tried  integrity  which  ciunes  from  trial  rightly 
endured,  and  is  ihe  oliject  of  (iod's  approval.  The  same 
Greek  word  is  use<l  in  I'hil.  2:22,  where  our  version  ren- 
ders it,  "  proof"  Hope;  the  confident  "hope  of  the  glory 
of  (Jod,"  ver.  2. 

■').  Makelh  net  ashamed ;  it  will  not  be  dis;ippoinled — the 
glorj'  ho|ied  for  will  be  realized.  The  love  of  God  is  sited 
abroad ;  the  sweet  sense  of  (Jod's  love  towards  us,  which 
is  always  accomiiaiiied  by  the  exercise  of  our  love  tow- 
ards him.  ]>i>th  are  caused  in  us  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
are  a  sure  earnest  of  eternal  life.     I'hil.  l:i>. 

G.  IVdhnut  strength;  were  wicked,  lost,  and  destitute  of 
resources  to  siive  ourselves,  or  provide  for  our  own  sal- 
vation. In  due  lime;  at  the  proper  time  in  God's  estima- 
tion— the  right  time.  Died  fur  llie  ungndhj;  in  their  stead, 
lh:it  they,  by  believing  in  him,  might  live  lor  ever. 

7.  A  righleoui  won  ,■  Just,  upright,  and  honest.  A  good 
man;  not  only  just,  but  kind,  comiiassioiwite,  and  governed 
by  love  to  (hid  and  men. 

8.  God  (irnimendeth  his  love;  shows  it  to  bo  unspeakal)ly 
greater,  more  diwintcresteil,  and  abuiid;uit.  S,nncrs;  eiic- 
liiies  to  him.  and  deserving  his  rlisplcasure. 

9.  lieiiig  nnir  jiislificd  hij  his  blood;  the  argument  is  from 
the  less  to  the  greater:  If  while  we  were  yet  enemies  to 
God  an  expiation  was  made  for  our  sins,  much  more,  now 
that  through  that  expiiitioii  we  have  been  brought  into  an 
actual  state  of  justification,  shall  we  be  saved  from  God's 
wrath. 

10.  We  were  reconciled ;  not  personally  and  a(  tu;dly,  for 
the  apostle  is  speaking,  iis  in  ver.  8,  of  the  exjiiatory  diiith 
of  Christ.  He  means,  then,  that  a  way  of  rocuiiciliaticm 
was  opened  to  us  by  tlio  death  of  Christ    Being  reconciled; 


Where  sin  abounded, 


ROMANS  V. 


grace  did  supcrnl(,und . 


AD.  en  11  And  not  onl}^  so,  but  we  also  joy  in 
God  tlirough  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,-^  by  whom  we 
have  now  received  tlie  atonement." 

12  Wlierefore,  as  by  one  nmu  sin  entered  into 
the  worhl,  and  death  by  sin;''  and  so  deatli  passed 
ujion  all  men,  for  that*  all  have  sinueil: 

1:5  For  until  the  law,  sin  was  in  the  world:  but 
sin  is  not  imputed  when  there  is  no  law.- 

14  Nevertheless,  death  reigned  from  Adam  to 
Moses,''  even  over  them  that  Imd  not  sinned  after 
tlie  similitude  of  Adam's  transgression,  who  is  the 
iigure  of  liini  that  was  to  come." 

15  But  not  as  the  ofl'ence,  so  also  is  tiie  free  gift. 
For  if  through  the  olTenee  of  one  many  be  dead, 
much  more  the  grace  of  God,'  and  the  gift  by  grace, 
wliich  is  by  one  man,  Jesus  Ciirist,  hatli  abounded 
unto  many.'' 

10  And  not  as  it  u-as  by  one  that  sinned,  .so  is  the 
gift :  for  the  judgment  icas  by  one  to  condemnation, 

sHab,  3;18.  *  Or,  rfronciliation.  b  Gen. -i: (3,  19.  i  Or,  imv/iom.  c  ch. 
4;!.);  IJohii  3:4.  dHeb.  9::>7.  «  1  Cor.  I5:*>,  4.3.  r  Eph.  a^S.  e  Isa. 
53:11;  Matt.  a0:2ai  a0:38;  IJohn  2:2.     tlsa.  1:18.     i  Or,  iy  one  offence. 

tliat  is,  personally  and  actually,  through  faith  in  Christ's 
expiatory  death.  If  c  shall  be  savctl  by  km  life;  both  the 
death  and  resurrection  of  Christ  are  necessary  to  complete 
the  work  of  our  redemption.  But  here,  as  in  chap.  4:25, 
lie  ascribes  to  his  death  the  expiation  of  our  .sin,  and  to 
his  life  alter  his  resurrection  our  actual  introduction  to  a 
state  of  justification  and  eternal  life.  For  Christ  lives 
with  all  power  in  heaven  and  on  earth  to  intercede  for  his 
saints  and  overrule  all  things  for  tlieir  good.  Matt.  28: 18 ; 
John  14:19;  Rom.  8:28-39  ;  Ileb.  7:25. 

11.  Joy  in  God;  greatly  rejoice  in  his  character  and 
will ;  especially  in  the  gift  of  his  Son  and  the  way  of  life 
through  him.  By  whom;  Christ.  Tlic  atonement;  recon- 
ciliation to  (.iod  and  the  enjoyment  of  his  favor. 

12.  Wherefore  as  hy  one  man;  that  is,  Adam.  The  apos- 
tle, in  this  verse,  evidently  Ijcgins  a  comparison  between 
Ailam  ami  Christ,  the  same  for  substance  as  that  contained 
in  verses  18,  19.  But  before  completing  it,  he  jiauses  to 
throw  in  sundry  remarks  pertaining  to  it.  Death  by  .iin ;  as  a 
conseiiuence  cd'sin.  And  su;  as  a  consequence  of  sin,  death 
passed  upon  all ;  all  became  subject  to  it.  For  that ;  because. 

l:i.  Until  the  law;  before  it  was  written,  or  communicat- 
eil  by  Moses.  Sm  u-as  in  the  world;  men  committed  it, 
and  suffered  the  conseriuenees  ;  (rod  treated  them  as  sin- 
ners. Sin  is  not  imputed;  it  is  not  charged  to  men,  or  laid 
to  their  aecount;  they  are  not  held  responsible  and  imn- 
islii'd  for  it.  Wh';n  there  is  tie  law;  because  sin  is  a  trans- 
gression of  a  wise  and  good  law.  It  follows  that  there 
was  such  a  law  binding  on  men  before  the  time  of  Moses, 
and  before  any  written  revelation  of  the  will  of  (iod  was 
iii;ide  to  men.  There  was  a  law  given  to  Adam  from  the 
niouth  of  (Jod,  by  the  violation  of  wliich  sin  entered,  and 
death  liy  sin.  There  was  :i  law,  too,  written  u])on  the 
hearts  of  all  men  as  nujral  beings.  Chap.  2:14,  15.  Of 
course  there  eoidd  be,  and  there  was,  transgression — vio- 
lation of  l;iw.  This  was  proved  by  the  fact  that  there 
was  death  us  universal  as  after  the  giving  of  a  written 
law  by  Moses. 

14.  S'militude;  niiiuner  or  likeness  ;  iiame!3',  by  violating 
a  positive  revealed  law.  Fisrure;  in  the  original,  type. 
.Vdam  i.s  the  type  of  Christ,  cs|)eeially  in  the  wide  iiitiu- 
eneo  exerted  by  him  on  the  human  family.  Of  him  that 
w.is  to  come;  the  .Messiah.  This  was  amlmg  the  .lews  a 
common  mo  le  of  designating  their  expected  Messiah. 
Compar''  .\bitt.  II:.'!;  .lohn  (i:14:  11:27. 

I.').  Sol  ((.<  //(■•  offence;  having  called  Adam  the  type  of 
Christ,  it  w;is  natural  that  the  apostle  should  show  that 
there  is  not  a  likeness  in  all  reK))ects  between  .Adam  and 
Christ;  or  between  the  evil  which  conies  through  the  (Jiie. 
and  the  good  which  conies  through  the  other.  In  several 
respects  there  is  u  diUerence;  some  of  whicii  he  jirocceds 


but  the  free  gift  is  of  many  offences  unto  justifica- 
tion." 

17  For  if  by  one  man's  offence*  death  reigned  by 
one  ;  much  more  they  which  receive  abundance  of 
grace  and  of  the  gift  of  righteousness,  shall  reign 
in  life  by  one,  Jesus  Ciirist.' 

18  Therefore,  as  by  the  olTcnce  of  onc^  judgment 
came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation,  even  so  by 
tiio  rigliteousness  of  one'  the  free  gift  came  upon 
all  men  unto  justification  of  lifc.J 

19  For  as  by  one  man's  disobedience  many  were 
made  sinners,  so  by  tiic  obedience  of  one  siiall  many 
1)0  made  righteous. 

20  Moreover  the  law  entered,  that  the  offence 
iniglit  abound."  But  where  sin  abounded,  grace  did 
much  more  abound :' 

21  Tiiat  as  sin  hath  reigned  unto  deatli,  even  so 
migiit  grace  reign  through  rigliteousness  unto  eter- 
nal life  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.'" 


'  John  10:10;  ch.  7:23.  5  Or,  6y  one  off'enre.  i  Or,  by  one  ri!*lil''oiisness. 
i  John  12::ia.  k  John  15:22;  ch.  7:a-13;  Gal.  3:10.  1  John  lU:  10;  1  Tim. 
1:14.  m  John  1:17. 


to  mention.  Many  he  dead;  there  is  a  difference  in  tlio 
kind  anil  extent  of  inlluenee.  Tliat  of  Adam  works  death  ; 
that  of  (-'hrist  brings  to  all  wlio  receive  him  superabounding 
grace  and  life.  Hath  abounded;  hath,  to  those  who  em- 
brace Jesus  (-'hrist,  gone  beyond  the  mere  removal  of  the 
evil  which  comes  upon  tliem  through  Adam ;  giving  them 
good  which  is  more  safe,  more  abundant,  more  glorious 
than  he  or  they  ever  lost,  or  could  in  any  way,  except 
through  faith  in  him,  ever  have  enjoyed.     John  10:  lU. 

10.  By  one  that  sinned;  Adam.  There  is  a  difference 
between  the  evil  which  came  through  Adam,  and  the  good 
whicli  comes  through  t 'hrist,  in  another  respect.  Bij  one; 
one  offence,  by  which  sin  entered.  The  evil,  expressed 
by  the  words  judgment,  death,  and  condemnation,  came 
through  and  were  made  sure  by  one  sin  ;  but  the  grace  of 
(jod  in  Jesus  Christ  pardons  and  triumphs  over  many  sins, 
and  bestows  an  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory 
upon  those  wlio  have  committed  numerous  otfences. 

17.  One  man's  offence;  that  of  Adam.  By  one;  Adam. 
Much  more;  the  reasons  for  saving  believers  in  Christ  ;ip- 
pear  much  more  numerous  and  strong  than  those  for  sub- 
jecting lliem  to  sin  and  death  through  Adam.  .\s  the  lat- 
ter has  been  done,  they  may  be  sure,  from  the  character 
and  word  of  God,  that  the  former  will  in  due  time  be  ac- 
complfshed. 

IS.  Upon  all  men  unto  justification ;  the  blessings  provided 
by  Christ  are  sullicient  for  all;  they  ;ire  oifered  to  all  to 
whom  they  are  revealed;  they  should  be  acceptetl  by  all; 
and  all  who  do  accept  them,  as  oifered  in  the  gospel,  will 
be  pardoned,  justified,  and  saved. 

2U.  The  bno  cidcral;  a  written  revelation  of  the  will  of 
(!od  was  given  and  embodied  in  the  moral  and  ceremonial 
l;iw  cd'  the  (Jld  Testament.  That  the  offence  might  alnniiid; 
as  men,  after  the  giving  of  the  written  law,  had  more  com- 
mands ami  obligations  which  they  knowingly  violated,  the 
number  and  guilt  of  their  sins  Wiis  greatly  increased. 
Thus  the  law,  through  their  opjiosition  to  it,  and  their 
voluntary  disobedience  of  it,  aggravated  their  condemna- 
tion ;  and  was  adajited  to  make  them  feel  that  if  they  wire 
ever  Raved,  it  must  bo  by  grace,  and  thus  prepare  them 
to  b(dieve  on  Christ.  Gal.  3:24.  (hace  did  much  more 
abound;  it  triumphed  over  all  obstiieles,  and  saved  those 
who  Indievod  in  Christ,  notwithstanding  their  greatly  mul- 
ti]died  and  .aggravated  transgressions. 

21.  Throiish  rir;hteon\ness;  the  righteousness  which  God 
gives  through  faith  in  Christ,  who  died  for  our  sins  accord- 
ing to  the  Seriptiires,  rose  for  our  justification,  :md  ever 
lives  to  make  intercession  for  us.  1  Cor.  15:3,4;  Ileb. 
7 :  25. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Faith  in  Christ  makes  a  great  and  blessed  change  in 

1287 


We  may  not  live  in  sin, 


ROMANS  VI. 


for  we  are  dead  unto  it. 


CHAPTER  VI, 


1  We  may  not  live  in  sin,  2  for  we  are  dead  unto  it.  3  as  appeareth  by 
our  baptism.  12  Let  not  sin  rei>,Ti  any  more,  IS  because  we  liave 
yielded  ourselves  to  tlie  servic;e  of  riijhteousness,  23  and  for  tliat  deatli 
IS  the  waijes  of  sin. 

■XTT^HAT  shall  wc  pay  tlien?   Shall  wc  continue 
\  V     in  sin,  that  pTace  nia_y  aljouiid  ?" 
2  God  forbid,     llow  shall  wc.  that  arc  dead  to 
sill,  live  any  longer  tiierein?'' 

;}  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were*  bap- 
tized into  Jesus  Christ,  were  baptized  into  his 
deatli  ?'= 

4  Tiierefore  wo  arc  buried  with  liim  by  baptism 
into  death:''  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  uj) 
from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Fallicr,"  even 
so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life.' 

5  For  if  we  have  been  jilantcd  together  in  the 
likeness  of  his  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  like- 
ness 0^ his  resurrection:''' 

«  oil.  .3:S.  !>  ver.  (i-l  1 ;  Col  ■■S-.-.S;  I  Pet.  •J:-24.  '  Or,  art.  c  )  Cor.  \r>:W. 
'  Col.  3:12;  1  Pet.  3:-21.  e  Matt.  2-^:2,  .3;  ch.  S:ll  ;  2  Cor.  13:4.  '  Gal. 
8:15;  Eph.  4:22-24;  IJoliii  2:r>.     f  Phil.  3:10.    liCol.2:n.    1  Or,  jtislijieil. 


the  state,  character,  condition,  enjoyments,  and  prosjiects 
of  men. 

5.  The  love  of  God  reigning  in  the  heart  is  a  sure  evi- 
dence of  having  received  tlie  Holy  i^pirit,  and,  under  his 
iiilhicnce,  of  being  in  a  course  of  projiaratidii  for  Iumvcm. 

10.  A  change  in  men  from  a  state  of  enmity  to  God  mani- 
fested by  rebelling  again.st  liim,  to  a  state  of  love  for  liim 
manifested  by  obeying  him,  is  proof  that  tliey  liave  passed 
from  deatli  unto  life,  and  that  tlicy  will  V)e  Icept  by  the 
power  of  (Jod  through  faitli  unto  salvation.     1  Peter  1:5. 

1.5.  The  evil  which  one  offence  of  Adam  brought  on  him 
and  Ids  posterity,  shows  in  a  wonderfid  manner  the  evil 
nature  and  destructive  tendency  of  sin,  ami  the  great  guilt 
and  danger  of  committing  it,  and  should  lead  all  to  hale 
and  at  once  forsake  it. 

19.  As  all  who  believe  in  Christ  will  be  saved,  all  to 
wliom  ho  is  made  known  are  boinid  both  by  duty  and  in- 
terest to  iK-lieve  in  liiin,  and  llius,  through  grace,  jircpttre 
to  live  and  rejoice  with  him  for  ever  in  heaven.  If  they 
do  not.  their  destruction  will  bo  more  dreatlful  than  if 
they  had  never  heard  of  him,  or  he  had  never  come  into 
the  world. 

CriAPTER  YI. 

1.  What  shall  we  say ;  in  view  of  the  foregoing  truths,  and 
especially  the  fact  that  where  sin  abonmled,  grace  did 
tnuch  more  aboiuid.  Hhall  we  continue  to  live  in  sin,  that 
grace  may  the  more  aboinid? 

2.  God  forbid;  surely  not;  for  that  would  be  acting  not 
rnily  against  the  al)ounding,  but  against  all  operations  of 
grace — against  what  is  professeil  ami  is  most  earnestly 
desired  by  all  true  Christians.  Tln-y  luive  lor)kecl  to 
I'hrist  to  be  delivereil  not  only  froin  the  punishment,  but 
from  the  power  of  sin.  For  them,  therefore,  to  continue 
in  it  that  grace  might  be  displayed  in  its  forgiveness, 
would  be  not  only  wicked  but  absurd.  It  would  be  act- 
ing against  the  great  object  of  their  desires  and  efforts. 
We  ttuit  are  dead  to  sin;  that  have,  from  a  discovery  of  its 
evil  and  malignant  nature,  heartily  renounced  it  and  sepa- 
rated ourselves  from  it. 

3.  Were  baptized  into  his  death;  were  so  united  with  him 
88  to  be  followirs  of  him  in  his  death  by  ilyiiig  to  sin  as 
he  did.     See  this  idea  more  fully  stJited  in  ver.  10.  11. 

4.  Wcalsnshmdd  walk  m  newness  of  life;  for  our  death  with 
Christ  to  sin  im)dieH  our  resurrection  with  Christ  to  (Jod, 
which  is  to  us  a  new  lifit  of  holiness.     Sim'  on  ver.  10,  II. 

.5.  Planted  tofelher ;  that  is.  as  thtr  original  word  imi)lies, 
closely  united,  namidy.  with  (Christ,  li'e  sliall  bred  so;  closely 
united  with  Christ.  Our  dying  with  Christ  to  sin,  implies 
our  rising  with  Christ  to  (Jod.     Ver.  10.  II. 

C.  Our  old  man ;  our  natural  love  of  sin,  and  inclination 
to  commit  it.  Is  crunfied  with  him ;  a  repetition  of  the  idea 
1288 


6  Knowing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crn-  a.d  go. 
cified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be  de- 
stroyed, that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin." 

7  For  he  that  is  dead  is  freed*  from  sin.' 

8  Now,  if  we  be  dead  witli  Christ,  we  believe 
tliat  wc  shall  also  live  with  him: 

I)  Knowing  that  Christ,  being  raised  from  the 
dead,  dieth  no  more;  death  halii  no  more  domin- 
ion over  liim.-' 

10  For  in  that  he  died,  ho  died  tmto  sin  once:" 
but  in  that  he  liveth,  he  liveth  unto  God. 

11  Likewise  reckon  ye  also  yourselves  to  be  dead 
indeed  unto  sin,'  but  alive  unto  Cud  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.'" 

12  Let  not  sin  tlicrcfore  reign  in  your  mortal 
body,  tliat  ye  sliould  obey  it  in  tlie  lusts  thereof." 

13  Neither  yield  ye  your  members  as  instruments' 
of  unrighteousness  unto  sin :"  but  yield  yourselves 
unto  God,  as  those  that  are  alive  from  the  dead, 


i   1  Pet.  4:1.    J  Rev.   1:1H.     k  Heb.  9:2S.     1  ver.  2.     ■"  Gal.  2:19.     "  I'sa. 
19:13;  119:133.     X  Sr.  arms,  or  weapons,    o  Col.  3:5. 


that  we  die  with  Christ  to  sin.  The  apostle  uses  the  word 
crucified  with  reference  to  the  manner  of  our  Lord's  death  ; 
perhaps  also  to  intimate  the  lingering  and  jiaiiiful  nature 
of  the  process  by  which  the  old  man  dies,  to  give  |ilace 
to  the  new  man.  The  body  of  sin ;  the  s;ime  as  "  the  law 
of  sin  which  is  in  my  members,"  chap.  7:23.  which  in  the 
old  man  controls  the  body,  making  it  a  boily  of  sin  and 
death,  chap.  7:24. 

7.  For  lie  that  is  dead;  that  is,  as  the  context  shows,  ho 
that  has  died  to  sin.     Compare  ver.  18. 

8.  Dead  with  Christ;  in  the  sense  above  explained — one 
with  him  in  Kyin]jathy,  desire,  and  effort  as  to  the  object 
of  his  death,  the  dclivcriince  of  his  pe(i|ile  from  sin.  We 
believe  tliat  wc  shull  also  live  with  him;  be  like  him.  through 
communications  received  from  him.  in  living  t(j  (lod.even 
as  the  branch  is  like  the  vine.   Jolinl4:l!l;  lo:.');  llcb.7:25. 

10.  He  (lied  tmto  sin;  in  reference  to  sin,  the  tk'sign  of  his 
death  being  to  put  away  sin.  lleb.  !l:2(i.  Hy  making  ex- 
piation for  sin  be  iircjiared  the  w;iy  for  its  lurgiveness, . 
and  thus  its  removal  IVoni  the  souls  of  till  that  believe  in 
him.  In  that  he  liveth  ;  liveth  in  his  new  resurrection-life. 
He  liveth  unto  God;  his  life  is  tlevoted  to  the  glory  of  (iod 
in  the  furtherance  of  the  work  of  redemption.  IJefore  his 
crucifixion,  Christ  lived  unto  (iod  also,  lint  that  was  a 
life  of  huniili;Uion  leading  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  and 
may  hero  be  reckoned  as  a  part  of  the  process  of  his  dy- 
ing unto  sin.  His  resurrectitui-life,  on  the  contrary,  is  a 
life  of  exaltation,  in  which  all  jiower  is  given  into  his 
hands  for  the  glory  of  the  Father,  in  the  overthrow  of  the 
kingdom  of  Satan  tind  the  establishment  of  the  kingdom 
of  (iod  ill  this  wtjrld. 

11.  Likewise  rechm  ye;  be  like  Christ,  in  dying  to  sin 
and  living  to  Cod.  Dead  indeed  vnio  sin;  dead  in  refer- 
ence to  sin,  in  the  sense  of  putting  it  away  Irom  yon.  and 
having  no  more  to  do  with  it.  Alive  unto  God;  living  a 
new  life  of  holiness  devoted  to  Cod's  glory,  in  iniil;ition  of 
Christ's  ri'snrreetion-life.  Ttirow^li  .lesns  Christ ;  by  virtue 
of  your  union  with  him  through  faith.  In  this  and  the 
l>receding  verse,  we  have  the  key  to  the  interpret;ition  of 
the  preceding  comparison  extended  in  various  forms 
through  verses  1-il. 

12.  I.,et  not  sill  therefore  reifrn;  be  not  its  slaves  in  liciiig 
or  doing  wrong,  but  be  the  freemen  and  willing  servants 
of  Christ  in  being  tind  iloing  right.  In  your  mortal  bndy; 
let  not  the  mind  be  cnsliivcd  to,  or  )Jolluie<l  by  (he  bmlily 
propensities,  appi'tites,  or  iMssions.  Control  and  regidate 
ihcm  accoriling  to  the  will  oftiorl. 

i:i.  Se.tthcr  yield  ye  your  members;  let  not  any  of  your 
faculties  or  powers  be  employed  in  the  service  or  used  as 
the  instruments  of  sin.  Yourselves;  body  ami  soul  with 
all  vour  powers  employ  in  the  service,  and  to  the  glory  of 
God. 


We  must  serve  rigkkoiismss. 


ROMANS  VII. 


Believers  arc  dc::d  to  the  hixo. 


A.  D.  60.  [incl  3'ouv  members  as  instruments  of  right- 1 
eousncss  unto  Goil/'' 

14  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you:'' 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  hxw,  but  under  grace. 

15  What  theu  ?  shall  we  sin,  because  we  are  not 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace?     God  forbid. 

16  Know  yc  not.  that  to  whom  ye  yield  your- 
selves servants  to  obey,  his  servants  ye  are  to 
whom  ye  obey;"  whether  of  sin  unto  death,  or  of 
obedience  uuto  rigliteousness  ? 

17  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye  were  the  ser- 
vants of  sin,  l)ut  ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart 
that  form  of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  you.*'' 

18  Being  then  made  free  from  sin,  ye  became 
the  servants  of  righteousness." 

19  1  speak  after  the  manner  of  men,  because  of 
the  inlirmity  of  your  flesh:  for  as  ye  liave  yielded 
your  meml)ers  servants  to  uncieanness  and  to  in- 
iquity, unto  iniquity  ;  even  so  now  yield  your  mem- 
bers servants  to  righteousness,  unto  holiness. 

20  For  when  ye  were  the  servants  of  sin,'  yc 
were  free  from^  righteousness. 

"21  What  fruit  had  yc  then  in  those  things  whereof 
ye  are  now  ashamed  'l^  for  the  end  of  those  things 
is  deatli." 

>Cli. 1-2:1.  liMio.7.19.  c  John  d::i4;  2  Pet.  2: 19.  •  Gt.  wherelo  ye  mre 
ddictrcil      il  4  Tun.  1:13.     e  John  H::!2.     Tver.   16.     t  Or.  fo.     B  ch.  7:5. 

\i.  Over  you;  Christians,  who  liavs  believed  in  Christ, 
.and  are  justified  by  faitli.  Ye  are  not  under  the  taw;  not 
under  a  legal  dispensation,  where  perfect  obedience  to 
law,  and  freedom  from  all  sin,  are  necessary  to  acceptance 
with  God.  Tlie  apostle  bad  already  shown  that  the  law 
cannot  deliver  from  either  the  |.;uilt  or  the  pollution  of  sin, 
but  "  wiirketli "  wrath  to  all  transgressors.  Chap.  3:20; 
4:15.  But  under  grace;  a  gracious  dispensation,  under 
which  men  are  jnstiiied,  not  by  perfect  obedience,  but  by 
faith  in  Christ,  wlio  died  to  redeem  them  from  the  ciu-se 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  them. 

15.  S'lall  w:  sill;  if  they  should  thus  abuse  the  doctrine 
of  salvation  by  grace,  and  talve  occasion  from  it  to  live  in 
known  sin,  it  would  show  that  they  loved  sin,  that  they 
were  its  slaves;  and  continuing  this  course,  would  reap 
its  wages,  eternal  death.     Rom.  8:13;  Gal.  6:7,  8. 

17.  God  he  thanked;  tliat  tliey  wlio  were  the  servants  of 
sin  had  forsal<cu  it,  and  believed  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

18.  Made  free;  from  .the  slavery  of  sin.  Servants  of 
rightenmncss ;  liy  believing  and  obeying  Christ. 

19.  After  the  manner  of  men;  as  much  as  to  say,  In  call- 
ing yon  the  servants  of  righteousness,  I  do  not  mean  that 
you  are  not  truly  free,  l)Ut  I  use  an  illustration  drawn 
from  a  relation  witli  which  you  are  familiar.  Became  of 
the  infirmity  of  your  flesh ;  your  dulnoss,  on  account  of  your 
remaining  carnality,  in  rightly  a]iprelieiiding  divine  trutli. 
An  ye  have  ijieldrd  i/onr  rnemherx ;  as  tbey  had  heretofore 
employed  tiiem  in  the  practice  of  sin,  they  should  here- 
after employ  them  in  the  lu-actiee  of  holiness. 

20.  When  ip  wrethe  servants  of  sin;  were  wholly  devot- 
ed to  it.  Free  from  righteousness;  not  in  any  way  under 
its  control— I  most  miserable  freedom,  as  the  apostle  jiro- 
ceeds  to  kIionV. 

21.  IVhnt  fruit  had  ye;  in  that  Hliameful.  wicked  course. 
I  >id  it  do  you  any  good  ?  The  end  of  tho^e  things ;  their  ten- 
dency, and  the  result  to  which  wh'en  continued  tliev  lead. 
U  death;  temporal,  spiritual,  eternal. 

22.  Free  from  sm ;  its  coTidemning  and  reigning  power. 
Servants  of  God ;  devoted  to  him.  Fruit  unto  hoiiiirsx;  its 
results  are  increasing  holiness,  and  of  course  increasing 
uscruhiess  and  haiipincss.  Everlasting  life ;  holiness,  and 
haiipiiicss,  whirh  shall  be  iierfect  and  eternal. 

23.  The  w'lse^  of  sin;  its  just  desert.  Is  death;  endless 
sinning  and  sufi'ering.  Eternal  life;  perfect,  endless  lioli- 
uess  and  bliss. 


22  But  now  being  made  free  from  sin,  and  be- 
come servants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit  unto 
holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

23  For  the  wages  of  sin  w  death  ;'  but  the  gift 
of  God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.J 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  No  law  hath  power  over  a  man  longpr  than  he  liveth.  4  But  we  are 
de:id  to  the  law.  7  Yet  is  not  the  kiwsin,  12  but  iioly,  just;  good,  16 
as  I  acknowledge,  who  am  grieved  because  I  cannot  Icecp  it. 

NOW  ye  not,  brethren,  (for  I  speak  to  them 
that  know  the  law,)  how  that  the  law  liath 
doininion  over  a  man  as  h)iig  as  lie  liveth  ? 

2  For  the  woman  which  hath  a  husband  is  bound 
by  the  law  to  her  husband  so  long  as  he  liveth ; 
but  if  the  husband  be  dead,  she  is  loosed  from  the 
law  o?  her  husband.'' 

3  So  tlien  if,  while  her  liusband  liveth,  she  be 
married  to  another  man.  she  shall  be  called  an 


adulteress 


nit  if  her  husband  be  dead,  she  is 


free  from  that  law;  so  that  she  is  no  adulteress, 
though  she  be  married  to  another  man. 

4  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  also  are  become 
dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Christ;™  that  ye 


h  ch.  1  :.■!■!:  Jas.   1:1.5.     '  Gen.  2:17.     t  ch.  5:17 
7::i9.     1  iMalt.  5:32.     m  Gal.  5:18. 


21;  1  Pet.  1:4.     k  1  Ccr. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  True  Christians  will  never  make  the  fact  that  tliey 
are  saved  by  grace  and  not  by  works,  nor  the  fact  that  the 
greater  and  more  numerous  their  sins  the  more  abound- 
ing the  grace  which  saves  them,  an  occasion  or  excuse  for 
contiinung  in  sin. 

11.  I'^aith  in  Christ  is  the  means  not  only  of  justiiication, 
but  of  sanctification ;  and  produces  a  cliange  not  of  state 
and  condition  only,  but  of  cliaracter  and  conduct.  It  leads 
a  person  to  live  not  unto  liiniself,  but  unto  Ilini  who  died 
for  him  and  rose  again. 

16.  Every  person  daily  chooses  the  service  of  self  and 
sin,  or  of  Christ  and  holiness.  'One  leads  to  life,  the  other 
to  death.  Both,  God  sets  before  men,  and  invites  them  to 
choose  life  by  taking  the  way  wliieh  leads  to  it,  and  ]ironi- 
ises  that  if  they  do  they  shall  live.  Dent.  3U:Ul;  Josh. 
24:15. 

19.  Familiar  iUustrations  drawn  by  ministers  from  the 
common  concerns  of  life  with  which  their  liearers  are  ac- 
quainted, are  among  the  liest  modes  of  giving  them  clear 
conceptions  of  divine  truth  and  making  a  right  imiu-ession 
upon  their  hearts. 

23.  The  future  misery  of  tlie  wicked  is  their  just  desert ; 
and  die  future  lutppiness  of  the  righteous  is  the  gracious 
gift  of  Goil,  tlirougli  the  merits  of  Jesus  Clirist. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  apostle  had  8hovi'n,in  chap.  4: 15,  that"  the  law  work- 
eth  wrath,"  and  is  unal)le  to  give  justification  and  salva- 
tion, lie  had  further  said,  in  chap.  (1: 14,  that  believers  are 
not  under  law,  but  under  grace.  This  latter  idea  he  pro- 
ceeds in  th(^  present  chapter  to  unfold,  in  verses  1-6  ;  anil 
while  he  vindicates  the  hiw  as  "  holy,  and  just,  and  good," 
he  yet  shows  the  imiiossibility  of  gaining  tlirougli  it  a 
victory  over  sin,  versus  7-25.  lie  then  goes  on  to  show, 
throughout  the  whole  of  the  eighth  chapter,  the  blessed 
state  of  those  who  are  not  under  law,  but  under  grace. 

1.  The  law;  the  Mosaic  law,  as  he  proceeds  to  illustrate. 

2.  Loosed frinn  the  lawof  her  husband ;  from  the  law  wliicli, 
so  long  as  he  lived,  bound  him  to  her  as  her  husbaiul,and 
thus  bound  her  to  him. 

3.  She  IS  free  from  that  law;  the  release  other  husband 
from  it  by  death,  is  her  rele;ise  also. 

I.  Ye  also  are  become  dead  to  the  law;  in  carrying  out 
the  comparison,  the  apostle  necessarilv  changes  its  form 

1289 


The  lav:  sJayclh  the  sinner, 


ROMANS  VII. 


but  is  hoi)/,  just,  and  good. 


should  be  married  to  another,  even  to  liim  who  is 
raised  from  the  dead,  that  ■we  sliould  liring  forth 
fruit  unto  God." 

5  For  vrhon  wo  were  in  tlic  flesh,''  the  motions' 
of  sins,  wliich  were  bv  the  law.  did  work  in  our 
members  to  bring  fortli  fruit  unto  death:'" 

0  But  now  -wo  are  delivered  from  tlic  law,  that 
being  dead*  wlierein  we  were  held ;  that  we  should 
serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and  not  in  the  oldness 
of  the  letter. 

7  "Wliat  shall  wo  say  then  ?  Is  the  law  sin  ?  God 
forliid.  Nay,  1  had  Udt  known  sin,  but  by  the  law:" 
for  I  luid  not  known  lust*  except  the  law  had  said, 
Tiiou  shait  nut  covet. '^^ 

8  But  siu,  taking  occasion  by  tlio  commandment, 
■wrought  in  me  all  manner  of  concupiscence.  For 
without  the  law  sin  ivas  dead. 

9  For  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once:  but 


»  Gal.5:'J'J.  b  ch.  S:S,  9.  '  Gr.  pafsions.  ^  ch.  G:-J1.  T  Or,  feeing  tlead 
to  thai,     i  ch.:j;2li.     I   OT,anrujiiireiur.     '  Exnd.  30:17.     f  Hzek.  'JO:  II, 

somewliat.  lie  could  not  well  say  tluit  the  law,  which 
may  be  here  regarded  as  their  former  husband,  was  dead. 
Instead  of  tliat,  he  says,  Ye  are  become  <lead  to  the  law ; 
the  essential  idea  being  that  tlie  death  of  either  party  dis- 
solves the  relation  existing  between  them.  By  the  hoihj 
nf  Christ ;  by  his  crucified  body  making  expiation  for  your 
sins.  Thus  ye  are  released  from  tlie  law  as  a  means  of 
justification  l)efore  God,  so  that  ye  are  no  longer  in  this 
respect  bound  to  it,  any  more  than  a  woman  is  bound  to 
lier  huKl)and  after  he  is  dead.  Thus  the  way  is  prepared 
titai  ye  should  tic  married  to  (iiinthcr,  even  Christ;  in  other 
•words,  should  come  into  a  state  of  justification  liy  virtue 
of  your  union  with  Christ  throu.gh  faith. 

n.  In  thcpesh  ;  in  their  natural  stale,  with  no  ground  for 
justification  except  obedience  to  law,  and  under  the  neces- 
sity of  ])erfcctly  obeying  it  or  sulTering  its  curse.  Its  strict 
requirements  and  its  awful  threatenings,  instead  of  lead- 
ing them  to  love  and  obey  it,  were  the  occasion,  through 
their  wickedness,  of  exciting  a.gainst  it  greater  hatred  and 
more  violent  rebellion  ;  thus,  in  the  language  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  "  bringin.g  forth  fruit  \mto  death." 

C.  Ue;  Christians,  who  have  seen  that  by  the  works  of 
the  law  wo  cannot  be  justified,  have  given  nj)  dependence 
on  obedience  to  it,  and  are  trusting  in  the  alonement  and 
righteousness  of  Christ  for  salvation.  Are  del ii-ercd  from 
the  low;  not  as  a  just  measure  of  (il)ligali(in,  but  as  agmunil 
of  justification,  and  from  liability  to  snIVer  its  curse.  Tlial 
being dcitd ;  the  marginal  reading,  "being  dead  to  that,"  is 
much  to  be  preferrcil.  It  is  a  re])etition  of  tlie  idea  that 
they  are  dead  to  the  law,  as  in  ver.  4.  That  we  should  serve  in 
newness  of  spirit ;  serve  (!od  not  in  external  form  nierelj', 
or  from  slavish  fear,  but  in  sjiirit  and  in  trnlh,  from  love 
to  (Jod  and  his  laws. 

T.  Is  Ike  law  sin  ?  is  the  law  answerable  for  sin  because 
no  one  can  be  justified  by  it,  and  because  it  is  made  the 
occasion  of  increasing  the  wickedness  of  those  who  break 
it?  By  no  means.  AVii/,-  on  the  contrarj',  / /iw/ »io(  iiioini 
lilt ;  I  had  not  understooil  my  own  exceeding  sinfulness, 
had  I  not  seen  myself  in  thr  light  of  the  law.  liy  the  law 
was  the  knowledgi'  of  sin :  for  instance,  he  had  not  known 
Iml,  the  di'sire  of  forbidden  objects,  except  thi'  law  had 
said,  77/014  shall  not  coret ;  not  ilesire  what  God  forbids. 

?.  Sin;  his  sinful  inclination  led  him  to  resist  the  coni- 
inandment,  and  the  more  to  indulge  evil  desires  in  oppo- 
sition to  its  rei|iiirenient8.  Hesistance  to  its  restraints 
increased  his  wickedness,  and  showed,  beyond  what  he 
had  before  seen,  his  depravity  of  heart.  Hin  was  dead; 
was  ill  a  slumbering  state,  not  ac'tive  and  strong. 

9.  /  «■««  alire;  in  my  own  estimation,  and  thought  I  was 
blameless  as  touching  the  law.  I'liil.  :):(>.  Therornmnnil- 
mrnt ;  that  wlii<li  extends  to  all  the  thoughts  and  desires 
of  (he  soul,  and  requires  them  to  be  holy,  just,  and  good. 
Came  ;  came  to  be  apprehended  in  its  spirituality' and  ex- 
tent. Sin  revived;  rogo  to  view  in  awful  and  aggravated 
1290 


when  the  commandment  came,  sin  revived,  a.  d.m. 
and  I  died. 

10  And  the  commandment  which  was  ordained  to 

life,'' I  found  to  he  unto  deatli. 

11  For  sin,  taking  occasion  by  the  commandment, 
deceived  nie,  and  by  it  slow  7ne. 

12  Wiierefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the  command- 
ment lioly,  and  just,  and  good.''' 

13  Was  tlien  that  which  is  good  made  deatli  unto 
me?  (Jod  forbid.  But  sin,  that  it  miglit  a]i))oar 
sin,  working  deatli  in  me  by  that  wliich  is  good; 
that  sin  by  tlic  comiiiaudniont  might  become  ex- 
ceeding sinful. 

14  For  we  know  tliat  tlio  law  is  sjiiriliuil :  but  I 
am  carnal,  sold  under  sin.'' 

15  For  that  wliicli  T  do,  1  allow-  not:  for  what 
I  would,  that  do  I  not;  but  wiiat  1  Jiate,  tiiat 
do  I. 

etc.    sPsi.  19:7-9.     1>  2  Kings  17:17.    i  Gr.  know. 

increase  of  power  and  guilt.  I  died;  as  to  all  hope  in  my- 
self from  the  law,  or  from  my  obedience  to  it.  I  saw  that 
it  condemned  nie,  and  that  judged  by  it,  I  was  lost. 

10.  Ordained  to  life;  to  give  life  to  all  who  should  per- 
fectly oliey  it.  Unto  death;  because  I  had  broken  it  and 
fallen  under  its  curse. 

11.  Fur  sin;  sin  reigning  in  my  soul.  Taking  occasion  by 
the  commandment ;  as  Satan  in  Eden  took  occasion  of  tho 
prohibition  to  eat  the  fruit  of  (he  tree  of  knowledge.  De- 
ceived me ;  as  S;itan  did  Eve,  and  thus  seduced  me  into  dis- 
obedience. The  apostle  has  in  view  the  blinding  and  de- 
ceiving nature  of  sinful  ]iassion.  And  by  it  slew  me;  thus 
turning  the  commandment  into  an  instrument  of  my  death, 
as  ver'.  10. 

13.  That  which  is  good;  the  good  law  of  God.  Made  death 
unto  me?  Was  it  tho  law  which  caused  his  ruin?  Hy  no 
means.  It  was  his  own  wicked  violations  of  it.  Sin  ;  this 
was  the  cause  of  his  ruin.  Working  death  in  me  by  that 
which  is  good;  by  leading  me  to  resist  the  law,  to  sin  against 
greater  light  and  stronger  motives, and  thus  become  more 
sinful:  such  are  the  eli'ects  of  human  depravity  when  left 
to  act  itself  out  under  the  influence  of  mere  law. 

14.  The  line  is  spiritual ;  it  re(]uires  jierfect  holiness  of 
spirit;  that  men  should  love  (!od  with  :dl  (heir  heart  and 
soul  and  mind  and  strength  ;  and  (liiit  whatever  they  do, 
they  should  do  all  to  the  glory  nf  (Jod.  Hut  not  even  I'aul, 
after  his  conversion,  and  after  he  had  been  ]U'eaching  tho 
go8l)el  for  ycLirs,  did  all  this.  Ho- far  as  he  fell  short  ho 
was  carnal,  sinful,  and  needed  (he  grace  of  Gnd  through 
.lesus  Christ.  I  am  carnal ;  fleshly  and  earthly  in  my  aflee- 
tions,  and  (bus  sold  tinder  ,wi ;  under  its  power  as  a  bond- 
servant. These  words  describe,  first,  the  st;i(e  of  all  un- 
regenerate  men;  secondly,  the  condition  of  believers  so 
far  as  "the  l;iw  of  the  spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus"  has 
not  made  them  free  from  it.  In  what  follows  to  the  end 
of  the  cliajiter.  the  apostle  describes  the  ])ainl'iil  conllict 
between  the  spiritual  law  of  (!od  and  (he  carnal  mind  of 
man,  in  the  soul  of  him  who  is  earnestly  seeking  to  ren- 
der to  the  law  a  triu'  iiiw;ird  obedience.  \V|j;it  he  says 
apjilies  in  a  measure  to  the  aw;d<ciird  and  ciuivicted  sin- 
ni'r,  will),  withdut  any  clciir  appriliciisiiin  of  Cliiist's  grace, 
is  vainly  si'cking  justilicaliun  from  the  works  of  the  law; 
but  more  fully  to  the  warfare  with  sin  in  the  heart  of  tho 
true  ('hristi;in  ;  for  he  is  s|iiritu;d  only  in  part — nota  will- 
ing, liabidial  devotee  and  slave  of  sin,  but  sold  as  aciiptivo 
against  his  loc'vailing  imlinations,  lie  is  not  delighted  or 
contented  with  his  bond;ige.  It  is  his  grief  and  burden. 
He  has  tasd'd  (lie  begiiming  of  libc^rty,  and  sighs  ;inil 
strugglrs  for  its  com|detion. 

LO.  That  which  I  ih ;  in  violation  of  the  l;iw  of  God.  / 
allow  nut ;  I  <lo  not  love  it,  delight  in  it,  or  iijijirove  of  it. 
What  I  would ;  to  obey  perfidy  the  l:i\v  of  (ioil,  that  do  I 
not.  What  I  hate  ;  to  act  in  violation  of  it,  or  ill  any  respect 
to  fail  of  perfectly  obeying  it,  that  I  do. 


Tilt  I  wo  conjlidlng  hiws. 


ROMANS  VIII. 


Christ  frees  from  condemnation. 


A. DM.      16  If  then  I  do  tliat  wliicli  I  would  not, 
I  consent  unto  the  law  that  it  is  good. 

17  Now  then  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  sin 
that  (hvelleth  in  me. 

18  For  I  know  that  in  me,  that  is,  in  my  flesh, 
dwelleth  no  good  tiling:"  for  to  will  is  present 
with  me;  but  how  to  perform  that  wiiich  is  good, 
I  hnd  not. 

19  For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not:*"  but 
the  evil  which  I  would  not,  that  I  do. 

20  Now  if  I  do  that  I  would  not,  it  is  no  more  T 
that  do  it,  but  sin  that  dwelleth  in  me. 

21  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I  would  do  good, 
evil  is  present  with  me."^ 

22  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God"  after  the 
inward  man:'' 

23  But  I  see  another  law  in  my  members,  war- 
ring against  the  law  of  my  mind,'  and  bringing 
me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  which  is  in  my 
members.^ 


>  Gen.  6:5.  b  Gal.  5:17.  c  Psa.  (»:.■).  dPsi.  1:2.  e  2  Cor.  4:18;  1  Pet. 
y:l.  'ch.0:13,19.  eP.5i.l4a:7.  h  Psa.  3S:2,  10;  77:.1-9.  •  Or,  lliis  boilij 
of  death.     1  Psa.  8S:5.     J  1  Cor.  15:57.     k  John  3:  IS.     1  Gal.  5:10.     m  2  Cor. 


16.  1  consent  unto  the  law;  by  disapproving  and  hating 
all  violations  of  it,  and  condemning  m3'self  on  account  of 
tliom,  I  show  that  I  approve  the  law  as  wise,  holy,  just, 
and  good. 

17.  No  more  I — hut  sin  ;  it  is  not  my  habitual  inclination, 
my  prevailing  desire,  to  break  the  law.  I  do  not  love 
transgression,  l>ut  abhor  it;  yet  in  many  things  I  offend, 
and  in  all  come  short  of  perfect  obedience,  through  the 
power  of  temptation  and  the  strength  of  my  own  evil  pro- 
pensities, which  are  not  yet  entirciv  done  away.  Jas.  3:2  ; 
1  ,I()hn  1:8. 

18.  In  me;  by  nature.  In  myfesh;  mynatiiral  heart,  as 
it  is  under  the  influence  of  l;iw  merely,  without  the  grace 
of  Goii.  No  good  thing;  nothing  spiritually  good;  even 
now,  under  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  and  grace  of  God, 
much  evil  still  remains.  To  will  /■>  present ;  T  desire  to  be 
completely  conformed  to  the  will  of  God.  Bnt  how  to  per- 
form ;  to  do  that  which  would  be  perfect.  I  find  not ;  I  do 
not  do  it ;  on  the  contrary,  I  do  as  stated  in  ver.  15.  There- 
fore it  is  true  as  stated  in  ver.  17. 

21.  A  lav ;  a  constant  tendency  to  evil,  when  I  desire  to 
be  and  do  that  only  which  is  perfectlj' good. 

22.  /  delight  in  the  law  of  God ;  love  it,  and  desire  per- 
fectly to  obey  it.  After  the  inward  man  ;  inwiirdly,  from  the 
lieart.  I  not  merely  apjirove  of  it  in  my  conscience  and 
judgment,  but  through  the  grace  of  God,  I  love  it  as  tlie 
transcript  of  infinite  perfection.    Psa.  1:2;  119:24,77,  171. 

23.  Another  law ;  different  from  my  prevailing  inclination, 
my  earnest  desire.  Warring  against ;  opposing,  hindering, 
and  thwarting  the  full  accomplishment  of  my  wishes.  The 
law  of  mi/  mind;  the  desires  of  my  heart,  inspired  by  the 
II Illy  Ghost.  Gal.  ,5:17.  Bringing  me  into  captivity;  a 
hi:itlisome,  hated  bondage,  wdiich  makes  me  abhor  myself, 
.lob  9 :  31 ;  42:6.  Law  of  sin — in  my  memhers ;  propensities 
to  evil  which,  notwithatanding  all  that  grace  has  done,  are 
not  entirely  removed. 

21.  Wretched  man;  on  account  of  remaining  proneness 
to  sin.  Who  shall  deliver  me;  not  the  law,  not  my  own 
efforts,  or  my  abhorreniu'  of  myself  on  account  of  disobe- 
dience— not  any  expedients  which  ever  have  been  or  can 
l.(!  devised  by  creatures.  Left  to  these  merely,  he  who  is 
filthy  will  remain  tilthy  still.  Wliat  then?  iMust  I  perish, 
or  drag  on  for  ever  this  boily  of  de;itli  ?     No. 

2").  /  tliank  God  ;  for  his  unspeakable  gift.  2  Cor.  9: 1.5  ; 
1  Pet.  1:8.  There  is  deliverance — complete,  everlasting 
deliverance  from  iill  evil,  and  all  propensity  or  li;ibility  to 
vvW,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  who.  ilKJiigh  he  was 
rich,  for  our  sakes  became  poor,  that  we  through  his  pov- 
erty might  bo  rich,  being  filled  for  ever  with  the  fulness 
of  God. 


24  0  wretched  man  that  I  am ! ''  who  shall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  deatli?*' 

25  I  thank  God,  througli  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.^ 
So  then,  with  the  mind  1  myself  serve  the  law  of 
God;  but  with  the  flesh  the  law  of  sin. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Tiiev  tliat  are  in  Christ,  and  live  according  to  the  Spirit,  are  free  from 
conJemnatioii.  5,  13  What  harm  cometh  of  the  flesh,  6.  14  and  wlnit 
good  of  the  Spirit;  17  and  what  of  being  God's  child,  19  whose  glo- 
rious deliverance  all  tilings  long  for,  29  was  beforehand  decreed  from 
Gnd.     3S  What  can  sever  us  from  his  love? 

A/  J  HERE  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation 
J^       to  them  wiiich  are  in  Christ  Jesus,"  who 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Siiirit.' 

2  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Clirist  Jesus 
hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.'" 

3  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was 
weak  through  the  flesh,"  God  sending  his  own  Son 
in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,"  and  for  sin,*  con- 
demned sin  in  the  flesh : 


3:6;  Gal.  2:19;  5:1.     n  Acts  13:39;  Heb.  7:1S,  19.     "Gal.  3:13.     t  Or,  4y  a 
sacrijice /or  sin. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Deliverance  from  the  law  of  God  as  a  covenant  of 
works,  and  from  the  necessity  of  obeying  it  as  a  ground 
of  justification,  is  essential  to  tlie  obeying  of  it  as  a  rule 
of  duty. 

7.  As  a  correct  view  of  the  spirituality  and  extent  of  the 
divine  law  is  essential  to  a  right  knowledge  of  one's  sins, 
ministers  of  the  gospel  should  faithfidly  preach  it,  and 
show  its  universal  and  perpetual  obligation,  that  all  may 
understand  their  true  character,  renounce  dependence  on 
their  own  works,  and  rely  for  salvation  on  the  rich  grace 
of  God  in  Jesus  Christ. 

13.  The  fact  that  the  more  clearly  men  in  their  natural 
state  see  the  purity  and  extent  of  the  law  of  God,  the  more 
strenuously  they  resist  it  and  thus  increase  their  wicked- 
ness, shows  most  strikingly  the  hateful  nature  and  despe- 
rate tendency  of  human  ilepravity,  and  the  utter  fallacy  of 
all  hope,  from  the  influence  of  law  merel}',  of  ever  remov- 
ing or  lessening  it. 

23.  Christians  of  the  greatest  experience  and  highest 
attainments  in  the  divine  life,  are  not  what  they  ought  to 
be  ;  not  what  they  desire  to  be  ;  not  what  the}'  hope  to  be  ; 
not  what  trod  has  promised  that  thej'  shall  be  ;  and  not 
what  through  grace,  in  fulfilment  of  his  jiromise,  tliey  for 
ever  will  be — perfect  even  as  their  Father  in  heaven  is 
perfect. 

CII.VPTER  VIIT. 

1.  No  condemnation  ;  from  God.  Who  iralk  ;  live  habitu- 
ally. Not  after  the  flesh ;  not  as  corrujil  nature  pronijUs, 
seeking  supremely  earthly  good  and  sellisli  gratification. 
After  the  Spirit;  as  the  Ilc'.ly  Spiritdirects,  reganling  prin- 
cipally (iod,  Christ,  heaven,  and  s]iiritnal,  eternal  lliiiigs. 

2.  ne  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life;  that  new  direction  of  the 
soul  whicli  is  given  by  the  Holy  Ghost  through  faith  in 
Christ.  Made  me  free  ;  delivered  me  from  tlie  condemning 
power  of  the  divine  law.  and  the  reigning  power  of  sin 
and  death.  Tliis  is  that  deliverance  for  wliicli  the  apostle 
expresses  his  earnest  longing  in  chap.  7:24.  We  are  not 
to  understand  thiit  it  takes  place  instantly  and  jierfeclly, 
so  that  the  ex]ierience  described  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
seventh  chaiiler  wholly  ceases,  and  that  of  the  present 
chapter  becomes  absolute  and  uninterrupted.  Hather  do 
the  two  experiences  run  parallel  with  each  other  in  a 
measure,  yet  so  that  the  latter  continn;illy  prevails  more 
and  more,  as  the  Christian  becomes  more  ;uid  more  spirit- 
ual in  his  character. 

3.  What  the  law  could  not  do;  it  could  not  deliver  those 
who  had  broken  it  from  condenunition  and  ruin.  It  could 
neither  lead  them  to  obey  it,  nor  to  repent  of  having  bro- 

1291 


T/iose  justified  in  Christ 


ROMANS  VIII. 


arc  spiritually  minded. 


4  Tliat  the  righteousness  of  the  \av,'  might  be  ful- 
filled in  us,  wlio  walk  not  after  the  llc.^li,  but  al'ter 
the  Spirit.'' 

5  For  tiiey  that  are  after  tlio  flesh,  do  mind  the 
tilings  of  tiie  Hesli;"  but  tliey  that  are  after  tiie 
Spirit,  the  tilings  of  tiie  Spirit.' 

6  For  to  be  carnally  ininded'  is  death;''  but  to 
be  spiritually  niinded*  is  life  and  peace. 

7  Because  the  carnal  mind*  is  enmity  against 
Grod:  for  it  is  not  suljjcct  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed  can  be. 

8  So  tlien  tliev  that  are  in  tiie  flesh  cannot  please 
God. 

1)  But  ye  are  not  in  tlic  fiesli,  Imf  in  the  Spirit, 
if  so  be  tliat  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you.'' 
Now  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he 
is  none  of  his. 


»  Ver.  I.  b  John  3:0;  1  Cor.  15:48.  c  I  Cor.  i-M.  •  Gr.  tlie  niimlin.i  nf 
t/iejles/i.  J  Gil.  6:S.  ^  Qt.  thr.  minding  of  llie  Spirit.  \  dr.  tht  minding 
of  the  Jtesh.     «  1  Cor.  G:l«;  Gal.  4:6.      i  Or,  itcausc  of.     I  2  Cor.  4:14. 

ken  it;  nor  could  it  lessen  their  disposition  to  violate  it, 
notwithstanding  its  promises  and  threatcnings.  It  could 
m;ike  no  atoncnieut  for  sin,  and  could  not  .save  from  it. 
It  win  \i:aik  throiis't  tlieflcih  ;  tlirouj.;h  man's  dr-pravity  and 
tiaiis.;rL'ssion.  In  the  lilceaeHS  of  sinful  Jlc^li ;  in  liunian  na- 
ture. Far  sill;  to  die  oil  account  of  it,  the  just  for  the  un- 
just. Condemned  sin  in  t'lc  Jle.ik ;  destroyed  its  power  over 
those  who  trust  in  Ohrist,  by  sliowinjr.  through  his  atone- 
ment, the  evil  nature  of  sin,  the  Kni'l  of  those  who  commit 
it,  tlie  e.\cellence  of  the  law  which  it  violates,  t!ie  anger  of 
(!oJ  a-^ainst  it;  and  so  openinj;  a  wa\'  in  which  tJod  could 
lie  just,  and  the  juslilier  of  all  that  believe  in  .lesus ;  and 
in  addition  to  all  this,  procuring  for  them  the  grace  of  the 
I  loly  .■spirit  to  lielp  tliem  to  believe  on  Christ,  and  through 
tlieir  union  with  him,  to  render  to  the  law  a  true  spiritual 
obcilience ;  thus  delivering  them  from  both  the  ccjiidem- 
nalion  and  the  reigning  power  of  sin,  neither  of  which 
tilings  the  law  ccnild  do. 

4.  TiuU  Ike  righteousness  nf  the  taut  miglit  tie  fulfilled  in  tts  ; 
that  we  might  bo  brought  into  that  state  of  true  right- 
eousness which  the  law  re([uire8.  Tiie  apostle,  as  the  con- 
text shows,  has  immediate  reference  to  deliverance  from 
the  reigning  ]iower  of  sin  in  the  soul,  but  this  can  never 
be  accomplished  without  deliverance  also  from  its  con- 
demning [lower. 

5.  After  the  flah  ;  fleshly  in  their  character.  Do  mind 
the  things  nf  tlie  Jlcs'i ;  devote  themselves  to  lleshly  objects. 
Their  outward  conduct  flows  from  their  inward  character, 
as  a  stream  from  a  fountain.  "The  llesh  "  is  to  be  taken 
here,  as  in  Gal.  5:19-21,  and  often  elsewhere,  in  a  wide 
sense.  It  includes  all  the  earthly  and  corrupt  passions, 
ap|)etite3.  and  desires  which  riilir  in  the  natural  heart. 
Tlteij  Ihut  are  nfter  the  Spirit ;  they  in  whom  the  i  loly  Spirit 
liabitiially  dwells,  making  them  M|iiritual  in  their  charac- 
ter. Mrnd — the  thingt  nf  the  Spirit ;  yield  themselves  to  the 
guidance  of  the  Holy  .'Spirit,  and  thus  drvote  themselves 
supremely  to  the  spiritual  objects  which  he  reveals. 

G.  To  be carmill ij m' nded ;  the  sanu^  as  to  miml  the  things 
of  the  flesh,  as  ver.  .'>.  So,  to  be  siiiritually  minded,  is  llic^ 
same  as  to  mind  the  things  oftheSpirit.  Isdenth;  spiritual 
death,  and  if  continued  will  issue  in  eternal  death.  Is  life 
arul  pmrc;  si)irltiial  life,  manifesting  itself  in  love,  joy, 
peace,  loiig-sufTering,  gentleness,  gooflncss,  faith,  mei'kness, 
temperance,  and  all  those  dis]iositions  and  habits  which 
promote  the  glory  of  Cod  and  tln^  good  of  men. 

7.  h  enmil ij  against  God;  opposed  to  his  character  and 
will.  If  it  were  not.  it  would  love  and  obey  him.  Not 
sulijert  to  the  law  nf  God;  it  does  not  yield  obedience,  but 
acta  in  opposition  to  what  he  reipiircs.  Seitlier  indeed  am 
be;  the  two  things  are  inconipatible,  contrary  the  one  to 
the  other  ;  and  the  one  should  be  renounced,  that  the  other 
may  be  followed. 

8.  Tlieij  thai  are  in  the  flesh;  in  a  fleshly  state  ;  the  same 
as,  "  they  that  arc  after  the  flesli,"  as  ver.  i.     Cannot  pletue 

1292 


10  And  if  Christ  be  in  you,  the  body  is  a.  d  m, 
dead  because  of  sin;  but  the  Spirit  is  life  because 
I  if  riglitcousness. 

11  But  if  the  Spirit  of  liiiii  tliat  raised  U]i  Jesus 
from  tlie  dead  dwell  in  you,  lie  that  raised  up 
Clirist  from  the  dead  sliall  also  quicl^en  your  mor- 
tal bodies  by^  his  Sjiirit  that  dwelleth  in  you.'' 

12  Therefore,  brethren,  we  are  debtors  not  to 
the  flesh,  to  live  after  tlie  flesh.« 

13  For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  yo  shall  die :  but 
if  ye  througli  the  Spirit  do  mortify  tlie  deeds  of 
tlie  body,  ye  shall  live.'' 

14:  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
tliey  are  the  sons  of  God.' 

15  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bond- 
age again  to  fear ;'  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit 
of  adoption,''  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father.' 


ePsa.  116:10.     h  Col.  3:5. 
3:19;  Gal.  4:5,0. 


iGal.  5:1B.    jaTim.  1:7.    kl  Cor.  2:12.    1  Jer. 


God;  because  a  fleshly  state  is  contrary  to  that  s])iritual 
state  which  (Jod  requires.  For  this  reason  they  should 
no  longer  continue  their  wicked  and  dangerous  course,  but 
should  turn  from  it  and  live. 

9.  If  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you;  the  Holy 
Spirit,  producing  and  leading  you  to  manifest  the  fruits  of 
the  Spirit,  tial.  5:22-24.  The  Spirit  of  Christ ;  the  Holy 
Spirit,  jiroduciiig  in  him  in  some  measure  a  likeness  tn 
Christ,  and  leading  him  earnestly  to  desire  that  it  may  be 
)ierfecteil.  lie  is  none  if  Ins;  he  is  not  interested  in  the 
blessings  of  His  salvation. 

10.  If  Christ  be  in  ijiiu ;  by  his  Spirit,  producing  in  you 
a  likeness  to  himsell'.  Because  of  sin  ;  the  body,  whether 
of  the  believer  or  unbeliever,  must  indeed  die  and  turn  to 
dust,  on  account  of  sin.  But  the  Spirit  is  life;  it  is  deliv- 
ered from  condemnation  and  is  spiritually  alive,  having 
been  raised  with  Christ,  through  the  power  of  (iod,  who 
raised  him  from  the  ilcad.  Because  of  righteousness;  he- 
cause  of  the  conformity  of  heart  to  the  character  :uicl  will 
of  God,  wrought  in  it  by  the  Holy  Ghost  through  faith  in 
Christ. 

11.  The  Spirit;  the  Holy  Spirit.  Dwell  in  you;  producing 
in  you  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Gal.  5:22,  23.  Quicken  i/nur 
mortal  liodies ;  make  them  alive  to  (iod's  service  m  the 
present  life,  so  that  from  being  "  instruments  of  iniright- 
eousness,"tliey  liecome"  instruments  of  righteousness  unto 
(lod;"  and  in  the  life  to  come,  raise  them  uji  spiritual  and 
immortal,  to  be  united  with  the  soul,  that  thus  the  whole 
man  may  be  forever  with  the  Lord.  I  Cor.  15:42-58;  Phil. 
3:20,  21  ;  1  Thess.  4:13-18. 

12.  Aredclitors;  owe  obligation.  Not  to  the Jlc\li ;  because 
the  minding  of  the  flesh  has  never  conferred  iipoii  us  any 
real  good,  but  alw;iys  injury. 

13.  i'e  shall  die;  the  death  not  of  the  bculy  merely,  but 
of  tlie  soul — a  death  which  shall  last  for  ever,  liody  and 
soul  shall  die  the  second,  an  eternal  ilealh.  Thnnigh  the 
Spird  ;  through  the  iiillueiiee  and  aid  of  the  Holy  Siiirit, 
given  to  all  who  believe  in  Christ.  Miiitfij  the  limlsnf  the 
body;  resist,  overcome,  and  cease  to  gralily  sinful  inclina- 
tions, and  thus  cause  them  to  die.  \'e  shall  lire;  a  holy 
and  blessed  life — a  life  that  shall  outlive  death,  and  bo 
perfected  in  a  world  of  life,  light,  and  joy,  where,  as  long 
as  Christ  lives,  all  who  have  his  Spirit  shall  live  with  him, 
and  be  like  him.     .lohn  (I :.'•."  ;   11:19;   17:11,21,22,21. 

II.  Are  led  by  the  Spirit ;  follnw  his  gui<lance.  This  in- 
idiidcs  the  idea  of  minding  the  things  <if  the  Spirit,  and, 
through  his  help,  mortifying  the  deeds  <if  the  body.  The 
sons  of  Gild ;  sonsliip  heri'  includes  two  things:  first,  like- 
ness to  God  in  character ;  secondly,  heirshiii  to  the  inheri- 
tance Jirovided  by  (iod  for  his  ehililreii. 

15.  Spirit  <f  lionditfre;  a  servile,  shivish  spirit,  governed 
by  fear.  Again  to  fen r;  that  ye  should  be  again  in  a  stale 
of  fear,  as  ye  were  under  the  law.  Spirit  of  adoption;  the 
aEfcctionato  confidence  of  children,  as  uoiitrastea  with  the 


Witness  and  intercession 


ROMANS  VIII. 


of  lie  Holy  Sprit. 


A.  D.M.      16  The  Spirit  itself  bearctli  witness  with 
our  spirit,  that  we  arc  the  children  of  God:" 

17  And  if  cliildrcn,  then  heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  and 
joint-heirs  with  Christ;''  if  so  be  that  we  suffer 
witli  him,  tiiat  we  may  be  also  g-hjrilied  together."' 

18  For  I  reclcon  tluit  the  sufferings  of  this  pres- 
ent time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the 
glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us.'' 

19  For  the  earnest  expectation  of  the  creature 
waiteth  for  the  manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God. 

20  For  the  creature  was  made  subject  to  vanity, 
not  willingly,  but  by  reason  of  him  wlio  hath  sub- 
jected the  same  in  hope ; 

21  Because  the  creature  itself  also  shall  be  de- 
livered from  tiie  Iioudage  of  corruption  into  tlie 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.' 

22  For  we  know  that  the  whole  creation*  groan- 
eth  and  travaileth  in  pain  together  until  now. 

23  And  not  only  they,  but  ourselves  also,  which 
have  the  first-fruits  of  the  Spirit,*^  even  we  our- 
selves groan  within  ourselves,'^  waiting  for  the 
adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body.'' 


a  2  Cor.  1:22;  1  John -1:13.  1>  Acts  20: 18;  1  Pet.  1:4.  »  2  Tim.  2:11,  12. 
■12001.4:17.  e'2Pet.3:13.  •  Or,  every  creature,  f  Eph  1:14.  e  2  Cor. 
5:2,4.     h  Luke  21:28.     i  2  Cor.  5:7.     J  Zech.   12:10.     k  Jer.  17: 10;  Rev. 


servile  fear  of  slaves.  We  cry,  Abba,  Father  ;  Abba  is  the 
Chaldee  word  for  father.  The  union  of  the  two  words 
gives  emphasis  to  the  endeared  relation.  Compare  Mark 
14:36;  (Jal.  4:6. 

16.  Tlie  Spirit  itself;  the  Holy  Spirit.  Bcareth  witness 
with  our  spirit;  by  working  in  us  the  dispositions,  and 
leading  us  to  form  the  habits  and  cherish  the  hopes  of  the 
children  of  God  ;  and  by  his  influence,  enabling  us  to  dis- 
cern in  ourselves  these  scriptural  evidences  of  being  born 
of  God. 

17.  If  children — joint-heirs  viith  Christ ;  entitled  to  be,  with 
rhrist,  partakers  for  ever  of  tlie  blessings  of  Jehovah's 
kingdom.  If  so  be  t/iat  we  suffer  xoith  him;  deny  ourselves 
for  his  sake,  meet  with  calmness  and  bear  with  patience 
the  trials  which  lie  brings  upon  lis,  and  do  whatever  is 
needful  to  honor  him  and  do  good  to  men.  Tliat  we  may 
be  also  glorified  together  ;  John  17:21 ;  2  Tim.  2:11,  12. 

18.  Sufferingsof  this presenttitne ;  those  which  Christians 
endure  in  this  world.  Not  worthy  to  be  compared;  are  very 
small,  as  nothing  in  comparison.  Glory — revealed  in  vs; 
Bph.  3:16-19;  Col.  3:4;  2Thess.  1:10;  1  John  3:2. 

19.  The  creature;  the  creation.  In  this  and  the  three 
following  verses  the  word  rendered  creature  and  creation 
is  tlie  same  in  the  original  Greek.  It  seems  to  denote  the 
whole  of  this  lower  creation  as  brought  under  God's  curse, 
and  made  subject  to  suffering  and  abuse  in  connection 
witli  the  fall  of  man.  Compare  Gen.  3:16-19.  The  mani- 
festation of  the  sons  of  God ;  when  they  shall  be  seen  and 
publicly  acknowledged  as  his  children,  and  take  full  pos- 
session of  their  inheritance  as  heirs  of  God  and  joint-heirs 
with  Christ. 

20.  Vanity;  suffering  and  abuse.  Not  willingli/;  not  by 
tlieir  own  choice.  Him  v:ho  hath  subjected  the  same;  God, 
by  liin  wise  and  righteous  constitution  of  things.  In  hope; 
of  deliverance  from  the  evil  endured. 

21.  The  bondage  of  corruption  ;  the  bondage  which  con- 
sists in  a  corruptible  state,  with  all  the  snfl'eriiig  belong- 
ing to  such  a  state.  The  glorious  liberti/  of  the  children  of 
God;  literally,  "  the  liberty  of  the  glory  of  the  children  of 
God ;"  that  is,  the  liberty  from  corruption  and  suffering 
which  the  creation  shall  receive  when  the  sons  of  God 
are  manifested  in  glory.     Ver.  19. 

22.  The  whole  creation;  every  part  of  creation  which, 
without  its  own  choice,  lias  been  subjected  to  evils,  or  is 
perverted  and  abused  through  the  sins  of  men.  Groaneth 
and  travaileth  in  pain;  e.Nperienceth  and  manifesteth  dee]) 
distress  under  the  evils  whicli  sin  has  caused. 

23.  Not  only  they;  the  creatures  which  unwillinglv  suf- 


24  For  we  are  saved  by  hope :  but  hope  that  is 
seen,  is  not  hope :  for  what  a  man  secth,  Avhy  doth 
he  yet  hope  for?' 

2.5  But  if  we  hope  for  tliat  we  see  not,  then  do 
we  with  patience  wait  for  it. 

26  Likewise  the  .Spirit  also  hclpeth  our  infirmi- 
ties :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as 
we  ought:  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  intercession 
for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered.-' 

27  And  he  tliat  searcheth  the  hearts  knowetli 
what  is  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,"  because  he^  mak- 
eth intercession  for  the  saints  according  to  the 
will  of  God.' 

28  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  called  according  to  his  purpose." 

29  For  whom  he  did  foreknow,  he  also  did  pre- 
destinate to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son," 
that  he  might  be  the  first-born  among  many  breth- 
ren. 

30  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he 
also  called:"  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also 


2:2-3.    t  Or,  Maf.     11  John  5:14.     m  Psa.  4i;;l,  2;  Heb.  12.6-12. 
1:2.    oHeb.  9:1."). 


"  1  Pet. 


for,  or  are  perverted  and  abused  through  the  sins  of  men. 
But  ourselves  also;  true  Christians,  who  are  born  of  the  Spirit, 
and  have  the  foretastes  of  heaven.  Groan  within  ourselves  ; 
under  the  evils  which  sin  still  occasions  us.  Waiting  for 
the  adoption  ;  when  body  and  soul,  freed  from  all  evils,  shall 
be  reunited,  and  be  perfect  in  holiness  and  bliss. 

24.  Saved  by  hope;  hope  of  future,  everlasting  glory  ;  sus- 
taining us  in  trials,  animating  us  in  duty,  and  leading  us  to 
persevere  in  keeping  the  commands  of  God.  Hope  that  is 
seen,  is  not  hope;  what  we  have  in  possession,  we  do  not 
hope  for;  we  hope  for  future  good,  and  persevere  in  the 
course  which  is  needful  to  obtain  it. 

26.  The  Spirit ;  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  dwells  in  believers. 
Hclpeth  our  infirmities ;  all  the  weaknesses  that  belong  to 
us  as  fallen  sinful  beings,  subject  to  sufl'ering  and  death. 
In  respect  to  these  the  Holy  Spirit  helps  us  by  enabling  us 
rightly  to  bear  them,  to  overcome  the  evils  they  occasion, 
and  in  due  time  delivering  us  from  them.  Mlaketh  interces- 
sion for  vs ;  by  teaching  us  how  to  jn-aj'  and  what  to  ]iray 
for,  and  awakening  in  us  those  intense  desires  and  fervent 
longings  for  spiritual  blessings  for  ourselves  and  others, 
which  cannot  in  any  human  language  be  fully  uttered. 

27.  He  that  searcheth  the  hearts;  God.  Knowcth  what  is  the 
mindof  the  Spirit ;  he  understands  the  feelings  and  desires 
caused  by  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  hearts  of  men,  whether 
uttered  in  words  or  not ;  they  are  in  accordance  with  his 
will,  and  he  delights  to  answer  them.  1  John  5:14.  This 
is  an  unspeakable  consolation  and  encouragement  to  the 
friends  of  God.     And  there  is  still  another. 

28.  All  things  work  together  for  good  tothrm  that  Irve  God : 
love  to  God  distinguishes  triK-Chrislians  from  all  other  men. 
He  that  lovetli  Go<l  is  born  of  him,  and  all  things  sliidl  work 
together  for  his  good.  The  called;  those  who  have  been 
called  by  his  grace  out  of  the  darkness  and  bondage  of  sin 
into  the' light  and  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. 

29.  IVliom  he  did  foreknow  ;  as  his  people.  lie  did  not 
simply  foreknow  that  lliey  would  be  his  people,  but  his 
foreknowledge  of  them  as  Ids  people  incliuh-d  the  gracious 
purpose  of  bringing  them  into  a  state  of  salvation,  as  the 
apostle  proceeds  immediately  to  show.  He  also  did.  pre- 
destinate to  he  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son;  he  deter- 
mined to  lead  them  by  his  Spirit  to  believe  in  Christ,  and 
in  this  way  to  become  like  liim,  holy.  First-born  among 
ma nij  brethren;  be  tlieir  Prince,  Leader,  and  Saviour,  and 
have  many  who,  as  his  brelhren,  should  be  [(jint-heirs  with 
him  to  his  kingdom  of  heavenly  glury. 

30.  Them  he  also  called;  called  by  his  word  and  Sjiirit. 
taught  them  to  feel  their  need  of  Christ,  and  led  tlicm  tu 


The  cerlainty  and  fulness 


ROMANS  IX. 


of  salvation  by  Christ. 


justified :'   and  whom  lie  justified,  them  he  also 
glorified.'' 

31  What  shall  we  then  say  to  these  things?  If 
God  be  lor  us,  who  can  be  against  us?*^ 

32  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  deliv- 
ered him  iqi  for  us  all.  how  shall  he  not  with  him 
also  freely  give  us  all  things?'' 

33  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of 
God's  elect?'^     //  is  God  that  justifieth.'' 

34:  Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  If  is  Christ 
that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is 
even  at  the  rigiit  hand  of  God,  who  also  makcth 
intercession  fur  us. 

35  Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ? 
shall  triliulation,  or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  fam- 
ine, or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or  sword? 

36  As  it  is  written,  For  thy  sake  we  are  killed 
all  the  day  long;  we  are  accounted  as  sheep  for 
the  slauii-hter.*-' 


'  1  Corintliians  0:11.      b  John   17:22.      =  Psalm  118:6.     d  chap.  6.C-10. 
e   laaiah  5U:S,  !).     I  Revelalion  12:1U,  II.     g  Psalm  44:22;  1   Corinthians 


believe  on  him.  Them  he  also  justified ;  accepted  as  riglit- 
ei)U8.  Them  Ite  also  glorified ;  made  lieins  of  eternal  glory 
ill  heaven. 

31.  To  these  thinf<;s;  in  view  of  the  aliove-mentioncd 
trutlis.  If  God  he  for  us  ;  if  he  is  our  friend,  has  led  us  to 
licHeve  on  hi.s  Son, and  tlius  sliowed  tliat  he  has  determined 
to  save  us,  and  to  causr  all  tilings  to  work  for  our  good. 
Who  can  be  ap;atnst  us?  wlio  can  liinder  our  salvation,  or 
on  the  whole  do  us  any  real  harm  ? 

32.  Freelij  ^ive  us  all  things;  as  lie  has,  self-moved,  given 
us  his  only  begotten  Son  to  be  our  Saviour,  and  renewed 
our  hearts  by  his  Spirit,  pardoned  our  sins,  and  jiistilied 
us  by  his  grace,  who  can  doubt  but  he  will  give  us  all 
needed  good? 

34.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  who  can  prevail  against 
( Jod,  so  as  to  <lestroy,  or  ultimately  injure  us  ?  It  is  Christ  ; 
who  from  love,  died  in  our  stead  when  we  were  hi.s  enemies, 
but  I'aul  cannot  leave  the  subject  here,  since  without  the 
resurrection,  ascension,  and  intercession  of  Christ,  his 
deatli  would  be  ineffectual  to  our  redem])tion.  lie  there- 
fore passes  on  to  these :  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  etc. 

35.  Who  shall  separate  u-i  from  the  loveof  Christ  !  that  love 
which  was  stronger  than  death  ;  which  led  him,  when  we 
were  his  enemies,  to  die  for  us,  to  give  us  his  Holy  Spirit, 
to  reconcile  an<l  unite  ns  to  himself,  and  make  us  joint- 
lieirs  with  him  to  all  the  blessings  of  his  Father's  kiiigihiin. 
Who  or  what  can  separate  us  from  such  love  ?  Slialt  tribu- 
lation ?  shall  trials, or  any  thing  which  can  come  upon  us? 

30.  As  it  is  written;  I'sa.  ■ll:2:i.  We  arc  killed;  constantly 
sutfer,  and  arc  exposed  to  death. 

37.  Mure  than  conquerors ;  over  all  our  trials:  they  shall 
not  only  fail  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  ('hrist,  or  to 
diminish  our  love  to  him,  or  to  do  us  any  real  harm,  but 
they  shiill  do  us  great  good  ;  showing  ns  the  evil  of  sin 
and  the  vanity  of  the  world,  rpiickcning  ns  in  duty,  and 
making  us  more  holy  and  more  liai>py.  Iliin  thai  loved  u.s ; 
.Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  ami  for  ever. 

3!l.  The  love  of  God — in  Christ  Jcsns  our  Lord  ;  "  the  love 
of  God  "  here,  like  "  the  love  of  Christ,"  ver.  3.'>,  is  his  love 
towards  us,  which,  however,  always  inclmlcs  love  on  our 
part  towards  him. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  ]>ropor  evidence  of  being  interested  in  Christ. 
and  entitled  to  the  blessings  of  his  salvation,  is  a  dis]>o- 
sition  to  regard  the  things  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  re- 
vealed, anil  to  follow  his  directions. 

8.  As  those  who  seek  their  chief  good  in  earthly  tilings 
cannot  please  (lod,  and  so  long  an  they  continue  this  course 
show  that  they  are  at  enmity  with  him.  they  ought  without 
deliiy  to  renounce  it,  liecome  his  cordial  friends,  and  show 
this  by  believing  on  his  Son,  ancl  obeying  his  commands. 

13.  By  believing  in  Christ  persons  may  receive  the  Holy 
1294 


37  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  a.  d.  go. 
than  conquerors  through  him  that  loved  us.** 

38  For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor 
life,  nor  angels,  nor  jirincipalities,  nor  powers,  nor 
things  present,  nor  things  to  come, 

3'.(  Nor  height,  nor  dcjitli,  nor  any  other  crea- 
ture, shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of 
God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jcsus  our  Lord.' 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Paul  is  sorry  for  the  Jews.  7  All  the  seed  of  Abraham  were  not  the 
children  of  the  promise.  18  God  hatli  mercy  upon  whom  he  will.  21 
The  potter  may  do  with  his  clay  what  he  list.  '.2.^  The  calling  of  the 
Gentiles  and  rejecting  of  the  Jews  were  foretold.  32  The  cause  w)iy 
so  few  Jews  embraced  the  riglittousness  of  faith. 

I  SAY  the  truth  in  Christ,  I  lie  not,  my  conscience 
also  bearing  me  witness  in  the  lloly  Ghost, 

2  That  I  have  great  heaviness  and  continual  sor- 
row in  my  heart. 

3  For  I  could  wish  that  myself  were  accursed' 


15:30,  31. 
rated. 


h  1  Corinthians  15:57;  Judo  24.     "  John  10:23.      "  Or,  sepa- 


Spirit,  under  his  influence  become  spiritually  minded, 
overcome  their  propensities  to  evil,  delight  in  the  law  of 
the  Lord,  and  so  act  as  through  the  grace  of  Uoil  to  live 
for  ever. 

IS.  All  sacrifices  which  men  make  to  obey  God,  and  all 
trials  which  they  are  called  to  endure,  are  light  and  mo- 
mentary, compared  with  the  blessings  which  he  will  be- 
stow upon  them  in  heaven. 

22.  The  sufl'erings  which  sin  brings  ujion  others,  as  wt:ll 
as  on  those  who  cnmmit  it.  strikingly  slmw  its  malignity, 
and  should  le;id  all  to  abhor  and  forsake  it,  and  to  look 
unto  .Jesus  that  they  may  be  delivered  from  its  power, 
and  become  the  instruments  of  good  to  ;ill  wlio  may  feel 
their  influence. 

2().  All  right  and  accejitable  prayer  is  the  fruit  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  operating  on  the  hearts  of  men,  awakening 
))ious  emotions,  and  leading  them  to  exercise  such  desires 
as  are  agreeable  to  the  will  of  (lod.  Though  their  feel- 
ings m;iv  not  be  nltered  in  words,  he  uiiderslauds  them, 
and  glorifies  himself  in  doing  exceeding  :iliuiiil;intly  for  all 
who  pray  in  the  Spirit,  and  watch  thereuiiln  with  all  per- 
severance.    K|ih.  (i:lK. 

2S.  As  all  things  work  together  fur  good  to  those  who 
love  (lod,  tliey  are  es|iecially  Imiinil,  in  whatsoever  state 
they  are,  therewith  to  be  eonteni ;  knowing  that  their  trials, 
however  great,  will  conspire  to  work  out  for  them  an  ex- 
ceeding and  etcrn:il  weight  of  glory.     2  Cor.  •1:17. 

29.  Conformity  in  temper  and  condiiet  to  the  examjile 
of  Christ,  is  the  only  sure  evidence  of  being  elected,  and 
predestinated  to  eternal  life. 

32.  The  death  of  Christ  is  conclusive  eviileuee  that  noth- 
ing which  will  in  the  end  lu-omote  their  benefit,  will  be 
withheld  from  those  who  believe  on  him. 

37.  All  the  blessings  of  Viclievers  come  to  them  through 
.Jesus  Christ.  T1m'3'  arc  given  on  his  iiceuuiit.  ;ind  are  the 
imrchasi^  of  his  blood.  They  should  llicrcfore  awaken  in 
those  who  enjoy  them,  unfeigned  anil  cvcr-iiicre:ising  grati- 
tude, and  lead  them  to  devote  Ihemaclves,  body  and  soul, 
for  ever  to  his  service. 

CIT.VPTER  TX. 

1.  In  Christ ;  as  one  united  to  Christ,  and  devoted  to  his 
service.  In  the  Holij  Ghost;  under  his  direction  and  iii- 
lliience. 

2.  Great  heaviness  and  rnntimud  sorrov;;  on  account  of  the 
deplorable  condition  and  prosjiects  of  the  unbelieving  .lews, 
who  constituted  the  mass  of  the  nation.  :inil  whom,  in  the 
next  verse,  he  calls  his  brethren  and  kinsmen  according 
to  the  flesh.  mc;ining  his  relatives  and  couiitrviinn. 

3.  I  cnidd  irisli  ;  were  it  proper,  or  would  it  binilil  them. 
Accursed  from  Chn.4  ;  subjected  to  the  greatest  calamities 
for  his  brethren,  if  by  this  means  they  could  be  saved. 


All  the  seed  of  Ahrahani 


ROMANS  IX. 


not  children  of  the  promise. 


A.  Df.o   from  Clirist  for  my  brethren,  my  kinsmen 
according  to  the  flesh:" 

4  Who  are  Israelites;  to  whom  ■pertaineth  the 
adoption/'  and  the  glory,"  and  the  covenants,**  and 
the  giving  of  tlie  law,"  and  the  service  of  God/  and 
the  i)romises;^ 

5  Whose  are  the  fathers,''  and  of  wliom  as  con- 
cerning tlie  flesh  Christ  came,'  who  is  over  all, 
God  blessed  for  ever.J     Amen. 

6  Not  as  though  the  word  of  God  hath  taken 
none  effect."  For  they  are  not  all  Israel,  which 
are  of  Israel:' 

7  Neither,  because  they  are  the  seed  of  Abraham, 
are  theij  all  children :  but.  In  Isaac  shall  thy  seed 
be  calied.'" 

8  That  is,  they  which  are  the  children  of  the 
flesh,  tliese  are  not  tlio  children  of  God :  but 
the  children  of  the  promise  arc  counted  for  the 
seed." 

9  For  this  is  the  word  of  promise,  At  this  time 
will  I  come,  and  Sarah  shall  have  a  son." 

10  And  not  only  this;  but  when  Rebecca  also 
had  conceived  by  one,  even  by  our  father  Isaac.'' 

11  (For  the  children  being  not  yet  born,  neither 

"  Exod.32:3-2.  bDeut.  7:6.  c  Psa.  90:18;  Isa.  fi(l:)9.  •  Or,  testaments. 
i  Gen.  17:21  Deut.  29:14;  Jer.  31:3:!.  e  Psa.  147:19;  ch.  3:2.  t  Exod. 
12:25.     5  Eph.  2:12.     l>ch.  11:28.     i  Luke  3:2!,  etc.     i, Mm  1:1.     k  Isa. 

4.  To  whom  pertaineth  theadoplion ;  who  had  been  selected 
of  Glod  as  his  people,  and  on  whom  ho  had  bestowed  pe- 
cuhar  privileges.  The  gtorij;  the  visible  emblem  of  the 
divine  presence.  The  covenants ;  tliose  made  with  their 
fathers.  The  giving  of  tlie  law;  Exod.  20:1-17.  The  ser- 
vice of  God ;  in  his  temple.  The  promises ;  those  contained 
in  the  Old  Testament. 

5.  Whose  are  the  fallicrs ;  the  patriarchs,  priests,  and 
prophets,  a  most  illustrious  ancestry.  Of  whom  as  concern- 
ing the  flesh;  from  whom,  as  to  his  human  nature,  Christ 
descended.  Wlio  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever;  truly  di- 
vine, .fehovah. 

6.  The  word  of  God;  his  word  of  promise  to  Abraham 
and  his  seed.  Hnth  taken  none  effect;  hath  failed  of  fullil- 
inent.  The  great  error  of  tlie  unbelieving  Jews  was  in 
thinking  that  the  covenant  of  God  with  Abraham  bound 
him  to  save  all  his  children,  without  respect  to  their  own 
personal  faith  ami  obedience.  This  error  the  apostle  now 
proceeds  to  expose.  Not  all  Israel;  not  all  his  natural  de- 
scendants are,  in  spirit,  true  Israelites,  to  whom  the  prom- 
ises of  spiritual  blessings  were  made.     Gal.  4:2!). 

7.  Neither — are  thcij  all  children;  in  the  sense  of  lieiiig 
heirs  to  the  promise.  In  Isaac  shall  tliijseedhe  called;  Gen. 
21: 12.  The  meaning  of  tliese  words  is,  that  not  all  Abra- 
ham's children  by  natural  descent  shall  lie  heirs  of  the 
promisi'S  iniide  to  him,  but  only  tliose  in  llie  line  of  Isaac. 

8.  T/ie  cliililren  of  the  flesh;  Abraham's  children  by  mere 
natural  descent.  The  children  of  God;  m  a  special  sense, 
as  being  heirs  of  the  promises  made  to  Abraham.  The 
cJiildren  of  the  promise;  tlie  children  of  Isaac,  who  was  born 
in  a  supernatural  Wiiy,  according  to  God's  promise,  men- 
tioned in  tlie  following  verso.  Are  counted  for  the  seal; 
the  seed  that  inherits  the  promises  maile  to  Abraham. 
Thus  the  aposlle  shows  (h;it  from  the  very  beginning 
the  blessings  of  the  covenant  di<l  not  flow  in  the  line  of 
mere  natural  descent  tf)  Abraham's  cliildren,  but  accord- 
ing to  God's  promise.  Upon  this  s;inie  principle  (mkI  acts 
under  the  gosjiel,  reckoning  as  the  true  seed  of  Abraham 
those,  and  those  only,  who  ■mv.  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of 
the  will  of  the  tlesli,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God,  and 
who  show  this  by  believing  in  Christ.     .Tolin  1:13;  G:29. 

9.  The  word  if  promise ;  (ieii.  18: 10-14  ;  25:21-23. 

10.  And  not  milij  this ;  not  only  did  God  in  this  case  re- 
ject a  part  of  Aliraliain's  seed  by  natural  descent.  lii/oitr 
fnlher  Isaac;  to  be  connected  immediately  with  vcr.  12  ;  the 


having  done  any  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpose  of 
God  according  to  election  might  stand,  not  of 
■works,  but  of  him  that  callcth,) 

12  It  was  said  unto  her,  The  elder^  shall  serve 
the  younger.* 

13  As  it  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved,  but  Esau 
have  I  hated.'^' 

14  What  shall  we  say  then?  Is  there  unright- 
eousness with  God"?''     (jrod  forbid. 

15  For  he  saith  to  Moses,  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  compas- 
sion on  whom  I  will  have  compassion." 

16  So  then  it  is  not  of  him  that  willeth,  nor 
of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that  showetli 
mercy. 

17  For  the  scripture  saith  unto  Pharaoh,  Even 
for  this  same  purpose  have  I  raised  thee  up,  that  I 
might  show  my  power  in  thee,  and  that  my  name 
might  be  declared  throughout  all  the  earth.' 

18  Therefore  hath  he  mercy  on  whom  he  will 
have  mercy,  and  whom  he  will  he  hardeneth. 

19  Thou  wilt  sny  then  unto  nie,  Why  doth  he  yet 
find  fault'?  For  who  hath  resisted  his  will?" 

20  Nay  but,  0  man,  who  art  thou  that  repliest 

5.5:11.  Ich. 2:23,29.  m  Gen,  21:12.  iiGal.4:2S.  o  Gen,  IF:  10,  14.  P  Gen. 
25:21,23.  t  Or,  greater.  1  Or,  fctscr,  qMal.  1:2,  3,  r  Deut.  32:4.  'Exod. 
33:19.     lExod.9:16.     u  2  Chr.  20:6;  Dan.  4:35. 

intermediate  verse  being  thrown  in  to  show  that  in  reject- 
ing Esau  and  taking  Jacob,  God  was  not  influenced  by 
any  good  or  evil  j^et  done  by  the  children. 

13.  As  it  is  written;  Mai.  1:2,  3.  The  meaning  of  these 
words  is,  I  chose  Jacob  and  his  seed  to  be  heirs  of  the 
promises  made  to  Abraham,  and  rejected  Esau  and  his 
seed. 

14.  Is  there  unrighteovsness  with  God?  is  it  wrong  for 
him  to  make  such  distinctions  as  he  does  among  men? 
God  forbid ;  certainly  not:  for  every  thing  he  does,  he  has 
the  wisest  and  best  reasons. 

15.  He  saith  to  Mt^ses;  Exod.  33:19. 

16.  Of  God  that  slwweth  mercy;  the  blessings  which  God 
bestows  upon  sinners  originate  wholly  with  himself.  They 
are  bestowed  upon  such  persons,  at  such  times,  and  in 
such  ways  and  measures  as  he  sees  best,  and  are  wholly 
of  grace. 

17.  The  scripture  saith;  Exod.  9:16.  Have  I  raised  thee 
lip;  caused  thee  to  stand  ;  continued  thee  on  earth  a  long 
time,  notwithstanding  all  thy  sins.  Mi/ power  in  thee;  my 
power  to  overcome  all  opposition,  anil  by  mighty  signs 
and  wonders,  with  a  high  hand  and  an  outstretched  arm, 
to  deliver  my  people,  according  to  my  promise.  That  mi/ 
name  might  he  declared;  that  I  might  b<!  made  known  as 
the  one  only  living  and  true  God,  the  omniiioteiit  Jehovah, 
over  all  the  earth. 

18.  Whom  he  wdl  he  hartlcncth  ;  as  he  did  Pharaoli,  by 
continuing  him  (Ui  earth  notwithstanding  his  sins,  and 
suffering  him,  under  judgments  ;uid  mercies,  to  act  out  his 
wickedness,  and  thus  grow  h;irder  and  imu-e  wicked  thiiii 
he  was  before. 

19.  Find  fault ;  blame  persons  for  doing  wrong.  Resisted 
his  ii'ill ;  thwarted  his  counsels,  l)y  whicli  "he  hath  mercy 
on  whom  he  will  li;ive  mercy,  and  whom  he  will  he  liarci- 
encth,"  vcr.  is.  This  is  the  old  objection,  that  if  God  ac- 
complishes all  his  purposes,  he  cannot  blame  men  for  their 
conduct.  But  if  is  a  certain  fact  that  he  does  govern  them 
as  free  responsilile  beings.  ;uiil  hold  them  accountable  for 
:dl  their  wickedness,  although  he  m;iy  overrule  it,  as  he. 
did  tliiit  of  the  Jewish  council  who  instigated  Pilate  to 
crucify  Christ,  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  own  wise 
and  good  counsels. 

20.  Hepliest  against  God;  dispiitest  against  him,  by  find- 
ing fiuilt  with  the  jirinciples  upon  which  he  governs  the 
world. 

1295 


God  hath  mercy 


ROMANS  IX. 


on  whom  he  wiU. 


agaiu,-t  God?"     Shall  tlic  thing  formed  say  to  him 
that  formed  it,  Why  hast  thou  made  me  thus?" 

21  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the  clay,  of 
the  same  lump  to  make  one  vessel  unto  honor,  and 
unotiicr  unto  dishonor?'' 

22  What  if  God,  willing  to  show  his  wrath,  and  to 
make  his  power  ivuown,'' endured  witlimueii  long-suf- 
fering the  vessels  of  wratli  iitted*  to  destruction:'' 

•1?)  And  that  he  migiit  nrake  known  the  riches' 
of  Ids  glory  on  the  vessels  of  mercy,  which  he  had 
afore  prepared  unto  glory ,'^ 

2-1  Even  us,  whom  he  hath  called,  not  of  the 
Jews  only,  but  also  of  tlio  Gentiles? 

25  As  lie  saith  also  in  Osce,  1  will  call  them  my 
people,  which  were  not  my  people;  and  her  be- 
loved, which  was  not  beloved.'^ 

20  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  in  the  place 
where  it  was  said  unto  them,  Ye  are  not  my  peo- 
ple ;*"  there  shall  they  be  called  the  children  of 
the  living  God. 

27  Esaias  also  crieth  concerning  Israel,  Though 

*  Ott  answerest  a^ain,  oc  dtsputesi  with  God.  *  Isa.  *J'J:1G.  *>  Isa.  64:t5. 
f  I'rov.  ll):4.  1  Ot  ,  maile  up .  ■!  2  Tim.  2:20.  eEph.  1:IS.  »!  Thess.  5:0. 
«  Hos.  2;2:j.     I'Hos.  1:1U.     i  Isa.  10:22,  a)-     >  Or,  the  arroiint.     J  Isa.  2i:22. 


21.  Power ;  rightful  power,  as  the  original  word  implies. 
Of  tlie  same  lump;  (he  lump  is  here  the  mass  of  fallen  sin- 
ful men,  who  can  claim  nothing  at  God's  hand  as  a  matter 
of  right,  and  towards  whom  he  may  .iustly  proceed,  as  he 
did  towards  Jacob  and  Esau,  showing  mercy  to  one,  and 
withholding  it  from  another. 

22.  IVhal  if  God,  willing;  judged  it  best  to  manifest  his 
wrath  against  transgressors  of  his  laws  and  opposcrs  of 
his  government,  and  thus  show  his  power  to  destroy  his 
enemies  and  save  his  friends,  Eiulured  with  mutli  long- 
Kuffering;  waited  upon  them  a  long  time,  as  he  did  upon 
Pnaraoh,  while  by  their  most  unreasonable  rebellion  they 
grew  harder ;  and  thus  the  abuse  of  his  forbearance  be- 
came a  savor  of  death  uirto  death,  2  Cor.  2:15,  16.  The 
msteh  of  icmlh ;  men  who  perseveringly  refu.sed  to  obey 
God.     Filled  to  destruction;  by  their  own  wickedness. 

23.  The  riclies  of  his  glory ;  the  glorious  perfections  of 
his  character,  especially  of  his  mercy  and  grace.  The 
vessels  of  mercy;  those  whom  he  mercifullj'  led  to  repent 
of  their  sins  and  believe  on  Christ. 

24.  ivt'c/i  »s;  believers  in  Christ.  Called;  effectually  by 
his  word  and  Spirit.    Not  of  the  Jews  only ;  but  of  all  nations. 

25.  O.see;  thcGreekformoftlie  Hebrew  word II osea.  IIos. 
2:23.  Cull  litem  my  people — not  beloved;  those  who  had  been 
cast  off  as  enemies,  he  would  reclaim  and  gather  as  frienils. 

2G.  It  s'lall  come  to  p(is<;  IIos.  I :  lU.  In  the  places  where 
they  had  shown  that  they  were  not  the  peojde  of  God, 
there  the  change  which  grace  would  produce  would  be  so 
manifest,  that  they  would  be  acknowledged  as  his  people. 

27.  Esaias;  Isaiah.  Crieth;  |)roclaimeth  publicly.  Isa. 
10:22,  23.  A  remnant;  a  few  only  of  them,  compared  with 
the  whole,  shall  believe  and  be  saved.  This  was  repeated- 
ly fulfilled  in  God's  treatment  of  the  nation  before  the  coming 
of  Christ ;  and  now,  in  the  apostle's  day,  it  was  having  its 
great  fullilmcnt  in  the  fact  that  only  a  remnant  of  them  re- 
ceived (Christ  as  their  Messiah,  and  were  thus  saved. 

28.  He  will  finish  the  work;  the  work  of  righteously  de- 
stroying those  who  will  not  have  him  reign  over  them. 
f'uJ  it  short ;  accomplish  it  in  a  speedy  and  summary  way. 
A  short  work;  a  work  done  with  iiromptness  and  speed. 
The  apostle  quotes  here,  as  often,  from  the  Greek  version 
of  the  Seventy. 

21».  Esaias  said  before;  in  an  earlier  passage.  Isa.  1:9. 
A  seed;  a  remnant,  a  few.  We  hail  been;  destroyed  like 
Sivlom  and  Gomorrah.  I!y  these  quotations  the  apostle 
showed  conclusively  that  the  doctrine  of  the  Jewish  Scrip- 
tures was  that  only  a  rcnniant  of  the  nation  should  be 
saved.  In  former  Judgments  God  hud  proceeded  ujion 
this  principle,  and  he  would  do  so  now, 
1296 


the  number  of  the  children  of  Israel  be  as  a.  d.co. 
the  sand  of  liie  sea,  a  remnant  siuiU  be  saved:' 

28  For  he  will  tinish  the  work,*  and  cut  it  short 
in  righteousness:  because  a  short  work  will  the 
Lord  make  upon  the  earth.-i 

29  And  as  Esaias  said  before,  E.xcept  the  Lord 
of  Sabaoth  had  left  us  a  seed,  we  had  been  as 
Sodoma,  and  been  made  like  unto  Gomorrah." 

30  Wliat  shall  we  say  tln-n?  That  the  Gentiles, 
which  followed  not  after  rigiitcousness,'  have 
attained  to  righteousness,  even  the  righteousness 
which  is  of  faitli." 

31  But  Israel,  which  followed  after  the  law  of 
righteousness,  hath  not  attained  to  the  law  of 
righteousness." 

32  Wherefore?  Because  they  souf^ht  it  not  by 
faitii,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law.  For 
tliey  stumbled  at  that  stundiling  stone; 

33  As  it  is  written,  Behold,  I  lay  in  Zion  a  stum- 
bling-stone and  rock  of  olfcnce:  and  whosoever 
belicveth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed.*" 


k  Gen.  19:24,  25;  Isa.  1:0;  1.1:19;  Lam.  :j:22.     I  ch.  10:2«.     ■"  ch.  1:17; 
Phil.  3:9.     nch.  10:2;  11;7.     f  Or,  coii/aundcd.    o  Psa.  11S:22;  laa.  8:14. 


30.  IfVwi.'j/KiW  u'e  soy;  what  is  the  conclusion?  Followed 
not  after  righlcovsness;  did  not  know  G<id  and  did  not  seek 
his  favor.  I fave attained ;  acceptance  with  Goil,  by  believ- 
ing in  (he  Messiah  who  has  been  ofl'ered  to  them. 

31.  TIlc  law  of  righteousness  ;  or,  as  we  may  render,  a  law 
of  righteousness;  that  is,  a  law  which  can  give  justifica- 
tion and  eternal  life,  which,  in  their  case,  was  the  law  of 
Moses. 

32.  Wherefore  ?  Wliy  have  they  not  obtained  justifica- 
tion? Because  they  sought  it  by  their  own  works,  and  as  a 
matter  of  human  merit;  not  by  belii-ving  in  Christ,  and 
receiving  it  for  his  sake.  Tlicy  stumbled  at  that  stumbling- 
stone;  they  were  offended  at  Christ,  and  opposed  salvation 
through  him. 

33.  As  it  IS  written;  Isa.  8:14;  28:lfi.  These  passages 
pointed  out  the  manner  in  which  they  would  treat  Christ; 
that  the  effect  of  believing  on  him  would  be  salvation,  and 
of  rejecting  him  woulil  be  destrnclion  ;  so  that  it  was  cer- 
tain, not  merely  from  the  jircivching  of  Paul,  but  from  tho 
testimony  of  (iod  by  the  Ulil  Testament  jiroiihels,  that 
other  foundation  for  human  hoi)e  could  no  man  lay  than 
that  which  was  laid, -lesus  Christ;  that  by  believing  on 
him.  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews  could  be  saved,  and  that  by 
continuing  to  reject  him,  Jews  as  well  as  Gentiles  would 
be  lost.     1  Cor.  3:11. 

IN,?TRUCTIONS. 

3.  While  (rue  religion  leads  those  who  possess  i(  ear- 
nesllv  to  desire  the  salvation  of  all,  it  Ie;i(ls  Ihem  espi'cially 
to  desire  the  salvation  of  their  own  coinitiynicn,  and  most 
of  all  that  of  their  relatives  ami  frien<ls,  and  to  be  willing 
to  make  any  proper  sacrifices  for  the  sake  of  promoling  il. 

8.  The  ]n-omises  of  the  gospel  are  not  made  to  any  on 
account  of  their  natural  descent  or  their  religions  ])rivi- 
leges,  but  on  account  of  their  union  to  Christ  by  believing 
on  him. 

14.  Whatever  God  does  is  right  ;  and  however  his  deal- 
ings may  a])j)(riir  to  men,  they  slinuld  always  feel  that  what 
he  does  is  wise,  holy,  just,  and  good.  In  many  things  ho 
calls  men  to  walk  by  fuilh;  and  gives  llieiri  oppmtmiities 
to  show  thus  whether  they  have  or  have  iKjt  confidence 
in  liim. 

22.  If  (!o<l  continues  men  in  life  and  surrounds  them 
with  mercies,  yet  leaves  them  to  pursue  their  own  chosen 
way,  they  will  grow  more  wicked,  and  become  more  hard- 
ined  in  sin ;  till,  by  rejecting  his  kind  invitations,  and 
abusing  his  ])roviilene(^  iind  grace,  they  have  fitted  them- 
selves for  di'slruelion. 

20.  Till-  salvation  of  any  of  the  lost  race  of  men  originate.-, 
in  th''  love  of  (;oi|.aiid  is  accomplished  by  his  iiower  and 


Thi  righteousness  of  the 


ROMANS  X. 


law,  and  that  of  faith. 


CHAPTER  X. 


5  The  scripture  slioweth  the  difference  between  the  righteousness  of  tlie 
law,  anil  this  of  faith,  II  and  th,^t  all.  both  Jew  and  Ijentile,  that 
believe,  shall  not  be  confounded,  IS  and  that  the  Gentiles  shall  receive 
the  woril  and  believe.     19  Israel  was  not  ignorant  of  these  things. 

BRETHREN,  my  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to 
God  for  Israel  is,  that  tliey  might  be  saved. 

2  For  I  bear  tliem  record  that  they  have  a  zeal 
of  God,  but  not  according  to  knowledge.'' 

3  For  tliey,  being  ignorant  of  God's  righteous- 
ness, and  going  about  to  establish  their  own  right- 
eousness, have  not  submitted  themselves  unto  the 
righteousness  of  God.'' 

4  For  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteous- 
ness to  every  one  tliat  believetli.'-' 

5  For  Moses  describeth  the  righteousness  which 
is  of  tlic  law.  That  the  man  which  doeth  those 
things  shall  live  by  them.'' 

6  I3ut  the  righteousness  which  is  of  faith  speak- 
eth  on  tliis  wise,  Say  not  in  thy  heart.  Who  sliall 
ascend  into  heaven?  that  is,  to  bring  Christ  down 
frorn,  above: 

7  Or,  Wiio  shall  descend  into  the  deep?  that  is, 
to  bring  up  Christ  again  from  the  dead. 

8  But  wliat  saitli  it?  The  word  is  nigh  thee, 
men  in  t])y  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart  r"^  that  is,  the 
word  of  faitli,  which  we  preach  ; 

9  Tliat  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thv  mouth  the 


«Aols21:'JU;  ch.U::il. 
30:12-11.  tlJohn4:-2. 
Gal.  3:*j.    J  ITim.  2:5. 


boh.  S)::iO.  =  Heb. 
E  Acts  H:37.  h  Isa 
kjnel  2:32;  1  Cor. 


10:11.     <1  Lev.  1S:5.     e  Deut. 

2^:10;  49:2:1.     i  Acts  15:9; 

1:2.     1  Isa.  52:7;  Nah.  1 :  15. 


grace,  showing  them  their  need  of.  Christ,  and  inclining 
them  to  believe  on  him. 

29.  A  people  may  have  the  greatest  outward  privileges, 
and  yet  very  few  of  them  be  saved.  Of  course  no  one  can 
safely  depend  upon  any  outward  distinctions  or  external 
privileges  ;  unless  they  lead  him  to  Christ  as  the  all-sufB- 
cient  and  only  Saviour,  they  will,  by  being  abused,  neglect- 
ed, or  perverted,  aggravate  his  condemnation. 

33.  The  eternal  condition  of  men  who  have  the  gospel 
will  be  accortling  to  their  treatment  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  However  ignorant,  careless,  or  wicked  they  may 
have  been,  if  they  believe  on  him  they  will  be  justified, 
sanctified,  and  saved;  if  they  reject  him  they  will  be  lost. 

CHAPTER  X. 

2.  /  bear  Ihein  record ;  I  freely  ami  openly  testify.  A  zeal 
of  God ;  zeal  for  (lod  ;  great  zeal  in  religion.  Not  accord- 
ing to  knowledge;  not  enlightened,  wise,  or  according  to 
truth. 

3.  God's  righteousness;  that  which  he  has  provided  in 
Jesus  Christ.  See  note  to  chap.  1 :  17.  TTieir  own  righteous- 
ness; by  their  outward  obedience  to  the  law.  Not  submit- 
ted tliemsetves ;  not  given  their  hearts  to  God,  or  accepted 
his  salvation  through  Christ. 

4.  The  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  ;  the  true  end  of 
the  law  is  to  give  eternal  life;  but  to  fallen  sinful  men  it 
becomes  the  occasion  of  death.  Chap.  7:10.  Christ,  by  de- 
livering those  who  believe  on  him  from  both  the  condem- 
nation of  the  law  and  the  reigning  power  of  sin,  brings 
them  into  a  state  of  eternal  life,  and  thus  accomplishes  the 
end  of  the  law. 

5.  Moses  describeth;  Lev.  18:.').  Tlie  rightrousncss—of  the 
liiw;  that  which  can  be  obtained  by  obi^ying  the  law. 
Iheth  thrntc  things;  all  the  things  which  the  law  requires. 
Shall  live  by  them  ;  and  thus  be  saved  by  his  worlcs. 

fi.  The  rightcou-tness — of  faith;  that  which  men  altain  by 
believing  in  Christ.  Speaketh  on  this  wise;  is  described  in 
this  way.  Deut.  ,30:11-11.  Say  not  in  thy  heart;  do  not 
think  that  this  way  of  becoming  righteous  requires  of  you 
impossibilities,  or  things  which,  if  disposed,  you  cannot  do. 
It  does  not  require  vou  to  go  up  to  heaven,  or  down  into 
8 '2 


Lord  Jesus,''  and  shalt  believe  in  thy  heart  that 
God  hatli  raised  him  from  the  dead,"  thou  shalt  be 
saved. 

10  For  with  the  heart  man  belicveth  unto  right- 
eousness ;  and  with  the  moutli  confession  is  made 
unto  salvation. 

11  For  the  scripture  saith.  Whosoever  believeth 
on  him  sliall  not  be  ashamed.'' 

12  For  there  is  no  difference  between  the  Jew 
and  the  Greek:'  for  the  same  Lord  over  all  is 
rich  unto  all  that  call  upon  hira.-* 

13  For  whosoever  .sliall  call  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord  sliall  be  saved." 

14  How  then  shall  tliey  call  on  him  in  whom 
they  have  not  believed?  and  how  shall  they  be- 
lieve in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard?  and 
how  sliall  they  hear  witlioiit  a  preacher? 

15  And  how  shall  tiiey  preach,  excejit  they  be 
sent?  as  it  is  written,  How  beautiful  are  the  feet 
of  them  that  preach  the  gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
glad  tidings  of  good  things!' 

16  But  they  have  not  all  obeyed  the  gospel.""  For 
Esaias  saith,  Lord,who  hath  believed  our  report?*" 

17  So  then  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing 
by  the  word  of  God. 

18  But  I  say,  Have  they  not  heard?  Yes  verily, 
their  sound  went  into  all  the  earth,  and  tlieif  words 
unto  the  ends  of  the  world." 


m  Acts  2-^:21;  Heb.  4:2.     "  Or,  preaching;  Gr.  t/tt^  liearin^  uf  us.     n  Isa. 
53:1  ;  Johnl2;33.     >>  Psa.  19:4;  Matt.  2S:19;  Col.  1:0,  23. 


the  deep.   All  that  it  requires  is,  to  receive  Christ  as  your 
Saviour  and  guide. 

8.  The  word;  the  message  of  salvation  through  Christ. 
Nigh,  thee;  close  at  hand,  so  that  it  requires  no  toilsome 
labor  to  find  it  or  to  do  it.  In  thy  mouth,  anil  in  thy  heart ; 
vQwXy  at  hand  to  be  received  by  thy  heart,  and  confessed 
by  Ihy  lips.    Verses  9,  10,  11. 

9.  Confess  with  thy  mouth — believe  in  thy  heat  t;  he  men- 
tions these  two  things,  because  both  arc  necessary  to  sal- 
vation— the  inward  faith  in  Christ,  and  the  outward  con- 
Icssion  of  him.  That  God  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead; 
for  belief  in  this  includes  every  thhig  else.  By  raising 
Christ  from  the  dead,  God  set  his  seal  to  him  as  the  prom- 
ised Messiah. 

II.  The  scripture  saith ;  Isa.  28:16.  Not  be  ashamed;  his 
confidence  in  the  Saviour  shall  not  be  disappointed. 

13.  Wiosoever  shall  call ;  Joel  2:32.  The  apostle  quotes 
from  a  prophecy  relating  to  the  times  of  the  gospel.  See 
the  context,  Joel  2:28-31. 

14.  IIow  then  shall  they  call;  the  quotation  from  Joel  gives 
the  apostle  occasion  to  magnify  the  office  of  the  gospel 
preacher,  and  show  the  proprieiy,  the  wisdom,  and  good- 
ness of  preaching  Ihe  gospel  to  the  heathen,  as  had  been 
done  by  Paul  and  others,  and  as  had  been  foretold  by  the 
prophets. 

15.  As  it  is  written;  Isa.  .52:7.  Another  prophecy  that 
has  its  highest  fulfilment  under  the  gospel  dispensation. 

III.  Theij  have  not  all  obeyed;  though  the  gospel  had  been 
preached 'extensively  among  Jews  and  Gentiles,  yet  only 
a  few  comparatively  had  embraced  it,  especially  among  the 
Jews.  This  also  had  been  foretold  in  the  Old  Testament. 
Isa.  ."iS:!.  Yet  some,  as  foretold,  when  they  heard  the 
gospel,  believed  and  were  saved. 

17.  Faith  cometh  by  hearing;  the  hearing  of  the  word  of 
God.  His  communication  in  the  gosjiel  is  the  means  ap- 
poirned  and  blessed  to  lead  men  to  exercise  faith ;  henco 
it  should  bo  preached  to  all,  that  they  may  hear,  believe, 
and  be  saved. 

18.  Bui  I  say.  Hove  they  not  heard?  this  is  said  in  refer- 
ence to  the  general  uidielief  of  men,  vcr.  IG ;  as  much  as 
to  say.  True,  few  have  obevcd ;  but  is  this  from  want  of 

12'J7 


Israd  rejeclelh  the  gospel, 


ROMANS  XI. 


hiU  is  not  wholly  cast  off. 


19  But  I  say.  Did  not  Israel  know?  First  Moses 
saitli,  I  will  provoke  you  to  jealousy  by  thcmtkatarc 
no  people,  and  by  a  foolish  nation  1  will  anger  you." 

20  But  Esaias  is  very  bold,  and  saitii,  I  was  found 
of  them  that  sought  me  not ;  1  was  made  manifest 
unto  them  that  asked  not  after  me. 

21  But  to  Israel  he  saith,  All  day  long  I  have 
.stretched  forth  my  hands  unto  a  disobedient  and 
gainsaying  people." 

CHATTER  XI. 

1  God  h,^th  not  cast  off  all  Israel.  7  Some  were  elected,  Ihoiigh  the  rest 
were  hardened.  16  TIu-ec  is  hope  of  tlieir  conversion.  18  The  Gentiles 
may  not  exult  over  them;  26  for  there  is  a  promise  of  their  salvation. 
33  Gods  jud;jnie:its  are  unsearchable. 

I  SAY  then,  Hath  God  cast  away  his  people?*^ 
God  forbid.    For  I  also  am  an  Israelite,  of  the 
seed  of  Abraham,  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin. 

2  God  liatii  not  cast  away  his  people  which  he 
foreknew.''  Wot  ye  not  what  the  scripture  saith 
of  Elias?  how  he  maketh  intercession  to  God 
against  Israel,  saying. 


•  Deut.  32:21;  Titus 3:3.     b  Isi.  G.) :  1 ,  2.     <=  1  Sam.  12:22;  Psa.  77:7,  8; 
SSM-i-.     d  ch.  8:29.     •  Gr.  J«.     e  I  Kings  1'J:1U-18.     (  ch.  8:27.     g  oh. 


hearing  ?  no ;  for  tkeir  sound  went  into  all  the  earth ;  in  otlier 
words,  what  the  Psahnist  says  of  the  instruction  given  by 
tlio  liea\<pns,  I'sa.  19:1-4,  is  true  of  the  preaeliiug  of  the 
gosju-l.  It  has  been  extensively  proeLtimed  among  many 
nations.  Of  course,  if  tlie  people  do  not  believe,  it  must 
be  their  own  fault. 

19.  Did  not  Israel  know?  have  in  their  o-wn  scriptures 
the  means  of  knowing ;  n;iiiiL-lyi  that  the  (jeutiles  as  well 
as  the  tjews  were  to  hear  tlie  gospel,  and  tluit  multitudes 
of  tliem  would  embrace  it,  wliiic  tlie  unbelieving  and  diso- 
bedient .Jews  were  to  be  rejected?  This  had  been  fore- 
told. First  Moses  saith;  as  much  as  to  say,  To  begin  with 
Moses,  the  first  of  all  the  sacred  writers.  The  passage 
quoted  is  in  Dent.  32:21.  It  teaches  that  for  their  diso- 
betlience  God  will  provoke  the  covenant  people  to  anger 
by  e.xalting  the  lieatlien  nations  above  them.  This  has 
been  fulfilled,  first,  in  a  temporal  way,  by  their  repeated 
Bubjection — as  at  this  very  day — to  the  dominion  of  gen- 
tile nations;  secondly,  in  a  spiritual  way.  by  God's  casting 
off  the  unbelieving  Jews,  and  calling  into  the  cluux-h  the 
believing  Gentiles.  It  is  to  this  latter  fulfilment  that  the 
apostle  here  refers.  No  people;  as  idolaters,  not  worthy 
to  be  called  a  people  in  contrast  with  the  iieople  of  God. 
Foolish  nation;  stupidly  worshipping  idols. 

20.  Esaiiis  is  very  bold ;  speaks  ojjcnly  and  plainly.  Isa. 
65 : 1,  2.  Them  tluit  sow^lU  me  iwt ;  those  who  had  not  before 
sought  him,  the  heathen.  lie  revealed  himself  to  them 
in  the  gospel,  and  they  believed  on  him. 

21.  Stretched  forth  my  hands ;  in  kind  invitations  of  mercy. 
A  duofiedieiU  and  gainsaying  people;  who  continued  to  op- 
pose liis  messengers  and  reject  their  message.  As  they 
continued  to  reject  him,  he  would  reject  them,  and  gather 
to  himself  a  people  from  the  Gentiles.  This  liad  been  fore- 
told in  the  Old  Testjin)cnt,  and  they  might  liave  known  it. 

IX8TRU(TI0XS. 

2.  Men  may  have  great  zeal  in  religion,  and  yet  be  blind- 
ed and  hanlcned  in  sin.  I{ight  zeal  will  be  in  acciM-dancc 
with  truth  and  (bity  ;  holy  in  character,  kind  in  spirit,  and 
useful  in  tendency. 

■I.  That  righteousness  which  men  vainly  seek  by  tlujir 
own  wf)rkH,  they  may  freely  attain  by  believing  in  Christ. 
They  may  also  in  this  way  be  led  from  llit^  heart  to  yield 
an  obedience  to  the  law,  whii-h  they  otherwise  never  would 
have  rendered  ;  iind  to  perform  works  wliieli  will  receive 
a  gmcious  and  abundant  reward. 

11.  That  faith  wliich  is  roprosonted  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment and  the  New  as  essential  to  salvation,  is  one  which 
influences  and  controls  the  heart  and  life. 
1298 


3  Lord,  they  have  killed  thy  prophets,  and  a  n.  m. 
digged  down  thine  altars;  and  1  am  left  alone, 
and  they  seek  my  life." 

4  But  what  saith  the  answer  of  God  unto  him  ? 
I  have  reserved  to  myself  seven  thousand  men,  who 
have  not  bowed  tiie  kiu^e  to  t/ic  image  of  Baal. 

5  Even  so  then  at  tiiis  ])rosent  time  also  there  is 
a  remnant  according  to  the  election  of  grace.' 

6  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more  of  works  i^ 
otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But  if  it  be  of 
works,  then  is  it  no  more  grace :  otherwise  work 
is  no  more  work. 

7  What  then?  Israel  hath  not  obtained  tliat 
wiiich  lie  seeketh  for;''  but  the  election  hath  ob- 
tained it,  and  the  rest  were  blinded;* 

8  According  as  it  is  written,  (lod  hath  given 
them  the  spirit  of  slumber,"  eyes  tiiat  tiieysliould 
not  see,  and  cars  that  they  should  not  hear;  unto 
this  day.^ 

9  And  David  saith.  Let  their  table  l)e  made  a 
snare,  and  a  trap,  and  a  stumbling-block,  and  a 
recompense  unto  them: 


4:4,  S;  Gal.  5:4;  Uph.  2:fl.     lich.O:^!.     i  Or,  liardtnid;  2  Cot. -J-.H.     1  Or, 
remorse,     i  Isa.  20:10.    J  Deut.  29:4  ;  Isa.  C:U. 


I".  The  hearing  uf  Christ  as  revealed  in  the  gospel,  is 
the  means  which  God  has  appointed,  and  which  he  blesses 
to  the  jiroduction  of  lUilli  in  him ;  he  should  therefore,  as 
soon  as  practicable,  be  preached  to  all  people ;  and  those 
who  aid  in  doing  this,  arc  exerting  an  imijortaut  instru- 
menlulity  for  the  salvation  of  men. 

21.  No  outward  connection  with  any  visible  church,  and 
no  external  privileges  merely,  can  secure  for  men  the  favor 
of  (Jod.  He  will  treat  tluin  as  ihey  treat  his  Son.  If 
they  receive  and  obey  him  as  their  Saviour,  he  will  be 
made  of  God  unto  them  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctifica- 
tion,  and  redemption.  If  they  do  not,  he  will  cast  them 
off.     John  14:15,  21 ;  1  Cor.  I'.SQ;  16:22. 

CIIAFTER  XI. 

1.  Cast  away  his  people;  cast  them  off  as  a  people,  so  as 
to  break  his  covenant  with  them.  The  answer  is,  No  ;  he 
has  cast  olV  the  unbelieving  part  of  lliem,  and  saved  the 
believing  remnant.  The  apostle  then  (irocceds  to  show, 
by  (piotations  from  the  .lewish  scriptures,  that  (!od  has 
always  proceeded  in  this  way.  /  also  am  an  Israelite ;  and, 
as  such,  an  example  of  the  "  remnant  according  to  the 
election  of  grace,"  ver.  5. 

2.  His  people  which  he  foreknew;  that  is,  the  remnant  of 
his  people  which  lie  foreknew.  Sec  note  to  chap.  8:29. 
Wol;  know.     Maketh  intercession;  I  Kings  19:10. 

4.  7^(1(1/ ,•  the  name  of  an  idol  which  many,  in  tlio  days 
of  Elijah,  worshi]ipcd.     1  Kings  l,s:22. 

.1.  A  remnant ;  a  small  numlier  of  the  .Jewish  nation  who 
bcliuig  to  his  redeemed  jicople.and  to  whom  his  Jiromises 
to  Abraham  of  spiritual  blessings,  were  made.  Gal.  3:29. 
Election  of  grace;  God's  gracious  choice  of  them  to  be  his 
people. 

C.  No  more  of  works;  if  his  choice  of  Ihcm  were  of  grace, 
it  was  not  on  the  ground  of  any  merit  in  them  ;  because, 
if  it  wore,  it  would  be  of  debt,  not  of  grace. 

7.  What  then  ?  whiit  is  the  conclusion  to  which  we  come? 
Israel;  the  great  body  of  tin'  .lewish  nation.  Thai  which 
he  seeketh  for;  rigliteoiiKiieKS  and  acceptance  with  God. 
Tlu:  election;  those  whom  (iod  graciously  chose  to  be  his 
people,  and  whom  Ik^  gave  to  .lesus  Christ.  John  6:37; 
I0:2r>-:!(|.  lilindcd ;  by  tli<'ir  sins,  in  refusing  to  come  to 
the  light,  ami  given  uj)  to  hardness  of  heart,  as  a  punish- 
ment for  their  transgressions.     John  3:20. 

8.  As  It  is  written;  Dent. 29:4;  Isii.  6:9,10;  29:10;  Matt. 
13:14,  l.l;  Mark  4:11,  12. 

9.  David  saith;  1'h:i.  (iO -.22,23.  As  David  was,  by  divine 
appointment,  an  eminent  type  of  Christ, so  the  destruction 


The  Gentiles  hroughl  in, 


ROMANS  XI. 


and  afterwards  Israel. 


A,D.  60.      10  Let  their  eyes  be  darkened,  that  they 
may  not  see,  and  bow  down  tlieir  back  ahvay." 

11  I  say  then.  Have  they  stumbled  that  they 
should  fall  ?  God  forbid :  but  rather  through 
their  fall  salvation  is  come  unto  the  Gentiles,''  for 
to  provoke  them  to  jealousy. 

12  Now  if  the  fall  of  them  be  the  riches  of  the 
world,  and  the  diminishint^*  of  them  the  riches  of 
the  Gentiles:  how  much  more  their  fulness? 

13  For  I  speak  to  you  Gentiles,  inasmuch  as  I  am 
the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,'^  I  magnify  mine  office : 

l-t  If  by  any  means  I  may  provoke  to  emulation 
them  which  are  my  flesh,  and  might  save  some  of 
them.'' 

15  For  if  tlie  casting  away  of  them  he  the  recon- 
ciling of  the  world,  what  shall  the  receiving  of 
them  be,  but  life  I'rom  the  dead  ? 

16  For  if  the  lirst-fruit  he  holy,"^  the  lump  is  also 
holy:  and  if  the  root  be  holy,  so  are  the  branches. 

17  And  if  some  of  the  branches  be  broken  off,' 
and  thou,  being  a  wild  olive-tree,^  wert  graffed  in 
among ^  them,  and  with  them  partakest  of  the  root 
and  fatness  of  the  olive-tree; 

18  Boast  not  against  the  branches.''  But  if  thou 
boast,  thou  bearest  not  the  root,  but  the  root  thee. 

19  Thou  wilt  say  then,  The  branches  were  bro- 
ken off,  that  I  might  be  graffed  in. 


»  Psi.  09:2-3,  33.  b  Acts  13:4G;  ad:-24-4S;  ch.  IU:19.  *  Or,  decay,  or  loss. 
'Acts  9:15;  Gal.  1:16;  Eph.  3.-S.  d  1  Cor.  7:16.  e  Lev.  23:10;  Num. 
15:1!*-21.     (Jer.ll:16.     5  Eph.  2:  IS,  13.    1  Or,  for.    h  1  Cor.  lU:  12.     i  Phil 


of  David's  enemies  typified  that  of  the  enemies  of  Christ, 
the  great  antitype.  And  in  the  case  of  both  David's  and 
Christ's  enemies  the  great  principle  was  illustrated,  that 
the  wicked  and  rebellious  among  Abraham's  children  shall 
perish,  even  as  other  sinners.  Let  their  table;  representing 
all  their  earthly  good. 

10.  Bow  down  their  back  ahcay;  the  same  as  "make their 
loins  continually  to  shake,"  namely,  with  terror  and  anguish. 
?sa.  69:23. 

11.  Stumbled  tliat  they  should  fall?  irrecoverably  fall? 
Will  the  great  body  of  the  Jews  always  continue  in  un- 
belief, and  all  forever  perish'?  Certainly  not.  Salvation 
is  come  unto  the  Gentiles;  tlie  rejection  of  the  Messiah  by 
the  Jews  was  made  the  occasion  of  his  being  preached  to 
the  Gentdes,  and  many  among  them  being  led  to  believe 
on  him.  After  a  time  the  Jews  also  shall  believe  on  him 
and  bo  saved.  For  to  provoke  them  to  jealousy  ;  to  provoke 
the  Jews  to  jealousy,  while  they  witness  the  great  privi- 
leges to  which  the  Gentiles  are  admitted  through  faith  in 
Christ.  The  apostle  alludes  to  the  passage  which  he  had 
quoted  from  Deut.  32:  21 :  ■'  I  will  provoke  you  to  jealousy 
by  them  that  are  no  people." 

12.  Them;  the  Jews.  He  the  riches  of  the  world ;  be  the 
occasion  of  great  good  to  the  worUl.  How  much  more  ; 
will  their  restoration  to  the  favor  of  God  be  the  occasion 
of  greater  good. 

13.  I  magnify  mine  office;  his  office  as  apostle  to  the  Gen- 
tiles. This  he  showed  to  ho  highly  honorable, as  connected 
with  the  plan  of  God  for  the  salvation  of  men. 

14.  Provoke  to  emulation;  provoke  to  jealousy,  as  in  vcr. 
11,  and  cli;ip.  10:1!),  where  the  original  Greek  uses  the 
same  word.  The  apostle  means,  provoke  to  jealousy 
in  sui-h  a  way  that  they  shall  be  stirred  up  to  seek  the 
blessings  which  tlu^y  sec  taken  from  them  on  account  of 
tlieir  unhelief,  and  given  to  the  Gentiles  tlirough  their 
faith. 

15.  0/ Mem ;  the  Jews.  0/(/ie«)or-M  ;  the  Gentiles.  Lfr 
from  the  dead ;  as  a  glorious  resurrection. 

16.  The  first -fruit ;  the  cake  made  from  tlie  first  dough 
of  the  new  harvest,  which  the  Israelites  were  required  to 
offer  to  the  Ijord,  before  thcyate  of  it.  See  Num.  15:20. 
Be  holy;  consecrated  to  God.     The  lump;  the  whole  mass 


20  Well ;  because  of  unbelief  they  were  broken 
off,  and  thou  standest  by  faith.  Be  not  high-mind- 
ed, but  fear:' 

21  For  if  God  spared  not  the  natural  branches, 
take  heed  lest  he  also  spare  not  tiiee. 

22  Behold  therefore  the  goodness  and  severity 
of  God:  on  them  which  fell,  severity;  but  toward 
thee,  goodness,  if  thou  continue  in  Aw  goodness  :•' 
otherwise  thou  also  slialt  be  cut  off.'' 

23  And  they  also,  if  they  abide  not  still  in  unbe- 
lief, shall  be  graffed  in:'  for  God  is  able  to  graff 
them  in  again. 

24  For  if  thou  wert  cut  out  of  the  olive-tree  which 
is  wild  by  nature,  and  wert  graffed  contrary  to 
nature  into  a  good  olive-tree ;  how  much  more 
shall  these,  which  be  the  natural  ira;!c/(f4",  be  graffed 
into  their  own  olive-tree".'' 

25  For  I  would  not,  brethren,  that  yc  should  be 
ignorant  of  this  mystery,  lest  3-e  should  be  wise  in 
your  own  conceits,  that  Ijlindness*  in  part  is  hap- 
pened to  Israel,'"  until  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles 
be  coine  in." 

26  And  so  all  Israel  shall  lie  saved :  as  it  is  writ- 
ten. There  shall  come  out  of  Zion  the  Deliverer, 
and  shall  turn  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob:" 

27  For  this  is  my  covenant  unto  them,  when  1 
shall  take  away  their  sins.'' 

2:12.  j  Heb.  3:6,  14:  10:2.3,  :38.  k  John  15:2.  12  Cor.  3:16.  I  Or.  hard- 
ness, m  ver.  7;  2Cor.  3:14.  n  Luko  21:24.  olsa.. 59:20.  P  Jer.  31 :31,  etc. ; 
Heb.  10:16. 

of  dough  from  which  the  offering  was  taken.  The  root ; 
of  the  tree.  The  first-fruit  of  the  dough  and  the  root  of 
the  tree  here  represent  the  patriarchs  of  the  Israelitish 
nation,  who  received  the  irrevocable  promises  made  to 
Abraham  and  his  seed.  Their  reception  by  God.  as  a  pe- 
culiar people  consecrated  to  his  service,  is  a  pledge  that 
he  wUl  not  finally  cast  off  the  nation  sprung  from  them. 
Their  present  rejection  is  temporary,  and  not  final. 

17.  Some  of  the  branches;  the  Jews,  the  natural  descend- 
ants of  Abraham,  called  on  this  account,  verse  21,  natural 
branches.  A  ivild  olive-tree;  one  that  is  uncultivated  and 
bears  no  valuable  fruit;  representing  the  Gentiles. 

18.  Boast  not  asainst  the  branches ;  the  natural  In-anches, 
the  Jews.  Do  not  exult  over  them,  as  if  you  were  natu- 
rally better  than  they,  and  were  in  no  danger.  The  root ; 
the  original  churcli  of  God  consisting  of  Abraham's  seed, 
into  which  the  Gentiles  arc  grafted  by  faith. 

10.  The  branches  were  broken  off;  the  Jews  were  cast  out, 
that  the  Gentiles  might  be  admitted. 

20.  Because  of  unbelief;  their  unbelief  was  the  cause  of 
their  rejection.  Thou  standest  by  faith  ;  continued  faith  in 
Christ  and  obedience  to  him  are  essential  to  your  continu- 
ance as  the  people  of  God.  Uigh-rninded;  elated,  proud, 
haughty.  Fear  ;  walk  humbly  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God, 
lest  you  too  be  broken  oliand  perish. 

22.  On  them  which  fell;  the  unbelieving  Jews.  Sever- 
ity; just,  righteous  i>iinishmeiit.  Toward  thee;  the  believ- 
ing Gentiles.  Goodness;  gratuitous  favor.  If  thou  con- 
tinue in  his  goodnci^ ;  by  continuing  to  believe  aiul  obey 
him. 

25.  Of  this  m  i/stcri/ ;  itnalfainablc  by  more  human  reason, 
and  which  h;i,s  not  hitherto  been  clearly  revealed:  th:it 
tlic  rejection  of  the  .Messi:di  by  the  Jews  was  to  be  only 
temporary;  and  that  when  multitudes  of  the  (ieiitiles 
should  be  converted  to  him,  then  the  Jews  also  would  ac- 
knowledge hhn,  and  be  again  received  as  the  peo]de  of 
(jod.  Until  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in;  the  gentile 
nations  in  full  number,  according  to  the  wise  appointment 
of  God. 

20.  All  Israel;  Israel  as  a  nation,  and  not,  as  now,  a 
remnant  of  believing  individuals.  As  it  is  written;  Is.i. 
50:20,  21;  t'sa.  11:7-  Jer.  31:31-31:  lleb.  10:15-18. 

1299 


Tht  riches  of  divine  grau  ' 


ROMANS  XII. 


must  move  us  to  pkasc  God. 


28  As  concerning  the  gospel,  they  arc  enemies  for 
your  sake:^:  but  as  touching  tiie  election,  they  arc 
beloved  for  the  fathers'  sakes." 

29  For  the  gifts  and  calling  of  God  arc  without 
repentance.'' 

30  For  as  vc  in  times  past  have  not  believed' 
God,''  yet  have  now  obtained  mercy  through,  their 
unbelief; 

31  Even  so  have  these  also  now  not  believed,* 
that  through  your  mercy  they  also  may  obtain 
mercy. 

32  For  God  hath  concluded  them  all*  in  unbe- 
lief, that  he  might  have  mercy  upon  all.'' 

33  Oh  the  deptli  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom 
and  knowledge  of  God !''  how  unsearchable  are  his 
judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out!'' 

34  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord? 
or  who  hath  been  his  counsellor?^' 


'  Deal.  IDAS.    I>  Nam. 'i);19.     <:Erh.2:2.    '  Or, obti/td.    1  Or,  shut  Ihem 
all  up  logtl/ur.     d  ch.  :i:9;  Gal.  3:ai     e  Psa.  107:8,  etc.     '  Job  11 :7;  Psa. 


28.  As  concerning  the  gospel;  in  respect  to  the  spread  of 
the  gospel.  Enemies  for  i/nur  sokes ;  enemies  to  the  gospel 
and  rejecters  of  it  in  svicli  a  way  that,  by  the  wise  ap- 
pointment of  God,  it  sliall  be  more  generally  preached  and 
obeyed  among  the  (lentilcs.  The  rejection  of  the  gospel 
by  the  Jews  was  tlio  occasion  why  the  preachers  of  it 
turned  to  the  Gentiles,  and  tliis  was  a  part  of  (!od's  pnr- 
pose.  Compare  Acts  13:46;  18:i>;  22: 18-21  ;  2.S:2«.  Tuiir.li- 
ing  the  election;  on  account  of  God's  clioosing  Abraham  and 
his  spiritual  seed,  and  on  account  of  the  promises  which 
he  made,  they  were  still  rememlicred  in  mercy,  and  in  due 
time  would  again  be  restored  to  the  privileges  and  bless- 
ings of  his  people. 

29.  Gifts  and  calling  of  God;  his  choosing  them  as  his 
people,  and  his  promises  to  give  them  spiritual  blessings. 
Are  withoid  repentance ;  will  not  be  revoked.  God  will  not 
change  his  determination,  or  fail  to  bestow  the  blessings 
which  he  has  promised. 

30.  Through  their  unbelief;  tlieir  unbelief  was  made  the 
occasion  of  your  having  the  gospel  preached  to  you,  and 
thus  obtaining  mercy. 

31.  Through  your  mercy;  through  the  mercy  bestowed 
upon  you  by  God,  in  bringing  you  into  his  church.  For 
the  converted  Gentiles  sliall,  in  tlieir  turn,  be  instrumental 
in  bringing  back  the  .Jewish  peiiple  to  Christ. 

32.  llalh  riinclnded;  left  shut  up,  as  in  a  prison,  without 
any  hope  of  relief,  from  their  >j\vn  works.  I'/icin  all ;  the 
wliole,  both  Jews  and  Gentiles.  That  lie  might  liave  mercij 
upon  all;  and  thus  Jews  and  Gentiles  alike  be  made  to  feci 
and  acknowledge  that  their  salvation  is  of  grace,  not  of 
works. 

34.  W7(0,- can  understand  the  mind  of  God  ?  or,  whoever 
taught  him  any  thing?  No  our.  lb'  is  alone  the  sum  and 
source  of  all.  Isa.  40: 13;  Jer.  23:  IK.  lie  needeth  not  and 
recoivcth  not  information  from  any  of  his  creatures.  Acts 
17:2i-2H. 

35.  IVlio  twlh  first  given;  wlio  ever  gave  to  God  any 
thing  which  God  did  not  first  give  to  him?  No  one;  for 
no  one  ever  had  any  thing,  except  what  he  received  from 
God. 

36.  Of  him;  God,  as  their  Creator.  Through  him;  as 
their  Preserver  and  Uenefactor.  To  him ;  as  their  great 
end.  Are  nil  tilings;  all  things  were  created,  are  preserved 
and  controlled,  and  will  be  disposed  of,  to  the  jiromotion 
of  his  glory.  To  whom  he  glory  for  ever ;  it  all  belongs  to 
Him,  to  Him  let  itallbegiven.  Amen  ;  aoho'xt.  Lctcvcry 
thing  that  lialh  breath  praise  the  j.ord.     I'sa.  150:6. 

IN.^THCCTIONS. 
5.  When  multitudes  enter  the  wirle  gate,  and  walk  in 
the  broad  way  which  Icadcth  to  destruction,  the  reason 
why  some  ent<;r  the  strait  gale,  and  walk  in  the  iiiirrow 
way  which  leadoth  unto  life,  is,  they  are  by  (jorl  graciously 
chosen  to  salvation  through  sauctilication  of  the  Spirit  and 
1300 


35  Or  who  hath  first  given  to  him,  and  it  a. n. eo. 
sliall  be  recompensed  unto  iiim  again?'' 

3(j  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  arc 
all  things:'  to  whom'  be  glory  for  ever.    Amen. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Goil's  mercies  must  move  us  to  please  God.  3  No  man  must  think 
too  well  of  himself,  6  but  attend  every  one  on  that  calling  wherein  he 
is  phiced.  9  Love,  and  many  other  duties,  are  required  of  us.  19 
Reven^fe  is  specially  forbidden. 

1  BESEECH  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mer- 
cies of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,J  ivhich  is 
your  reasonable  service. 

2  And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world:''  but  be 
ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  tliat 
ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable, 
and  perfect  will  of  God.' 


92:5. 
/tim. 


S  Isa.  40:1.3;  .Te 
i  1  Cor.  6:5-20. 


.23:18.    tiJob41:ll.     i  1  Cor.  8:0;  Col.  1:16.     I  Gr. 
klJohn2:15.     I  Eph.  5:111,  17. 


belief  of  the  truth,  and  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God, 
through  faith,  unto  salvation.  2  Thess.  2:13,  14;  1  Tet. 
1:5. 

7.  If  none  were  chosen  of  God  to  eternal  life,  none  would 
be  saved,  because  none  would  take  the  only  way  of  salva- 
tion. His  choosing  them  was  not  because  they  were  natu- 
rally better  than  others,  or  on  account  of  any  thing  spirit- 
ually good  ill  them  ;  but  it  was  a  favor  graciously  beslowed, 
and  which,  through  his  grace,  is  connected  with  believing 
in  Christ,  re]ieiitiiig  of  sin,  and  persevering  in  obedience 
to  eternal  life.  Of  course  we  ought  to  be  as  grateful  to 
tJod  for  his  election  of  men,  as  for  their  salvation. 

12.  The  ruin  of  some  men  is  overruled  by  tiod  as  the 
occasion  of  great  good  to  others. 

20.  Men  who  have  right  views  of  God  and  his  ways,  of 
themselves,  and  (heir  relations  to  him  and  their  fellow- 
men,  will  not  be  proud,  haughty,  or  censorious,  but  will 
be  humble,  meek,  grateful,  benevolent. 

26.  However  great  the  present  blindness  of  the  Jews, 
however  strong  their  opposition  to  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the 
time  is  coming  when  they  will  know  that  he  is  their  long- 
promised  Messiah,  will  embrace  him  as  their  hoiie  of  glory, 
and  will  become  eminent  benefactors  of  the  world.  With 
reference  to  this  tliej'  have  bcrii  kept  as  a  distinct  people  ; 
and  all  exulting  over  them,  deK|iising  or  opiiressing  them 
by  the  Gentiles,  is  highly  offensive  to  God. 

33.  The  reasons  of  the  proceedings  of  God  with  men  arc 
often  by  them  unknown,  and  can  never  be  fully  understood  ; 
yet  we  may  be  certain  that  he,  in  all  cases,  has  reasons 
which  are  |ierfcetly  wise  and  inlinitcly  good.  No  objec- 
tion therefore  ought  to  be  made,  by  any  one,  to  any  thing 
that  God  does  ;  but  the  siiontaiieons  expression  of  all  sliould 
be,  Bless  the  Lord  in  all  places  of  his  dominion;  bless  tho 
Lord,  0  my  soul.     J'sa.  103:22. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1.  The  mercies  of  God ;  those  which  ho  bestows  in  and 
Ihrough  Jesus  Christ,  iis  the  ajioKtlc  has  exhibited  in  tJio 
former  part  of  this  epistle.  For  ho  now]iroeeeds  to  draw 
from  the  deep  doctj-ines  there  unfolded  inferences  of  a 
practical  nature.  Present  your  hoihex;  as  the  priest  pre- 
sented to  (jod  tho  bodies  of  lli<^  vielirns  slain.  A  living 
sacrifice ;  in  contrast  with  the  slain  sacrifices  of  tho  Mosaic 
law.  To  jiresent  the  biidy  to  (iod  as  a  living  sacrifice,  is 
lo  consecrate  it,  with  the  living  soul  that  inhabils  it,  to 
fiod's  service.  1  Cor.  6:l.')-20.  Kca.somiUe  service;  a  ser- 
vice of  the  spirit,  in  (ontr.tst  with  a  merely  outward  and 
bodily  service,     ('om)iare  1  Pet.  2:5. 

2.  lie  not  ronfnrmcd  liilhis  u'Drlil ;  to  Its  sinful  spirit, max- 
ims, customs,  and  habits.  Tranxfiirmcil ;  changed,  not  in 
outward  conduct  merely,  but  in  the  spirit  and  temper  of 
your  minds.  Mai/  prove;  know  and  discern  aright  by  your 
own  experience.     The  apostle  has  in  view  that  discern- 


The,  various  mercies  of  God 


ROMANS  XII. 


must  all  he  fa  it /i fully  used. 


AD.  60.  3  For  I  say,  tlirough  the  grace  given  unto 
me,  to  every  man  that  is  among  you,  not  to  think  of 
himself  more  highly  than  he  ouglit  to  tiiink;"  but 
to  tiiink  .soljerly,"  according  as  God  iiath  dealt  to 
every  man  tlie  measure  of  I'aitli.'' 

4  For  as  we  liave  many  members  in  one  body, 
and  all  members  have  not  the  same  oflice:" 

5  So  we,  being  many,  are  one  body  in  Christ,'' 
and  every  one  members  one  of  anotlicr. 

6  Having  tlien  gifts  differing  according  to  the 
grace  that  is  given  to  us,''  whetlier  propiiecy,  let  us 
prophesy  according  to  the  proportion  of  faitli; 

7  Or  ministry,  let  us  tuait  on  ow  ministering;  or 
he  tliat  teacheth,  on  teaching ; 

8  Or  he  tlnit  exliortctli,  on  exhortation :  he  that 
givetli,^/rf  him  do  it  with  simplicity;*  he  that  rul- 
eth,  witii  diligence;''  he  that  showeth  mercy,  with 
cheerfulness.^ 

9  Ld  love  be  without  dissimulation."  Abhor 
that  whicli  is  evil ;  cleave  to  that  which  is  good.' 

10  Be  kindly  aliectioned  one  to  another  with 
brotherly  love  f'  in  honor  preferring  one  another ;" 

11  Not  slothful  in  business;'  fervent  in  spirit;" 
serving  the  Lord;" 

aCh.ll:a).  •  Gr.  to  sobriety,  b  Eph.4:7.  etc.  =  I  Cor.  12:4,  la.  J  Eph. 
1:23.  e  I  Pet.4:10,  11.  1  Or.  hnpartet/i.  \  Ox,  liberally,  f  Psa.  lUl  :a,  etc. 
B2Cor.9:7.  lilPet.l:22.  iPsa. 34:14.  i  Or,  in  t/ie  love  of  the  bretliren. 
jl  Pet.  2:17.  k  1  Pet.  S:5.  1  Acts  20:34,  3.5.  oi  Col.  4:12.  n  Heb.  12:2i 
och.  5:2,  3.     pjas.  1:4.     1I.ukelS:l.     r  Psa.  41 ;  I  ;  Heb.  13: 16.     s  Heb. 

ment  of  God's  will  which  comes  from  actual  obedience. 
Compare  John  7 :  17. 

3.  Through  the  grace  given  xmto  me ;  by  virtue  of  my  apos- 
tolic office,  for  which  the  grace  of  God  has  furnished  me. 
To  think  soberly ;  by  forming  a  just  estimate  of  himself  and 
his  gifts,  as  compared  with  his  brethren  and  their  gifts. 
To  evert/  t7}an  the  measure  of  faith;  thus  qualifying  him  for 
some  services,  but  not  for  others. 

4.  AH  members  have  not  lite  same  ojjiee;  the  eye,  for  instance, 
cannot  perform  the  oftice  of  the  ear,  nor  the  liaiul  that  of 
the  foot.  The  perfection  of  the  whole  depends  upon  the 
perfection  of  each  organ ;  so  with  the  spiritual  body,  the 
church  of  Christ. 

5.  We;  Christians.  One  bodij  in  Christ;  he  is  the  head, 
and  we  are  the  members  of  his  one  body. 

6.  Gifts  differing  according  to  the  grace  that  is  given;  God 
graciously  bestows  upon  different  members  of  the  church 
different  talents  and  gifts,  and  all  are  to  use  them  accord- 
ing to  hia  will.  Propliecij;  this  was  one  of  the  spiritual 
gifts.  See  note  to  1  Cor.  12:28.  According  to  the  proportion 
of  faith;  the  same  as  "the  measure  of  faith,"  vcr.  3.  Let 
him  keep  himself  within  the  limit  of  the  spiritual  qualifi- 
cations bestowed  on  him  by  God. 

7.  Or  ministry;  that  is,  or  having  ministry  for  his  gift. 
Ministry  is  here  ministering  to  the  wants  of  the  brethren, 
as  distinct  from  prophesying  and  teaching.  Let  us  wad  on 
our  ministering;  occupy  ourselves  with  it  in  a  humble  and 
contented  spirit. 

8.  Giveth;  for  the  relief  of  others.  With  simplicdy; 
singleness  of  aim,  purity  of  motive,  without  selfish  ends. 
Ruleth;  directcth  the  concerns  of  the  church.  Showclh 
mercy;  by  attending  on  and  assisting  the  sick,  sorrowful, 
and  distressed.  With  cheerfulness;  with  a  kind,  patient 
disiHwition,  which  will  greatly  increase  the  pleasure  and 
benefit  of  bis  assistance. 

10.  In  honor  preferring  one  another ;  rather,  going  before, 
or  setting  an  example  to  one  another  in  courtesy,  kindness, 
and  respect. 

11.  In  business;  or  in  diligence,  as  the  same  word  is  ren- 
dered in  vcr.  8.  The  meaning  is,  that  in  tlie  e.\ereisc  of  a 
diligent  and  earnest  siiirit  we  should  not  be  remiss.  Serv- 
ing the  Lord ;  by  activity  of  body  and  mind,  wisely  and  per- 
soveringly  discharging  the  various  duties  of  life.  1  Cor. 
10:31. 


12  Rejoicing  in  hope;"  patient  in  tribulation;" 
continuing  instant  in  prayer ;'' 

13  Distributing  to  the  necessity  of  saints  ;"■  given 
to  hospitality.^ 

14  Bless  them  which  persecute  you :  bless,  and 
curse  not.' 

15  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep 
witii  them  that  weep." 

IG  Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  another." 
Mind  not  high  things,'"  but  condescend  to  men 
of  low  estate.'  Be  not  wise  in  your  own  con- 
ceits." 

17  Recompense  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 5"  Pro- 
vide things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men.'' 

18  If  it  lie  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live 
peaceably  with  all  men." 

19  Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,''  but 
rather  give  place  unto  wrath:  for  it  is  written. 
Vengeance  is  mine  ;  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord.'' 

20  Tlicrefore  if  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him ; 
if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink ;  for  in  so  doing  thou 
shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head." 

21  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil 
with  good.'' 


1:1:2;  1  Pet.  4:9.  t  Matt.  5:44.  u]  Cor.  12:26.  v  l  Pet.  3:3.  w.Ier.  45:5. 
1  Or.  be  contented  with  mean  things.  «  Isa.  5:21.  y  Malt.  5:39;  1  Pet.  3:9. 
t  2Cor.  8:21.  a  Psa.  ;ij:14;  Heb.  12:14.  b  Lev.  19:18.  '  Deut.  32:35. 
J  Prov.  25:21,  22;  Matt.  5:44.     »  Prov.  10:32. 


12.  In  hope ;  in  hope  of  future  glory.  Instant  in  prayer  ; 
habitual,  fervent,  persevering  in  the  duty. 

13.  Distributing  to  the  necessity  ef  .mints ;  supplying  their 
wants.  Given  to  hospilaldy;  accustomed  to  provide  for 
needy  travellers  and  strangers,  especially  such  as  are  la- 
boring or  suftering  for  Christ. 

15.  Rejoice — and  weep  ;  manifest  a  deep  interest,  a  tender 
sympathy  in  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  others. 

10.  The  same  mind  ;  be  united,  live  in  peace.  Mind  not; 
do  not  aspire  to,  or  seek  after  wealth,  honor,  or  powerful 
earthly  connections.  Condescend;  sympathize  and  associ- 
ate with  the  poor,  humble,  afllicted,  especially  such  as 
suffer  for  righteousness'  sake.  //*  your  own  conccds;  do  not 
have  such  an  opinion  of  your  own  wisdom  as  to  exalt  your- 
self or  despise  others,  or  prevent  your  feeling  your  depend- 
ence, and  obligation  for  all  which  you  possess,  to  the  grace 
of  God.     Prov.  3:5-7. 

17.  Recompense  to  no  man;  do  no  evil  to  any  one,  because 
he  does  evil  to  you.  Things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men ; 
things  that  are  right,  lovely,  and  of  good  report,  as  the 
original  word  implies.  Conduct  in  such  a  manner  as  is 
suited  to  meet  the  enlightened  and  conscientious  appro- 
bation of  men.     Prov.  3:3,  4. 

18.  As  much  as  lieth  in  you ;  as  far  as  you  can  consist- 
ently with  duty,  cultivate  a  peaceful  temper,  and  seek  to 
live  in  peace. 

19.  Give  place  unto  wrath ;  do  not  take  revenge  upon  those 
who  injure  you,  but  exercise  a  forgiving  spirit.  Leave  the 
taking  of  vengeance  to  Jehovah,  to  wlioiu  it  belongs.  Deut. 
32 :  35. 

20.  Feed  him — give  him  drink;  treat  him  kindly,  do  him 
good,  and  when  he  is  needy  supply  his  wants.  Prov. 
25:21,22;  M;itt.5:44.  Heap  co(ds  of  fire  on  his  head ;  which 
will  be  adai'ted  to  melt  him  into  iieiiitencc  and  love. 

21.  Be  not  overcome ;  let  not  evil  conquer  you,  but  do 
you  with  kindness  coiKpier  i(. 

I.\STHU(TIONS. 
2.  The  doctrines  of  the  gosjiel  as  inculcated  by  tho 
iipostles,  especially  justification  liy  grace  through  faith  in 
Jesus  Christ,  arc  not  only  consistent  with,  but  comlucivo 
to  the  most  pure,  elevated,  and  universal  morality;  and 
the  intelligent,  cordial  belief  of  the  one  will,  through  the 
grace  of  God,  secure  the  other. 

5.  The  perfection  of  each  member  and  of  f'.e  whole  body 

1301 


Magistrates  to  he  obeyed. 


ROMAXS  XIII. 


Various  duties  enjoined. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Subjection,  and  many  otiier  duties,  we  owe  to  the  magistrates.  8 
liove  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.  11  (jluttony  and  drunkenness,  and 
the  works  of  darkness,  are  out  of  season  in  the  tune  of  the  gospel. 

LET  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  pow- 
ers."    For  tlierc  is  no  power  but  of  God:'' 
the  powers  that  be  are  ordained"  of  God. 

2  Wliosoever  tliereforc  resisteth  the  power,  rc- 
sisteth  the  ordinance  of  God  :  and  they  that  resist 
shall  receive  to  themselves  damnation. 

3  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works,  but 
to  the  evil.  Wilt  thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  tlie 
power?  do  that  which  is  good,'-'  and  thou  shalt 
have  praise  of  the  same: 

4  For  he  is  the  miiii.stLT  of  God  to  thee  for  good. 
But  if  tiiou  do  that  whicii  is  evil,  be  afraid;  for 
he  bearetli  not  the  sword  in  vain:  for  he  is  the 
minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute  wrath  upon 
liim  tiiat  doeth  evil. 

5  Wiierefore  yc  must  needs  be  subject,  not  only 
for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience'  sake.'' 

6  For,  for  this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also  :  for  they 
are  God's  ministers,  attending  continually  upon 
this  very  thing. 

7  Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues:  tribute  to 


»lPet.a:13.     bDan.2;il      •  Or,  orilmd.     cIPct.  2:14.      d  Eccl.  8:2 
«  Matt.  22:21.     (Jas.a;3.     «  Exod.  2IJ:  l:J,  elc.     h  Lev.  19:  18;  Matt.  22::JU, 


of  Christ,  depends  not  upon  all  being  alike,  or  doing  the 
same  thing.s,  but  upon  all  being  in  their  proper  places,  and 
doing  cacli  liis  ai)piopriate  work. 

1-1.  Gooil  men  will  desire  to  do  good,  not  to  friends  onh'. 
or  such  as  do  good  to  them,  but  also  to  enemies,  and  such 
as  do  evil.  The  cliaracters  of  men  are  more  clearly  seen 
by  their  treatment  of  enemies,  than  of  friends.  Luke 
C:32-3li. 

19.  Individuals  against  whom  crimes  are  committed,  arc 
not  to  avenge  themselves  by  punishing  tlic  criminals.  Civil 
government,  wliich  God  has  established  fur  this  piu'pose, 
is  to  punish  criminals  so  far  as  is  needful  for  the  terror  of 
evil-doers  and  the  security  of  those  who  do  well.  This 
is  one  way  in  which  Ood  manifests  his  wrath  against  trans- 
gressors in  this  world,  and  gives  an  earnest  of  the  fulness 
of  wrath  which,  unless  they  rejientand  believe  on  his  Son, 
he  will  manifest  against  tlicm  in  the  world  to  come. 

21.  Kindness  towards  enemies  is  a  most  likely  means  of 
making  them  friemls;  and  if  it  docs  not  have  this  elTcct, 
but  they  continue  obstinately  and  wickedly  to  be  enemies 
to  their  benefactors,  they  will  ripen  for  aggravated  ruin. 

CIIArTER  XIII. 

1.  77iC  A/gAerpouTfrs;  the  civil  government.  Are  ordained 
of  God;  civil  government  is  an  ordinance  of  God,  and  mag- 
istrates are  to  be  obeyed  as  his  ministers,  clothed  with 
authority  from  him. 

2.  llesi.stelli  the  power ;  tho  civil  government,  in  the  exer- 
cise of  its  rightlul  authority.  Damnation  ;  condeimiation, 
punishment. 

3.  Riders;  in  the  discharge  of  their  appropriate  duties, 
are  not  a  terror  to  eoal  works;  to  persons  who  do  right. 
They  were  not  made  rulers  by  God  for  this  ])iirposc,  but 
to  be  a  terror  to  llie  evil ;  to  evil-doers,  by  being  authorized 
to  punish  them.  Be  afraid  of  the  pover  f  ])rovided  yon  do 
evil,  becan.se  if  the  government  does  its  duty, it  will  pmiisli 
yon.  Thou  shall  have  praiie ;  do  right,  and  the  govcnunent, 
if  it  does  its  ibity,  wdl  protect  and  encoiiragc  you. 

4.  He  is  the  minister  of  God;  the  magistrate  is  His  ser- 
vant. To  t /ice  for  f^ood;  made  a  ruler,  not  for  bis  own  good, 
but  the  good  of  thi;  people  whose  interests  he  is  bound  to 
proraote.  S(A  the  xw/rd  lu  vain ;  the  sword  is  an  instrument 
of  punishment,  and  as  Bnili,an  emblem  in  the  hand  of  the 
magistrate,  of  rightful  authority,  in  case  men  maliciously 
put  to  death  their  fellow-men,  to  punish  them  even  with 

1302 


whom  tribute  is  due:  custom  to  whom  cus-  a.d.co. 
tom ;  fear  to  whom  fear ;  honor  to  whom  honor." 

8  Owe  no  man  any  thing,  but  to  love  one  anoth- 
er: ior  he  that  lovcth  another  hath  fulfilled  the 
law.*' 

9  For  this.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery.  Thou 
shalt  not  kill.  Thou  shalt  not  steal.  Thou  shalt  not 
bear  false  witness,  Tiiou  shalt  not  covet;-  and  if 
there  be  any  other  commandment,  it  is  brielly  com- 
prehended in  this  saying,  namely.  Thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself." 

10  Love  work(>tli  no  ill  to  his  neighbor:  there- 
fore love  is  the  fulfilling  of  llic  law. 

11  And  that,  knowing  the  time,  that  now  it  is 
high  time  to  awake  out  of  sleep:'  for  now  is  our 
salvation  nearer  than  when  we  believed. 

12  The  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at  hand: 
let  us  therefore  cast  off  the  works  of  darkness,^ 
and  let  us  put  on  the  armor  of  light." 

I'd  Let  us  walk  honestly*  as  in  the  day;'  not  in 
rioting  and  druukcuness,'"  not  in  chambering  and 
wantonness,  not  in  strife  and  envying." 

1-4  But  put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  and 
make  not  provision  for  the  flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lusts 
i/iereof.^ 


40.    UThess.5:5-S.    JEph.Srll.    k  Epb.  G;i:).eto.    »  Or,  rfecen(/j;.    1  Phil. 
4:8;  1  Pet.  2:12.     "IPet.  4;:i.     »  1  Cor.  G:!l,  10.    <•  Gal.  3:27.     pGal.  5:1«. 


death.  Gen.  9 :C;  Num.  35:10-21,  30,  31.  To  execute  vrrath ; 
not  the  wrath  of  the  magistrate  or  of  the  govennucut  mere- 
ly, but  the  wrath  of  God  against  evil-doers. 

0.  Also  for  conscience'  soke;  men  should  obey  the  laws, 
not  merely  from  the  fear  of  punishment,  but  tiom  a  scusu 
of  duty  to  t!od  and  men. 

G.  For  this  anise;  because  government  is  God's  institu- 
tion, and  magistrates  are  his  ministers  to  promote  the  good 
of  the  people.  Piiy  yc  tribute;  taxes  are  justly  due  to  tho 
govermnent  for  the  i)ayment  of  its  officers,  and  for  other 
needful  expenses;  and  they  ought  to  be  freely,  conscien- 
tiously, and  punctually  paiil.  This  very  thing;  the  dis- 
charge of  the  appropriate  duties  of  their  office. 

7.  Their  dues;  whalrighU'nlly  belongs  to  them.  Tribute; 
taxes  on  real  and  personal  estate.  Custom;  taxes  on  mer- 
chandise, and  on  foreigners.  Fear — honor;  pay  to  rulers 
and  officers  of  government  such  respect  as  wiU  conduce 
to  the  best  discharge  of  their  duties. 

8.  Owe  no  man  any  thing;  discharge,  at  the  projier  time, 
all  just  oblig;itions.  Ihil  In  love ;  love  to  men  will  lead  you 
to  i'uliil  towards  tliem  all  your  duties. 

9.  Lovcth  If  neighbor  iis  t'hijself;  desire  and  in  all  suitable 
ways  seek  to  promote  his  good.  Lev.  11):  18;  Luke  10:29- 
;i7.  Do  to  him  as  yon  onght  to  wish,  under  similar  circum- 
stances, that  he  should  do  to  yon.   Matl.  7:12;  Lnkc(;:31. 

11.  And  that;  and  do  that  which  I  have  been  urging. 
Knowing  the  time ;  knowing  how  far  it  has  advanced. 
S/eep;  the  iTisensibilily  and  inactivity  of  sin.  Now  is  our 
solvation  nearer;  our  lin;il  salv;ilion  with  Christ,  towards 
wliicli  believers  are  every  day  drawing  nearer. 

12.  The  night;  our  state  of  dinkness  and  trials  in  this 
world.  The  day;  the  state  of  light  and  bliss  in  heaven. 
The  works  cf  durkiuss;  sinful  deeds  of  every  kind.  The 
armor  of  light ;  the  armor  of  righteousness,  which  is  worn 
by  those  who  walk  in  the  light. 

I!).  Walk  honestly;  live  in  a  manner  becoming  disciples 
of  ('hrist  hastening  to  eternity,  and  jirepariiig  for  heaven. 
See  note  to  chap.  12:17.  Jiioting  and  drunkenness ;  intem- 
perance.    Chambering  nnd  wanlonncst ;  lii  iiitionsness. 

1).  Put  ye  on  llw  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  clothe  yourselves 
with  his  character  and  spirit. 

INSTIU'CTIONS. 

2.  As  civil  government  is  an  institution  of  God,  it  should 
be  respected,  and  its  just  rctiuiremcuts  conscientiously 
and  cheerfully  obeyed. 


.Directions  against  ROMANS    XIV. 

AD60  CHAPTER  XIV. 


uncharilalk  judgment. 


3  Men  may  not  contemn  nor  condemn  one  the  other  for  things  indiffer- 
ent; Y-i  but  take  heed  thnt  they  give  no  otfence  in  them;  l5  lor  that 
ilie  apostle  proveth  unlawful  by  many  reasons. 

HIM  that  is  weak  in  the  faitli  receive  ye,  but 
not  to  doubtful  disputatious.* 

2  For  one  bclievelh  that  he  may  cat  all  things: 
anotlier,  who  is  weak,  eateth  herbs. 

3  Let  not  him  that  eateth  despise  him  that  eat- 
eth not;  and  let  not  hiui  which  eatelh  not,  judge 
liim  that  eateth:  for  God  hath  received  hiin. 

4  Who  art  thou  tliat  judgest  another  man's  ser- 
vant?" to  his  own  master  he  staudeth  or  falleth. 
Yea,  he  shall  be  holden  up:  for  God  is  able  to 
make  him  stand.'* 

5  One  man  esteemeth  one  day  above  another: 
another  esteemeth  every  day  alike.''  Let  every  man 
be  fully  persuaded  t  in  his  own  mind. 


•  Or.  not  to  judge  hl=  doubtful  tlwuslus.  a  James  4;12.  t>  Uaiah  40:'jy 
c  Colossians  "J:  l(i.    ^  Qt,assurtd.    I  Or.  otjservetfi.    dlPet.4:'2.    e  J'hilippiaiis 

4.  As  the  object  for  which  God  estabhshed  and  upholds 
government  is  the  highest  good  of  the  governed,  it  should 
be  so  constructed  and  administered  us  will  best  accom- 
plish this  end. 

6.  Men  have  no  more  right  to  defraud  the  government 
of  its  just  dues,  or  to  withhold  tlie  taxes  or  the  duties 
which  are  needful  to  carry  on  its  operations,  than  to  de- 
fraud their  fellow-men.  And  those  who  in  any  way  do  this, 
sin  not  only  against  men,  but  against  God. 

7.  If  rulers  transcend  their  just  authority,  neglect  the 
objects  for  which  they  were  appointed,  and  seek  their 
own,  not  the  good  of  the  people — if  they  terrify  the  good, 
encoiu'age  the  bad,  and  require  men  to  commit  sin — men 
are  bound,  in  these  things,  to  disobey  them,  and  in  all 
things  to  obey  God.  In  no  case  are  men  to  commit  sin  to 
accomplish  any  object  whatever. 

10.  Supreme  love  to  God,  and  that  genuine  love  to  men 
which  springs  from  and  accompanies  it,  will  lead  rulers 
and  ruleil  to  seek  each  other's  good  and  that  of  all  their 
fellow-men.  In  the  government  and  out  of  it,  in  their 
official  duties,  in  their  private  example,  and  in  all  their  in- 
fluence, good  men  will  strive  to  do  to  others  as  they  ought 
to  wish  othens  to  do  to  them. 

14.  In  order  to  do  the  most  in  their  power  to  remove  all 
existing  evils,  and  promote  the  greatest  good.  Christians 
should  possess,  and  in  all  things  manifest,  the  spirit  of 
Christ,  labor  to  make  known  his  character  and  will  to  all 
people,  and  set  before  them  the  motives  which  he  has 
revealed,  to  lead  them  to  believe  on  and  obey  him.  All 
should  look  upward  to  Ilini  who  has  the  residue  of  the 
Sjjifit,  that  his  heavenly  inlluence  may  descend  in  copious 
efi'usions,  and  the  evils  of  sin  become  as  the  frosts  of  win- 
ter on  the  approach  of  spring,  and  vanish  as  darkuess  be- 
fore the  light  of  day. 

CHAPTER  XIY. 

In  this  chapter,  and  part  of  the  following,  the  apostle 
urges  the  duty  of  mutual  forbearance  and  charity,  in  re- 
spect to  non-essential  points  of  difference.  Among  the 
Roman  Christians  these  had  respect  to  certain  outward 
distinctions  of  food,  days,  and  the  like.  These  would  bo 
best  overcome,  not  by  scornful  and  bitter  judgments  of 
each  other,  but  by  tho  spirit  of  mutual  love  and  concili- 
ation. 

1.  Htm  that  is  veak  in  the  faith;  namely,  the  faitli  of  the 
gospel.  Tlie  apostle  has  in  mind  the  conscientious  be- 
liever, who  has  not  attained  to  such  enlarged  view.s  of  the 
liberty  of  the  gospel  as  to  raise  him  above  b(jndage  to 
unessential  outward  observances.  Receive  ijc;  toytjiir  fel- 
lowship, treat  him  as  a  Christian.  Not  to  douUful  disptila- 
tions;  or,  not  to  diseernings  of  thoughts  ;  in  other  words, 
not  t'or  the  purpose  of  setting  yourselves  up  to  try  and 
pass  judgment  upon  his  religious  scruples. 

2.  Eul  all  llunj^s;  any  wholesome  food.     Who  is  weak; 


6  He  that  regardetli*  the  day,  regardeth  it  unto 
the  Lord;  and  he  that  regardeth  not  the  day,  to 
the  Lord  he  doth  not  regard  it.  He  that  eateth, 
eateth  to  the  Lord,  for  he  giveth  God  thanks ;  and 
he  that  eateth  not,  to  the  Lord  he  eateth  not,  and 
givetli  God  thanks. 

7  For  none  of  us  liveth  to  himself,''  and  no  man 
dieth  to  himself. 

8  For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord  ; 
and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord  :  whelher 
we  live  therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 

^  For  to  this  end  Christ  both  died,  and  rose,  and 
revived,  that  he  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead 
and  living." 

10  But  why  dost  thou  judge  thy  brother?  or 
why  dost  thou  set  at  naught  thy  brother?  for 
we  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgmeut-seat  of 
Clirist.'' 


•J:9-U.     '  Matthew  25::J1,  32;  ActslU:42;  17:31;  2  Corinthians  j:  10;  JuJo 
14,  15. 


ignorant  of  what  is  proper  on  this  subject.  Eateth  herbs ; 
lives  on  vegetables  and  abstains  from  tiesh,  lest  he  should 
be  defiled  by  the  use  of  it. 

3.  Him  tliat  eateth;  all  kinds  of  wholesome  food  indis- 
criminately, having  attained,  in  this  respect,  to  a  true  idea 
of  the  liberty  of  the  gospel.  Despise;  the  sin  to  which 
men  of  liberal  views  are  especially  tempted.  Him  which 
eateth  not ;  eateth  not  flesh,  because  he  has  scruples  of 
conscience  in  respect  to  the  use  of  it.  Judge;  in  a  con- 
demnatory way.  This  is  the  sin  to  which  conscientious 
men  of  narrow  views  are  particularly  prone.  God  liath 
received  liim ;  as  a  Christian,  and  admits  him  to  fellowship 
with  himself. 

4.  His  own  master ;  Jesus  Christ.  He  slandeth  or  falleth  ; 
he  will  be  apju-oved  or  condemned,  not  according  to  tho 
correctness  of  his  views  about  the  ceremonial  law,  or  out- 
ward forms  and  ceremonies,  but  according  to  his  charac- 
ter as  a  friend  or  enemy  of  Christ.  He;  the  true  Christian, 
though  feeble,  and  in  some  respects  erring.  Shall  be  hold- 
en  up;  sustained  as  a  Christian  and  accepted;  for,  God  is 
able,  and  he  has  promised  to  do  it. 

5.  Esteemeth  one  day  above  another;  because  the  ceremo- 
nial law,  which  he  erroneously  thinks  is  still  binding, 
makes  a  distinction  between  different  days  of  the  week. 
One  observes  the  Jewish  feasts  and  fasts,  the  other  does 
not.  The  apostle  here  has  no  reference  to  the  difference 
of  days  spoken  of  in  the  moral  law.  He  speaks  in  this 
chapter  about  that  difl'ereuce  which  is  associated  with 
meats  and  drinks,  divers  washings,  and  various  other 
things  containcil  in  the  ceremonial  law.  lie  full  i/ persuaded ; 
let  a  man  examine  and  ascertain  by  the  best  linlit  he  can 
what  is  right,  and  do  as  he  conscientiously  believes  that 
God  requires.  He  should  not,  in  such  matters,  be  forced 
to  follow  another's  conscience,  but  should  be  permitted, 
in  the  exercise  of  his  inalienable  right,  to  follow  his  own. 

B.  Ha.  giveth  Goil  thanks;  the  Christian  who  re-ards  days 
and  meats  according  to  Jewish  ceremonies,  ami  the  t'hris- 
tian  who  does  not,  both  act  from  religious  motives,  and  for 
the  purpose  of  honoring  God.  This  they  show  by  thank- 
ing him  for  his  mercies.  They  should  therefore  be  re- 
ceived and  treated  by  each  other  as  friends  of  God. 

7.  None  of  us  liveth  to  himself;  the  great  t}liject  of  every 
Christian,  in  life  and  death,  is  not  himself  but  Jesus  Christ. 
His  language  is.  Not  my  will,  but  thine  be  ilone. 

8.  We  are  the  Lord's;  we  seek  his  glory,  arc  governed 
by  his  will,  and  bi  long  to  his  redeemed  jiedidc. 

9.  To  tins  end;  that  he  might  be  Lord  of  his  redeemed 
people  dead  and  living,  on  earth  and  in  heaven,  he  died, 
rose,  ami  ascended  to  ghn-y,  where  he  now  lives,  head  over 
all  things  to  his  church,  and  will  in  due  time  come  to  judge 
the  world  in  riglitcousness.  It  follows  that  our  aim  should 
bo  his  glory,  and  tho  edilieation  of  his  people  ;  md.  the  jiro- 
motion  of  our  own  private  ends. 

10.  Uf  Christ;  our  rightful  and  jiropcr  judge. 

1303 


Cautions  as  to  the  use 


ROMANS  Xiy, 


11  For  it  is  written,  ^s  I  live,  ?aitli  the  Lord, 
every  knee  sliall  bow  to  nic,  and  (.very  tongue 
shall  confess  to  God." 

12  So  then  every  one  of  us  shall  give  account  of 
liiniself  to  God. 

13  Let  us  not  therefore  judge  one  anotlicr  any 
more :  but  judge  this  ratlier,  that  no  man  put  a 
stumbling-block  or  an  occasion  to  fall  in  his  broth- 
er's way. 

14  I  know,  and  am  persuaded  by  the  Lord  Jesus, 
that  thire  w  nothing  unclean*  of  itself:  but  to  him 
tliat  cstcemeth  any  thiug  to  be  unclean,'  to  hiiiLjY 
is  unclean. 

15  But  if  tliy  brother  be  grieved  with  thy  meat, 
■now  walkest  thou  not  charitably.*  Destroy  not 
him  with  thy  meat,  for  whom  Christ  died." 

16  Let  not  then  your  good  be  evil  spoken 
of: 

17  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and 


«  Isa.  45:23.     '  Gt.  common,     t  Gr.  accortling  10  c/tariti/.     b  1  (;^or.  8:11. 
«Matt.6:aa.   "iPhil.aiO.    ejohn  10:3:1;  ch.  3:1  j  Phil.  4:7.  "fch.  15: 13.   gPsa. 


11.  For  it  is  written;  Isa.  45:21-25.  What  is  said  by 
Isaiah  of  Jehovah,  the  apostle  here  ajiplics  to  Christ,  and 
thus  shows  tliat  lie  is  Jehovah,  God  the  judge  of  all. 

13.  Not  titcrcforc  judge ;  not  assume  the  place  of  Christ 
in  judging  his  servants,  Imt  leave  that  to  him  to  whom  it 
belongs,  and  who  will  judge  according  to  truth.  Judge  Ikis 
rather;  decide  this  rather  in  your  minds.  The  apostle  in- 
tentionally uses  the  word  judge  in  a  double  sense  ;  as  much 
as  to  say,  Instead  of  deciding  on  your  brethren's  conduct, 
decide  this  rather,  to  lay  no  stumbling-block  before  them. 

II.  Perswtdedbi)  the  Lord  Jesus;  convinced  byknowledge 
received  from  him.  Nothing  unclean  of  itself ;'  the  distinc- 
tion liotween  clean  and  unclean  meats,  and  different  days  of 
ceremonial  observance,  is  now  done  away,  and  it  is  as  law- 
ful to  cat  one  kind  of  healthy  food  as  another.  To  him  it 
IS  unclean;  if  a  man  really  believe  it  wrong  tor  him  to  eat 
meat,  for  him  it  is  wrong,  because  it  is  wrong  to  violate 
his  conscience. 

15.  lie  grieved  with  thy  meat;  if  your  eating  meat  grieves 
and  injures  a  brother.  Walkest  thou  not  charilnhlij;  pro- 
vided you  continue  to  cat  it.  Love  to  liim  requires  you 
to  abstain  from  it.  Destroij  not  him;  by  doing  that  which 
tends  to  ruin  him  or  make'him  miseriiblo.  Christ  endured 
the  agonies  of  the  cross  to  rnakc  him  blessed;  you,  as  a 
friend  of  (,'lirist,  redeemed  with  his  blood,  ought,  if  need 
be,  to  deny  yourself  for  the  same  end. 

IC.  Your  good;  your  knowledge  of  your  Christian  lib- 
erty and  freedom  from  the  ceremonial  law,  which  is  a  real 
good.  Ih  evil  spoken  of;  be  an  occasion  of  reproach  and 
blame,  by  your  using  your  liberty  in  sucli  a  manner  as  to 
injure  others,  or  dishonor  ('hrist. 

17.  The  kingdom  of  God  ;  his  reign  in  the  soul,  and  true 
obedience  to  hitn,  do  not  consist  in  the  observ:ince  or  non- 
observance  of  distinctions  between  mo;it.s  and  driidjs,  and 
otlier  like  outward  things;  whence  it  follows  that  on  the 
side  of  bodi  the  weak  and  the  strong  there  should  be  for- 
bearance and  kindness.  Jiut  righteousness,  and  peace,  and 
joij  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  it  consists  raUier  in  being  just,  be- 
nevolent, and  merciful ;  at  peace  with  (lod  and  one  an- 
other, rejoicing  in  his  government,  and  in  hope,  through 
grace,  of  dwelling  with  him  for  ever  in  heaven. 

bs.  Hervelli  Christ;  though  it  is  written,  "  Worship  llii' 
Lord  thy  fiod,  and  him  otdy  shall  thou  serve,"  iMatt.  1:11), 
yet  he  that  serveth  Christ  is  acceptable  to  Cod.  The  rea- 
son is,  Christ  is  God.     Chap.  9:5  ;  John  1:1;  Hcb.  !:«-«. 

20.  For  meat  destroy  not ;  do  not.  for  the  sake  of  your  own 
indulgence,  injure  the  religious  character  of  your  brother. 
or  do  any  thing  which  shall  lend  to  destroy  him.  All  things 
indeed  are  pure ;  all  kinds  of  wholesome  food  are  in  them- 
selves iimocent,  but  if  your  parl-iking  of  them  caUKes  your 
brother  to  sin,  or  injures  him,  it  is  wrong  for  you  to  do  it. 

21.  It  is  good;  duty  requires  US  to  abstain  from  indul- 

130i 


of  tilings  indifferent. 
and  A.  1).  00. 


drink  ;"  but  righteousness,*  and  peace,' 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.'' 

18  For  he  tliat  in  tlicse  things  serveth  Christ  is 
acceptable  to  God,  and  approved  of  men. 

19  Let  us  therefore  follow  after  the  tilings  wliicli 
make  for  jieace,"  and  things  wherewith  one  may 
edify  another.'' 

20  For  meat  destroy  not  tli(>  work  of  God.  All 
things  indeed  are  pure;'  but  //  is  evil  for  liiat  man 
who  catcth  with  oU'ence.-' 

21  It  is  good  neither  to  eat  fiesli,  nor  to  drink 
wine,  nor  any  thing  whereby  thy  brother  stumbleth, 
or  is  oQended,  or  is  made  weak. 

22  Hast  liiou  faitii  ?  have  it  to  thyself  before 
God.  IIup]iy  is  lie  tliat  coiidcninelh  not  himself 
in  that  thing  which  he  allowetli.'' 

23  And  lie  tliat  doiibtetir  is  liamnod  if  he  eat, 
because  he  cateth  not  of  faith:  for  whatsoever  is 
not  of  faith  is  sin.' 


34:14;  Heb.la;14.     I>  1  Cor.  14: 12.    iTilusl:!.?.    j  1  Cor.  S:10-1.'J.    k  IJolm 
3:  :il .    I  Or,  discerneth  and  putleth  a  differznct  between  meats.    •  Heb.  11:0. 


gences  which  lead  others  to  sin,  injure  their  cliaracter, 
hinder  their  usefulness,  prevent  their  enjoyment,  or  en- 
danger their  souls. 

22.  Hast  thouj'aith?  do  you  believe  that  the  ceremonial 
law  is  abolished,  and  that  it  is  right  for  you  to  eat  :ill  kinds 
of  food?  be  grateful  to  llod  t'or  this  light,  but  do  not  use 
it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  injure  others.  Happy  is  he;  who 
docs  not  allow  liiniself  in  things  which  his  conscience  con- 
demns, or  the  propriety  of  which  he  doubts. 

2'i.  He  that  doulilclh  ;  the  lawfulness  of  any  thing,  aii<l  yet 
does  it  when  there  is  no  doubt  about  the  lawtulncss  of 
abstaining  from  it,  is  damned  ;  condemned,  as  guilty  of  sin. 
Whatsoever  is  not  of  faith;  whatever  a  man  cannot  do  with  a 
clear  conscience,  believing  it  to  be  right.  Tlie  apostle  is 
speaking  of  those  things  which  are  in  themselves  indilfer- 
eiit,  and  about  which  the  true  friends  of  Christ  may  hon- 
estly differ. 

INSTIiUCTIONS. 

1.  Persons  may  have  erroneous  views  widi  regard  to 
many  unessential  things,  and  yet  be  real  Christians  ;  and 
those  who  give  evidence  of  being  received  of  Christ  as 
his  disciples,  should  bo  received  by  us,  and  treated  as 
Christian  brethren. 

3.  We  should  never  despise  any  on  account  of  their 
errors, or  their  sujiposed  inferiority  to  ourselves;  nor  con- 
demn them  for  foUowing  their  own  consciences,  not  ours; 
but  we  shoiilil  endeavor  to  enlighten  them  as  to  the  will 
of  God,  and  set  them  an  examiile  of  obeying  it. 

G.  No  man  should  do  what  he  does  not  believe  tin  bo 
right;  and  the  great  object  of  every  man  in  what  he  dots, 
and  in  what  he  forbears  to  do,  should  be  to  honor  God  and 
benefit  his  tellow-nicn. 

U.  Christ  is  the  rightful  owner  and  governor  of  the  whole 
family,  especially  of  his  redeemed  iieople.  All  should 
thcrelbrc  give  liim  the  homage  of  iheir  hearts  and  the 
obedience  of  their  lives,  treat  his  friends  as  their  friends, 
and  love  them  heartily  for  his  sake.     (jal.  li:10. 

12.  As  Christ  is  to  be  the  liiial  judge  of  nicii,aiid  we  are 
to  give  account  each  of  hiniKcU  to  him,  and  be  accepted 
or  condemned  according  to  liis  decision,  we  should  live  as 
under  his  inspection,  and  make  it  our  great  object  so  to  act 
that  he  will  say  to  us.  Well  done,  good  and  faithliil  ser- 
vants; enter  ye  into  Ihe  joy  of  your  Lord.     .Matt.  25:21. 

Hi.  A  course  of  conduct  may  be  right  in  some  resjiects 
and  in  some  circumstiinces.  and  wrong  in  others,  on  acccnint 
<if  the  ililferent  ellccts  which  it  will  produce.  In  order, 
therefore,  to  justify  an  act,  it  is  not  enough  that  it  is  not  in 
its  nature  sinful,  but  it  must  also  be  suited,  in  the  circum- 
stances, to  do  good. 

2b  It  is  often  a  duty  to  avoid  the  doing  of  things  which, 
though  not  in  themselves  wrong,  will  become  the  occasion 
of  evil  to  our  fellow-mca. 


Paul  implorelA,  divers  graces 


ROMANS  XV. 


upon  the  believers  at  Rome. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


W 


A.  D.  60. 

1  The  stroiio;  must  bear  witli  the  wi-ak.  2  We  may  not  please  our- 
selves, 3  lor  Christ  did  not  so,  7  but  receive  one  the  other,  as  Christ 
did  us  all.  .S  both  Jews  9  and  Gentiles.  1.5  Paul  excnseth  his  writ- 
in,^  "JS  and  proiniseth  to  see  them,  30  and  reqnesteth  their  prayers. 

fE  then  that  are  strong  ouglit  to  bear  the 
infirmities  of  the  weak,'''  and  not  to  please 
oursclvo.i. 

2  Let  every  one  of  us  please  his  neighbor  for  his 
good  to  edifieation." 

3  For  even  Christ  pleased  not  himself;"  but,  as 
it  is  written,  The  reproaches  of  them  that  I'cproach- 
ed  thee  fell  on  me.'' 

4  For  whatsoever  things  were  writteu  aforetime 
were  written  for  our  learning,  that  we  through 
patience  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures  might  have 
hope." 

5  Xow  the  God  of  patience  and  consolation  grant 
you  to  bo  like-miudetl  one  toward  another  accord- 
ing to*  Christ  Jesus:' 

6  That  ye  may  with  one  mind  and  one  mouth 
glorifv  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Ciirist.'-' 

7  Wherefore  receive  ye  one  another,  as  Ciirist 
also  received  us,  to  the  glory  of  God.'' 

8  Now  I  say  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  minister  of 
the  circumcision  for  the  truth  of  God,  to  contirm 
the  promises  made  unto  tlie  fathers : ' 

»Ch.H:l;  Gil  C.fl.  b  I  Cor  9:18;  Phil.  2:4,  S.  =  John  G:3S.  d  Psi. 
69:9.  e  1  Cor.  1U:1I;  2Tirn.  3:16,  17.  '  Or,  after  t/le  example  of .  f  1  Cor. 
1:10.     5  Acts  4: -34, 3-2      liEph.l:l).     i  Acts  3:25, -20.     jPsa.lS;4il.     k  Deut. 


22.  Self-denial  as  to  personal  gratifications,  for  the  sake 
of  otiiers,  is  an  evitlenco  of  great  excellence  anil  a  means 
of  rich  enjoyment.  Those  wlio  make  proper  efi'orts  to  as- 
certain wliat  is  right,  and  wlio  do  only  what  tliey  believe 
to  be  so,  will  be  truly  blessed  in  the  approbation  of  con- 
science and  of  God  ;  while  those  who  do  what  tliey  do  not 
beheve  to  be  right,  will  be  condemned  botli  by  tliemselves 
and  their  .Maker. 

CHAPTER   XV. 

1.  We  then  tJiat  arc  strong;  enlightened  on  thesnbjeet  in 
question  ;  free  from  harassing  doubts  as  to  our  duty.  Bear 
the  injirmilwsof  tlic  weak;  bear  witli  them,  and  endeavor  to 
assist  them. 

2.  Please  his  neighbor;  make  the  good  of  others,  not  his 
own  gratification.  Ids  oliject. 

3.  Christ  pleased  not  himself;  by  staying  in  Iieaven  and 
enjoying  the  ghjry  he  had  with  the  Father;  but  he  conde- 
scenile.l,  submitted  to  many  privations,  and  made  great 
sacrifices  for  the  good  of  others.  As  it  is  written  ;  Psa.  U9 : 9. 
Reproaches— fell  on  me;  and  he  cheerfully  bore  tliem,  for 
the  sins  of  men. 

i.  Written  aforetime ;  in  the  Scriptures.  For  our  lean- 
ing; ti)  instruct  us  in  our  duty.  Patience  ajid  comfort  of 
the  Scriptures;  received  tliroiigh  the  Holy  Ohost  from  the 
Scrip  lures.  The  apostle  uses  the  word  patience  here  in 
the  sense  of  the  steadfast  endurance  of  trials.  See  note 
to  Rom.  C> :  3.  Might  have  hope ;  hope  of  future  glory,  which 
shall  sust:iin  us  in  trials,  (piicken  us  in  duty,  and  thus  pu- 
rify and  fit  us  for  heaven. 

5.  Tic  God  of  patience ;  who,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  gives 
patience  and  consolation  in  trials.  Like-minded;  alike  in 
views  and  feelings,  in  obedience  to  and  imitation  of  Christ. 
Hence  ditferences  of  Christians  on  lesser  points  need  not 
mar  their  unity  in  feeling. 

6.  t)ae  mind  and  one  month;  unitedly.  Ghrifij  God;  by 
manifesting  those  dispositions  which  are  the'lruit  of  his 
Spirit,  and  which  he  requires. 

7.  Wherejore;  for  the  reasons  above  mentioned.  Receive 
ye  one  another;  to  Christian  fellowsliip,  for  such  reasons 
and  with  such  a  spirit.     As  Christ  also  received  us;  to  fel- 


9  And  that  the  Gentiles  might  glorify  God  for 
his  mercy;  as  it  is  written.  For  tiiis  cau.se  I  will 
confess  to  thee  among  the  Gentiles,  and  sing  unto 
thy  nameJ 

10  And  again  he  saith,  Rejoice,  ye  Gentiles,  with 
his  people.'' 

11  And  again,  Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  Gentiles; 
and  land  him,  all  ye  people.' 

12  And  again,  Esaias  saith,  There  shall  be  a  root 
of  Jesse,'"  and  he  tliat  shall  rise  to  reign  over  the 
Gentiles;  in  him  shall  the  Gentiles  trust." 

I'd  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and 
peace  in  believing,"  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope, 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

14  And  I  myself  also  am  persuaded  of  you,''  my 
brethren,  that  ye  also  are  full  of  goodness,  filled 
with  all  knowledge,''  able  also  to  admonish  one 
anotlier. 

1.5  Nevertheless,  brethren,  I  have  written  the 
more  boldly  unto  you  in  some  sort,  as  putting  you 
in  mind,  because  of  the  grace  that  is  given  to  me 
of  God.'- 

16  That  I  should  be  the  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  Gentiles,  ministering  the  gospel  of 
God,  that  the  ofl'cring  up^  of  the  Gentiles  might 
be  acceptable/  being  sanctifieil  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.' 


3-2:43.  1  Psa.  117:1.  m  Rev.  5:5;  22:10.  »  Isa.  11:1,  10.  o  ch.  14:17. 
P  Heb.  fi:9;  2  Pet.  1:12.  q  1  Cor.  8:1,  7,  10.  r  Eph.  3:7,  8.  t  Or,  sacrijic- 
ing.     s  Isa.  00:20.     t  Acts  20:32. 


lowship  with  him,  that  God  by  this  Christian  union  may 
be  glorified. 

8.  Christ  wasa  minister  of  the  circumcision ;  he  was  born, 
lived,  and  died  a  Jew  ;  he  came  as  the  Messiah  to  the  Jews, 
exercised  his  ministry  among  tlicni,  and  died  to  redeem 
them,  in  fulfilment  of  the  promises  which  God  made  to 
their  fathers. 

9.  That  the  Gentiles  might  glorify  God  for  his  mercy;  his 
mercy  also  to  them  in  sending  them  the  gospel  and  inclin- 
ing them  to  receive  it.  As  it  is  written  ;  Psa.  18:49;  origi- 
nally spoken  by  David  in  view  of  his  triumphs  over  all  his 
enemies.  These  typified  the  higher  triunqihs  of  Christ,  in 
the  benefits  of  which  the  Gentiles  are  to  share. 

10.  Again  he  saith  ;  Deut.  32:43.  ^Vhen  Moses  calls  upon 
the  nations  to  rejoice  with  God's  people,  it  is  manifest  that 
they  are  to  be  admitted  to  a  share  of  iheir  privileges. 

11.  And  again;  Psa.  17:1.  The  call  upon  the  Gentiles 
to  praise  God  implies  their  reception  to  the  blessings  of 
God's  covenant  in  Christ. 

12.  Esaias  saith;  Isa.  11:1,  10.  The  "root  of  Jesse"  is 
Clirist. 

13.  Tlie  God  of  hope;  the  author  of  the  hope  in  Christ 
which  the  prophets  foretold. 

14.  Full  of  goodness;  Paul  was  confident  that  those  to 
whom  he  wrote  felt  kindly  towards  one  another,  and  would 
lie  disposed  to  follow,  so  far  as  they  should  understand  it, 
the  will  of  tlod.  Filled  leitli  all  knowledge ;  so  well  ;icqnaint- 
ed  with  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  religion,  especially  with 
regard  to  the  suliject  in  question,  that  they  would  be  able 
also  to  admonish ;  or  enlighten  and  benefit  others. 

15.  Nevertheless;  notwithstanding  his  good  opinion  of 
them.  Because  of  the  grace- — given  tome;  as  God  had  en- 
lightened him,  anil  made  him  a  minister,  not  to  Jews  only, 
but  especially  to  Gentiles,  and  as  the  ehnrch  at  Home  was 
composed  of  both,  lie  thought  it  the  dictate  of  love  to  write 
to  both,  and  thus  plainly  remind  them  of  their  duty,  and 
of  such  motives  as  were  suited  to  induce  them  to  do  it. 

IG.  The  offering  up  of  the  Gentiles;  my  oft'ering  of  the 
Gentiles  to  (iod.  lie  tiguratively  eomiiares  himself  to  a 
liriest,  and  the  offering  which  ho  presents  to  (Iod  is  the 
souls  of  the  Gentiles  converted  through  his  instrumentality. 

1305 


His  past  labors, 


ROMANS  XV 


and  future  purposes. 


17  I  liavc  tliorcfore  whereof  I  may  glory"  tliroufrli 
Jesus  Christ  in  tiiose  things  wliicli  ]iertain  to  God.'' 

18  For  I  will  not  dare  to  speak  of  any  of  those 
things  which  Ciirist  hath  not  wrought  by  me,  to 
make  the  Gentiles  obedient,  by  word  and  deed,"" 

I'J  Tiirough  mighty  signs  and  wonders,  by  the 
power  of  tlie  Spirit  of  God  ;''  so  that  froui  Jerusa- 
lem, and  round  about  unto  Illyricura,  I  have  fully 
preached  the  gospel  of  Clirist." 

20  Yea,  so  have  I  strivcd  to  preach  the  gospel, 
not  wlicre  Christ  was  named,  lest  1  should  build 
upon  anotlier  man's  foundation:' 

21  But  as  it  is  written.  To  whom  he  was  not 
spoken  of  they  shall  see:  and  they  that  have  not 
heard  shall  understand.'^ 

22  For  which  cause  also  I  have  been  much*  hin- 
dered from  coming  to  you.'' 

23  Bui  uow  having  no  more  place  in  these  parts, 
and  lui'^ng  a  great  desire  these  many  years  to  come 
unto  you ; 

24  Whensoever  I  take  my  journey  into  Spain.  I 
•will  come  to  you :  for  I  trust  to  see  you  in  my 
journey,  and  to  be  brouglit  on  my  way  thitiierward 
by  you,'  if  first  I  be  somewhat  filled  with  your  com- 
pany.* 


»  2  Cor.  1-2:1.  etc.  l>Heb.5:l.  «  Gal.  3:8.  d  Aots1!):l  I .  cch. 1:11-16. 
f  2  Cor.  lU:l.'J-lli.  Kisa.  5-2:15.  '  Or,  many  waj/s.  or  often  times,  h  1  Tliess. 
2:13.     i  Actii  15:3;  :!  John  0.     t  Gr.  with  you.    J  Acts  19:21.     k  2  Cor.  »:  1  ; 


17.  Whereof  1  matj  glonj ;  ground  fur  rejoicing  and  giv- 
ing praise  to  God,  tliat  he  had  been  made  a  niiiiistcr  and 
his  efforts  crowned  with  success. 

IS.  I  will  not  dare ;  as  some  false  apostles  did,  who  in- 
truded themselves  U])on  tlio  labor  of  other  men,  and  took 
to  themselves  the  honor  of  it. 

1!).  By  the  power  of  the  Spirit  of  Goil ;  in  working  miracles, 
and  in  renewing  and  sanctifying  the  hearts  of  men.  llhjri- 
cum  ;  a  province  in  Europe,  north-west  of  Macedonia,  and 
bordering  on  Italy  and  Germany.  '■  Krom  Jerusalem,  and 
round  about  unfo  Illyricum,"  comprehended  a  largo  por- 
tion of  the  then  known  world. 

20.  Not  where  Christ  tras  named ;  liis  object  was  to  preach 
the  gospel  to  the  destitute  who  had  never  before  heard  it. 

21.  A<i  il  i^  vrilten;  Isa.  r>2:ir>.  The  course  which  I'anl 
took  was  a  fiiUilment  of  iirojihecy.  Thcij  thai  hare  not  heard ; 
those  who  had  not  before  heard  the  gospel  would,  through 
such  labors  as  those  of  Paul,  hear  and  obey  it. 

22.  For  which  cause;  his  extensive  journeyings  to  preach 
the  gospel.     To  ijon;  the  Christians  at  Home. 

23.  lijving  no  more  place ;  in  which  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  tliose  who  liave  not  heard  it. 

21.  Spain ;  a  country  west  of  Italy,  in  the  south  of  fiurope. 

25.  To  minister  unto;  to  carry  a  contribution  for  the  re- 
lief of  their  wants.  See  the  introductory  remarks  to  this 
epistle. 

2r,.  Macedonia — Achaia;  coiin tries  of  (Jreece. 

27.  It  hath  pleased  them;  to  make  a  voluntary  contribu- 
tion. Tiieir  delitors  thci/ are ;  the  fjentiles  were  inrlebted  to 
the  Jewish  Christians  for  the  gospel.  Spiritual  thiiifrs;  the 
blessings  of  salvation.  CarncU  things ;  such  as  would  sup- 
ply borlily  wants. 

2H.  Performed  this;  this  servico  of  carrying  the  contri- 
bution to  Jerusalem.  Sealed  to  them  this  fruit ;  made  its 
bcnelits  sure  to  them  by  dolivoring  to  them  the  contribu- 
tion of  their  brethren. 

30.  For  the  f^rd  Je-<iis  Christ's  sake ;  from  regard  to  him 
and  the  promotion  of  his  cause.  The  lore  of  the  Spirit;  that 
which  he  produces  in  the  hearts  of  Christians  towards  God 
and  towards  one  another.  Strive  together  with  me;  in  car- 
nest,  jierscvering  prayer. 

31.  Tltcm  that  ilo  wit  lir.licre ;  nidielieving  Jews,  who  were 
everywhere  opposed  to  him.  M ij  service ;  in  taking  to  the 
Jewish  Christians  the  contribution  of  the  Gentiles. 

1306 


25  But  now  Igo  unto  Jerusalem  to  minister  ad.  go. 
unto  the  saints.-* 

2G  For  it  hath  plcasccl  llicm  of  Macedonia  and 
Achaia  to  make  a  certain  contribution  fur  llie  poor 
saints  wiiicli  arc  at  .Icrusalein.'' 

27  It  hath  pleased  thcni  verily;  and  their  debt- 
ors tlicy  are.  For  if  the  Gentiles  have  been  made 
jiartakers  of  their  spiritual  things,  their  duty  is 
also  to  minister  unto  tliein  in  carnal  things." 

28  AViien  therefore  I  have  ]ierforined  this,  and 
have  sealed  to  them  this  fruit,'"  1  will  come  by  you 
into  Spain. 

29  And  I  am  sure  that  when  I  come  unlo  you,  I 
shall  Clinic  in  the  fulness  of  tlic  blessing  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ." 

(iO  Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  for  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ's  sake,  and  for  the  love  of  the  Spirit," 
that  ye  strive  together  with  me  in  your  prayers  to 
God  for  me;'' 

31  That  I  may  be  delivered  from  them  that  do 
not  believe'  in  Judea  ;''  and  that  my  service  which 
1  han'  for  Jeriwalcin,  may  ho  acce]itcd  dl'tiie  saints; 

32  'i'iiat  1  may  ciuue  unto  you  witli  joy  by  the 
will  of  God,  and  may  with  you  be  refreshed. 

83  Now  the  Godof  peace  ie  with  you  all.''  Amen. 

9:2.1-2.   llCor.9:ll.    mPhil.4:17.    ■>  ch.  1:11,  12.    oPhil.2:l.   pCol.4:12. 
\  Or,  are  disobedient,    q  2  Thess.  3:2.     r  1  Cor.  H:3J;  lleb.  13:20. 

32.  Be  refreshed;  cheered,  invigorated,  and  strengthened 
fur  his  future  labors. 

33.  The  God  of  peace;  the  author  and  lover  of  peace,  es- 
pecially tliat  peace  of  conscience  and  ]io;u-e  withtlod  which 
passeth  all  understanding ;  peace  in  life, peace  in  death, and 
peace  for  ever.    I'hil.  4:7;  Psa.  37:37. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Our  object  in  trying  to  please  men  should  lie.  not  to 
gain  apiilause,  but  to  do  good  ;  and  we  sliould  not  strive  to 
))lease  tliein  any  further  than  will  bo  fur  the  glory  of  God, 
and  their  highest  benefit. 

A.  The  [Scriptures  were  all  written  under  the  guidance 
and  according  to  the  direction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  afford 
instruction  and  increase  the  excellence,  usefulness,  and 
enjoyment  of  men  in  all  countries  and  ages.  They  should 
therefore  be  put  into  the  hands  of  all  as  soon  as  possible. 

7.  The  union  of  Christians  glorifies  God.  Tliey  should 
receive  and  treat  as  Christians  all  who  give  evidence  that 
they  are  such,  and  do  it  in  obedience  to  the  will,  and  in 
imitation  of  the  example  of  Christ. 

13.  Habitual  trust  in  God  for  all  needed  good  is  the  great 
means  of  increasing  joy,  iieace,  hope,  and  all  the  graces  of 
the  Sjiirit  in  the  heart's  of  believers  ;  and  also  of  leading 
them  to  abound  in  every  good  word  and  work. 

20.  The  miniKlcrs  who  go  and  ]<reach  the  gospel  to  those 
that  have  never  heard  il.and  who  are  suc-cessful,  through 
the  ]iower  of  the  Holy  (iliost,  in  converting  them  to  God, 
gath<-ringihnrclii's,  and  eHtablishiiigCliristiiin  institutions, 
are,  in  a  high  anil  peculiar  sense,  imitators  of  apostles,  and 
mav  hope,  through  grace,  to  be  distinguished  partakers  of 
their  gracious  and  glorious  reward. 

.30.  Fervent,  united,  and  jicrsevering  praj'er  has  great 
influence  with  (!od,  and  leads  him  to  bestow  many  great 
and  precious  blessings  which  he  otherwise  would  not 
grant.  The  reason  is,  in  answer  to  such  jirayer.  il  is  in 
his  view  best  to  grant  them;  when,  willioiit  such  jirayor, 
it  would  not  be. 

33.  If  the  fjod  of  peace,  love,  and  joy  bo  with  his  jieoplc, 
they  will  not  want  any  real  good  ;  but  will  :dwayH.  having 
all  sufhcifucy  in  idl  things,  be  able  to  abound  in  receiving 
and  ronnnunicatiiig  blessings,  to  the  glmy  of  Him  of  whom 
and  through  whom  and  to  whom  are  all  things.  Chap. 
I1:3G. 


Salutations  of  Paul  to 


ROMANS  XVI. 


beloved  Chrislian  lei  per  s. 


CHAPTER  XVI, 


3  Paul  willeth  the  brethren  to  greet  many,  17  and  adviseth  them  to 
take  heed  of  those  which  cause  dissension  and  offences.  21  and  after 
sundry  salutations  endetli  witll  praise  and  tiianks  to  God. 

I  COMMEND  unto  you  Phebe  our  sister,  which 
is  a  servant  of  the  church  which  is  at  Cenchrea: 

2  That  ye  receive  her  in  the  Lord,"  as  becometh 
saints,  and  that  ye  assist  her  in  wliatsocver  busi- 
ness she  hath  need  of  you :  for  she  hath  been  a  suc- 
corer  of  many,  and  of  myself  also. 

3  Greet  Priscilla  and  Aquila,"*  my  helpers  in 
Christ  Jesus: 

4  Who  liave  for  my  life  laid  down  tlieir  own 
necks:  unto  whom  not  only  I  give  thanks,  but 
also  all  tlie  churches  of  the  Gentiles. 

5  Likewise  greet  the  church  that  is  in  their  house. "^ 
Salute  my  well-beloved  Epenetus,  who  is  the  first- 
fi-uits  of  Achaia  unto  Christ. 

6  Greet  Mary,  who  bestowed  much  labor  on  us. 

7  Salute  Andronicus  and  Junia,  my  kinsmen,  and 
my  fellow-prisoners,  who  are  of  note  among  the 
apostles,  who  also  were  in  Ciirist  before  me.'' 

8  Greet  Amplias,  my  beloved  in  the  Lord. 

9  Salute  Urbane,  our  helper  in  Christ,  andStachys 
my  beloved. 

10  Salute  Apclles  approved  in  Christ.  Salute 
them  wiiich  are  of  Aristobulus'  household.' 

11  Salute  Herodion  my  kinsman.  Greet  them 
that  be  of  the  household'  of  Narcissus,  which  are  in 
the  Lord. 

lii  Salute  Tryphcna  and  Tryphosa,  who  labor  in 
the  Lord.  Salute  the  beloved  Pcrsis,  which  labored 
much  in  the  Loid. 

13  Salute  Rufus  chosen  in  the  Lord,"  and  his 
mother  and  mine. 


"PhiL2:29.  b  Acts  I8:'>,  etc.  c  1  Cor.  l():l!).  dGa1.I:a3.  *  Or,  friends. 
«  Eph.  1:4;  2  John  1.  f  1  Cor.  )6:aU;  1  I'et.  5: 14.  E  I  Tim.  6:.'!-.5.  h  Malt. 
15:17;  1  Cor.  5:11;  2  Thess.  3:0,  14.  i  Phil.  3.!il.  j  Col.  2:4;  9  Pet.  2:3. 
kch.  1:8.     1  Or,  harmliss.    l.Matt.  10:1G.    m  ch.  l.)::!:J.     I  Or,  (rearf.    u  Gen. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  present  chapter  is  a  beautiful  ilhistration  of  the  lively 
interest  which  the  apostle  took,  not  in  churches  alone,  but 
also  in  their  individual  meinbers ;  and,  as  naturally  grow- 
ing out  of  this,  of  the  extent  and  accuracy'  of  his  knowledge 
concerning  them.  For,  in  writing  to  a  church  which  lie 
had  never  visited,  he  not  only  salutes  ni:iny  by  name,  but 
accurately  describes  the  Christian  service  rendered  by 
them.     Herein  he  is  an  example  to  all  Christ's  ministers. 

1.  Oiirsmter;  a  member  of  the  tJhristian  church.  A  ser- 
vant of  the  church;  employed  in  instructing  the  j'oung,  and 
in  visiting  the  poor,  sick,  and  afilicted.  Cenchrea;  the 
eastern  seaport  of  Corinth,  whence  the  apostle  sent  tlic 
cidstle,  and,  as  is  generally  sujiposed,  by  the  hand  of  this 
woman. 

2.  In  the  Lord,  as  becometh  saints ;  as  a  Christian,  and  in  a 
Christian  manner.     Asuccorer;  a  helper,  benefactor. 

3.  Ilelpcts  in  Christ;  assistants  in  spreading  the  gospel. 
Acts  1«:2,  3,  18,  21!;  1  Cor.  IK:  19;  2  Tim.  4:19. 

4.  Laid  down  their  ownneckx;  exposed  their  lives  to  great 
danger  to  save  mine. 

.').  The  church — in  their  horise;  the  Christians  who  worship 
there.  Epenetus ;  he  may  have  been  a  member  of  the  family 
of  Stephanas.     1  Cor.  l(i:15. 

7.  My  kinsmen;  natural  relatives.  Fellow-prisoners;  who 
had  been  imprisoned  with  him  on  account  of  their  relig- 
ion. 2  Cor.  11:23.  Of  note;  persons  of  distinction.  In 
Christ ;  Christians. 

9.  Helper  ill  Christ;  Christian  helper  in  promoting  re- 
ligion. 


14  Salute  Asyncritus,  Phlegon,  Hermas,  Patro- 
bas,  Hermes,  and  the  brethren  which  are  with  tliem. 

1.5  Salute  Philologus,  and  Julia,  Ncreus,  and  his 
sister,  and  Olympas,  and  all  the  saints  wliicli  are 
with  them. 

16  Salute  one  another  with  a  holy  kiss.''  The 
churches  of  Christ  salute  you. 

17  Now  I  beseech  you, brethren,  mark  Ihem  which 
cause  divisions  and  otiences  contrary  to  tiie  doc- 
trine which  ye  have  learned  ;^  and  avoid  them." 

18  For  they  that  are  such  serve  not  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  but  their  owu  belly;'  and  by  good 
words  and  fair  speeches  deceive  the  hearts  of  the 
siuiplc.-' 

19  For  your  obedience  is  come  abroad  unto  all 
mcn.^  I  am  glad  therefore  on  your  bciialf:  but 
yet  I  would  have  you  wise  unto  that  which  is  good, 
and  simple*  concerning  evil.' 

20  And  the  God  of  peace"  shall  bruise*  Satan 
under  your  feet  shortly."  The  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  be  with  you."     Amen. 

21  Timotheus  my  work-fellow,  and  Lucius,  and 
Jason,  and  Sosipater,  my  kinsmen,  salute  you. 

22  I  Tertius,  who  wrote  this  epistle,  salute  you 
in  the  Lord. 

23  Gaius  my  host,  and  of  the  whole  church,  sa- 
luteth  you.''  Erastus  the  chamberlain  of  the  city 
saluteth  you,"!  and  Qiiartus  a  brother. 

24  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
you  all.''     Amen. 

25  Now  to  him  that  is  of  power  to  establish  3'ou 
according  to  my  gospel,'  and  the  preaching  of 
Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  revelation  of  the 
mystery,  which  was  kept  secret  since  the  world 
began,' 


3:15;  Rev.  12:10. 
1.  1  Acts  1U:22. 
1:26,27. 


o  1  Cor.  1():2!.  etc. ;  Rev.  22:21.     P  1  Cor.  1 :14 ;  3  John 
r  ver.  20.      '  Eph.  3:20;  Judo  24.      '  Eph.    1:9;  Col. 


10.  In  Christ;  as  a  Christian. 

13.  Hismother;  literally.  Andminc;  figiu'atively,  by  affec- 
tionate care  and  assistance. 

l(i.  With  a  holy  kiss;  the  common  sign  and  pledge  of 
Christian  love  in  those  days. 

17.  Murk;  carefully  notice.  Divisions  and  offences;  dis- 
sensions and  occasions  of  strife.  Avoid  them;  give  them 
no  countenance  or  encouragement. 

18.  Serve  not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  they  do  not  seek  his 
honor,  but  their  own  selfish  ends.  The  simple;  the  unsus- 
pecting and  unwary. 

19.  Your  obedience  is  come  abroad;  the  report  of  your  obe- 
dient disposition  and  conduct.  Wise — and  simple;  ready 
and  skilful  to  do  good,  but  unpractised  in  and  opposed  to 
doing  evil. 

20.  God  of  peace;  the  divine  author,  promoter,  and  lover 
of  peace.  Bruise  Satan  under  your  feel ;  give  you  the  vic- 
tory over  him  and  his  ivdherents  ;  a  victory  begun  in  this 
world,  but  consummated  in  the  glory  of  heaven. 

21.  Ml/  jvnrk-fellino ;  comiianion  in  labor. 

22.  1(7(0  ivrotc  thisepistlc ;  I'aul  dictated  and  Tertius  wrote 
it  from  his  lips. 

23.  Ml/  host;  the  person  at  whoso  house  Paul  staid.  The 
chamticrliiin ;  treasurer  of  Corinth,  the  city  from  which  Paul 
wrote  this  ei)istle. 

24.  The  frrnce  of — Christ ;  his  spiritual  favors. 

2;').  My  f^ospti;  the  gospel  of  Christ  wliich  Paul  preach- 
ed. The  mystery;  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  made  known 
obscurely  in  the  Old  Testament  to  the  Jews,  were  now,  by 
the  command  of  God,  clearly  revealed  to  Gentiles  as  well 
as  Jews. 

13(n 


He  praisetk  God  for 


ROMANS  XVI. 


the  gospel  of  Christ. 


26  But  now  is  made  manifest,  and  by  the  scrip- 
tures of  the  prop])ets,  according  to  tlie  command- 
ment of  tlie  evcrhisting  God,  nnule  known  to  all 
nations  for  tlie  obedience  of  faith  :" 


•  Matt  aS:19. 


26.  Made  known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  offatth ;  in 
order  to  lead  them  to  exercise  faitli  in  Christ  ami  be  Raved. 

27.  To  God  Oidij  wne;  the  author  ol'  all  true  wistloni, 
especially  that  wonderful  display  of  it  made  in  the  gos- 
pel. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  True  religion  unites  believers,  not  only  to  Clirist  but 
to  one  another,  in  a  most  tender  and  endearing  union — one 
whicli  is  a  source  of  rich  enjoyment,  which  will  outlive  all 
other  unions,  and  be  growing  more  delightful  for  ever. 

4.  Those  who.  from  love  to  Christ,  assist  faithful  minis- 
ters in  their  work,  confer  great  benefits  not  only  on  them, 
but  on  the  chm-ch  and  the  world.  Christians  who  enjoy 
their  labors  will  gratefully  acknowdedge  such  benefits,  and 
they  «ill  be  acknowledged  and  rewarded  by  Christ  at  the 
great  day. 

7.  True  religion  docs  not  destroy  or  lessen  natural  affcc- 


27  To  God  only  wise,  be  glory  through  ad  on. 
Jo^us  Christ  for  ever.''     Amen. 
1  Written  to  tlie  Romans  from  Corinthus,  a?7dse7!/ 
by  Phebc  servant  of  tlie  church  at  Cenchrea. 


b  1  Tim.  1:17;  JudL-25. 


tion,  but  elevates  and  purifies  it,  and  makes  it  the  means 
of  greatly  increased  usefulness  and  enjoyment. 

l(i.  Christian  afiectiou  is  always  the  same  in  its  nature, 
but  the  modes  of  expressing  it  dilfer  at  different  periods 
and  in  difl'erent  nations.  Those  modes  should  be  observed 
which  are  commonly  esteemed  .suitable,  and  which  are 
adajitcd  to  be  useful. 

l!l.  In  doing  good.  Christians  .should  have  that  wisdom 
and  skill  wliich  result  from  ])racticc,  experience,  and  habit; 
liut  tliey  should  be  wholly  unskilled  and  inexperienced 
in  doing  evil. 

27.  As  God  is  the  author  of  all  good,  and  all  our  mer- 
cies come  through  Christ,  wc  should  be  disposed,  for  all 
the  blessings  we  receive,  especially  for  the  gospel  and 
the  hope  of  heaven,  to  render  to  him,  tlirough  Jesus 
Christ,  glory  and  honor,  thanksgiving  and  praise,  for  ever. 
Amen. 


1308 


THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  CORINTHIANS. 


Corinth,  the  renowned  capital  of  the  Roman  province  of  Acliaia,  was  situated  on  the  isthmus  that  con- 
nects tlie  soutliern  peninsula  of  Greece — tlie  ancient  Peloponnesus  and  the  modern  Morea — with  the  main 
nortliern  portion.  It  enjoyed  the  advantage  of  having  two  ports,  that  of  Lecliseum  on  the  west,  and  that 
of  Cenchrea  on  the  cast.  The  city  was  distinguished  for  its  great  wealth  and  progress  in  the  arts  and 
sciences,  and  not  less  so  for  its  luxury  and  dissoluteness  of  morals.  Here  the  apostle  Paul  had  labored  a 
year  and  six  months.  Acts  18  :  11,  and  had  gathered  a  flourishing  church,  consisting  of  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
the  latter  apparently  constituting  the  main  body.  Compare  chap.  12  :  2.  The  gentile  converts,  having 
just  emerged  fiom  the  darkness  and  corruption  of  heathenism,  and  living  in  the  midst  of  a  dissolute  com- 
munity, did  not  wholly  escape  the  contamination  of  heathenish  vices.  Party  strifes  and  rivalries  pre- 
vailed among  them,  and  certain  vain-glorious  teachers,  moreover,  had  come  in  with  a  great  show  of 
worldly  wisdom,  who  affected  to  despise  the  simplicity  of  the  apostle's  teachings,  disparaged  his  apostol- 
ical standing,  and  sought  to  supplant  him  in  the  confidence  and  aifections  of  the  Corinthian  church.  In 
addition  to  this,  certain  disorders  and  abuses  had  crept  into  their  public  assemblies,  especially  in  refer- 
once  to  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  supper  and  the  exercise  of  spiritual  gifts,  and  some  among  them 
denied  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection.  Finally,  the  Corinthians  themselves  had  written  to  the  apostle, 
asking  liis  advice  on  some  points  of  a  practical  character,  particularly  in  respect  to  the  marriage  relation 
in  their  present  state  of  trial.  In  meeting  the  above-named  errors  and  abuses,  the  apostle  employs  now 
sharp  rebuke,  now  tender  expostulation,  and  now  earnest  and  impassioned  argument.  The  questions  of 
the  Corinthians  he  answers  by  applying  to  them  the  general  principles  of  the  gospel,  and  defends  himself 
against  the  assaults  of  his  enemies,  though  by  no  means  so  earnestly  and  fully  as  in  the  following  epistle. 
Thus  it  comes  to  pass  that  the  present  epistle  contains  a  remarkable  variety  of  topics,  and  gives  us  a 
fuller  and  clearer  insight  into  the  practical  working  of  Christianity  in  the  primitive  apostolic  churches 
than  that  furnished  by  any  other  of  Paul's  epistles.  The  great  principles,  moreover,  wiiich  he  lays  down 
in  meeting  the  particular  wants  of  the  Corinthian  church  of  his  day  remain  valid  for  all  time,  shedding 
from  age  to  age  a  clear  and  steady  light,  by  which  every  tempest-tossed  church  may,  God  helping  it  by 
his  grace,  steer  its  way  into  the  haven  of  peace  and  prosperity. 

The  errors  of  the  Corintliians  were  not  fundamental,  like  those  of  the  Galatians.  They  built  upon  the 
true  foundation,  Jesus  Christ ;  but  marred  the  building  by  the  introduction  of  base  materials — the  "wood, 
hay,  stubble"  of  human  wisdom,  instead  of  the  "gold,  silver,  ]:irecious  stones"  of  the  true  doctrines  of 
grace,  as  Paul  had  taught  them.  Hence  there  is  a  remarkable  difference  between  the  tone  of  the  present 
epistle  and  that  to  the  Galatians.  In  the  latter,  Paul  contends,  with  apostolic  severity,  for  the  very  sub- 
stance of  the  gospel :  in  this,  he  seeks  to  free  the  gospel  from  the  admixture  of  human  additions. 

It  is  agreed  by  all  that  this  epistle  was  written  from  Ephcsus,  not  far  from  tiie  time  of  Pentecost,  as 
is  indeed  manifest  from  chap.  16:8;  not  from  Philippi,  according  to  the  subscription  appended  to  it. 
Chronologists  generally  place  it  in  the  spring  of  a.  d.  61. 


xD.«  CHAPTER  I. 

After  his  salutation  and  thanksgivinj;,  10  he  exhortctli  tliem  to  unity,  13 
ami  reproveth  their  dissensions.  IS  Hod  destroyeth  the  wisdom  of  the 
wise,  21  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching,  26  and  calleth  not  the  wise, 
mi^'hty.  and  noble,  27,  28  but  the  foolish,  weak,  and  men  of  no  account. 

PAUL,  called  to  he.  nn  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ 
tlirougli  the  will  of  God,"  and  Sostlicncs  our 
brother,'* 


«  Rom.   1:1.      !•  AcU  18:17.      =  Acts  18:1,  etc.      i  John  17:19;  Jude  1. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Sosthenes;  Acta  18:17. 

2  Corinth;  thecapital  of  Achaia,  the  south  partofGrccce. 
Sanaified  in  C/irisI ;  Christians.    Call  upon  tlic  name  of  Jesus 


2  Unto  tlio  church  of  Cod  which  is  at  Corinth.'' 
to  them  that  arc  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus,"  caUed 
to  he  saints,''  with  all  that  in  every  place  call  ufion 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord/  both  tlicir.-; 
and  ours : 

3  Grace  he  unto  you,  and  peace  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'' 

eaTim.  1:9;  )  I'ci.  1:15.     f 'J  Tim.  a:'-"--'.     ElPet.l:2. 


Christ ;  pray  to  him.     Tliis  was  the  practice  of  Christians, 
and  (hstingnishcd  tliem  from  other  people. 

3.  Grace — peace;  this  is  a  jiraycr  for  Kpiritual  blessings, 
and  is  addressed  equally  to  God  the  Father  ami  the  Sou. 

1309 


Paid  reprovelk  the 


1  CORINTHIANS  I. 


dissensions  at  Corinth. 


4  I  thank  my  God  always  on  your  Ijohalf,  for  the 
grace  of  God  wliich  is  given  you  by  Jesus  Christ ;" 

5  That  in  every  thing  ye  arc  enriched  by  him, 
in  all  utterance,  and  in  all  knowledge;" 

6  Even  as  tlie  testimony  of  Chiist  was  confirmed 
in  yon : 

7  tSo  that  ye  come  behind  in  no  gift ;  waiting  for 
the  coming*  of  our  Lord  Jcsu-  Christ:'" 

8  Who  shall  also  confirm  you  unto  tlieend,//(o<  j^c 
may  fteblameless  in  tlie  day  ofour  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'' 

9  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto 
the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Loi'd.'' 

10  Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the  name  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Clirist,  that  ye  all  speak  the  same 
thing,'  and  (liat  there  be  no  divisions*  among  you  ; 
but  that  ye  bo  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same 
mind  and  in  the  same  judgment. 

11  For  it  hath  been  declared  unto  me  of  j'on,  my 
brethren,  by  them  which  are  of  the  house  of  Chloe, 
that  there  are  contentious  among  you. 

12  Now  this  I  say,  that  every  one  of  you  saith,  I 
am  of  Paul ;  and  I  of  Apollos ;*•'  and  I  of  Cephas ;'' 
and  I  of  Christ. 

13  Is  Christdividcd?  was  Paul  crucified  for  you? 
or  were  ye  baptized  in  the  name  of  Paul  ? 

14  I  thank  God  that  I  baptized  none  of  you,  but 
Crispus'  and  Gains;' 

15  Lest  any  should  say  that  I  had  baptized  in 
mine  own  name. 


»  Horn.  1:1.  I"  2  Cor.  s;7.  •  Gr.  revrlalion.  c  Tilus:!:l.i;  -J  I'et.  :):1-J. 
i  I  Thess.  3: 1.1;  r,:-a,  -2*.  e  I  John  1 ::).  <  2  Cor.  1.3: 1 1  ;  1  Pot.  3:S.  t  Gr. 
uhisms.    S  Acts  19:1.    liJohnl:4J.     i  Acts  ltf:S.     i  Rom.  16:2:3;  3  John  1, 


5.  In  all  utterance,  and  in  all  knowledge ;  in  a  comprclioii- 
sive  kuowledf^c  of  tlio  gospel,  and  the  ability  to  \iiifi)lil  its 
doctrines  ami  discourse  conceriiiii;;  tlieni  with  readiiioss 
and  propriety.  It  is  the  constant  manner  of  Paul,  even 
■wliere  he  lias  much  to  censure  in  a  church,  to  commend  it 
for  what  he  finds  good  in  it. 

6.  Even  as — was  cnnfirmrd  in  you;  as  much  as  to  gaj', 
Your  utterance  and  knowledge  of  the  gospel  are  in  accord- 
ance with  its  truth,  as  it  was  ))reached  by  ine  among  j'ou. 
For  the  Corinthians,  thongh  deserving  rchnke  Ibr  many 
things,  liad  not  departed  from  the  essential  doctrines  of 
the  gospel.  The  tcstnnonij  of  Christ ;  the  ajiostle's  testi- 
mony concerning  liim ;  in  other  words,  the  gospel  which 
he  preaclied,  as  Christ's  witness  for  the  trnth.  And  this 
was  not  only  preached  but  con/iivncr/ among  the  Corinthians; 
that  ia,  it  was  established,  and  took  root  in  llieir  hearts. 

■     7.   Ye  come  behind;  they  were  inferior  to  other  churches 
in  no  spiritual  gifts. 

8.  Confirm  you;  establish  and  keep  you  in  the  faith  and 
practice  of  the  gospel.  Blameless  in  the  diiij  of  nur  Lord; 
accepted  of  him, and  presented  spotless  and  faultless  in  the 
great  day.     .Jude  21. 

9.  God  If: faithful ;  to  his  promises,  and  will  keep  you  by 
his  power,  through  faith  unto  salvation.     1  I'etcr  l:.";. 

10.  liif  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  from  regard  to 
liim  and  his  cause.  All  speak  llie  same  thing;  be  united,  and 
refrain  from  contentions. 

1 1.  House  of  Chloe ;  members  of  her  family. 

12.  I  am  of  Paul;  they  were  attached  to,  and  ranged  tin- 
der ditferonl  men  whom  thoy  claimed  as  their  leaders, 
though  withont  their  approbiition  ;  as  if  one  were  better 
than  another,  and  his  followers  more  holy.  This  caused 
divisions  among  them,  which  Paul  lamented,  and  endeav- 
ored by  this  epistle  tolieal.  Ajtollos;  an  eloquent  preach- 
er, who  had  visited  Achaia  and  Corinth  after  the  apostle. 
Acts  Ih:24-2H.  Cephas;  the  great  apostle  of  the  circum- 
cision, whoso  name  the  :idlierent8  of  the  .Mosaic  law  would 
be  likely  to  use.  I  of  Christ;  the  men  who  said  this  prob- 
ably affected  a  peculiarintimacy  with  Christ,  which  raised 
them  above  the  necessity  of  following  any  human  teacher ; 

1310 


16  And  I  baptized  also  the  household  of  .^.  d.  59. 
Stephanas:''  besides,  I  know  not  whethci'  I  bap- 
tized any  other. 

1 7  For  Clirist  sent  me  not  to  baptize,  but  to  preach 
the  gospel:  not  with  wisdom  of  words,"  lest  the 
cross  of  Christ  should  be  made  of  none  efiect. 

18  For  the  preaching  of  the  cross  is  to  them  that 
perish,  foolishness;""  Init  unto  us  which  are  saved, 
it  is  the  power  of  God." 

1!)  For  it  is  written,  I  will  destroy  the  wisdom 
of  the  wise,  and  will  bring  to  nothing  the  under- 
standing of  the  ])rudent." 

20  Where  is  the  wise?''  where  is  the  scribe? 
where  is  the  disputer  of  this  world?  hath  not  God 
made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this  world  ?i 

21  For  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world 
by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  it  pleased  God  by  the 
foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  them  that  believe/ 

22  For  the  Jews  reijuire  a  sign,'  and  the  Greeks 
seek  after  wisdom: 

2:i  Diit  we  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto  the  Jews 
a stumliling-l dock,' and  unto  the  Greeks  foolishness; 

24  Hut  unto  thciu  which  arc  called,  botii  Jews 
and  (1  reeks,  Christ  the  jiower  of  God,  and  the 
wisdom  of  God." 

25  Because  the  foolishness  of  God  is  wiser  than 
men ;  and  the  weakness  of  God  is  stronger  than 
men. 

20  For  ye  see  your  calling,  brethren,  how  that 

elc.  k  rh.  lli:Io,  ]".  1  Ur,  .i)<tec/i.  I  cli.  2: 1,  4,  13.  maCor.2:lo.  ■>  Rom. 
l:l(i.  o  Isa.  29:14;  Jer.  n:9.  Pisl.  33:18.  q  Isi.  44:25.  r  Luke  10:21; 
Rom.  1:20,  22,  2A     •  Matt.  12: 3H,  etc.     t  Isa.  b:14  ;  1  I'ct.  2:8.     uver.  18. 


fur  men  may  be  ju'oud  nut  <nily  of  liaving  a  particular  hu- 
man leader,  but  also  of  having  no  leatler  but  Christ. 

It.  Crispus  and  Gains ;  Acts  18:S;  Horn.  l(i:23. 

11).  J'/ie  Aoi(«/(o/(i;  the  family.     Cliap.  1():15. 

17.  Not  to  baptize;  as  his  principal  or  most  important 
business.  Wisdom  of  words;  the  subtle  idiilosuphical 
speculations  and  polished  rhetoric  which  so  strongly  char- 
acterized tireciun  orattjry.  The  cross  of  Chmt;  the  doc- 
trine of  salvation  through  a  crucified  Redeemer.  Of  none 
effect ;  inclfectnal  to  the  s;ilvaliun  of  men. 

18.  Foolishness ;  they  cannot  diKccrn  its  heavenly  wis- 
dom, and  reject  it  as  an  absurd  scheme,  miwiprlhy  of  their 
regard.  The  power  of  God  ;  through  wliich  he  delivers  men 
from  condcinn:ition  and  ruin. 

I!).  II  is  written;  Isa.  29:11;  33:18;  .Ter.  8:9.  Destroy 
lite  wisdom  of  the  wise ;  show  that  worldly  wisdom  and  effortH 
could  never  efiect  the  salvation  of  men. 

20.  The  scribe;  tliclearned  man.  The  disputer ;  the  sub- 
tle, abstruse  re!isoner.    Made  foolish  ;  showed  it  to  be  folly. 

21.  In  ttie  wisdom  of  God;  after  he  in  wisdom  had  suO'er- 
ed  men  to  make  the  fullest  exijcriments  and  show  their 
utter  insufficiency.  Tlu foolishness  ofprciirhinix ;  that  which 
those  who  reject  Clirist  regard  as  I'uoliKliiiess. 

22.  Itri/uire  a  sii;ii ;  a  sign  from  hciiven,  some  great  and 
signal  display  (jf  iiiiraciilons  power.  Matt.  12::i8.  Wis- 
dom; learned,  iihilosophical,  and  literary  discussions. 

2:j.  ('hrist  crucified;  the  doctrine  of  salvation  through  a 
crucified  Havioiir,  as  the  only  foundation  of  linm;in  hope. 
Acts  4:12.  A  slumblinp-hlortc;  because  espcci;illy  the  idea 
of  a  sufl'ering  and  erncilicd  MeHsi;di  w:i8  contrary  to  all 
their  preconceived  notions  respecting  him.  Comiiare  Kom. 
9:32;  1  Pet.  2:8.  Foolishness;  a  foolish  doctrine,  unworthy 
of  their  regard. 

21,  Them  which  arc  called ;  those  who  are  led  by  the  IToIy 
f^pirit  to  see  their  need  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour  and  to  be- 
lieve on  him. 

2.).  The  foolishness — the  weakness  of  God ;  his  way  of  sal- 
vation, which  to  rejecters  appears  so  foolish  and  incom- 
petent, is  shown  by  fiicts  to  be  wise  and  eflicacious. 

2C.  Ye  see  your  catling,  brethren;  in  the  character  and  con- 


The  gospel  the  wisdom  of 


1  CORINTHIANS  II. 


God  and  the  power  of  God. 


A.  D.  60   not  many  wise  men  after  the  flesh,  not  many 
miglity,  not  many  noble,  are  called:^ 

27  But  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things  of  the 
world  to  confound  the  wise;"  and  God  hath  cho- 
sen the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the 
things  which  are  mighty; 

28  And  base  things  of  the  world,  and  things  which 
are  despised, hath  God  chosen, i/ca,  and  thingswhich 
are  not,  to  bring  to  nauglit  things  that  are: 

29  Tliat  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  presence." 

30  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Ciirist  Jesus,''  who  of 
God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,"  and  righteousness,' 
and  sanctification,'^  and  redemption:'' 

31  That,  according  as  it  is  written.  He  that  glo- 
ricth,  lot  him  glory  in  the  Lord.' 

CHAPTER  II. 

He  declareth  that  his  preaching,  1  though  it  bring  not  excellency  of 
speech.  4  or  of  hutnan  wisdom ;  yet  consisteth  in  the  4,  5  power  of 
God;  and  so  far  excelleth  6  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  and  y  human 
sense,  as  that  14  the  natural  man  cannot  understand  it. 

AND  I,  brethren,  when  I  came  to  you,  came  not 
with  excellency  of  speech  or  of  wisdom,^  de- 
claring unto  you  the  testimony  of  God. 


•  Zeph.  .3:I-J;  John7;J8.  b  Psa.  6;-J;  Matt.  ll:-25.  <^  Rom.  .327.  daCor. 
5:17;  Eph.  l;;i,  ID.  e  Eph.  1:17;  Col.  Mi-i.  t  Isa.  45:'24;  Jer.  23:5,  (i; 
Rom.  4.2.5.    cJohiil-:19.    hEph.l:7.    i  Jer.  0: 23,  24.    J  ver.  4,  13.    k  Giil. 


ditiou  of  those  who  preach  the  gospel,  antl  of  those  who 
embrace  it.  Not  many  wise — mightij — noble;  not  many  who 
are  so  considered  by  worldly  men,  are  called  to  preach 
Clirist,  or  led  to  believe  on  him. 

27,  28.  Tke  fooliih  things  of  tlie  inrld — wmktliings;  those 
men  and  instrumentalities  in  this  world  which  unbelievers 
regard  as  foolish  and  weak.  So  also  base  things  and  things 
which  are  despised.  Things  which  are  not;  men  and  instru- 
mentalities which  are  in  the  eyes  of  unbelievers  as  good 
as  notliing,  of  no  account  whatever.  Things  tliat  are  ;  men 
and  systems  of  philosophy  of  high  repute. 

29.  Siould  glory;  in  any  man  or  system  of  doctrine  of 
man's  invention. 

30.  Of  him;  of  the  free  grace  of  God,  and  by  the  exer- 
cise of  his  power.  Psa.  110:3;  Jas.  1:1.S;  1  John  4:19. 
In  Christ ;  united  to  him  by  faith,  and  for  his  sake  entitled 
to  receive  all  needed  good.  In  him  therefore  they  may 
rejoice,  and  in  him  alone,  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory.     1  Peter  1:8,  9. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  The  great  peculiarity  of  Christians,  that  which  dis- 
tinguishes them  from  all  others,  is  union  to  the  Lortl  .Jesus 
Christ  by  faith.  This  union  leads  them  to  love  him,  pray 
to  him, and  delight  to  honor  him  by  ol)eying  his  commands. 
It  leads  them  also  to  love  one  another,  and  seek  for  each 
other,  of  the  Father  and  the  Son,  all  needed  good. 

7.  Wlicn  called  to  point  out  the  faults  of  Christian  breth- 
ren for  the  purpose  of  reforming  them,  it  is  wise  freely  to 
acknowledge  their  excellences,  and  thus  by  conciliating 
their  minds  prepare  the  way  for  our  eflbrts  to  do  them 
greater  good. 

17.  The  great  business  of  ministers  is  to  pireach  the  gos- 
l)el ;  and  they  should  be  careful  not  to  muiiio  it  with  the 
drajiery  of  liuman  ornament,  lest  they  prevent  its  saving 
effect. 

23.  The  chief  Rulijects  of  a  minister's  preaching  should 
bo  the  character  ;ind  work  of  Clirist,  and  the  means  of  ob- 
taining an  interest  in  his  salv;ition. 

29.  The  d(>ahngs  of  did  in  selecting  ministers  of  the  gos- 
|)el  and  subjects  of  his  renewing  grace,  are  calculated  to 
liumlile  the  jiridc  of  men  and  lead  them  to  feel,  that  for 
every  thing  wise,  great,  or  good,  and  for  all  their  success 
in  doing  good,  they  are  indebted  to  his  grace. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  Not  with  excellency  of  speech ;  that  rhetorical  refinement, 
or  those  subtle  pliilo8ophic;il  discussions  which  were  ad- 


2  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among 
you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  cruciBed.'' 

3  And  I  was  with  you  in  weakness,  and  in  fear, 
and  in  much  trembling. 

4  And  my  speech  and  my  preaching  was  not  with 
enticing*  words  of  man's  wisdom,'  but  in  demon- 
stration of  the  Spirit  and  of  power:"' 

5  That  your  faith  should  not  stand*  in  the  wis- 
dom of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God. 

6  Howbeit,  we  speak  wisdom  among  them  that 
are  perfect :"  yet  not  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  nor 
of  the  princes  of  this  world,  that  come  to  naught:" 

7  But  we  speak  the  wisdom  of  God  in  a  mystery, 
even  the  hidden  loisdom,  which  God  ordained  be- 
fore the  world  unto  our  glory:" 

8  Which  none  of  the  princes  of  this  world  knew : 
for  had  they  known  it,  they  would  not  have  cruci- 
hcd  the  Lord  of  glory.'' 

9  But  as  it  is  written.  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear 
heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man, 
the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that 
love  him.'' 

10  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  his 

0:14.     '  OT.persimsihte.     12  Pet.  1:18.     m  1  Thess.  1  :.'5.     t  Or,  6e.     n  Phil. 
3:IJ.     0Psi.33:lU.     P  Eph.  3:5,  9.     qLiike23:34.     rlsa.G4:4. 


mired  by  the  Greeks.     The  testimony  of  God ;  concerning 
.Jesus  Christ  and  the  way  of  salvation  through  him. 

2.  Not  to  knoiu;  to  demean  myself  among  you  as  one  that 
know  nothing  else  ;  in  other  words,  to  make  the  doctrine 
of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified  my  only 
theme. 

3.  Weakness— fear — trembling;  heknewthathe  had  many 
enemies.  He  felt  deeply  his  insufficiency,  and  was  fearful 
that  he  should  fail  of  success.  God,  however,  who  knew 
his  difiicnlties,  had  compassion  on  him,  and  encouraged 
him  to  go  forward.     Acts  18:0,  9,  10;  2  Cor.  10:10. 

4.  Enticing  words  of  7nan's  wisdom ;  such  as  were  uscil 
liy  heathen  orators  to  gain  applause.  In  dcmonstralion  of 
the  Spirit  and  of  power ;  it  consisted  in  that  demonstratitm 
of  the  truth  which  had  for  its  foundation  the  accompanying 
Spirit  and  power  of  (jod. 

5.  Not  stand  in  the  wisdom  of  men;  not  rest  on  human, 
but  on  divine  testimony  ;  and  be  produced  not  by  human, 
but  by  divine  power. 

6.  Wisdom;  that  which  is  truly  wise  in  the  estimation 
of  God  and  those  who  are  like  him.  Tliem  that  are  perfect ; 
who  have  maturity  of  knowledge  and  spiritual  diseern- 
ment,  and  are  thus  prepared  to  receive  the  deeper  revela- 
tions of  tlie  go.spel.  Not  the  leisdom  of  this  vorld ;  that  which 
wi.u'ldly  men  call  wisdom.  That  come  to  naught  ;  who  per- 
ish themselves,  with  all  their  vain  schemes  which  they 
oppose  to  the  wisdom  and  power  of  the  gospel. 

7.  We  speak  the  wisdom  of  God  in  a  7nystcry ;  in  speaking 
the  wisdom  of  God  we  iiroclaim  a  mystery.  The  word 
mystery  is  used  here,  as  often  elsewhere  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament, to  denote  somctliing  beyond  tlie  power  of  human 
wisdom  to  discover.  Even  the  hidden  leisdom  ;  that  which 
had  long  been  to  a  great  extent  unknown,  but  was  now  re- 
vealed in  the  gospel.  Ordained  before  the  world ;  purposed 
from  eternity  to  reveid.  Unto  our  glory ;  thai  it  might  raise 
us  who  receive  it  to  glory.  The  a|)oslle  refers  both  to  the 
s]iiritual  glory  which  the  gospel  bestows  U|)on  men  here, 
and  the  eternal  heavenly  glory  in  which  it  ends,  the  former 
being  an  earnest  and  jiledge  of  the  latter. 

9.  As  it  is  vrillen  ;  Isa,  04:4.  The  things  which  God  hath 
prepared;  it  is  in  these  things,  which  include  all  the  bless- 
ings the  gospel  bestows  on  men  here,  and  the  "exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory  "  hereafter,  that  the  glory  con- 
sists 8))oken  of  in  ver.  7. 

10.  Unto  ns ;  the  apostles  and  their  fellow-disciples,  who 
were  taught  of  the  IlolySpiril.  Searcheth  ;  fully  under- 
sttiiids,  and  therefore  can  reveal  to  us. 

1311 


The  teaching  of  the  Spirit. 


1  CORINTHIANS  II. 


Strife  and  diridon  are  carnal. 


Spirit:"  for  the  Spirit  searclietli  all  tilings,  yea, 
the  deep  things  of  God." 

11  For  what  man  knowctli  the  things  of  a  man, 
save  the  spirit  of  man  which  is  in  liim?'^  even  so 
the  things  of  God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit 
of  God." 

12  Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  but  the  S|>irit  which  is  of  God;''  tliat  we 
mitrht  know  the  things  that  are  frcelv  given  to  us 
of  God.' 

18  Which  things  also  we  speak,  not  in  the  words 
which  nian"s  wisdom  teachetli,''  but  which  the  Holy 
Gliost  tcacheth;  comparing  spiritual  things  with 
spiritual. 

14  But  tiie  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  tlie  Spirit  of  God;''  for  tliey  arc  foolishness 
unto  liim :  neither  can  he  know  them,  because  they 
are  s])iritually  discerned. 

15  But  he  that  is  spiritual  judgeth"  all  things," 
yet  lie  himself  is  judged*  of  no  num. 

16  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord, 

«JohnlO:13.  bRom. 11:33.  <;Prov.H:10.  d  Rom.  U:.33, 34.  c  Rom. 
8:15.  (  1  John  .'):-20.  rch.l:l7.  h  Malt.  13: 11.  etc. ;  Rom.  ,'4:5.  7.  'Or. 
•hsrerneth.     '  i*rov.  '1<:5.     T  Or.  disccrnett.     I  Or'  slmlL     J  1:^.40:13;  Jer. 

11.  The  things  of  a  man  ;  his  unrevealed  thoughts.  Even 
■10 ;  as  the  unrevealed  tlioiight.s  of  a  man  are  not  known 
except  to  himself,  so  the  unrevealed  things  of  God  are  not 
known  except  to  the  Spirit  of  God;  and  he  alone  can  re- 
veal tliem.  To  the  apostles  he  did  reveal  them, and  through 
them  they  were  revealed  to  others. 

12.  Not  tlie  spirit  of  the  tmrld ;  which  could  instruct  us 
only  in  the  things  of  this  world,  and  make  us,  like  itself, 
earthly  in  all  our  views  and  feelings.  Might  know;  by  his 
revelation.  The  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God; 
those,  namely,  mentioned  in  vcr.  9. 

13.  In  the  words — which  t/ie  IIolij  Ghost  teachelh  ;  the  Spirit 
taught  thcra  not  only  what  was  to  be  communicated,  but 
liow  to  communicate  it-^-not  in  preaching  only,  but  in 
writing. 

11.  77i«  natural  man ;  the  same  as  he  who  is  after  the  flesh, 
and  minds  the  things  of  the  flesh.  Honi.  8:5  ;  the  man  who 
is  unenlightened  by  ihe  Holy  Spirit,  who  does  not  love  the 
truth,  and  is  the  willing  slave  of  sin.  Receiveth  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  God;  does  not  rightly  apprehend  or 
appreciate  them.  Thcij  are  foolishness ;  they  ap2)ear  fool- 
ish. Neither  can  he  Icnoio  them;  he  needs  to  be  renewed 
and  cnliglitcncd  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

15.  Jlc  that  is  spiritual ;  he  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  and 
therefore  minds  the  things  of  the  Spirit.  Roin.  8:5.  Judg- 
rlh  all  things;  discerncth  aright  all  spiritual  things,  loves 
their  excellence,  and  judges  correctly  concerning  them. 
Ifc  himself  is  judged  of  no  man ;  they  who  are  not  enlight- 
iiied  by  the  lloiy  Ghost,  do  not  judge  correctly  concern- 
ing him.  He  acta  from  principles  with  which  they  are 
nnaccpiaintcd. 

16.  For  who  liath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord;  no  one  but 
lie  who  lias  been  taught  by  the  Si>irit  of  IhcLord.  The 
natural  man  therefore,  who  has  not  been  thus  taught,  can- 
not judge  us  who  are  spiritual,  and  ham  the  mind  of  Christ ; 
that  is,  know  it,  having  been  taught  of  God. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.    ClIRI.-lT    CKUCIFIED   AS   TIIK    ATO.NE.MENT    FOR   SIN,   Is    tllC 

groat  central  truth  of  the  gospel.  Other  truths,  in  order 
to  be  rightly  apprehended  and  have  their  due  effect,  must 
bo  Rccn  in  connection  with,  and  in  the  light  of  this.  Jlcncc 
the  great  prominence  which  Paul  gave  to  it  in  his  preach- 
ing, and  which  all  ministers  should  give  to  it  in  theirs ; 
hence  also  the  prominent  place  which  this  truth  should 
hold  in  the  contemplations  of  all  who  woulil  grow  in  grace, 
or  gain  an  interest  in  the  blessings  of  salvation.  Gal. 
i;:14;  Phil.  3:7-9. 

5.  The  more  deeply  ministers  of  the  gospel  feel  their 
own  insufficioDcy,  auii  their  depondcucc  on  God  for  siic- 
1312 


that  he  may'  instruct  him?J     But  we  have  a. d. 59. 
the  mind  of  Ciirist." 

CHAPTER  III. 

2  Milk  is  fit  for  children.  3  Strife  and  division,  .ir^unicnts  of  a  fleshly 
mind.  7  He  that  planteth,  and  he  that  watereth,  is  nothing.  9  Th't? 
ministers  are  God's  fellow-workmen.  1 1  Christ  the  only  foundation. 
16  Men  the  temples  of  God,  17  whieh  must  be  kept  holy.  19  The 
wisdom  of  this  world  is  foolishness  witii  God. 

AND  I,  brethren,  could  not  speak  unto  you  as 
unto  spiritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,'  even  as 
unto  babes  in  Christ."" 

2  I  have  fed  you  with  milk,  and  not  with  meat: 
for  liitlicrto  ye  were  not  iiblo  lu  bear  it,  neither  yet 
now  are  ye  able." 

3  For  ye  are  yet  carnal :  for  whereas  there  is 
aniotig  you  envying,  and  strife,"  and  divisions,* 
are  ye  not  carnal,  and  walk  as  men?' 

4  For  while  one  saith,  I  am  of  Paul ;  and  another, 
I  am.  of  Apoilos ;P  are  ye  not  carnal? 

5  Who  then  is  Paul,  and  who  is  Apollos,  but 


21:11.     li.Tohnl7:S.     1  ch  2:M,  15.     ">  Heb.  5: 12.  1:1;  1  Pft.  2:2.     »  John 
10:12.    oJas.3:ia.    ^0r, faclions.    \Gt.  according  to  man7    Pch.  1:12. 


cess,  the  more  likely  it  is  that  their  ])rcaching  will  be  at- 
tended by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  thus  rendered 
elTcctnal  to  the  salvation  of  men.     2  Cor.  12:9,  10. 

8.  All  persons,  however  great  their  advantages,  who  arc 
not  taught  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  arc  exceedingly  ignorant  of 
divine  things.  Trutlis  arc  plainly  revealed  of  which  they 
have  no  just  conception,  because  they  love  darkness  rather 
lliun  light,  their  ileeds  being  evil.  In  their  ignorance  they 
may  commit  crimes  which  will  bring  interminable  evils 
upon  themselves  and  others. 

12.  As  the  Holy  Spirit  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  mind 
and  w'ill  of  (lod,  tind  is  able  to  communicate  all  needed  light 
to  men.  he  must  be  divine. 

13.  As  the  Holy  Ghost  taught  the  writers  of  the  Bible 
what  truths  to  communicate  and  in  what  words  to  coimnii- 
nicato  them,  it  may  safely  be  relied  on  as  an  exact  expres- 
sion of  the  will  of  God,  and  a  perfect  rule  of  faith  and 
practice. 

14.  As  without  spiritual  discernment  no  man  will  rightly 
apprehend  or  suitably  treat  the  things  which  (ioil  has  re- 
vealed, and  as  the  author  of  this  discernment  is  the  Holy 
Spirit,  all  should  seek  his  teaching;  and  not  only  attend 
to  the  words  in  which  he  communicates  divine  truth,  but 
ask  him  to  show  them  his  meaning,  cause  it  to  make  the 
right  impression,  and  be  the  means  of  spiritual  life  to  ihcir 
souls.     Psa.  119:18;  John  6 :  03. 

CHAPTER  111. 

1.  Spiritual;  advanced  in  spiritual  knowledge,  and  pre- 
pared to  understand  and  prolil  by  the  higher  and  more  difli- 
cidt  truths  of  the  gos])ol.  Carnal ;  having  little  religious 
knowledge  or  sjiiritual  discernment ;  being  still  much  under 
the  influence  of  evil. 

2.  71/;//i;;  the  plain,  simple  truths  of  the  gospel ;  such  as 
arc  adapted  to  those  who  arc  young  and  inexperienced  in 
religion.  Meat ;  truths  suited  to  those  who  have  made 
greater  progress  in  divine  things.  Not  able;  not  aide 
rightly  toai)prchend  and  usefully  to  apply  the  more  dilli- 
cult  ))art8  of  divine  truth. 

3.  Carnal,  and  walk  as  men;  selfish  and  worldly  in  their 
feelings  and  conduct. 

4.  /  am  nf  Paul — I  am  of  Apollos;  their  division  into 
parties  and  their  violent  contentions  showed  that  they 
were  still  narrow  in  their  views,  and  carnal  in  their  feel- 
ings. 

t).  Ministers;  servants  of  Christ  engaged  in  one  common 
work,  and  not  designed  to  be  heads  ofdiflerent  iiartios. 
Their  object  then  was  to  convert  men,  not  to  themselves, 
but  to  Clirist. 


Christ  crudficd  is 


1  CORINTHIANS  III. 


the  only  foundation. 


A.  n.s).  ministers  by  wliom  ye  believed,  even  as  the 
Lord  gave  to  every  man?" 

6  I  liave  planted,  Apollos  watered;  but  God 
gave  tlie  increase." 

7  So  then  neither  is  he  that  planteth  any  thing, 
neitlier  he  that  watercth ;  but  God  that  givcth  the 
increase."^ 

8  Now  he  that  planteth  and  ho  that  watereth 
are  one:  and  every  man  shall  receive  his  own 
reward  according  to  his  own  labor.'' 

9  For  wc  are  laborers  together  with  God:"  ye 
are  God's  husbandry,*  ye  are  God's  Ijuilding.'' 

10  According  to  the  grace  of  God  which  is  given 
unto  me,'^as  a  wise  master-builder,  I  have  laid  the 
foundation,  and  another  buildoth  thereon.  But  let 
every  man  take  heed  how  he  liuildeUi  thereupon. 

11  For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than 
that  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ.'' 

12  Now  if  any  man  build  upon  this  foundation 
gold,  silver,  precious  stones,  wood,  liay,  stubble ; 

13  Every  man's  work  shall  be  made  manifest; 
for  the  day  shall  declare  it,  because  it  shall  be 
revealed^  by  fire;  and  the  fire  shall  try  every 
man's  work  of  what  sort  it  is.' 

»  Horn.  12:3,  6;  1  Ppt. -Iill.  bch.  15:10.  =  John  15:5;  2  Cor.  12:9-11. 
d  Psa.  l)2:ia;  Rev.  iiAi.  «  ■'  Cor.  C:l.  •  Or,  Ullage,  f  Heb.  3:0;  1  Pet. 
2:5.     S  Rom.  12:3.      h  Isa.  2S:1(J;  Matt.  10:l->;  Eph.  2:21);  2  Tim.  2:19. 

C.  I  have  planted;  Paul  first  preached  the  gospel  to  the 
Corinthians  and  gathered  the  church.  Apdlos  watered;  ho 
came  after  Paul  and  further  instructed  tlic  people.  God 
gave  the  increase;  all  the  success  of  both  was  from  God. 

7.  He  that  planteth — he  that  watercth  ;  preachers  of  the  gos- 
pel are  not  the  cause,  but,  under  God,  the  instruments  of 
their  success. 

8.  Are  one;  they  are  engaged  in  one  work,  and  for  the 
promotion  of  one  end,  the  glory  of  God,  in  tlie  salvation 
of  men.  It  is  not  proper,  then,  that  they  should  be  set  up 
as  the  heads  of  different  parties.  Shall  receive  ;  from  Clirist, 
not  from  man.  His  own  reward  according  to  his  own  labor  ; 
the  common  Master  of  all  will  apportion  to  each  his  just 
reward,  so  that  invidious  comparisons  between  the  diii'er- 
ent  servants  of  Christ  on  the  part  of  their  fellow-Chris- 
tians are  entirely  out  of  place. 

9.  Laborers  together  with  God;  he  as  the  cause,  we  as  the 
instruments.  Hmhamlrij — building;  the  church  is  liero  com- 
pared to  a  cultivated  field,  hi  which  husbandmen  labor 
and  God  causes  things  to  grow ;  and  also  to  a  building, 
on  which  he  gives  artisans  strength  to  labor,  and  crowns 
their  labor  with  his  blessing. 

10.  I  have  laid  tlie  foundation ;  Paul  first  preached  to  the 
Corinthians  Christ  crucified,  an  atoning  sacrifice  for  sin,  as 
the  only  and  all-sullicient  foundation  for  human  hope  ;  and 
gathered  such  as  appeared  to  believe  on  him  into  the 
church.  Another  buihkth;  others  afterwards  jireached  to 
them,  and  admitted  to  their  number  such  as  professed  to  be 
converted.  Take  heed;  let  them  be  careful  as  to  what  doc- 
trines they  preach,  and  what  practices  they  encourage  ; 
anil  see  that  both  are  according  to  the  revealed  will  of  God. 

11.  Jesus  Chriit ;  he  is  the  only  sure  foundation  of  human 
hope  ;  and  his  true  church  is  comnosed  of  such,  and  such 
only,as  trust  in  him.  Isa.28:l(;;  Matt.  21:42;  Acts  4:11; 
Eph.  2:21);  2  Tim.  2:19;  1  Pet.  2:6. 

12.  Gold,  sdrcr,  precious  stones;  if  ho  preach  the  pure 
truths  of  God,  from  love  to  him  and  in  humble  dciiond- 
ence  on  his  gr;icc,  and  thus  build  up  the  church.  Wood, 
hay.  stubble ;  if  he  preach  error,  or  the  speculations  of  men. 

\X  Made  manifest ;  shown  to  be  what  it  really  is.  The 
day;  the  day  of  judgment  will  make  it  known.  Revealed 
by  fire  ^-.lii  fire  sliows  the  difference  between  gold  and  wood, 
or  silver  and  stubble,  so  the  day  of  judgment  will  show 
the  difference  between  the  works  of  different  men. 

14.  If  any  man's  work  abide;  if  his  preacliing  and  prac- 
oo 


14  If  any  man's  work  abide  wliich  he  hath  built 
thereupon,  he  shall  receive  a  rewind. 

15  If  any  man's  work  shall  be  burned,  he  shall 
sutler  loss :  but  he  himself  shall  be  saved  ;  yet  so 
as  by  fire.J 

If)  Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple  of  God, 
and  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  you?" 

17  If  any  man  defile*  the  temple  of  God,  him 
shall  God  destroy ;  for  the  temple  of  God  is  holy, 
which  timp/e  ye  are. 

18  Let  no  man  deceive  himself.  If  any  man 
among  you  seemeth  to  be  wise  in  this  world,  let 
him  Ijccome  a  fool,  that  he  may  be  wise.' 

19  For  the  wisdom  of  this  world  is  foolishness 
witli  God.  For  it  is  written.  He  taketh  the  wise 
in  their  own  craftiness.'" 

20  And  again.  The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts 
of  the  wise,  tliat  they  are  vain." 

21  Therefore  let  no  man  glory  in  men."  For  all 
things  are  yours ; 

22  Whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or  the 
world,  or  life,  or  death,  or  things  present,  or  things 
to  come ;  all  are  yours ; 

23  And  ye  are  Christ's;"  and  Christ  is  God's. 


t  Gr.  IS  revealed,  i  Zech.  13:0;  1  Pet.  1:7;  4:12.  J  Zecli.  3:2;  Jude  2-3. 
k  a  Cor.  6:1S.  1  Or,  destroy.  1  Prov.  2G:12.  m  Job  5:13.  n  Psa.  94:11. 
o  Jer.  9:2:S,  24.     P  Rom.  14:8. 


tice  are  approved,  he  shall  receive  a  reward;  a  reward  of 
grace. 

15.  If  any  man' stearic  shall  be  burned ;  if  it  be  condemned 
as  wrong,  though  he  himself  believed  and  is  pardoned,  lie 
shall  suffer  loss ;  he  shall  lose  his  labor,  and  much  of  the 
good  which  might  have  resulted  from  a  diftcrent  and  better 
course  of  conduct.  So  as  by  fire ;  he  who  escapes  naked 
from  his  house  on  fire, is  saved  from  being  consumed,  but 
he  suffers  loss. 

IC.  Ye  are  the  temple  of  God ;  elsewhere  the  apostle  calls 
the  bodies  of  individual  believers  the  temples  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  chap.  6: 19.  Compare  Isa.  57 : 1.5  ;  6ti:l,2.  But  here,, 
as  in  Ephes.  2:20-22  ;  1  Peter  2:5  ;  he  has  reference  to  the 
church  of  Christ,  which  is  "  God's  building."  Each  true- 
member,  quickened  by  God's  Spirit,  is  a  living  stone,  and 
all  united  form  a  living  temple,  in  which  He  dwells  in  » 
much  higher  and  fuller  sense  than  He  dwelt  in  his  temple 
of  old. 

17.  Defile — destroy;  these  two  -n'ords  are  in  the  original 
the  same.  If  by  false  doctrine  or  unholy  practice  any  one 
should  defile,  and  thus  exert  his  influence  to  destroy  tlie 
church  or  any  of  its  members,  he  would  incur  great  guilt, 
and  expose  himself  to  aggravated  ruin.  Holy ;  set  apart 
and  devoted  to  the  service  of  God. 

18.  Deceive  himself;  by  a  vain  idea  of  his  superior  wis- 
dom. Addressed  especially  to  tliose  who  sought  preemi- 
nence as  leaders.  Seemeth  to  be  wise ;  seemeth  in  his  own 
eyes,  thinks  himself  wise.  Become  a  fool ;  let  him  consent 
to  be  esteemed  a  fool  by  the  men  of  the  world — let  him 
renounce  dependence  on  tliat  worldly  wisdom  for  which 
he  now  values  himself,  feel  his  need  of  divine  guidance, 
and  seek  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  receiving  as  true 
what  he  declares,  and  doing  as  right  what  he  commands. 

19.  The  wisdom  of  Ibis  world ;  tliat  of  which  worldly  men 
are  jiroud,  and  in  which  tliey  glorj'.  For  it  is  written; 
Job  5:12,  i;!. 

20.  Again;  Psa.  94:11. 

21.  Therefore ;  as  the  result  of  wliat  has  boon  .s.iid.  Glory 
in  men ;  by  setting  up  one  teacher  above  olhors  as  his  lead- 
er. All  things  are  yours;  not  one  teacher  alone,  but  all  the 
teachers  of  the  church  with  all  their  varied  gifts.  And  not 
only  they,  but  all  things  else,  in  the  sense  that  God  makes 
all  things  work  together  for  j-our  good.     Rom.  8:28. 

2,'i.  Ye  arc  Christ's;  all  united  in  one  body  under  Christ, 
who  has  redeemed  you  by  his  blood,  and  to  whom  alone 

1013 


Ministers  arc  but 


1  CORINTHIANS  IV. 


stewards  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

1  In  what  account  the  ministers  ouijht  to  be  had.  7  "We  have  nothins; 
which  we  have  not  received.  9  The  aposlles  spectacles  to  the  world, 
angels,  and  men,  13  the  filth  and  olTsconnnj;  of  ihe  world;  15  yet  our 
fathers  in  Christ,  16  whom  we  ought  to  follow. 

IET  a  mail  so  account  of  us,  as  of  tlie  ministers 
^  of  Christ,-'  aud  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of 
God. 

2  Moreover  it  is  required  in  stewards,  that  a 
man  be  found  faithful.'' 

3  But  with  me  it  is  a  veiy  small  thing  tiiat  I 
should  be  judged  of  you,  or  of  man's  judgment:" 
yea,  I  judge  not  mine  own  self. 

4  For  1  know  notiiiiig  by  myself;  yet  am  I  not 
liereby  justilied:'^  but  he  that  judgeth  me  is  the 
Lord. 

5  Tiierefore  judge  nothing  licforc  tlie  time,''  until 
the  Lord  come,  who  both  will  bring  to  light  the 
hidden  things  of  darkness,  and  will  make  manifest 


«  2Cor.  0:4.     b  Luke  l->:4a;  Titus  1.7;  1  Pet.  -1:10.     •  Gr.  day.     c  Psi. 
143:2.     ■!  Mitt.  7:1.     e  Rom.  2:10;  Rev.  aU:  lA     1  Gr.  disliiiguisheth  thee. 


ye  belong,  not  to  any  human  leader.  Christ  is  God's;  sent 
by  the  Father  to  redeem  men,  and  always  acting  in  his 
name  and  for  his  glory.  See  introductory  note  to  John, 
chap.  5.  Tluis  the  unity  in  (Jrod's  holy  family  is  complete. 
Compare  John  17:8,21-23,  which  is  the  best  commentary  on 
these  wonderful  words. 

INSTRT'CTIOXS. 

I.  Christians  when  first  converted  are  indeed  born  of 
God,  and  are  in  some  measure  like  him;  but  they  are  in- 
fants, not  men,  in  the  divine  life.  They  need  such  instruc- 
tions as  are  suite  1  to  those  who  are  young,  feeble,  and  but 
just  beginning  spiritually  to  live. 

4.  Young  (Jliristians  are  exposed  to  be  self-confident — 
to  be  influenced  by  feeling  rather  tlian  judgment — to  glory 
in  men,  and  follow  human  leaders;  not  duly  considering 
that  they  m;iy  lie  very  zcalo\is  and  earnest  in  efforts  lo 
increase  the  number  and  strength  of  their  scot  or  party, 
ail  I  yet  be  far  from  tliat  unity  of  spirit  with  Christ  and 
his  people  which  he  requires. 

8.  Ministers  of  Christ  who  are  engaged  in  his  work,  arc 
not  laboring  to  att;ich  men  to  tliemselves  or  to  any  hunrm 
leader,  but  to  Jesus  Christ.  They  are  all  equally  his  ser- 
vants, doing  his  work.  And  though  their  lal)or  may  be  as 
needful  to  the  salvation  of  men  as  is  that  of  husljandmen 
in  oriler  to  a  harvest,  yet  their  success  is  from  (lod,  and 
to  him  belongs  the  glory. 

II.  The  only  founchition  of  the  true  church  is  Jesus 
Christ;  and  none  belong  to  it  except  those  wlio  believe 
on  him.  Others  may  have  an  outward  connection  as  mem- 
bers, but  they  have  no  saving  union  with  the  Head.  They 
are  dead  members,  who  will  be  cut  olV— dry  branches, 
whicli  bear  no  fruit,  ami  will  be  taken  away.     John  I.'):2. 

13.  A  day  is  coming  when  every  man's  cli.aracter  and 
work  will  be  trieil.  Those  who  have  attempted  to  build 
a  church  on  I'eter  or  I'aul,  or  any  mere  creature,  or  who 
are  trusting  for  salvation  to  any  outwaril  connection  with 
the  church,  witho\tt  being  justified  by  faith  in  Christ  and 
governed  by  love  to  him,  will  be  disiippoinled  and  con- 
demned. 

ClJArTLU  IV. 

1.  Ministers  of  Christ ;  not  of  man ;  whose  main  business 
theroforc  is  not  to  please  man,  but  God — compare  ver.  3 — 
and  who  are  not  to  be  set  up  as  the  heads  of  parties. 
Sleward.i  of  the  mysteries  of  God  ;  sti'wards  were  a])pointed 
by  the  head  of  a  family  to  provide  for  them  and  superin- 
tend  their  concernH.  iSo  the  aposlles  were  ajipoinled  by 
God  to  provi<le  needful  instruction  for  his  spiritual  family — 
to  preach  to  them  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  called  mysteries 
because  they  had  before  been  comjiarativcly  unknown. 

3.  Judged  of  you ;  in  regard  lo  my  fidelity  as  ('hrist's  stew- 
ard. I  judge  not  mine  (.vm  silf;  lie  was  not  to  be  ajiproved 
1314 


the  counsels  of  the  hearts:"  and  then  shall  a. d  59. 
every  man  have  praise  of  God. 

6  And  these  things,  brethren,  I  have  in  a  figure 
transferred  to  myself  and  to  Apollos,  for  your 
sakes;  that  ye  might  learn  in  us  not  to  think  of 
men  above  that  wliicli  is  written,  that  no  one  of 
you  be  jJuU'ed  up  for  one  against  another. 

7  For  who  nuiketh  thee  to  (\H\vv*  from  another? 
and  whiit  hast  tiiou  ihat  thou  didst  not  receive'?'' 
now  if  thou  didst  receive  it,  why  dost  thou  glory, 
as  if  thou  hadst  not  received  it? 

8  Now  ye  are  full,  nowye  are  rich,'' ychave  reigned 
as  kings  without  us:  and  I  would  to  God  ye  did 
reign,  that  we  also  miglit  reign  with  you. 

9  For  1  think  that  God  hath  set  "forth  us  the 
ajjostlcs  last,'  as  it  were  appdintcd  to  death:  for 
we  are  made  a  spectacle^  unto  the  world,  and  to 
angels,  and  to  men.'' 

10  We  are  fools  for  Christ's  sake,  but  ye  are  wise 


f  Jls.  1:17. 
10:33. 


6  Rov.  3:17.     1  Or,  llu  last  aimstles.     i  Gr.  Ihciitre.     Ii  Heb. 


or  condemned  in  the  day  of  judgment  according  to  his  own 
decision,  any  luore  than  that  of  his  fellow-men. 

4.  /  kiioic  nothing  by  myxclf;  rather,  am  not  conscious  to 
myself  of  any  thing,  lie  was  not  conscious  of  dishonesty, 
or  allowed  selfishness  in  his  minislry.  Yd  am  I  net  hereby 
justified;  God  might  see  much  unfaithfulness  and  numer- 
ous transgressions  where  ho  saw  none. 

5.  Judge  twtliing  before  tlie  time;  namely,  when  the  Lord 
shall  come  to  judgment,  as  immediately  afterwards  stated. 
In  the  mean  time  lliey  were  not  to  decide  upcm  and  con- 
demn the  character  of  one  another.  Hidden  things  of  ditrk- 
7ic,«,-  those  which  arc  not  seen  by  men.  Counsels  of  the 
hearts;  desires,  intentions,  and  motives.  Ilari:  praise  of 
God ;  for  all  llinl  he  has  done  well.  The  ajiostle  states 
only  one  side  of  the  judgment — the  approval  of  those  who 
have  been  niillif'ul  to  Christ.  The  coudenniation  of  the 
unfaithful  is  implied  in  this. 

(i.  These  things ;  what  I  have  said  aboutglorying  in  men. 
In  a  figure  t  ran. ••fir  red  to  myself  and  to  Apollos;  to  illustrate 
the  facts  and  evils  of  their  divisions  into  parties,  he  liivd 
named  only  Ajiollos  and  himself  a.s  set  uji  for  leaders 
among  them.  Thishedid  to  avoiilgiving  offence  bynaniing 
others  who  were  ambitious  of  such  a  ilistiiiction.  For  your 
salces;  that  they  might  see  their  fiilly  and  renounce  it.  /;i 
us;  by  my  tlins  putting  Apollos  and  myself  as  e.xamides. 
Above  that  which  is  u-ritlen;  that  they  k1iou1<1  not  think  of 
men  as  any  oilier  than  as  they  are  described  in  the  Hiblo, 
nor  glory  in  them  as  leaders  of  se|iiirate  divisions,  or  heads 
of  dilVercnt  denominations  of  the  Lord's  ]ieo]de. 

7.  Who  makith  thee  lo  differ?  as  to  talcnis.  condition, 
character, or  inthience.  Receive;  from  God.  Why  dost  thoti 
glory;  in  thyself  or  other  men? 

8.  Fall — rich;  in  their  own  estimation.  lieigned  as  kings 
without  us;  they  im;\gined  lliemselvcs  possessed  of  great 
spiritual  riches,  knowledge,  and  power;  tible  without  tlio 
help  of  the  apostles  to  succeed  and  pros]>er  in  their  own 
way.  Ye  did  reign;  that  ye  were  indeed  as  sjiirilually 
rich,  great,  powerful,  and  prosperous  as  you  imagine. 
That  we  nhomight  reign  ft'ith  ycni ;  then  the  a|>oslle  and  his 
associales  might  rejoic^;  willi  them  in  their  fulness  of  spir- 
itual blessings,  instead  of  being  distressed  at  iheir  divis- 
ions. 

!).  Ijast ;  assigned  to  the  lowest  place  as  it  regards  shamo 
and  suffering,  as  if  we  were  the  vilest  of  men;  "the  filth 
of  the  world,"  and  "  the  oll'scouriiig  of  all  Ihiiigs,"  ver.  \'A. 
Appoinird  to  death ;  doomed  lo  Ihe  I'lidiniincc  nf  trials  and 
miirtyrdom.     A  spectacle;  of  conllicts  and  sull'erings. 

10.  We  are  fools ;  accounted  fools  byth<ise  who  boast  of 
their  wisilom.  For  Christ's  sake ;  because  we  rievi^e  our- 
selves faithfully  lo  the  work  of  jireaching  Christ  crucified, 
and  seek  only  his  honor.  Ye  are  wise  in  Cltrisl;  in  your 
own  esteem. 


The.  faithful  minister. 


1  CORINTHIANS  V. 


The  incestuous  person. 


A.  D.  .',9.  in  Clu-ist ;  we  are  weak,  but  ye  are  strong ; 
ye  are  honorable,  but  we  are  despised. 

11  Even  unto  tliis  present  hour  we  botli  hunger 
and  thirst,  and  are  naked,"  and  are  buifeted,  and 
have  no  certain  dwelling-place ; 

12  And  labor,  working  with  our  own  hands.'' 
Being  reviled,  we  bless  ;'^  being  persecuted,  we  suf- 
fer it ; 

13  Being  defamed,  we  entreat:  we  are  made  as 
the  filth  of  the  world,  and  are  the  oflscouring  of 
all  things  unto  this  day." 

14  I  write  not  tliese  things  to  shame  you,  but  as 
my  beloved  sons  I  warn  you." 

15  For  though  ye  have  ten  thousand  instructors 
in  Christ,yet  haveyc  not  many  fathers :  for  in  Christ 
Jesus  I  have  begotten  you  through  the  gospel. 

16  Wherefore  I  beseech  you,  be  ye  followers  of 
me. 

17  For  this  cause  have  I  sent  unto  you  Timotheus, 
who  is  my  beloved  son,  and  faithful  in  the  Lord, 
who  shall  bring  you  into  remembrance  of  my  ways 
which  be  in  Christ,  as  I  teach  everywhere  in  every 
church. 

18  Now  some  ai'C  puifed  up,  as  though  I  would 
not  come  to  you. 

19  But  I  will  come  to  you  shortly,  if  the  Lord 
will,'  and  will  know,  not  the  speech  of  them  which 
are  pufled  up,  but  the  power.s 


«  Rom.  8:*).  b  Acts  20;34.  c  Matt.  5:4»;  Acts  7:6U.  d  Lim.  iAS. 
=  I  Thcss  2:11.  fjas.  4:15.  e  Gal.  2:6.  h  Rom.  14:17.  i  2  Cor.  1.3:10. 
J  Deul.  27:20.     12  Cor.  7:7.     1  Col.  2:5.     •  Oi,  ihlennined.     m  2  Cor.  2:9, 


14.  To  shame  you ;  the  apcstle's  severity  had  not  for  its 
object  to  overbear  the  Corinthians  and  pnt  them  to  shame, 
but  to  correct  their  errors,  as  children  dear  to  him. 

15.  I  have  begotten  yon;  his  preaching  was  the  means  of 
their  regeneration ;  and  as  tlieir  S2Jiritual  fatlier,  it  was 
proper  for  him  to  reprove,  rebuke,  and  exhort  them  with 
aftectionate  plainness. 

l(i.  Tie  [je  followers  of  me;  imitate  my  example  as  j'onr 
spiritual  father. 

17.  My  u\ii/s;  of  teaching  and  living,  in  which  he  pro- 
poses himself  as  their  example. 

18.  Some  are  puffed  up  ;  elated  with  their  imaginary  im- 
portance and  power,  as  if  Paul  would  not  dare  to  come  to 
them. 

li).  Will  know ;  make  trial  of  their  power  to  withstand 
his  teaching  and  influence. 

20.  Tlie  kingdom  of  God ;  the  reign  of  God  in  the  hearts 
of  men  and  in  the  church.  Is  not  in  u-ord ;  or  continued 
by  pompous  declarations  and  vain  boastings.  But  in  pow- 
er;  it  consists  in  the  power  of  Goil  as  manifested  both  in 
miraculous  gifts,  and  in  the  awakening,  enlightening,  and 
renewing  inlluences  of  the  Holy  Si)irit  operating  through 
his  preached  word. 

21.  What  will  ye?  woulil  they,  liy  disregarding  his  in- 
structions, make  it  ncoilful  to  visit  them  with  discipline ; 
or  would  they,  by  complying  with  those  instructions,  open 
the  way  for  him  to  commend  them  and  share  in  their  joy? 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Fidelity  to  God  and  to  the  souls  of  men,  in  rightly 
dispensing  the  truths  of  the  gosi)el,and  in  enforcing  tlieiii 
by  a  uniformly  holy  and  consistent  example,  is  required 
of  all  ministers  of  ('hrist. 

5.  Our  own  judgment  or  that  of  men  is  not  a  sure  or  safe 
test  of  our  fidelity.  We  may  not  see  any  violations  of  duty, 
and  yet  He  wlio  is  omniscient  may  see  many.  Hence  we 
have  need  to  i)ray,  each  for  himself,  Search  me.O  God, and 
know  my  heart ;  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  ;  and  see 
if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me ;  and  lead  me  in  the  way 
everlasting. 

7.  For  whatever  excellence  any  one  has,  he  is  indebted 


20  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  in  word,  but 
in  power.'' 

21  What  will  ye?  shall  I  come  unto  you  with  a 
rod,'  or  in  love,  and  in  the  spirit  of  meekness? 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  The  incestuous  person  6  is  cause  rattier  of  sliame  unto  tliem,  ttian  of 
rejoicing.  7  Tlie  old  teaven  is  to  be  purged  out.  10  Heinous  offend- 
ers are  to  be  sliunned  and  avoided. 

IT  is  reported  commonly  f/wt  there  is  fornication 
among  you,  and  such  fornication  as  is  not  so 
much  as  named  among  the  Gentiles,  that  one  should 
have  his  father's  wife.^ 

2  And  ye  are  puffed  up,  and  have  not  rather 
mourned,''  that  he  that  hath  done  this  deed  might 
lie  taken  away  from  among  you. 

3  For  I  verily,  as  absent  in  body,  but  present  in 
spirit,'  have  judged"  already,  as  though  I  were 
present,  concerninghim  that  hath  so  done  this  deed, 

•4  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'"  when 
ye  are  gathered  together,  and  my  spirit,  with  the 
power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ," 

5  To  deliver  such  a  one  unto  Satan  for  the  de- 
struction of  the  flesh,"  that  the  spirit  may  be  saved 
in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. ^ 

6  Your  glorying  is  not  good.i  Know  v'e  not 
that  a  little  leaven  leaveueth  the  whole  lump?"' 

7  Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye 


10.     i>  Matt.  10:19;  John  20:2:1 
rLuke  1:3:21. 


ITim.  1:2U.     p  cli.  11:32.     qjas.  4:10. 


to  the  grace  of  God ;  and  he  has  no  just  cause  to  glory  in 
himself,  or  to  be  gloried  in  by  others. 

10.  It  is  not  safe  to  judge  of  character  by  outward  con- 
dition or  by  the  opinion  which  persons  form  of  themselves. 
Tliey  may  imagine  that  they  are  spiritually  rich,  increased 
in  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing,  when  iu  fact  they  are 
poor,  and  in  want  of  all  things.  Rev.  3:17. 
,  21.  Christian  discipline  should  be  maintained  in  all  Chris- 
tian churches.  If  any  of  their  members  are  guilty  of  im- 
moralitj',  and  cannot  by  the  proper  use  of  other  means  be 
reclaimed,  it  is  the  will  of  God  that  they  be  excluded  from 
the  church.     Matt.  18:15-18;  1  Cor.  5:4-5;  1  Tim.  1:20. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Not  so  much  as  named;  except  with  abhorrence,  as  a 
rare  crime. 

2.  Puffed  up;  by  their  supposed  excellence. 

3.  Bid  present  inspirit ;  inesent  with  you  in  spirit,  judg- 
ing and  acting  as  though  I  were  ]u-esent  with  y(ni  in  bodj'. 

4.  In  the  name;  by  the  authority.  And  mi/  spirit ;  acting 
with  you  as  if  I  were  present.  The  power  (four  Lord ;  to 
sanction  and  give  effect  to  their  proceedings. 

5.  Deliver  such  a  one  unto  Siitiin;  exclude  him  from  the 
visible  kingdom  of  Christ,  not  to  destroy  him.  but  to  bring 
him  to  repentance  and  thus  save  him.  For  the  dcstruct:on 
of  the  flesh;  many  think  that  these  words  imjily  the  inllic- 
t'ion,  along  with' the  exclusion  from  the  church,  of  some 
bodily  evil  through  tlic  niiraculdus  power  conferred  by 
Christ  on  the  ajiostlc,  which  shiiuUl  co'opcratc  with  the  ex- 
clusion to  lc;id  him  to  re|ientance. 

C.  Yourgloriiiiig;m  their  su]i])osed  attainments.  A  tittle 
leaven;  one  such  wicked  pers(m  suffered  to  remain  would 
corrupt  others  and  injure  the  whole. 

7.  Purge  out — the  old  leaven;  the  apostle  alludes  to  the 
.lowish  custom  of  carefully  ]mtting  away  from  their  houses 
all  leaven  upon  the  approach  of  the  feast  of  the  jiassover. 
Leaven  is  in  the  Scriptures  a  common  emblem  for  moral 
corruption.  The  old  leaven  which  he  exhorteil  them  to 
put  away  was  the  remainder  of  their  former  wickcilness. 
as  seen  in  this  incestuous  person.   A  new  lump;  fresh  and 

1315 


Against  going  to 


1  CORINTHIANS  VL 


law  with  brethren. 


may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For 
even  Christ  our  pai^t^over  is  sacrificed"  for  us:* 

8  Therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,*''  not  with  old 
leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and  wick- 
edness ;"  but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity 
and  truth. 

!)  I  wrote  unto  you  iu  an  epistle,  not  to  company 
witli  fornicators:'' 

■  10  Yet  not  altoircther  witli  tiic  fornicators  of 
this  world,  or  with  the  covetous,  or  extortioners, 
or  ^yitil  idolaters;  for  then  must  ye  needs  go  out 
of  the  world. 

11  But  now  I  have  written  unto  you  not  to  keep 
company,  if  any  man  that  is  called  a  brother  1)C  a 
foruicator,  or  covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a  railer, 
or  a  drunkard,  or  an  extortioner ;  with  such  a  oue, 
no,  not  to  eat.'' 

12  For  what  have  I  to  do  to  judj!;e  them  also  t'lat 
are  without?'  do  not  ye  judge  them  that  are  within? 

13  But  them  that  are  without  God  judgeth. 
Therefore  put  away  from  among  yourselves  that 
wicked  person.'' 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  The  Corinthians  must  not  vex  their  brethren,  in  f^oing  to  law  with 
them;  6  especially  before  iiiHdels.  9  The  unrighteous  shall  not  in- 
herit the  kingdom  of  G-od.  l^)  Our  bodies  are  the  members  of  Christ, 
19  and  temples  of  the  Holy  G-host.  IG,  17  They  must  not  therefore 
be  defiled. 

DARE  any  of  you,  having  a  matter  against 
another,  go  to  law  before  the  unjust,  aud  not 
before  the  saints? 


'  Or.  slnin.     »  laa.  53:7;  1  Pet.   1:19;    Rer.   S-.t), 


t  Or,  holy-flay. 


<•  Kx.*!.  |:|:fl.  «  Matt.  II3:(>.  1-2.  J  Eph.  5:11;  2  Thess.  3:H.  e  Horn. 
1H:17;  -iJohn  10.  'Mirk  4:11.  sMatt.  H:17.  I>  Din.  7:a-J;  Matt.  1(1:2'; 
Judo   II,  IJ;  Rev.  2U:.|.     i  Prov.  2II-J'i;  Malt.  5::59,  40;  Rom.    12:17,  19; 


unleavened ;  that  is,  pure  from  corruption.  As  ye  are  un- 
leavened;  profess,  and  are  under  peculiar  obligations  to  lie 
holy.  Clirist  our  passover ;  the  ground  or  reason  why  wc 
are  jiasscd  over,  as  the  first-born  of  the  Isniclitos  were, 
E.xod.  12:2.S,  and  not  destroyed,  is  the  death  of  Christ.  As 
the  Israelites  were  to  put  away  all  leaven  before  partaking 
of  the  paschal  lamb,  Exod.  12:l.j,  which  was  the  type  of 
Christ,  so  the  (Corinthians  were  to  put  aw;iy  all  sin,  that 
they  might  spiritually  feed  on  Clirist,  the  great  antitype. 

8.  Keep  tlie  feast ;  the  spiritual  passover  provided  for  us 
in  the  gospel. 

9.  Li  an  epistle;  generally  supposed  to  refer  to  an  epistle 
not  lianderl  down  to  us.  Ah  the  apostle  delivered  iii;iny 
inspired  discourses  which  it  did  not  please  the  Holy  Ghi>Ht 
to  liave  recorded,  so  he  may  have  written  letters  which 
the  wisdom  of  (jod  did  not  judge  needful  to  make  the 
sacred  volume  complete. 

10.  NrA  altogether;  he  did  not  command  them  wholly  to 
abstain  from  intercourse  with  worldly  men,  for  that  W(ju1i1 
require  them  to  retire  from  the  worhi. 

11.  For  wluit  luive  I  to  do;  these  words  give  the  reason 
for  the  limitation  expressed  in  ver.  10;  as  much  as  to  say, 
III  regard  to  the  fornicators  of  this  world,  1  jiropose  no 
strict  rule  of  al)soluto  separation  from  them:  tlicy  may  be 
left  to  (lod's  judgment.  That  are  without;  who  do  not  be- 
long t<i  the  church.     Wilhni;  in  the  church. 

INSTIti;CTIOXS. 

1.  .Members  of  the  churdi  whf),  in  opposition  to  their 
profession  and  to  all  the  light  which  they  enjoy,  live  iti 
sin,  are  somelimi's  suflfered  to  commit  crimes  which  are 
viewed  with  abhorrence  even  by  heatlien. 

5.  There  are  but  two  kingdoms  on  earth,  the  kingdom 
of  ffod  and  the  kingdom  of  .Satan.  All  who  do  not  belong 
to  the  one,  belong  to  the  other. 

10.  It  is  not  the  will  of  flod  that  good  men  should  retire 
from  the  world  to  avoiil  ita  evils ;  nor  is  that  the  way  to 
1316 


2  Do  ye  not  know  tliat  the  saints  shall  judge  .^  a  59. 
the  world?''  and  if  the  world  shall  be  judged  by 
you,  are  ye  unworthy  to  judge  the  smallest  matters? 

3  Know  ye  not  that  we  shall  judge  angels?  how 
much  more  things  that  jiertain  to  this  life? 

4  If  then  ye  have  judgnients  of  things  pertaining 
to  this  life,  set  them  to  judge  who  are  leastesteemed 
in  the  church. 

5  I  speak  to  your  shame.  Is  it  so,  that  there  is 
not  a  wise  man  among  you  ?  no,  not  one  that  shall 
be  able  to  judge  between  his  brethren  ? 

G  But  brother  goeth  to  law  with  brother,  aud 
that  before  the  unbelievers. 

7  Now  therefore  there  is  utterly  a  fault  among 
you,  because  ye  go  to  law  one  with  another.  Why 
do  ye  not  rather  take  wrong?  why  do  ye  not  rather 
suffer  yourselves  to  be  defrauded  ?' 

8  Nay,  ye  do  wrong,  and  defraud,-'  and  that  yotir 
brethren. 

i)  Know  ye  not  that  the  unrighteous  shall  not 
inherit  the  kingdom  of  God?  Be  not  deceived: 
neillier  fornicators,  nor  idolaters,  nor  adulterers, 
nor  elVeiuiiiate,  nor  abusers  of  tlieinselves  with 
mankind, 

10  Nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunkards, 
nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God." 

11  And  such  were  some  of  you:'  but  ye  are 
washed,'"  but  ye  arc  sanctified,"  but  ye  are  justified 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  liy  the  Sjiirit 
of  our  God.° 

lTliess.5;ia.  J  1  Thess,  4:0.  k  Gal.  5:19-21  ;  E|ih.5:4,5;  Hob  12:14,  IS; 
l:!:4:  Rev. 22: 15.  I  Eph.  2:1,  2|  5;H|  Col.  3:7;  Titus  3:3-6.  m  Heb.  10:22. 
nHeb.  2:11.     o  Rom.  b:30. 

become  more  holy,  useful,  or  luipjiy.  Their  duty  is  to 
comiMUiiicate  with  tlie  wicked,  for  the  purpose  of  doing 
them  good ;  and  to  labor  in  the  world  till  (iod  shall  call 
them  out  of  it. 

l:i.  If  members  of  the  church  continue  in  immorality, 
their  good,  the  good  of  the  church,  ami  the  honor  of  Christ 
require  that  they  should  be  excluded  from  it. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  The  unjust;  heathen  magistraics,  the  same  as  "unbe- 
lievers," ver.  (!. 

2.  .Judfre  the  world;  bo  highly  cxalicd  wilh  Christ  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  and  coiiperate  in  his  decisions. 

4.  Ju<lgmeiils;  cases  ofdifl'ercnce  to  be  settled.  Of  things 
pertaining  to  this  life;  not  reipiiriiig,  therefore,  (or  their  set- 
tlement the  possession  of  high  sjiiritu;!!  gifts.  Set  tlinn  to 
judge  who  arc  least  esteemed  in  the  rJnnch  ;  not  men  who  were 
least  esteemed  for  integrity  ami  inlclligence  in  conunon 
things  ;  but  men  who,  not  being  endowed  with  those  shin- 
ing spiritual  gifts  so  highly  coveted  by  some — "all  utter- 
ance, ami  all  knowledge,"  chap.  1:5 — were  jilaced  by  their 
leaders  in  the  lowest  rank.  See  ch.  12-14.  Such,  according 
to  our  version,  seems  to  be  the  meaning  of  this  dillirult 
passage.  But  two  other  reii<lerings  arc  projiosed,  which 
refer  these  words  to  the  heathen  magistrates:  tirsf,  inter- 
rogatively, "  Do  ye  set,"  etc.,  inqily ing  a  stern  rebuke  ;  sec- 
ondly, indicatively,  "ye  set,"  etc.  Tlio  words  would  then 
be  a  sim])lo  statement  of  tlieir  wrong  conduct,  which  the 
apostle  proceeds,  in  the  following  verse,  to  censure. 

7.  Utierlija  fault ;  they  did  wrong  in  going  to  the  heathen 
to  decide  Hum-  differences.  They  ought  to  have  deciiled 
them  by  arbitration,  or  in  some  other  way,  among  them- 
selves. It  were  bettor  even  to  suffer  wrong,  than  thus  to 
do  wrong. 

9.  The  unrighteous ;  those  who  arc  dishonest  and  defr.aud 
others,  whether  under  the  cover  of  law,or  in  any  other  way. 


Against  bodily  impurity. 


1  CORINTHIANS  VII. 


Conce. 


riling  marriage. 


A.D  59.  12  All  things  are  lawful  unto  me,  but  all 
tliini>'s  are  not  expedient:*  all  things  are  lawful 
for  uie,  but  I  will  not  be  brought  under  the  power 
of  any." 

13  Meats  for  the  belly,  and  the  belly  for  meats  :* 
l)ut  God  shall  destroy  lioth  it  and  them.  Now  the 
body  is  not  for  fornication,'^  but  for  the  Lord  ;'^  aud 
the  Lord  for  the  body." 

14  And  God  hath  both  raised  up  the  Lord,  and 
will  also  raise  up  us  by  his  own  power.' 

15  Know  ye  not  tliat  your  Ijodies  are  the  mem- 
bers of  Christ?"  shall  I  then  take  the  members  of 
Clirist,  and  make  them  the  members  of  a  harlot? 
God  forbid. 

16  What!  know  yc  not  that  he  which  is  joined 
to  a  harlot  is  one  body  ?  for  two,  saitli  he,  shall 
be  one  flesh.'' 

17  Buthethatisjoinedunto  theLord  isone spirit.' 

18  Flee  fornication.^  Every  sin  that  a  man  doeth, 
is  without  the  body;  but  he  that  committeth  for- 
nication, sinneth  against  his  own  body. 

19  What!  know  ye  not  tiiat  your  body  is  the 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  luhich  is  in  you,"  which 
ye  have  of  God,  and  ye  arc  not  your  own?' 

20  For  ye  are  Ijought  with  a  price:'"  therefore 
glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your  spirit,  which 
are  God's." 


1  Thi'si 


•  Or.  prnfilaUe.  a  ch.  !):a7.  b  Matt.  15:17.  20;  Rom.  14:17.  ciini-ss. 
4:1.7.  <lRom.ia;l.  e  E  ph.  5:43.  rRom.0:5,8.  e  Eph.  5:.3I).  hGen. 
2:-i1-  Matt.  19:5.     i  John  17:ai-a;!;  Eph.  4:4.    J  Prov.  (i:i>-3-2;  7:24--27. 


12.  All  things  are  lawful ;  which  are  not  forbidden  of  God. 
Not  expedient;  because  not  adapted  to  do  good.  Not  be 
brought  under  the  power ;  he  would  not  be  the  slave  of  any 
ajipetite  or  pa.s.sion. 

13.  Siiatl  destroy  both  it  and  them  ;  they  are  both  tempo- 
rary, and  God  shall  do  away  both  at  death.  It  follows  that 
meats  are  among  the  indifferent  things,  in  respect  to  whicli 
the  believer  should  be  careful  that  he  does  not  abuse  his 
Christian  liberty.  For  llie  Lord;  the  use  to  be  made  of  the 
body  is  not  an  indifferent  thing.  He  made  and  preserves 
it  to  be  employed  not  in  sinning,  but  in  serving  him.  The 
Lord  for  the  body;  he  died  that  not  only  the  soul,  but  the 
body  also,  should  be  saved  from  the  effects  of  sin,  and  rais- 
ed from  the  grave  spiritual  and  immortal,  to  serve  him  for 
ever. 

1.').  Yojir  bodies  are  the  members  of  Christ ;  he  has  redeemed 
the  bodies  as  well  as  the  souls  of  believers.  As  such  they 
are  spiritually  united  to  him  now,  and  shall  be  through- 
out eternity. 

17.  Li  one  spirit;  one  spirit  with  Christ.  Christ  dwells 
in  him  and  he  in  Christ.  This  mutual  union  makes  him 
spiritual  as  Christ  is  spiritual. 

IS.  F/ee;  do  not  stoj)  to  reason  about  it  or  think  of  it. 
Turn  from  it  with  detestation,  and  occupy  your  mind  with 
things  right  and  good.  Is  wdhout  the  body;  it  is  true  of 
sins  in  general  that  they  are  without  the  body;  in  other 
words,  do  not  consist  in  a  direct  prostitution  and  dishonor 
of  it.  Sinnetk  agaiiul  his  own  body ;  by  prostituting  it  in 
the  way  named  in  verses  1.5,  !(!.  It  is  the  shame  and  guilt 
of  the  sin  itself  that  tlie  a])ostle  lias  chiefly  in  mind.  The 
dreadful  pliysical  coiiseciuences  of  lewdness  are  the  brand 
of  infamy  which  God  puts  upon  it,  as  the  greatest  and  most 
direct  dishonor  and  abuse  of  the  body. 

li).  The  temple;  the  dwelling-place  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

20.  Bought  wdhaprice;  the  blood  of  Christ. 

INSTRUCTIOXS. 

1.  All  differences  of  Christians  should  be  settled  among 
themselves,  according  to  principles  of  equity,  witliout  ap- 
pealing to  civil  tribunals,  i's))ecially  those  of  wicked  men. 

10.  The  dishonest,  the  unjust,  the  impure,  and  those  wlin 
seek  wealth,  lionor,  or  pleasure  as  the  chief  good,  what- 
ever their  professions,  or  to  whatever  church  they  may 


CHAPTER  VII. 

2  He  treatetli  of  marri;ige,  'I  showing  it  to  be  a  remedy  against  fornica- 
tion;  10  and  ihitt  the  bond  thereof  ougiit  not  liglitly  to  be  dis.'JuK'ed. 
18,  20  Every  man  must  be  content  witli  his  vocation.  25  yiry:inity 
"wlierefore  to  be  embraced.  So  And  for  wiiat  respects  we  may  either 
marry,  or  abstain  from  marrying. 

"\TOW  concerning  the  things  whereof  ye  wrote 
J_>l  unto  me:  It  is  good  for  a  man  not  to  touch 
a  woman. 

2  Nevertheless,  to  avoid  fornication,  let  every 
man  have  his  own  wife,  and  let  every  woman  have 
her  own  husband. 

3  Let  the  husband  render  unto  the  wife  due  be- 
nevolence:" and  likewise  also  the  wife  unto  the 
husband. 

4  The  wife  hath  not  power  of  her  own  body,  but 
the  husband :  and  likewise  also  the  husband  hath 
not  power  of  his  own  body,  but  the  wife. 

5  Defraud  ye  not  one  the  other,  except  it  be 
with  consent  for  a  time,^  that  ye  may  give  your- 
selves to  fasting  and  prayer;  and  come  together 
again,  that  Satan  tempt  you  not  for  your  incouti- 
nency.'' 

C  But  I  speak  this  by  permission,  and  not  of 
commandment. 

7  For  I  would  that  all  men  wore  even  as  I  my- 
self. But  every  man  hath  his  proper  gift  of  God, 
one  after  this  manner,  and  another  after  that."" 


k  2  Cor.  0:16.  1  Rom.  14:7,  8.  m  Acts  20:2=;  1  Pet.  1:18,  19:  Rev.  6:9. 
n  1  Pet.  2:9.  o  Exod.  21:10:  1  Pet.  3:7.  P  Joel  2:16.  q  1  Thess.  3:5. 
rMalt.  19:11,12. 


externally  belong,  if  tliey  continue  such,  will,  with  drunk- 
ards, idolaters,  thieves,  robbers,  murderers,  and  all  the 
openly  vicious,  be  for  ever  excluded  from  heaven. 

12.  A  wise  man  will  govern  his  appetites  and  passions, 
not  be  governed  bj'  them  ;  nor  w-ill  he  indulge  them,  ex- 
cept so  far  as  shall  tend  to  fit  both  his  liody  and  mind  for 
tlic  best  discharge  of  all  tlie  duties  of  life, 

20.  Good  men  feel  that  they  are  in  the  highest  sense  the 
propert}'  of  God  ;  and  that  the  first  principles  of  honesty 
require  them  in  all  things  to  glorify  him. 

CHAPTER  vn. 

1.  Tlie  things  whereof  ye  wrote;  these  were  certain  things 
about  which  the  Christians  at  Corinth  had,  in  a  letter  to 
Paul,  requested  him  to  give  his  views.  Good  for  a  man; 
best  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  to  which  the  letter 
of  the  Corinthians  related.  Not  to  touch  a  troman  ;  not  to 
be  married. 

2.  Nevertheless ;  notwithstanding  it  may  sometimes  be  best 
for  persons  not  to  be  married,  it  is  in  all  ordinary  cases  best 
that  they  should  be.  His  own  wife — her  own  husband  ;  no 
man  is  allowed  by  God  to  have  at  once  more  than  one  wife, 
and  no  woman  to  have  more  than  one  husl)and. 

3.  Due  benevolence ;  these  words  express  the  mutual  duty 
of  husband  and  wife  towards  each  other,  as  explained  in 
verses  4,  5. 

4.  Not  power ;  not  to  live  apart,  even  for  a  time,  without 
mutual  consent. 

!i.  Defraxid  ye  not  one  the  other ;  deprive  not  one  another 
by  separation,  of  any  safeguard  against  temptation.  Ho 
nothing  which  shall  tend  to  impurity,  or  give  Satan  advan- 
tage over  you, 

6,  By  permission ;  this  was  a  subject  .about  which  per- 
sons were  permitted  to  jn<lge  for  themselves ;  and  on 
which  tlicy  should  exercise  an  enlightened  and  consci- 
entious Christian  discretion, 

7,  Eren  as  I;  I  wish  they  had  the  same  self-control,  and 
could  live  as  contentedly  in  any  condition  to  which  Provi- 
dence c:tlls  them.  He  evidently  refers  to  his  conililion  as 
nninarried.  Proper  gift  of  God;  control  over  one's  bodily 
ajipetites  and  i)assion8,  is  one  of  these  gifts;  but  all  do 
not  have  it  in  the  same  high  degree, 

1317 


Of  marriagt  and  divarce. 


1  CORINTHIANS  VII. 


Conleniment  in 


■  cn/iiiw 


8  I  say  tlicrcfdrc  to  tlie  iinmarricil  and  -widows, 
It  is  good  for  tliem  if  they  abide  even  as  I. 

9  But  if  tiiey  cannot  contain,  let  tliem  marry:" 
for  it  is  better  to  marry  than  to  burn. 

10  And  unto  tlie  married  I  coiniiiand,yf<notI,but 
the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wife  depart  from  /«/•  liusband  :'' 

11  But  and  if  slic  depart,  let  her  remain  unmar- 
ried, or  be  reconciled  to  her  iiusband:  and  let  not 
the  husband  put  away  his  wife. 

12  But  to  the  rest  speak  I,  not  the  Lord:"  If  any 
brother  hath  a  wife  that  believeth  not,  and  she  be 
pleased  to  dwell  with  him,  let  him  not  put  her 
away. 

13  And  the  woman  which  hath  a  husband  that 
believeth  not,  and  if  lie  be  pleased  to  dwell  with 
her.  lot  her  not  leave  iiim. 

14  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by 
the  wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by 
the  husband :  else  were  your  children  unclean ; 
but  now  are  they  holy.* 

15  But  if  the  unbelieving  depart,  let  him  depart. 
A  brother  or  a  sister  is  not  under  bondage  in  such 
COSTS ;  but  God  hath  called  us  to  peace.*" 

16  For  what  knowcst  thou,  0  wife,  whether  thou 
shalt  save  thy  husband?'  or  how*  knowest  thou, 
0  man,  whether  thou  shall  save  thy  wife? 

17  But  as  God  hath  distributed  to  every  man,  as 
the  Lord  hath  called  every  one,  so  let  him  walk.*-' 
And  so  ordain  1  in  all  churclies.'' 


J 

1  Tim.  5:11. 

b  Mai.  2 

11 

-Ifi; 

Matt.  Ifl 

:fi 

9. 

c  Ezra 

11):  11 

etc.     il 

Mai. 

2:1 

'»,  Hi. 

•  Gr. 

in  p.'iirr. 

e 

Rom 

.  la:l,S; 

H 

10 

Ileb.  1 

i:U. 

f  I  Pel 

.a:i. 

■J 

t  Gr 

what. 

I  ver.  -ill-'i 

.     h 

ch.  4:17 

2 

Cor 

.  !I:2.S. 

<  Acts  15:1, 

etc.; 

Gi 

.  5:-> 

etc.     J 

Gal.  5:1) ; 

6 

15. 

k  John 

15 

14; 

1  Jolin 

■i:3. 

1  Prov. 

■27  :S. 

8.  It  is  good  for  them ;  it  was  well,  under  their  then  pecul- 
iar circuiiistariccs,  to  remain  as  I'aul  was,  unmarried,  pro- 
vided they  thought  so,  and  could  do  it  without  inconven- 
ience. 

9.  To  burn;  be  disturbed  with  ungratified  passion,  or 
tempted  by  it  to  the  commission  of  sin. 

10.  iVo(  /,  hut  the  Lord;  not  Paul  only,  but  Jesus  Christ. 
Matt.  .5:32;  i;i::)-10. 

12.  Not  th".  Lord;  he  had  not  given  specific  direciions 
about  the  case  which  follows,  and  I'aul,  under  the  guidance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  proceeded  to  do  it.  lielicvelh  not ;  be- 
lieveth not  the  goHpel.  It  is  evident  that  some  of  the 
Corinthians  had  scruples  about  tlio  lawfulness  of  living  in 
the  marriage  relation  with  an  unbeliever, and  that  this  was 
one  of  the  points  on  which  they  had  asked  Paul's  advice. 

1(1.  For  what  kiwivest  thou;  another  argument  why  the 
believing  party  shoulil  continue  to  live  with  the  unbeliev- 
ing. The  Christiau  party  may  bo  iii»trumontal  in  saving 
the  other. 

17.  As  God  hath  distributed  to  every  man;  assigned  him  his 
place  and  lot  in  life.  The  apostle  iicrc  begins  an  exhorta- 
tion to  contentment  in  jiresent  circmnstanceH.  So  Id  him 
walk ;  let  each  one  continue  in  the  condition  and  business 
to  which  God  in  his  providence  calls  him,  and  do  all  the 
gooil  he  can. 

18.  Ueing circumcised ;  having  been  circumcised  as  a  Jew. 
Let  him  not  become  itncircumciicd ;  not  try  to  undo  or  disa- 
vow liis  circumcision. 

19.  Is  nothinx;  as  to  acceptance  with  God.  TIte  cnm- 
mandmenls  nf  God ;  the  keeping  of  them  was  all  that  he 
required,  anil  this  might  be  done  whether  a  man  was  cir- 
cumcised or  not. 

20.  In  the  same  callinf^ ;  let  a  man  after  his  conversion 
continue  in  the  same  Imsincss  in  which  he  was  before, 
provided  it  is  a  moral  and  useful  one,  and  the  providence 
of  G'd  does  not  call  liiin  to  change  it. 

21.  Called;  converted  to  Christ.  Care  not  for  it;  be  not 
80  anxious  to  change  your  condition  as  to  unlit  you  to  dis- 
charge its  duties.    If  thou  mayest  be  made  free;  in  the  orig- 

1318 


18  Is  any  man  called  being  circumcised?  a. n.sg, 
let  him  not  become  uncircunicised.  Is  any  called 
in  uncircumcision?  let  him  not  be  circumcised.' 

19  Circumcision  is  nothing,'  and  uncircumcision 
is  nothing,  but  tiie  kcejiing  of  the  commandments 
of  God."' 

20  Let  every  man  abide  in  the  same  calling 
wherein  he  was  called.' 

21  Art  thou  called  being  a  servant?  care  not  for 
it : '"  but  if  thou  mayest  be  made  free,  use  it  rather. 

22  For  he  that  is  called  in  the  Lord,  being  a  ser- 
vant, is  the  Lord's  freeman  r"  likewise  also  lie  that 
is  called,  being  free,  is  Christ's  servant." 

23  Ye  are  bought  with  a  }iricc;i'  be  not  ye  the 
servants  of  men. 

24  Brethren,  let  every  man,  wherein  he  is  called, 
therein  abide  with  God."" 

25  Now  concerning  virgins,  I  have  no  command- 
ment of  the  Lord  :"■  yet  I  give  my  judgment,  as  one 
that  hath  obtained  mercv  of  the  Lord  to  be  faith- 
ful." 

26  I  sup])ose  therefore  tliat  this  is  good  for  the 
present  distress;*  ^  say,  that  it  is  good  for  a  man 
so  to  lie.' 

27  Art  thou  bound  unto  a  wife?  seek  not  to  be 
loo.sed.  Art  thou  loosed  from  a  wife  ?  seek  not  a 
wife. 

28  But  and  if  thou  marry,  thou  hast  not  sinned ;" 
and  if  a  virgin  marry,  she  hath  not  sinned.    Nev- 


mHcb.  13:5.  \  Gr.  made  free,  n  .lohn  8:30;  Eom.  C:1M,  22,  o  I'.^a.  110:lfi; 
1  Pet.  2:18.  P  ch.  (i:20:  1  Pet.  1:18,  IS).  H  ver.  17,  2U  '  ver.  6,  lU,  40. 
•  1  Tim.  1:12.    S  Or,  iiecessiVy.    i  ver.  1,8.    »  Hob.  13:4. 


inal.  If  thou  canst  be  free  ;  that  is,  if  thou  art  able  in 
doing  right  to  be  free,  use  it  rather ;  be  free,  because  free- 
dom is  a  better  state  than  servitude.  In  it,  persons  can 
more  generally  own  and  search  the  Scriptures,  worship 
God  according  to  the  dictates  of  an  enlightened  conscience, 
and  discharge  the  duties  wliich  God  requires  of  husbands 
and  wives,  ])arenls  and  children,  as  rational,  accountable, 
redeemed,  immortal  beings. 

22.  Called  in  the  Lord ;  converted.  Is  the  Lord's  freeman; 
through  divine  jiower  and  grace,  he  is  delivered  from  the 
condemnation  and  bondage  of  sin  ;  and  under  the  teaching 
of  the  Hilly  (ihost  jmrsues  bis  own  free  choice,  cheerfully, 
as  an  affectiouale  child,  doing  the  will  of  his  Father  in 
heaven,  h  Christ's  servant ;  not  an  invohuitary,  but  a  will- 
ing servant;  who  chooses  to  be  his,  dclighls  in  his  laws, 
and  is  to  receive  a  great  reward. 

2H.  Ye;  Christians  of  all  countries  and  conditions,  high 
and  low,  rich  and  poor,  bond  and  free.  Arc  houixht  vith  n 
price;  redeemed  from  endless  bondage  to  sin,  Satan,  and 
death  by  the  lu-ceions  blood  of  Christ.  y>V)in;  ijcthr  servants 
of  men;  act  from  suiu'eme  regard  not  to  them.  Iiut  to  Christ, 
llimcir  him,  manifcKl  his  sjiirit  in  every  cimdition,  and  faith- 
fully discharge  its  aiqiropriate  diiliis. 

2-1.  Abide  trith  Gad;  in  iniion  willi  (iod, and  acting  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  meet  his  ajqirobalion  and  enjoy  his  favor. 

2!).  I  have  no  cornmandmnil  of  the  Lord;  God  had  given 
no  specific  command  concerning  the  marriage  of  virgins  in 
times  of  great  and  jieeuliar  trials.  Therefore  I'aul,  in  an- 
swer to  their  inquiry,  gave  his  view  of  the  matter. 

2(i.  Isupjiose;  in  my  judgUn'iit.  For  the  present  distress; 
on  account  of  the  peculiarly  distressing  circumstances  in 
which  they  were  then  iilaced.  .S'o/o  be;  to  remain,  during 
the  conlinuance  of  those  trials,  unmarried,  lint  some  un- 
derstand the  words  "  so  to  be  "  as  meaning,  to  be  so  as  ho 
is  now — to  remain  in  his  )>resent  stale,  wlnllier  married  or 
unmarried.     And  this  agrees  with  the  fnllowing  verse. 

28.  Slie  hath  not  sinned ;  in  marrying  even  in  thipse  troiil)- 
lous  times,  if  she  chose  this,  and  thought  it  best  for  her. 
Trouble  in  theflcsh ;  special  trials  in  those  times  of  peculiar 


Of  remaining  unmarried, 


1  CORINTHIANS  VIII. 


wheyi  circumstaiices  require. 


A.  D.  59.  crtlieless,  such  shall  have  trouble  iu  the 
fiesli :  but  I  spai'e  you. 

29  But  this  I  sa)-,  brethren,  the  time  is  short:" 
it  remainetli,  that  both  tliey  that  Iiavc  wives  be  as 
thourrh  they  had  none; 

30  And  they  that  weep,  as  thougli  they  wept 
not ;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as  tliough  they  rejoiced 
not ;  and  they  that  buy,  as  though  they  possessed 
not; 

31  And  they  that  use  tliis  world,  as  not  abusing 
it:  for  the  fasiiion  of  tliis  world  passeth  away.** 

32  But  I  would  have  you  without  carefulness. 
He  that  is  unmarried  carctii  for  the  tilings  that 
belong  to  the  Lord,'  how  he  may  please  the  Lord:"^ 

33  i3ut  he  that  is  married  careth  for  the  things 
that  are  of  the  world,  how  he  may  please  his  wife, 

34  There  is  ditference  also  between  a  wife  and  a 
virgin.  The  unmarried  woman  careth  for  the  things 
of  the  Lord,  that  she  may  be  holy  both  in  body 
and  in  spirit:  but  she  that  is  married  careth  for 
the  things  of  the  world,"*  how  she  may  please  her 
husband. 

35  And  this  I  speak  for  your  own  profit;  not 
that  I  may  cast  a  snare  upon  you,  but  for  that 
which  is  comely,  and  that  ye  may  attend  upon  the 
Lord  without  distraction. 

a  I  Pet.  4:7;  2  Pet.  3:,-i,  9.  b  Psa.  39:0;  Jis.4:14;  1  Pet.  4:7;  lJohna:17. 
•  Gr.  o/ I/ie  Z-orrf,  as  ver.  34.     =1  Tim.  5:5.     d  Luke  10:40-12.     e  ver.  'id. 

difficulty  and  danger.  I  spare  yoxi;  am  sparing  of  you; 
have  a  fatherly  feeling  towards  you,  and  in  giving  you  this 
advice  sock  your  comfort. 

20.  Be  as  though  they  had  none;  live  above  the  world  and 
its  temporary  relations, reiuembcring  how  soon  this  earthly 
scene,  with  all  its  joys  and  sorrows,  will  be  over,  and  eter- 
nity come  in  its  place.  So  also  are  the  following  clauses 
to  l>e  understood. 

31.  Not  abusing  it;  not  using  it  to  excess,  depending 
upon  it,  or  seeking  your  chief  good  in  it.  The  fashion ;  cir- 
cumstances and  condition  of  earthly  things.  Passeth  away  ; 
like  a  sliadow  or  dream.     Psa.  3'J:() ;  1  John  2:17. 

32.  Witliont  carefulness  ;  not  distracted  by  worldly  cares. 
Careth  for  the  things  that  belong  tu  the  Lord;  is  able  to  give 
his  undivided  attention  to  them. 

:y.).  Careth  for  the  things  that  are  of  the  world;  lie  is  more 
exposed  than  the  unmarried,  in  peculiarly  troublous  times, 
to  he  so  engrossed  with  cares  as  to  be  hindered  from  wholly 
following  the  Lord. 

3j.  Not  that  I  may  cast  a  snare;  his  object  was  not  to 
bind  all  to  act  alike,  but  to  induce  each  to  take  the  course 
which  would  be  most  proper,  and  in  which  he  or  she  could 
best  serve  God. 

31).  Behaveth  himief  unrnmelij ;  acts  unsuitably  towards 
his  daughteror  one  under  his  care, in  withholding  her  from 
marriage.  If  she  is  of  a  ]iroper  age,  and  is  disposed  to  be 
married,  he  would  do  well  to  consent  to  it. 

37.  Nevertheless;  on  tlio  other  hand.  Ilavingnnnecessily ; 
if  circumstances  do  not  call  for  her  marriage,  he  docs  well 
to  let  her  remain  unmarried. 

38.  He  thai  gieeth  her  in  marriage ;  when  circumstances 
recjuire  it,  doelh  well ;  that  which  is  right.  He  that  givcth 
her  not;  when  circumstances  do  not  require  or  favor  it, 
dnelh  better;  what  will  be  more  comfortable  for  her,  that  is, 
"  for  the  ]iresent  distress,"  as  is  to  be  understood  through- 
out tliis  cliaptcr. 

39.  Only  in  the  Lord;  only  within  the  limits  of  the  Chris- 
tian lioily.  Otliers  interpret  these  words  to  mean,  only  in 
the  siiirit  of  obedience  to  the  Lord.  But  the  former  is  the 
preferable  view. 

-10.  Soabidc;  continue  unmarried  during  these  troublous 
times,  if  she  can  so  remain  consistently.  /  have  the  Spirit 
of  God  ;  to  guide  me  in  the  views  expressed  on  this  subject. 


36  But  if  any  man  think  that  he  behaveth  him- 
self uncomely  toward  his  virgin,  if  she  jjass  ihe 
flower  oilier  age,  and  need  so  require,  let  him  do 
what  he  will,  he  sinneth  not:  let  them  marry. 

37  Nevertheless,  he  that  standeth  steadfast  in  his 
heart,  having  no  necessity,  but  hatii  power  over 
his  own  will,  and  hath  so  decreed  in  his  heart  that 
he  will  keep  his  virgin,  dootli  well. 

38  So  then  he  that  givetli  her  in  marriage  doeth 
well  f  but  he  that  giveth  her  not  iu  marriage  doeth 
better. 

39  The  wife  is  bound  by  the  law  as  long  as  her 
husband  liveth ;''  but  if  her  husband  be  dead,  she 
is  at  liberty  to  be  married  to  whom  she  will ;  only 
in  the  Lord.^ 

40  But  she  is  happier  if  she  so  abide,  after  my 


judsrment: 
of  God.' 


and  I  think  also  that  I  have  the  Spirit 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

I  To  abstain  froni  meats  ofTered  to  idols.  S.  9  We  must  not  abuse  our 
Christian  liberty,  to  the  offence  of  our  bretliren;  11  but  must  bridle 
our  knowledge  with  charity. 


N 


0\V  as  touching  things  offered  unto  idols,-' 
we  know  that  we  all  have  knowledge.''  Know- 


ledge puft'eth  up,'  but  charity  edifieth 


f  Rom.  7:2.     e  2  Cor.  0:14.     h  ver.  25.     i  2  Pet.  3:16,  10.    j  Acts  15: 10,  20. 
t  Rom.  14:14,  22.     Usa.  47:10.     m  oh.  13. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  The  union  for  life  of  one  man  and  woman  in  marriage 
is  an  appointment  of  God,  designed  for  the  continuance 
and  benefit  of  the  human  race.  AH  who  are  in  projter  cir- 
cumstances, and  are  so  disposed,  ought  to  be  permitted 
to  form  such  a  union  ;  and  all  who  do  form  it,  should  faith- 
fully discharge  its  duties. 

3.  Whatever  increases  temptations  to  evils  which  mar- 
riage was  designed  to  prevent,  or  renders  it  ineffectual  for 
the  purposes  for  which  it  was  instituted,  should  be  care- 
fully avoided. 

9.  God  bestows  on  different  persons  different  gifts,  and 
places  them  in  different  conditions.  That  course  which  is 
wise  for  one  may  not  be  so  for  another.  Their  wishes  as 
well  as  their  situations  and  habits  maj'  be  different,  and  it 
may  be  best  for  them  to  pursue  different  courses. 

12.  The  obligations,  rights,  and  privileges  of  marriage 
continue  through  life,  notwitlistanding  any  changes  in  re- 
ligious character  which  may  take  place  in  either  of  the  par- 
ties ;  and  married  persons,  wherever  it  be  |ir;icticable  con- 
sistently with  duty,should  live  togcthcr.for  tlie  pnrjiose  of 
promoting  each  other's  highest  temporal  and  eternal  good. 

21.  Men  should  continue  in  the  situation  in  which  God 
has  placed  them,  and  in  the  business,  if  it  be  moral  and 
right,  to  which  they  are  accustomed  ;  unless  without  com- 
mitting sin  they  can  change  thom  for  the  better.  If  they 
can,  they  are  liound  to  do  it;  and  in  a  manner  accordant 
with  the  revealed  will  of  (iod. 

29.  No  worhlly  circumstances  shoiild  so  disturb  or  oc- 
cupy our  minds  as  to  unlit  us  in  any  measure  for  duty  ; 
nor  should  we  desire  any  more  worldly  enjoyment  than 
God  shall  graciously  give  us  in  doing  his  will. 

39.  So  important  is  the  institution  of  marriage,  so  hon- 
oralde  in  all,  and  so  numerous  its  blessings  to  those  who 
f:iitlil'ully  disch;irge  its  duties,  that  those  who,  in  the  l'c';ir 
and  lovi'  of  God,  marry,  though  in  troublous  times,  do  well  ; 
even  in  cases  where,  if  their  wishes  hail  been  dilfcrent,  it 
would  have  been  better,  at  least  for  them,  had  they  for  a 
time  remained  unmarried. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1.  Things  offered  unto  idols ;  the  flesh  of  animals  sacrificed 
to  idols,  on  which  the  offerers  an<l  their  friends  feasted  in 

1319 


Of  eating  meats  which 


1  CORINTHIANS  IX. 


have  been  offered  to  idols. 


2  And  if  any  man  think  that  he  knoweth  any 
tliiug,  he  kuoweth  nothing  yet  as  he  ought  to 
know.* 

3  But  if  any  man  love  God,  the  same  is  known 
of  him." 

4  As  concerning  tlicrcforo  tlie  eating  of  tliosc 
things  tliat  are  otlered  in  sacrifice  unto  idols,  we 
know  that  an  idol  is  notliing  in  the  world,'^  and 
tliat  f/urc  is  none  otiier  God  but  one.* 

5  For  thougii  tliere  be  tliat  are  called  gods,^ 
whether  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  as  there  be  gods 
many,  and  lords  many, 

6  But  to  us  there  is  but  one  God,''  the  Father,  of 
whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in'  him;  and  one 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,*''  and 
we  by  him. 

7  Howl)eit  there  is  not  in  every  man  that  know- 
ledge: for  some  with  conscience  of  the  idol  unto 
this  hour  eat  it  as  a  thing  offered  unto  an  idol; 
and  their  conscience  being  weak,  is  defiled. 

8  But  meat  coinmendetli  us  not  to  God:''  for 
neither,  if  we  eat,  are  we  the  better;*  neither,  if 
■we  eat  not,  are  we  the  worse.* 

9  But  take  heed  lest  by  any  means  this  liberty^ 
of  yours  become  a  stumbling-block  to  them  that 
are  weak.' 

10  For  if  any  man  see  thee  which  hast  knowledge 
sit  at  meat  iu  the  idol's  temple,  shall  not  the  con- 


'  Rom.  11:25;  Uil.  (J;.);  1  Tun.  0;:),  4.  b  Nahum  1:7;  2  Tim.  2:19. 
#Isa.  11:34.  d  Deut.  4::i9;  Isa.  •14:3,  2-1  e  John  10::) I,  33.  (iMal.  2:10; 
Eph.  4:0.     'Or. for.     S  John  1:3;  Heb.  1:2.     hKom.  14:17.     t  Or,  have  we 


the  idol's  temple,  vcr.  10,  and  which  was  sometimes  sold 
in  the  market,  cliap.  10 :  25.  Wc  alt  liave  knowledge;  namely, 
tliat  an  idol  is  nothing.  The  apostle  refers  to  the  claim 
set  up  by  some  of  the  Corintliian.s,  that,  because  they  know 
the  vanity  of  idolatry,  they  could  eat  things  offered  to  idols 
anywhere,  even  in  an  idol's  temple,  without  rendering  to 
the  idol  any  worslii]).  He  intimates  that  this  knowledge 
is  possessed  by  other  Christians,  as  well  as  Viy  them.  Know- 
leilfrc  puffeih  up ;  that  is,  knowledge  without  love.  Cliarily  ; 
that  is,  love,  as  the  word  in  the  original  is  generally  ren- 
dered. 

2.  Tliink  that  he  knoweth;  is  puffed  up  with  a  conceit  of 
his  superior  knowledge. 

3.  Is  hwwn  of  liim;  as  his  friend  and  the  object  of  liis 
love  and  care.     Compare  .Matt.  7:2:i. 

4.  Tlutt  an  idol  i.i  nothing;  th;it  the  deity  which  it  rep- 
resents has  no  existence,  and  that  the  idol  is  therefore  a 
powerless  and  vain  thing. 

6.  Cy  li'/wm ,- as  the  source.  /;i  A/m;  rather,  as  the  mar- 
gin, unto  or  for  him ;  created  to  promote  liis  glory.  By 
whom;  by  whoso  agency. 

7.  Tluil  knowledge;  that  there  is  but  one  God,  and  that 
idols  are  nothing.  With,  conscience  of  the  idol;  thinking  that 
idol  deities  are  realities.  As  a  thing  offered  unto  an  idol ; 
with  superstitious  reverence  for  the  supjioscd  idol  deity, 
as  if  he  were  a  real  existence.  Weak;  unenlightened,  ig- 
norant.    Defied;  by  thus  joining  in  idol-worship. 

8.  Meal;  food  of  any  kind, as  the  original  word  implies. 
To  those  who  have  knowledge  it  is  one  of  the  indifferent 
things.  For  this  reason  they  ought  to  be  considerate  and 
kind  towards  their  weak  brethren  in  respect  to  the  food 
jiow  in  iiuestion,  as  the  apostle  proceeds  to  show. 

9.  A  stumbling-block;  an  occasion  of  leading  others  into 
sin. 

10.  Eat  those  things;  as  real  sacrifices  to  idols,  and  thus 
to  guilty  of  idolatry,  and  of  acting  in  opijosition  to  liis 
conscience. 

11.  Tlirough  thy  knowledge ;  the  improper  use  of  it. 

13.  If  mtal ;  if  my  indulgencoin  a  particular  kind  of  food. 
]H'ike  my  brotlier  to  offend;  be  tho  occasion  of  leading  him 
into  sin. 

1320 


science  of  him  which  is  weak  be  embolden-  a.  d.  m. 
ed-  to  eat  those  things  which  are  oilered  to  idols; 

11  And  through  thy  knowledge  shall  the  weak 
brother  perish,  for  whom  Christ  died? 

12  But  when  ye  sin  so  against  the  brethren,  and 
wound  their  weak  conscience,  ye  sin  against  Clirist.-" 

13  Wherefore,  if  meat  make  my  brother  to  offend, 
I  will  eat  no  flesh  while  the  world  standeth,  lest  I 
make  my  brother  to  ofl'cnd." 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  He  siiowetli  his  liberty,  7  and  that  the  minister  oiiglit  to  live  by  the 

fospel;  15  yet  that  liimselt'  li;illi  of  Jiis  own  accord  abstained,  IS  to 
e  either  chargeable  unto  tliein,  22  or  offensive  unto  any,  in  matters 
iiiditferent.     24  Our  life  is  like  unto  a  race. 

AM  I  not  an  apostle?  am  I  not  free?  have  I 
not  seen  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord?'  are  not 
ye  my  work  in  the  Lord?'" 

2  If  I  be  not  an  apostle  unto  others,  yet  doubt- 
less I  am  to  you :  for  the  seal  of  mine  apostleship 
are  ye  in  the  Lord. 

3  Mine  answertothem  that  do  cxaminemcis  this: 

4  Have  wc  not  power  to  cat  and  to  drink? 

5  Have  we  not  power  to  lead  about  a  sister,  a 
wife,'  as  well  as  other  ajiostles,  and  as  the  breth- 
ren of  the  Lord,  and  Cephas? 

6  Or  I  only  and  Barnabas,  have  not  wc  power 
to  forbear  workins?" 


the  more.  I  Or,  hare  ive  the  less.  iOr. poiver.  i  Rom.  14:13,  20;  Gal. 6:13, 
I  Gr.  edified,  i  M:ilt.  25:40,  45.  k  ch.  9:22.  1  Acts  9:3,  17.  m  ell.  4:1S. 
^  Or,  woman,    n  2  Thess.  3:f,  9. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  A  man  proud  of  his  knowledge  is  ignorant  of  himself, 
and  dangerous  to  others. 

C.  Enlightened  Christians  hold  with  unshaken  confidence 
to  the  unity  of  (iod.  while  they  acknowledge  Jesus  Christ 
as  their  Creator,  Kedeemer,  and  rightful  Proprietor,  and 
render  to  him  and  to  the  Father  the  homage  of  their  hearts. 

9.  No  man  is  at  liberty  to  do  a  thing  merely  because  it 
is  not  expressly  forbidden,  is  not  wrung  in  itself,  or  will 
not  injure  him.  lie  is  bound  to  consider  how  it  will  affect 
others,  and  so  to  act  as  to  promote  their  good. 

13.  That  love  which  leads  a  jierson  to  deny  liimself,  for 
the  sake  of  honoring  Ciod  and  doing  good  to  men,  is  essen- 
tial to  true  religion.     Luke  11:25-33. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

In  tho  present  chapter  P;iul  asserts  his  personal  rights 
and  jirivileges  as  an  apostle,  verses  1-14;  and  then  pro- 
ceeds to  show  how  he  liaK  willingly  given  them  up  for 
Christ's  sake,  Ihereiu  jiroposing  his  own  ex;imple  for  the 
imitation  of  those  among  tho  Corinthians  who  were  dis- 
posed to  insist  on  the  use  of  their  t'hristian  liberty  with- 
out regard  to  the  consciences  of  the  weak. 

1.  Am  I  twtfree?  as  mm-h  at  liberty  as  the  other  apostles 
in  regard  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  my  ollice.  Seen 
Jesus  Christ;  seen  him  ]iersonally,  and  neeived  from  him 
my  commission  as  an  a|)ostle.  lie  mentions  this  to  show 
that  he  is  not  behind  the  other  apostles  in  regard  to  his 
apostrilic  onice.     My  work;  converted  by  my  ministry. 

2.  Seat  of  mine  njMisllcship ;  their  conversion  was  evidence 
that  I'aiil  w:is  an  apostle  of  .lesus  Christ. 

3.  Eiaininv  me ;  concerning  his  credentials  as  an  apostle, 
and  his  privileges  as  such. 

4.  I'ovrr  to  cat  and  to  drink;  a  right  to  be  maintained 
at  their  cxjienHe,  instead  of  supporting  himself  by  manual 
labor.     Acts  18:3;  2  Cor.  11:7-9. 

fl.  Power  to  lead  about  n  sister,  a  wife;  li<^  had  as  good  a 
right  to  be  married,  and  have  his  family  supported,  as 
I'eter  and  other  apostles  h;id. 

fi.  Power  to  forbear  working ;  to  abstain  from  working  for 
their  own  suiiport. 


Ministers  to  ht  supported. 


1  CORINTHIANS  IX. 


Principles  of  Paul's  ministry. 


A.  D.  69.  7  Who  goetli  a  ■svarfare  any  time  at  his 
own  charges?"  wlio  planteth  a  vineyard,  and  eat- 
eth  not  of  the  fruit  tliereof?"  or  who  feedetli  a 
flock,  and  catetli  not  of  the  milk  of  the  flock?" 

8  Say  I  these  things  as  a  man  ?  or  saith  not  the 
law  tlie  same  also  ? 

9  For  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  Thou 
shalt  not  muzzle  tlie  mouth  of  the  ox  that  treadeth 
out  the  corn/     Doth  God  take  care  for  oxen? 

10  Or  saith  he  it  altogether  for  our  sakes?  For 
our  sakes,  no  doubt,  this  is  written:  that  he  that 
plougheth  should  plough  in  hope ;  and  that  he  that 
tlireslieth  in  hope  should  bo  partaker  of  his  hope.'' 

11  If  we  have  sown  unto  you  spiritual  tilings,  is 
it  a  great  thing  if  we  shall  reap  your  carnal  things?' 

12  If  others  be  partakers  of  this  power  over  you, 
are  not  we  rather?  Nevertheless,  we  have  not 
used  this  power  ;^  but  suffer  all  things,  lest  we 
should  liinder  the  gospel  of  Christ. 

13  Do  ye  not  know  that  they  which  minister 
about  holy  things  live*  of  the  things  of  the  temple, 
and  they  which  wait  at  the  altar  are  partakers 
with  the  altar?" 

14  Even  so  hath  the  Lord  ordained  that  they 
which  preach  the  gospel  should  live  of  the  gospel.' 

15  But  I  have  used  none  of  these  things:^  nei- 
ther have  I  written  these  things,  that  it  sliould  be 
so  done  unto  me:  for  it  icere  better  for  me  to  die, 
than  that  any  man  should  make  my  glorying  void.'' 

16  For  though  I  preach  the  gospel,  I  have  noth- 
ing to  glory  of:  for  necessity  is  laid  upon  me ;  yea, 
woe  is  unto  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel  1' 


»  ITim.  1 

18. 

b  Deut.  aU:6 

;  Prov. 

27:  IS. 

=  IPet.  5:2. 

d  Deut. 

■i-i-A; 

IT.m.  5 

:1B. 

e  2  Tim. 

■J:6.     1 

Horn.  15;a7. 

5  a  Cor.  11:7-9; 

12:14. 

•  Or, 

/«(/.    h 

Num 

IS 

S,  etc 

;  Deut 

lb:l. 

Luke 

10:7;  Gal.  6:0. 

j  Acts  20:34; 

•2  Thess 

a:S. 

k 

2  Cor 

11:10. 

1  ier. 

1:17; 

20:9.      m  Col.  1 

:25.     n 

Rom. 

8.  As  a  man;  merely  on  the  common  principles  of  jus- 
tice.     Tlu  law;  the  law  of  God.     Deut.  25:4. 

9.  Not  muzzle  the  moutk  of  the  ox;  the  ox  had  a  right  to 
support  from  tliose  for  whom  he  labored,  and  they  could 
not  withhold  it  witliout  .sinning  against  God,  who  required 
it  of  them.  Talce  care  for  oxen;  is  it  for  tlie  sake  of  oxen 
that  this  precept  is  given  ?  that  is,  oxen  alone,  or  chiefly. 
The  apostle  proceeds  to  show  that  the  law  in  question  is 
designed  to  contain  a  general  principle  for  the  benefit  of 
those  who  labor  in  spiritual  things. 

10.  For  our  sokes — this  is  written;  to  show  that  it  is  the 
will  of  God  that  ministers  of  the  gos])el  sliould  receive 
support  from  the  ])eople  for  whom  they  labor,  and  that  all 
who  labor  are  entitled  to  a  just  rew;ird  for  their  services. 

11.  Sown  unto  you  api ritual  things;  labored  for  the  good 
of  your  souls.  Reap  ijour  carnal  tilings;  receive  in  return 
wliat  is  needful  for  sup])ort. 

12.  Thin  power ;  the  right  to  a  maintrnance.  Suffer  all 
things;  all  the  inconveniences  and  hardships  of  not  being 
sujiiiorteil  by  the  people. 

i:i.  They  which  minister — and  they  which  wait ;  the  i)riests 
and  the  Levites,  who,  under  the  Old  Test.ament,  conducted 
and  waited  upon  the  religious  services  at  the  temple.  Are 
partilcerswith  the  altar;  they  were  supported  from  the  ofler- 
mgs  and  contributions  which  the  people  brcjught  to  the 
altar. 

11.  Ordained;  appointed;  required.  Live  of  the  gospel ; 
be  supported. 

I.').  Used  none  of  these  things ;  he  had  not  required  them  to 
support  him,  nor  did  he  write  this  to  induce  them  Jo  do  it. 
He  judged  that  such  was  then  the  peculiar  state  of  things, 
that  he  could  do  nioro  good  by  supporting  himself.  Make 
'"ny  glarying  void ;  his  glorying  that  he  ]ireached  the  gospel 
free  of  eluirge,  by  inducing  Inm  to  take  a  difl'erent  course. 
,     16.  Notliing  to  glory  of;  nothing  from  the  fact  of  liis 


17  For  if  I  do  this  thing  willingly,  I  have  a  re- 
ward :  but  if  against  my  will,  a  dispensation  of  t fie 
gospel  is  committed  unto  me.'" 

18  What  is  my  reward  then  ?  Verily  that,  when 
I  preach  the  gospel,  I  may  make  the  gospel  of 
Christ  without  charge,  that  I  abuse  not  my  power 
in  the  gospel. 

19  For  though  I  be  free  from  all  men,  yet  have 
I  made  myself  servant  unto  all,  that  I  might  gain 
the  more." 

20  And  unto  the  Jews  I  became  as  a  Jew,  that 
I  might  gain  the  Jews;  to  them  that  are  under 
the  law,  as  under  the  law,  that  I  might  gain  them 
that  are  under  the  law;° 

21  To  them  that  are  without  law,  as  without 
law,  (being  not  without  law  to  God,  but  under  the 
law  to  Christ,")  that  I  might  gain  them  that  are 
without  law. 

22  To  the  weak  became  I  as  weak,  that  I  might 
gain  the  weak :"  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men,^ 
that  I  might  by  all  means  save  some.* 

23  And  this  I  do  for  the  gospel's  sake,  that  I 
might  be  partaker  thereof  with  you. 

24  Know  ye  not  that  they  wliicli  run  in  a  race 
run  all,  but  one  receiveth  the  prize?  So  run,  that 
ye  may  obtain.'' 

25  And  every  man  that  strivcth  for  the  mastery 
is  temperate  in  all  things.  Now  they  do  it  to  ob- 
tain a  corruptible  crown;  but  we  an  incorrupti- 
ble." 

26  I  therefore  so  run,  not  as  uncertainly ;  so  fight 
I,  not  as  one  that  beateth  the  air : 


1:14; 

Gal.  5 

:13.     0 

Acts  16 

;3 

21:2:i 

-20. 

P  eh 

7:22. 

q  Rom 

15:1 

a  Cor. 

11:29 

roh. 

10:3.3. 

!  Rom 

11 

14.    t 

I'hil 

2:10 

3:14 

1  Tim. 

0:12; 

2  Tim. 

2:5. 

"2  Tim.  4:3; 

Jas.  1: 

2; 

1  ret. 

5:4; 

Rev. 

2:10; 

3:11. 

preaching.  Necessity  is  laid  upon  me;  after  the  commission 
ho  had  received  from  Christ,  he  could  not,  consistently  with 
duty,  refrain  from  preaching. 

17.  I  have  a  reward;  for  fulfilling  the  charge  committed 
to  rao  with  a  willing  mind.  Against  my  will ;  even  if  re- 
luctantly, I  still  have  a  trust  which  I  must  fulfil. 

18.  What  IS  my  reward  tlien  1  in  the  course  he  was  will- 
ingly and  joyfully  pursuing  for  their  good.  It  was  the  sat- 
isfaction arising  from  his  disinterested  labors,  the  approval 
of  conscience  and  of  God.  That  I  abuse  not  my  power;  or 
right,  by  requiring  them  to  support  him,  when  this  would 
hinder  his  usefulness. 

19.  Free  from  all;  free  from  obligation  to  men  to  preach 
the  gospel  without  charge.  Gain  the  more  ;  lead  more  souls 
to  Christ. 

20.  Became  as  a  Jew;  comphed  with  their  customs  so  far 
as  he  innocently  could. 

21.  Them  that  are  without  law ;  the  Gentiles,  who  h;ul  not 
the  written  law  of  God.  As  leitlumt  law;  ho  omitted  Ihoso 
compliances  with  the  ceremonial  hiw  which  he  practised 
when  among  Jews.  Under  the  law  to  Christ;  bound  in  all 
things  to  obey  him. 

22.  Made  all  things  to  all  men;  complied,  in  all  things 
lawful,  with  their  wishes. 

2!!.  Partaker  thereof;  of  the  blessings  which  the  gospel 
confers. 

24.  Run  in  a  race;  the  foot-race,  with  which  the  Corin- 
thians were  familiar. 

2.").  hiriiiperalc  in  all  things;  the  Grecian  racers  subjected 
(hemselves  to  a  very  severe  training,  that  thoy  might  tlais 
bring  their  body  to  the  most  jierfeet  condition  for  the  nice. 

211.  So  run,  not  as  uncertainly ;  not  as  one  who  runs  at 
random,  wilhcjut  knowing  his  goal  or  liow  to  reach  it.  The 
apostle  means,  that  he  so  lived  as  to  be  sure  of  obtaining 
the  approbation  of  God,  and  receiving  a  crown  of  glory. 

1321 


Christians  must 


1  CORINTHIANS  X. 


fly  from  idulatry. 


27  But  I  keep  under  my  body,  and  bring  it  into 
subjection:  lest  that  by  any  means,  wlien  I  liavc 
preaclied  to  others,  I  myself  should  be  a  castaway." 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  The  sacraments  of  the  Jews  6  are  types  of  ours,  7  and  their  punish- 
ments. 11  examples  for  us.  14  We  must  fly  from  idolatry.  21  We 
must  not  make  tne  Lord's  table  tlie  table  of  devils;  24  and  in  tilings 
indiflerent  we  must  have  rt-gard  of  our  brethren. 

MOREOVER,  brethren,  I  would  not  that  ye 
should  be  ignorant,  how  that  all  our  fathers 
were  under  the  cloud,''  and  all  passed  through  the 
sea;" 

2  And  were  all  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the  cloud 
and  in  the  sea; 

3  And  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual  meat;'' 

4  And  did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink:'' 
for  tliey  drank  of  tiiat  spiritual  Rock  thatlbllowed" 
them:  and  tliat  Rock  was  Clirist. 

5  But  with  many  of  them  God  was  no  t  well  pleased : 
for  tlicy  were  ovcrtlirown  in  tlie  wilderness.' 

6  Now  these  things  were  our  examples,*  to  tlic 
intent  we  should  not  lust  after  evil  things,  as  they 
also  lusted.'' 

7  Neither  be  ye  idohitcrs,  as  iccre  some  of  them ; 
as  it  is  written,  Tiic  people  sat  down  to  eat  and 
drink,  and  rose  up  to  play." 


>  Rom.  8:13.  1>  Exnd.  13:->l,  22;  Num.  9:1S,  M.  c  Exod.  H:19--Jv!,  29. 
il  15x0(1.  10:15,  V>\  Neh.  9:15,  20;  Psa.  7.j:24,  «.  e  Exod.  17:G;  Num. 
20:11.  •  Or,  wtnl  with.  I  Num.  14:29-35;  2I>:04,  05;  Heb.  3:17;  Jude  5. 
t  Gr.  Iht  figures,     s  Num.  11:4,  3:3,  34.     t  Exod.  32:0.     i  Num.- 25:1-9. 


27.  Keep  under  my  body;  literally,  beat  it  in  the  face, 
after  the  manner  of  a  bo.vor.  This  rein-esents  the  .severe 
discipline  to  which  he  subjected  his  apiJctites  and  passions 
according  to  God's  word. 

INSTHUCTIONS. 

5.  Ministers  of  the  gospel,  whether  settled  in  Christian 
or  missionaries  to  heathen  lands,  have  a  ri,irht  to  lie  mar- 
ried, and  with  their  families  to  be  sujiported  ;  though  it 
may  sometimes  be  wise  not  to  exercise  this  rij;ht. 

10.  iSpceiric  directions  contained  in  the  Old  Testament, 
even  with  regard  to  beasts  and  inanimate  things,  are  often 
illustrations  of  principles,  and  are  designed  to  instruct 
men  in  all  ages  as  to  the  character  and  will  of  God,  and  the 
nature,  variety,  and  extent  of  human  duties. 

14.  The  support  of  ministers  of  Christ  who  devote  their 
lives  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  not  a  charitable 
donation,  but  a  debt  justly  due,  and  cannot  be  withheld 
without  injustice  to  them,  and  ilishonor  to  Christ. 

17.  When  ministers  of  the  gospel  relimpiish  their  just 
rights,  submit  to  inconveniences, i)erform  laliors.aiid  make 
sacrifices  for  the  sake  of  doing  greater  good,  they  imitate 
the  example  of  Christ,  show  the  excellence  of  his  religion, 
and  may,  tlirough  grace,  expect  from  him  a  distinguished 
reward. 

27.  Ministers  of  Christ  who  have  long  preached  the  gos- 
pel, anil  with  distinguished  success,  are  not  on  that  ac- 
count sure  of  heaven.  Nor  can  they  safely  depend  ii])oii 
any  former  experience.  They  must  habitually  govern  tlieir 
appetites,  passions,  .and  conduct  by  th(s  revealed  will  of 
God,  or  they  will  be  in  danger  of  losing  their  souls.  If  this 
is  the  case  with  ministers,  it  must  be  with  all  others  ;  ami 
that  hope  of  salvation  which  dues  not  lend  men  to  obey  the 
commands  of  God,  will  jierishat  the  giving  up  of  the  ghost. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1.  All  nur  fitlh''rt ;  those  who  came  out  of  Egypt. 

2.  Were  nil  Imptncil  imlo  Mnsen;  shown  by  thoHO  signs 
to  be  under  his  guidance,  as  the  acknowledged  visible 
people  of  Gori. 

."?.  Spiritutd  meal;  manna,  typical  of  spiritual  blessings 
by  Christ    John  6::{l-:ir>.  4H-^51. 
1322 


8  Neither  let  us  commit  fornication,  as  a  d.59. 
some  of  tliem  committed,  and  fell  in  one  day  three 
and  twenty  thousand.' 

9  Neither  let  us  tempt  Christ,^  as  some  of  them 
also  tempted,  and  were  destroyed  of  scriients." 

II)  Neither  murmur  ye,  as  some  of  thein  also  mur- 
mured,' and  were  destroyed  of  tlie  destroyer.'" 

11  Now  all  these  things  liappcned  unto  tiicm  for 
ensamples  :*  and  tlicy  are  written  for  our  admoni- 
tion, upon  whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  come. 

12  Wherefore  let  him  tiiat  thinketh  he  standeth, 
take  heed  lest  he  fall." 

13  Tliere  hath  no  temptation  taken  you  but  such 
as  is  common'  to  man:  but  God  is  faithful,  who 
will  not  sutler  you  to  be  tem]»lod  above  that  ye 
are  able;"  but  will  witli  tlie  tem])tiition  also  make 
a  way  to  escajie,  tliat  ye  may  be  tible  to  bear  it.^ 

14  Wherefore,  my  dearly  beloved,  lice  from  idol- 
atry." 

15  I  speak  as  to  wise  men  ;  judge  ye  what  I 
say. 

16  The  cup  of  blessing  whicii  we  bless,  is  it  not 
the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Clirist?  The  bread 
which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
body  of  Clirist? 

17  For  we  being  many  are  one  bread,  and  one 
body :  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread. 


J  ExoJ.  17:2,  7.  kNum.21:0.  INiim  14:2,*).  m  2  Sam.  24: 10.  t  Or, 
typis.  n  Prov.  28:14;  Rom.  11:20.  5  Or,  maderale.  »  Dan.  3:17;  2  Pet. 
2:9.     pjas.  5:11.     q  IJohu  5:21. 


4.  Spiritual  drink;  the  water  that  flowed  miraculously 
from  the  rock,  and  was  a  tyjie  of  Christ.  Exod.  17:fi; 
Num.  20:11.  Drank  of  tliat  spiritual  Hock  Hint  followed  them; 
it  has  been  su])])osed  tli;it  the  water  from  the  rock  men- 
tioned in  Exod.  17:fi,  folhiwed  the  Israelites  during  their 
wanderings  in  the  wilderness,  till  they  a)ipniachcd  Kadesli 
the  second  time.  But  i>crh;ips  the  words  "that  followed 
them"  refer  to  Christ  the  antitype,  rather  than  to  tho 
material  water  that  typified  him.  That  liork  vas  Christ;  a 
figure,  ty])e,  or  representation  of  Christ;  as  when  he  said, 
Luke  22:1!),  This  is  my  body,  meaning  a  representation  of 
his  body. 

5.  Mnnijof  them;  who  belonged  to  God's  visible  people, 
and  enjoyeii  all  their  outward  privileges.  Thus  the  apos- 
tle warns  the  Corinthi;ins  not  to  think  themselves  safe  from 
danger  bec;iuso  they  belong  outwardly  to  Christ's  church, 
and  enjoy  its  ordinances  and  gifts.  They  were  overthrown ; 
Num  14  :"2!)-:i.'') ;  26:(i4,  f.5. 

C.  Our  examples ;  designed  to  warn  us  against  doing  evil, 
lest  we  also  be  destrove<l. 

7-10.  It  is  written ;' Esui\.  .S2:C;  Num.  25:1-9;  E.xod. 
17:2,  7;  15:24;  10:2-9;  Num.  14:2,  27-30;  16:40-49; 
■n-.r,,  B, 

11.  Thri)  are  written;  in  the  Rcri]ilnreK,  as  a  warning  to 
those  wh(")  should  live  under  the  gospel.  The  emU  if  the 
world ;  tho  ends  of  the  ages,  an  expression  nearly  ecpiiva- 
lent  to  the  Old  Testament  idn-;ise,  "  the  last  days,"  by 
which  was  represented  tln^  then  distant  future  of  tho 
('hristi;in  dispensatiiui.     Ccim]iare  Ileb.  n:2(i. 

12.  llini  that  Ihinkrih  hi'  slaiidrlh  ;  securely  in  the  f;ivor  of 
God.     /.fv'  hrfiill;  into  sin,  and  ])erish. 

i:!.  That  i/e  inn y  lie  alilr  to  hear ;  the  tem](tation  or  trial, 
without  being  overcome  by  it.     I'sa.  :M:IU. 

It.   Vhrfrmn  idoliitni;  dn  not  join  in  or  encourage  it. 

\.>.  Wise  men;  cajKible  of  judging  ciirrectly. 

111.  '{'he  cup — the  lirrad;  of  which  they  ]iartook  in  tho 
ordinance  ol  the  Lord's  siii)|)<^r,  and  in  which  they  ju'o- 
fessed  to  commune  with  Christ. 

17.  Arc  nne  lirend;  as  being  all  ]>art:d;(rH  of  that  one 
bread  which  rejireseutH  Christ,  and  thus  made  one  spirit- 
ual body  in  Christ. 


Our  works  must  he  lawful, 


1  CORINTHIANS  XI. 


and  edifying  to  others. 


A.  D..W.  18  Behold  Israel  after  tlie  flesli :"  are  not 
they  which  eat  of  the  sacriiices  partakers  of  the 
altar?" 

19  What  say  I  then?  tliat  tiic  idol  is  any  thing,'' 
or  that  wiiich  is  offered  iu  sacriiicu  to  idols  is  any 
thinj,-? 

20  But  I  say,  that  the  things  which  the  Gentiles 
sacrifice,  they  sacrifice  to  devils,''  and  not  to  God  : 
and  I  would"  not  that  ye  should  iiave  fellowship 
with  devils. 

21  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
cup  of  devils :''  ye  cannot  be  ))artakers  of  the 
Lord's  table,  and  of  the  table  of  devils. 

22  Do  we  provoke  the  Lord  to  jealousy?''  are 
we  stronger  than  he  ? 

•  23  All  things  are  lawful  for  me,  liut  all  things 
arc  not  expedient :=  all  things  are  lawful  for  me, 
but  all  things  edify  not. 

24  Let  no  man  seek  his  own,  but  every  man  an- 
other's wealth}' 

25  Whatsoever  is  sold  in  the  shambles,  that  eat, 
asking  no  question  for  conscience'  sake:' 

26  For  the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness 
tiiereof.-i 

27  If  any  of  themthatbelieve  notbid  you  to  a  feast, 
and  ye  be  disposed  to  go ;  whatsoever  is  set  before 
you,  eat,''  asking  no  question  for  conscience'  sake. 

28  But  if  any  man  say  unto  you.  This  is  offered 

>  Rom.  4:1.  1-2.  b  ch.  9:13.  =  ch.  S;4.  d  Lev.  17:7;  Deut.  3->:17;  Paa. 
10.1::l7.  e  Deut.  :!■>::!-',  t  Deut.  3-i:-21;  Job  9:4;  Ezek.  a-J;14.  S  ch.  fi:12. 
t  Pn.l.  3:4. -Jl.     ■  1  Tim.  4:4.    J  Deut.  10:14;  Psa.  -21:1;  50:12.     k  Luke 


18.  Partakers  of  the  altar;  connected  in  a  special  sense 
with  the  altar,  and  tlius  witli  Jehovah,  to  whom  the  altar 
is  devoted.  So,  should  they  feast  in  heathen  temples,  they 
would  be  considered  as  worshippers  of  heathen  gods. 

20.  Tlieij  sacrifice  to  devils;  though  idols  arc  nothing, 
idiil.itry  is  a  system  under  the  dominion  of  evil  spirits; 
and  they  are  the  real  objects  worshipped  bj'  idnlaters. 

'II.  Ye  cannot;  consistently  with  truth  and  duty.  Should 
they  join  with  idolaters,  they  would  rebel  against  Jehovah, 
and  provoke  him  to  come  out  in  judgment  against  them. 

23.  All  Ikin-Jis;  which  arc  good  to  eat,  may  at  proper 
times  be  eaten ;  and  even  meat  which  had  been  ottered  to 
idols  was  not  changed,  and  would  not  injure  Paul:  but  it 
would  not  on  that  account  be  right  for  him  to  partake  .of 
it  in  idolatrous  toasts,  because  his  doing  so  might  injure 
others. 

24.  His  ov:n ;  his  own  pleasure  or  profit  merely.  An- 
other's; benefit,  as  well  as  his  own. 

25.  The  sluimbles;  public  markets.  Ashing  no  question; 
as  for  example,  whether  it  may  not  be  the  flesh  of  an  ani- 
mal sacrificed  to  an  idol.  For  in  such  a  case,  though  it 
should  be  so,  you  are  not  thereby  made  in  the  view  of 
men  a  patron  of  idulatry. 

2(j.  77(6  earth  is  the  Lord's;  wo  may  therefore  use  any 
part  of  it  in  such  a  manner  as  will  honor  him  and  do  good, 
and  we  should  not  desire  to  use  it  in  any  other  way. 

28.  Eat  not;  lest  your  t-xamplc  injure  him  wliii  gave  the 
jnfdrmation. 

29.  Judged  of  another  mail's  conscience ;  why  should  an- 
other man  make  the  scruides  of  his  conscience  a  measure 
of  my  liberty?  This,  with  wliat  follows  in  the  ne.xt  verse, 
is  s;ud  in  support  of  the  assertion  just  made,  "  Conscience, 
I  s;iy,  not  thine  own." 

:ii).  Jhj  grace;  rather,  as  the  margin,  with  thanksgiving, 
namely,  to  (lod.  Be  a  pari  a  Ice  r ;  of  the  food  set  before  me. 
Gine  thanks;  to  (Jod,  thus  showing  that  I  worsliip  him, 
and  no  idol.  In  tliis  and  the  preceding  verse  the  ajxistlc 
vindicates  for  every  Christian  his  liberty  of  conscience, 
while  in  the  context  he  urges  all  to  use  their  liberty  so 
as  not  to  give  offence  to  the  weak. 


iu  sacrifice  unto  idols,  eat  not  for  his  sake  that 
showed  it,  and  for  conscience'  sake:'  for  the  earth 
is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof:'" 

29  Conscience,  I  say,  not  thine  own,  but  of  the 
otiier:  for  why  is  my  liberty  judged  of  another 
mans  conscience? 

30  For  if  I  by  grace*  be  a  partaker,  why  am  I 
evil  spoken  of  for  that  for  which  1  give  thanks?" 

31  Whether  therefore  ye  cat,  or  drink,  or  what- 
soever ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God." 

32  Give  none  offence,  neither  to  the  Jews,  nor 
to  the  Gentiles,*  nor  to  the  church  of  God:'' 

33  Even  as  I  please  all  men  in  all  things,  not 
seeking  mine  own  profit,  but  the  profit  of  many, 
that  they  may  be  saved. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  He  reproveth  them,  because  in  holy  assemblies  4  their  men  prayed 
witii  their  heads  covered,  6  and  women  with  their  heads  uncovered, 
17  and  because  generally  their  meetings  were  not  for  the  better  but 
for  the  worse,  '21  as,  namely,  in  profaning  with  their  own  leasts  the 
Lord's  supper.  t23  Lastly,  he  calleth  them  to  the  first  institution 
thereof. 

BE  ye  followers  of  me,  even  as  I  also  am  of 
Clirist.1 

2  Now  I  praise  you,  brethren,  that  ye  remember 
me  in  all  things,"'  and  keep  the  ordinances,*^  as  I 
delivered  them  to  you. 

3  But  I  would  have  you  know,  that  the  head  of 

10:7.  Ich.  8:10,  12.  m  ver.  SB.  •  Or.  tliniiksgiving.  n  Rom.  14:13.  »  Col. 
y;17;  IPet.  4:11.  1  Or.  Greeks.  P  Rom.  14:  l:i;  '2  Cor.  C:3.  qEph.5:I; 
IThess.  1:6.     rch.  4:17.     1  I3r.  lra(2/(;ons.     »  Luke  1:0. 

31.  Do  all  to  the  glory  of  God ;  let  it  be  your  great  object 
to  honor  him,  and  do  the  greatest  good  in  your  power. 

32.  Give  none  offence;  no  just  occasion  of  offence. 

33.  Please  all  men  in  all  things;  so  far  as  is  consistent 
with  fidelity  to  God  and  to  them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

5.  Persons  may  profess  to  be  friends  of  God,  observe 
his  ordin-ances,  and  be  favored  with  all  external  privileges, 
and  yet  fail  of  heaven.  Unless  they  love  God,  and  seek  to 
honor  him  by  obeying  his  commands,  they  will  perish. 

11.  The  judgments  of  God  against  transgressors  record- 
ed in  the  Old  Testament,  were  designed  to  deter  us  from 
imitating  their  example,  that  we  may  escape  their  ruin. 

IG.  Partaking  of  the  Lord's  supper  is  a  solenm  public 
profession  of  friendship  to  Christ,  and  devotion  to  hi.s  ser- 
vice. All  who  unite  in  it  should  be  especially  careful  to 
avoid  not  only  the  reality,  but  the  appearance  of  evil,  and 
to  adorn  their  profession  by  habitual  holiness  of  life  -and 
conversation. 

22.  Persons  cannot  continue  to  unite  with  the  wicked 
in  the  service  of  Satan,  iuid  yet  be  the  friends  of  (Jod  ;  ttiid 
those  who  seek  their  chief  enjoyment  in  sensual  gratifica- 
tions, are  provoking  the  I.nnl  to  destroy  them. 

28.  The  same  action  mtiy  uniler  some  circumstances  be 
right,  anti  under  other  circumsfemces  be  wrong.  It  is  not 
always  enough  therefore  to  look  at  the  action  as  it  is  in 
itself,  discomiecteil  from  its  circumstances,  or  at  its  cfiecis 
on  ourselves  merely ;  but  we  must  look  also  at  the  impres- 
sion it  will  make  and  the  effects  it  will  have  on  others. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

2.  Keep  the  ordinances;  the  directions  which  I  have 
given  you.  The  apostle  being  comiielled  to  censure  cer- 
ttiin  practices  in  the  Corin1hi;in  cluirch,  is  cttrcful  tn  nitmi- 
fest  towards  them  his  ciuidor  and  gooil  will  by  eonuiiend- 
in.g  their  general  regard  to  his  precepts — an  example 
wliich  all  who  have  occasion  to  censure  their  brethren 
will  do  well  til  imitate. 

3.  Head;  rightfid  governor  or  ruler.  Tlie  head  of  Christ 
is  God;  in  the  work  of  redcmptinn.  Christ,  as  Mediator, 

1323 


Of  uncovered  heads. 


1  CORINTHIANS  XI. 


Of  the  Lord's  supper. 


every  man  is  Christ ;"  and  the  head  of  the  ■woman 
is  the  man ;''  and  the  head  of  Christ  is  God.*^ 

4  Every  man  praying  or  proiihesyiug,  having  his 
head  covered,  dishonorctli  liis  licad. 

5  But  every  woman  that  iiraycth  or  prophesieth 
witli  her  liead  uncovered,  dishonoreth  her  head:'' 
for  that  is  even  all  one  as  if  she  were  shaven. 

6  For  if  the  woman  be  not  covered,  let  her  also 
be  shorn :"  but  if  it  be  a  shame  for  a  woman  to  be 
shorn  or  shaven,  let  her  be  covered. 

7  For  a  man  indeed  ought  not  to  cover  his  licad, 
forasmuch  as  he  is  the  image  and  glory  of  God :' 
but  the  woman  is  the  glory  of  the  man. 

8  For  the  man  is  not  of  the  woman,  but  the 
■woman  of  the  man.'-' 

9  Neither  was  the  man  created  for  the  ■woman, 
but  the  woman  for  the  man. 

10  For  this  cause  ought  the  woman  to  have 
power*  on  her  head  because  of  the  angels. 

11  Nevertheless,  neither  is  the  man  without  the 
woman,  neither  the  woman  without  the  man,  in 
the  Lord. 

12  For  as  the  ■woman  is  of  the  man,  even  so  is 
the  man  also  by  the  woman ;  but  all  things  of  God." 

13  Judge  in  yourselves:  is  it  comely  that  a 
woman  pray  unto  God  uncovered? 

1-t  Doth  not  even  nature  itself  teach  you,  that 
if  a  man  have  long  hair,  it  is  a  shame  unto  him? 

1.5  But  if  a  woman  have  long  hair,  it  is  a  glory 
to  her :  for  her  hair  is  given  her  for  a  covering.* 

•  Eph.5:23.  b  Gen.  3:16:  1  Pet  3:1,5.  «.  «  John  14:2-^;  ch.  15:27,  ft*. 
i  Acts -If  .9.  e  Num.  5:19;  Deul.  al:ia.  'Gen. 5:1.  e  Gen.  2:1'^,  22, -i). 
•  That  is,  a  (overing.  in  xign  that  she  is  undtr  the  poioer  of  her  husband; 
Gen.  21:65.     b  Rom.  11  ::iG.     t  Or,  feiY.     il  Tim.  0:4.     1  Or,'.!c/usms.     J  cli. 


■was  subject  to  tlie  Fatlier,  and  acted  in  obedience  to  him. 
8o  Christians  shouM  Ije  subject  to  Christ,  and  the  woman 
to  the  man.  It  is  tlie  will  of  God  that  there  should  be  a  dif- 
ference of  condition,  and  this  requires  a  difference  iu  their 
appearance. 

4.  Prophesying ;  see  note  to  chap.  12:28.  Having  his 
head  covered;  the  apostle  regards  a  coverin;;  on  the  head 
as  a  sif^n  of  sulijectiou.  He  would  have  the  iiioii  prophecy 
and  pray  with  tlieir  he:id8  uncovered,  that  they  may  not 
disown  the  dignify  which  (!od  has  conferred  upon  them 
as,  under  Christ,  the  head  of  the  human  family ;  their  un- 
covered heads  will  bo  a  sign  that  they  have  no  earthly 
lord.  Dishonoreth  his  head;  according  to  some,  his  own 
head ;  according  to  otlicrs,  Christ.  Both  interpretations 
come  to  tlie  same  tiling,  since  it  is  through  the  dishonor 
which  the  man  puts  on  Ids  own  head  that  he  dishonors 
Christ,  by  seeming  thus  to  subject  himself  to  an  earthly 
head. 

.5.  Dishonoreth  her  head;  her  husband,  by  appearing  as  if 
she  were  not  in  subjection  to  the  man.  That  is  even  nit  one 
as  if  slic  v:ere  shaven  ;  it  has  thi'  same  significance,  ami  there- 
fore puts  the  same  dishonor  U|>on  her  heiid.  The  apostle 
means  that  one  thing  may  as  ]iroperly  be  done  as  {\\i:  other. 
But  :ill  acknowledge  the  latter  to  bi'  a  reproach  to  her.  The 
former  was  thercfori-  a  reproach  also. 

6.  Let  her  also  lie  shorn  ;  have  her  liair  cnt  off.  Ld  her  be 
covered;  veiled,  as  a  token  of  Kubjcction  to  man. 

7.  The  image  and  glory  of  Ooil;  his  representative,  and 
reflecting  his  glory  as  ruler  of  this  lower  world.  Gen. 
1 ;  2ft-31 ;  2:  Ifi.  The  glory  of  the  man ;  her  excellence  is  an 
ex|>rcssion  n{  his  dignity  and  worth,  since  she  was  formed 
of  him  and  for  him.     Gen.  2:I«.  22,  2:t. 

10.  Power;  that  is.  a  V(-il,  as  the  token  of  her  husband's 
rightful  authority  over  her.  and  of  her  sulijcction  to  him. 
Bemn^e  of  the  angels;  probably  the  holy  angels,  who,  as 
"ministering  si)irits,  sent  f<irtli  to  minister  f^rir  them  who 
shall  be  heirs  of  salvation,"  were  present  in  the  Christian 
assemblies,  and  witnessed  the  propriety  or  impropriety  of 
1324 


16  But  if  any  man  seem  to  be  contentious,'  a.  d  .19. 
we  have  no  such  custom,  neither  thechurches  of  God. 

17  Now  in  this  that  I  declare  unto  you,  I  praise 
you  not,  that  ye  come  together  not  for  the  better, 
but  for  the  wor.«c. 

18  For  first  of  all,  when  ye  come  together  in  the 
church,  I  hear  that  there  be  divisions*  among  you  ;J 
and  I  partly  believe  it. 

19  For  there  must  be  also  heresies^  among  you,"^ 
that  they  which  are  approved  may  be  made  mani- 
fest among  you.' 

20  When  ye  come  together  therefore  into  one 
place,  this  is  not  to  eat'  the  Lord's  supper. 

21  For  in  eating  every  one  taketh  before  other 
his  own  supper :  and  one  is  hungry,  and  another 
is  drunken.'"  • 

22  What!  have  ye  not  houses  to  eat  and  to  drink 
in?  or  despise  ye  the  church  of  God,  and  shame 
them  that  have  not?^  What  shall  I  say  to  you? 
shall  I  praise  you  in  this?     I  jiraise  you  not. 

2:5  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,"  That  the  I.ord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread  : 

24  And  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it, 
and  said.  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  bro- 
ken for  you:"  this  do  in"  remembrance  of  me. 

25  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup, 
when  he  had  supped,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new 
testament  in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye 
drink  it,  in  remcmbi'ance  of  me. 

1:11.12.  SOr,  .w«s.  k  Mitt,  l^<:7;  2ret.  2:1,  2.  1  Luko  2:35.  I  Cr.  y« 
cannot  tat.  m  2  Pet.  2: 13;  Juile  12.  ^Gr.  arc  poor.  ■>  ch.  15:3.  o  Matt. 
26: 2U.     'Or,  for  a. 

their  conduct,  as  reflecting  honor  or  dishonor  on  Christ 
anil  his  ciiuse. 

11.  7« //(c  Locrf;  according  to  his  arrangement.  Though 
one  is  subject  to  the  other,  both,  on  believing  in  Christ, 
are  accepted  of  him.  Thej'  arc  equally  needful  to,  and 
should  be  eqn;illy  respected  and  beloved  by  e;ich  other. 

14.  It  is  (I  shiimc  unio  him ;  because  it  nuike«  him  appear 
like  a  womtm.  God  has  made  the  two  sexes  dilVerent.  and 
placed  them  in  different  stations;  and  a  [iroper  regard  to 
liini  and  one  another  requires  th;it  this  difl'erence  should 
be  seen  in  their  apparel  and  dei)ortment. 

15.  A  covering;  in  the  sense  already  explained,  a  token 
of  her  subjection  to  man. 

Ifi.  Content ious;  should  any  at  Corinth  contend  that  it 
was  proper  for  women,  in  their  worship,  to  appc;ir  like 
men,  (U'  men  like  women,  I'aul  informed  them  that  it  was 
contrary  to  the  teaching  of  the  aiioslles  and  to  the  prac- 
tice of  tlie  clnirihes,  and  should  be  avoided. 

17.   Li  this;  wluit  he  was  about  to  mention. 

IS.  Cirme  tngcllicr  in  tlie  diurcli ;  meet  as  a  church,  to  wor- 
shi])  (ind  ;ind  celebrate  the  Lord's  sup])er. 

19.  There  musi  lie  also  heresies;  the  word  here  means  par- 
ties, divisions,  sectaries.  Such  was  huiii;m  n;iture  that 
these  would  exist;  and  one  idjject  (jf  God  in  suffering  them 
was,  that  it  might  be  seen  who  were  his  friends. 

20.  lilts  IS  mil  to  eat  the  Lord's  supper;  such  a  mode  of 
procedure  cannot  be  a  true  eating  of  the  Lord's  supper; 
you  cannot  thus  eat  it  in  a  ]iro])er  or  accejitabh^  manner. 

21.  Eirry  one  tnlielti  liefirr  the  other ;  in  c(uineclion  with 
the  Lord's  "supjier  they  iiad  a  lolliition,  consisting  of  what 
each  one  brought  from  his  own  home.  This  ought  to  have 
been  shared  by  thi^  poor  equiilly  with  the  rich.  Hut  iii- 
ste:ul  of  this  the  shameful  abuse  prevailed  liero  censured 
by  the  apostle. 

2:1.  Rirri'rd  of  the  X.or(f;  it  was  communicated  to  Paul 
by  Christ  himself. 

2t.   This  IS  my  body;  a  representation  of  it.    Chaji.  10:4. 
2J.  Testament  in  my  blood;  covenant,  ratified  by  my  blood. 


Of  the  LorcVs  supper. 


1  CORINTHIANS  XII. 


Of  spiriliMl  gifts. 


A.D.so.    26  Forasoftcnasyeeattliisbroad,anddrink 
this  Clip,  ye  do  show*  tlie  Lord's  death  till  he  come." 

27  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread, 
and  drink  this  cuj)  of  the  Lord,  unwortiiily,''  shall 
be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord. 

28  But  let  a  man  examine  himself, '^  and  so  let  him 
cat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 

2'.)  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 
eatotli  and  driuketii  damuatiou*  to  himself,  not  dis- 
cerning the  Lord's  body. 

30  For  this  cause  many  are  weak  and  sickly 
among  you,  and  many  sleep. 

31  For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should 
not  be  judged.'* 

32  But  when  we  are  judged,  we  are  chastened 
of  the  Lord,"  that  we  should  not  be  condemned 
witli  the  world. 

33  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  when  ye  come  to- 
getlier  to  eat,  tarry  one  for  another. 

34  And  if  any  man  hunger,  let  him  eat  at  home  ; 
that  ye  come  not  together  unto  condemnation.* 
And  the  rest  will  I  set  in  order  when  I  come. 


•  Or,  show  ye.  a  Rev.  t2:-X.  b  John  (i:ti3,  64;  ch.  10:'il.  c  a  Cor.  13:5; 
1  Jnlin  3:-20,  -21.  t  Gr.  jmlgmrnl;  Rom.  l.J:2.  d  Psa.  32:5;  1  John  1:9. 
e  P-<a.  94:12,  13;  Heb.  !2:5-U.     )  Gr.  juilgment.     '   I  Thess.  1:9.     S  Or, 


26.  Eat  this  brcail ;  Christ  does  not  call  it  flesh,  and  it 
was  not  flesh  wliich  they  ate,  but  it  was  bread,  represent- 
ing the  flesh  or  body  of  Jesus  Clirist,  whicli  was  broken 
or  crucified  for  the  sins  of  men ;  and  tliey  were  to  do  this 
from  time  to  time,  as  a  public  expression  of  their  faith  in 
him,  and  devotion  to  his  service. 

27.  Unwnrthily;  in  a  careless,  irreverent,  and  wicked 
manner.  Guilty  of  t/ie  hodi/  and  blood;  of  casting  contempt 
on  Christ  himself,  resemliling  that  which  was  cast  upon 
him  by  his  crucifiers. 

2S.  Examine  himself;  as  to  his  love  to  the  Saviour,  and 
his  desire  to  honor  him ;  as  to  his  hatred  of  sin,  and  his 
longing  for  deliverance  from  it ;  his  trust  in  the  Piedeemer, 
and  disposition  to  imitate  his  example. 

20.  Damnation;  judgment;  he  exposes himsc-lf  to  divine 
judgments.  Not  discerning  the  Lord's  body;  not  discern- 
ing in  the  bread  and  wine  the  symbols  of  Christ's  body 
and  blood,  but  partaking  of  them  irreverently,  as  if  it  were 
a  comnion  feast. 

30.  For  this  cause;  on  account  of  their  irreverent  and 
wicked  manner  of  celebrating  the  Lord's  sujiper.  Many 
sleep;  are  dead.  Uod  had  sent  sickness  among  them, and 
many  iiad  died. 

31.  If  we  UTAi'd  judge  ourselvcf:;  properly  examine  and 
decide  concerning-  ourselves.  We  should  not  be  judged; 
not  punished  of  the  Lord. 

32.  Not  be  condemned;  the  object  of  God  in  chastising 
his  children  in  this  world  is,  to  lead  them  to  repentance 
and  reformation,  that  they  may  not  in  the  future  world  be 
condemned. 

33.  To  eat;  in  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  supper. 
Tarry ;  let  no  one  partake  till  others  are  ready,  and  do  all 
things  decently  and  in  order,  to  the  honor  of  Christ  and 
their  own  spiritual  good. 

31.  The  rest;  other  things  which  might  need  correction, 
Paul  would  regulate  when  he  should  visit  them. 

IN'STIiUCTIONS. 

2.  A  disposition  to  commend  in  others  whatever  is  com- 
mendaiile  is  essenti;il  in  those  who  are  (•;dled  to  adminis- 
ter reproof;  and  the  manifestiition  of  such  a  disposition 
tends  to  prepare  men  to  reccnve  reproof  witli  kindness, 
and  to  be  rightly  afl'ccted  by  it. 

7.  It  is  the  will  of  God  that  tliore  should  be  due  subor- 
dination of  one  class  of  persons  to  another,  and  that  this 
should  be  manifested  in  their  dress  and  deportment.  Our 
character,  usefulness,  and  enjoyment  very  much  depend 
upon  suitaVjly  recognizing  (he  relations  which  God  has 
estabUshed,  and  acting  in  accorilance  with  them. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Spiritual  gifts  4  are  diverse.  7  yet  all  to  profit  withal.  S  And  to  that 
end  are  diversely  bestowed;  ]'2  that  by  the  like  proportion,  as  the 
members  of  a  natural  body  tend  all  to  tiie  IG  mutual  decency.  22  ser- 
vice, 26  and  succor  of  the  same  body;  27  so  we  should  do  one  for 
another,  to  make  up  the  mystical  body  of  Christ. 


N 


|0W  concerning  spiritual  gifts,  brethren,  I 


would  not  have  you  ignorant. 

2  Ye  know  that  ye  were  Gentiles,  carried  away 
unto  these  dumb  idols,*^  even  as  ye  were  led. 

3  Wherefore  I  give  you  to  understand,  that  no 
man  speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  calleth  Jesua 
accursed  ■}'  and  that  no  man  can  say  that  Jesus  is 
the  Lord,  but  by  the  Holy  Giiost." " 

4  Now  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same 
Spirit.' 

5  And  there  are  differences  of  administrations,' 
but  the  same  Lord. 

6  And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,^  but  it 
is  the  same  God  which  worketh  all  in  all. 

7  But  the*  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  given  to 
every  man  to  profit  withal." 

8  For  to  one  is  given  by  the  Spirit  the  word  of 

anathema,     e  Mark  9:39;  IJohn  4:2,  3.     b  Matt.  10:17.     i  Heb.  2:4;  1  Pet. 
4:10      iO!,  ministries,     j  Kom.  12:6,  etc.    kEph.4:7. 

15.  As  God  has  made  a  distinction  between  men  and 
women,  nature  and  common-sense  teach  that  in  their  ap- 
pearance it  should  be  duly  observed. 

19.  Divisions  among  professed  Christians  spring  from 
their  wickedness,  and  are  productive  of  great  evils ;  yet 
God  in  suffering  them  is  wise  and  good.  He  often  over- 
rules them  to  show  who  are  his  true  disciples. 

25.  As  Christ  instituted  the  ordinance  of  the  supper, 
showed  the  proper  mode  of  its  administration,  and  com- 
manded his  disciples  to  obsei've  it  in  remembrance  of  him 
till  his  second  coming,  jail  should  be  careful  to  obey  his 
conmiand. 

32.  In  chastising  his  people  for  their  sins,  God  is  kind. 
He  does  not  afflict  them  because  he  delights  in  it,  but  for 
their  profit,  that  they  may  be  partakers  of  his  holiness, 
and  thus  escape  endless  condemnation.  They  should 
therefore  in  trials  be  submissive,  search  out  and  forsake 
their  sins,  be  gratefid  for  mercies,  and  commit  themselves 
and  all  their  interests  to  his  gracious  disposal. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

2.  Ye  were  led;  by  Satan  and  those  under  his  influence. 
Tliese  words  seem  to  contain  the  reason  why  the  Corin- 
thians should  receive  instruction  respecting  spiritual  gifts. 
They  have  just  come  out  of  the  darkness  and  ignorance  of 
idolatry. 

3.  I  give  you  to  tmderstand;  he  begins  by  8tatin_g  a  gen- 
eral rule  wliereby  to  test  the  genuineness  of  all  alleged 
spiritual  gifts.  They  all  unite  in  putting  suiiremo  honor 
upon  Christ.  Compare  iJohn  4:1-3.  CallelhJc.msaccur.sed; 
as  an  impostor.  Can  say  that  Je.sus  is  the  Lord;  that  is,  say 
it  in  sincerity,  with  a  true  apiirehension  of  the  meaning  of 
such  a  confession ;  in  other  words,  acknowledge  and  receive 
him  as  the  Messiah.     Compare  Matt.  11:25-27;  U>:16,  17. 

4.  Diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same  Spirit;  throughout  the 
whole  of  this  chapter  the  ai>ostle  labors  to  show,  first,  the 
unity  of  these  gifts,  ;is  ;dl  liaving  the  same  Sjiirit  for  their 
author,  and  ;dl  conspiring  fur  (he  same  common  end,  tlie 
glory  of  (iod  in  tlie  edification  of  the  church;  secondly, 
their  variety,  as  liaving  different  outward  forms,  and  de- 
signed to  accomplish  diflerent  specific  objects. 

5.  Differences  tf  administrations ;  or  offices,  which  God 
has  established,  V(.t.  28-30. 

6.  Diversities  of  operations;  such  as  produce  in  diiferent 
cases  ditVerent  eft'ecfa. 

7.  The  manifestation  of  the  Spirit ;  in  the  gifts  which  ho 
bestowed.     To  prtfil  withal;  for  the  benefit  of  men. 

8-10.  Diversities  of  gifts  and  offices,  s])oken  of  in  verses 

1325 


Diversities  of  gifts 


1  CORINTHIANS  XII. 


in  the  lody  of  Christ. 


wisdom;*  to  auotlicr,  tlie  word  of  knowledge  by 
the  same  Spirit;'' 

9  To  another,  faith  by  tlie  same  Spirit ;''  to  an- 
Otlier,  the  gifts  of  healing  by  tlio  same  Spirit;* 

10  To  another,  the  worlving  of  miracles;  to  an- 
other, propiiccy ;  to  another,  discerning  of  spirits ;'' 
to  anotlier,  divers  kinds  of  tongues;'  to  anotlier. 
the  interpretation  of  tongues : 

11  But  all  these  worketii  tliat  one  and  the  self- 
same Spirit,  dividing  to  every  man  severally  as 
he  will.s 

12  For  as  tlie  body  is  one,  and  liatli  many  mem- 
bers, and  all  tlie  members  of  that  one  body,  being 
many,  are  one  body:  so  also  is  Christ.'' 

13" For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into 
one  body,'  whetlicr  n-e  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,"  wheth- 
er we  6e  bond  or  free;  and  have  been  all  made  to 
drink  into  one  Spirit^ 

14  For  the  body  is  not  one  member,  but  many. 

15  If  the  foot  shall  say.  Because  I  hm  not  the 
hand,  I  am  not  of  the  body  ;  is  it  tliereforc  not  of 
the  body? 

16  And  if  the  ear  shall  say,  Because  I  ain  not 
the  eye,  I  am  not  of  the  body;  is  it  therefore  not 
of  the  body? 

17  If  the  whole  body  were  an  eye,  vhere  were  the 
hearing?  If  the  whole  were  hearing,  where  were 
the  smelling? 

18  But  now  hath  God  set  the  members  every  one 
of  them  in  the  body,''  as  it  liath  pleased  him.' 


»  Isa.  11:3,3;  ch.  Sifi,  7.  b  ch.  13:2.  «  Eph.  2:8.  d  Mark  10:18;  Ja.s. 
5:14.  c  I  John  4:1.  '  Acts  2.1.  7-11.  J  vcr.  li.  h  ver.  a7.  iJohnl:lG; 
Eph.  4:5.     •  Or.  Grtrks.    J  John  7::)7-39.    k  ver.  2S.     1  Rom.  12:3;  ver.  11. 


4,  0.  Tlie  word  of  wisdom — the  word  of  knowledge ;  the  exact 
distinction  between  tliese  two  f^ifts  has  been  a  matter  of 
doiilit.  Probably  "  wisdom  "  refers  ratiior  to  the  practical, 
an<l  •'  knowloilge  "  to  tlie  doctriiuil  in  t'liristi;iiiily.  Accord- 
ing; to  this  view  "  tlie  word  of  wisdom  "  would  be  peculiar 
skill  in  explaining  to  men  the  way  of  life,  e.xhibitin;;  the 
nnitives  to  induce  them  to  walk  in  it,  and  |j;iiidiiiK  their 
conduct  in  difficult  situations:  "the  word  of  knowledge," 
ou  the  other  liand,  wmild  be  that  which  comes  from  a  deep 
insight  into  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  ineluding  an  un- 
derstanding of  the  prophecies,  types,  and  spiriliud  inclin- 
ing of  the  ri.'ri|>ture8,  and  their  true  application  and  fiiliil- 
meiit.  Faitli ;  in  a  special  sense.  We  are  probably  to 
understand  an  extraordinary  measure  of  conlidcnee  in  God, 
such  as  r;iisc8  its  jiossessor  above  tlie  fear  of  man,  and 
insjdres  him  with  the  lirm  hoiie  of  success  in  the  midst 
of  dangers,  dillieultieK,  and  hinderances.  Giflri  of  liealmp ; 
power  to  cure  diseases.  The  workinfr  nf  mimcica ;  in  a  gen- 
eral sense,  miracles  notcontined  to  the  hcidiiig  of  diseases. 
Prophecy;  the  inspired  utterance  of  (bid's  will  in  respect 
to  the  way  of  salvation,  including  also,  as  an  occasional 
part  of  it,  the  foretelling  of  future  events.  See  note  to 
ver.  28.  Discerning  of  spirits ;  whether  men  who  jirofessed 
to  exercise  spiritual  gifts,  were  guided  by  the  Holy  (iliost 
or  by  a  false  spirit,  ('omjiare  1  John  4:1.  Divers  kinds 
oflongiiet;  jiower  to  speak  various  languages.  Iiilcrpre- 
talion  of  tongius;  power  to  translate,  or  tell  the  meaning 
of  one  language  in  the  wonls  of  another. 

11.  Dividing  toeverij  man  ;  bistowing  different  gifts  and 
indilTerent  measures  upon  dilVerent  jiersons,  as  the  Holy 
Sl)irit  sees  best. 

\t.  So  also  is  Christ ;  the  head  of  liis  spiritual  body  the 
church.  All  its  infmbcrs,  like  the  dilfercnt  members  of 
the  liuinan  luxly,  are  united  to  one  head,  and  should  be,  by 
mutual  sympathy  and  :i(Tection,  united  to  one  anotlier. 

13.  By  one  Spirit;  the  Holy  Ghost.  To  drink  into  one 
Spirit;  or,  to  drink  of  one  Spirit.  By  his  operation  on 
our  hearto,  we  become  united  in  spirit  to  Christ  the  head 
1326 


19  And  if  they  were  all  one  member,  where  .*.  i).59. 
were  the  body? 

20  But  now  are  they  many  members,  yet  but  one 
body. 

21  And  the  eye  eannot  say  unto  the  hand,  I  have 
no  need  of  thee:  nor  again  the  head  to  the  feet,  I 
have  no  need  of  you. 

22  Nay,  inuidi  more  those  members  of  the  body, 
which  seem  to  be  more  feeble,  arc  necessary:™ 

23  And  those  niembas  of  the  body,  which  we 
think  to  be  less  honorable,  upon  these  we  bestow* 
more  abundant  honor;  and  our  uncomely  paris 
have  more  abundant  comeliness. 

24  For  our  comely  parts  have  no  need  :  but  God 
hath  tem]iercd  the  body  together,  having  given 
more  abundant  honor  to  that  imrt  which  lacked  : 

2.3  That  there  should  be  no  schism'  in  the  body; 
but  that  the  members  should  have  the  same  care 
one  for  another. 

26  And  whetlier  one  member  sufTor,  all  the  mem- 
bers suffer  with  it;  or  one  ineniber  be  honored,  all 
the  members  rejoice  with  it. 

27  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members 
in  particular." 

28  xVud  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first 
•apostles,"  secondarily  prophets,''  thirdly  teachers, 

after  that  miracles,''  then  gifts  of  healings,^  helps," 
governments,'  diversities''  of  tongues." 

29  ^irc  all  ajioslles?  are  all  prophets?  are  all 
teachers?  arc  all  workers''  of  miracles? 

m  Eccl.  4:9-12;  9:14,  15.  1  Or,  put  on.  I  Or,  division.  '  Eph.  .'i::)0. 
o  Luke  G:I3.  P  Acis  13:1.  1  ver.  10.  '  ver.  9.  ■  .\um.  11:17.  •  Heb. 
13:17,24.     iOt,  kinds.     uActs2:S-ll.     lOr,  powers. 

and  to  one  another  as  members  of  his  spiritual  body  the 
church. 

22-26.  Are  nccessurij;  the  strongest  and  most  prominent 
members  of  the  body  arc  not  in  all  cases  the  most  essen- 
tial to  liunian  life,  but  often  tlio.se  which  are  more  feeblo 
and  conceded.  Those  |iarts  which  need  it,  wc  cover  and 
adorn ;  and  we  never  think  of  neglecting,  much  less  of  de- 
spising any  part  because  it  is  feeble,  or  needs  special  care. 
(jod  has  BO  ordered,  tluit  if  one  member,  even  the  most 
feeble  or  uncomely,  sutler,  all  suft'cr  with  it ;  and  if  one 
rejoice,  or  is  in  health  and  vigor,  all  experience  the  benefit. 

"20.  No  schism;  no  division  or  contest  with  one  another. 
They  have  one  common  interest,  and  the  welfare  of  each 
is  for  the  good  of  all.  iSo  it  should  be  with  the  difl'ereiit 
members  of  the  clinrch  of  Christ. 

27.  Ye  are  the  liodij  if  Christ ;  ye,  the  whole  body  of  be- 
lievers, conslilute  tlie  one  spirilind  budy  of  Christ.  Mem- 
bers in  particuliir ;  eachdiidividual  is  a  member  of  Christ's 
Ixidy,  having  his  particular  ofliee  assigned  to  him  by  the 
one  coiiiiiKiii  Head. 

28-30.  'J'hese  were  different  odices  which  God  estalilislio J 
in  the  churches  at  first ;  referred  to  in  ver.  5.  Aposllis;  men 
who  had  seen  Christ  after  his  resurrection,  and  were  com- 
missioned by  him  to  testify  to  this  fact,  to  reveal  his  will, 
work  miracles  in  attestation  of  his  truth,  preach  the  gos- 
pel, gather  churches,  and  do  what  was  needful  for  the  C8- 
lablishnii'iit  of  Christianity.  l'roph(t<;  those  who  had  the 
gift  of  jirophecy.  The  apostli^  here  iissigns  them  a  rank 
next  to  the  apostles,  and  elsewhere  heimts  jirophccy  first 
among  siiiritiiiil  gifts.  ('Ii:i|i.  II :  1,  etc.  Like  the  propliets 
of  the  Old  Tc>s(;imfnt,  (hey  spoke  under  llic  immediate 
inspiration  of  the  Ibdy  Spirit,  Acts  2:17:  like  them,  they 
unfolded  to  men  the  counsels  of  God.  especially  as  eon- 
laiiied  in  the  way  of  salvation  through  Christ,  Acts  13:1,2; 
lj:32;  and  likethem  they  also  at  liiiies  foretold  future 
events.  Acts  11:'2H;  21:11.  Tiarhers ;  of  the  gospel.  The 
term  probably  includes  those  who  had  "the  word  of -wis- 
dom" and  "  the  word  of  knowli.dge,"  ver.  8.     Uelpsi  per- 


Chirity  cxcdkth 


1  CORINTHIANS  XIII. 


all  other  gifts. 


A.D.ii.     30  Have  all  the  gifts  of  healing?  do  all 
speak  with  tongues?  do  all  interpret? 

31  But  covet  earnestly  the  best  gifts:*  and  yet 
show  I  unto  you  a  more  excellent  way. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  All  fjifts.  2, 3  how  excellent  soever,  are  nothing  worth  without  charity. 
4  The  praises  thereof,  13  and  preference  before  hope  and  fuuh. 

TIIOUGPI I  speak  with  tlie  tongues  of  men  and 
of  angels,"  and  have  not  cliarity,''  I  am  become 
as  sounding  brass,  or  a  tinkling  cymbal. 

2  And  tiiougii  I  have  t/ie  gift  of  propliecy,''  and 
understand  all  mysteries,  and  all  knowledge;  and 
thougli  I  have  all  faith,  so  tliat  I  could  remove 
mountains,''  and  have  not  cliarity,  I  am  notJiing/ 

3  And  tliough  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed 
the  poor,"  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be 
burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it  protiteth  me 
notliing.'' 

i  Cliarity  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind;'  charity 


a  Matt.  5:6;  Luke  1(1:42;  ch.  14:39.  b  2  Cor.  12:4.  c  1  Pet.  4:8.  d  ch. 
14:1.  «  Matt.  17:20.  t  Matt.  21 :  19.  sMatt.6:1.2.  Ii  Matt  7:22,  23;  Jas. 
2:11.     i  IVov.  10:12.    J  Jas.  3:18.     •  Or.  is  iwl  rash,     k  Col.  2:18.     I  oh. 


SOUS  appointed  to  assist  in  visiting  tlie  sick,  instructing 
the  ignorant,  and  relieving  the  needy.  Governments ;  per- 
sons wlio  directed  tlie  external  order  of  the  church. 

31.  Coto(  ;  earnestly  desire.  They  h;id  coveted  what  was 
most  esteemed  by  men  ;  but  Paul  would  have  them  desire 
wliat  was  most  esteemed  by  God,  and  without  which,  what- 
ever else  they  might  have,  they  would  be  destitute  and 
wretched.  What  this  was  he  proceeded  to  show.  A  more 
excellent  way;  a  way  preeminently  excellent;  namely,  the 
w;iy  of  love,  which  he  proceeds  in  the  next  chapter  to 
point  out.  ' 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

7.  All  Christian  gifts  and  graces  come  from  the  Holy 
Spirit.  lie  bestows  different  measures  of  grace  and  means 
of  influence  upon  diUerent  individuals,  but  always  for  the 
wisest  reasons. 

11.  In  bestowing  miraculous  powers  upon  the  apostles 
and  first  teachers  of  Christianity',  in  calling  them  to  their 
office,  assigning  them  their  fields  of  lal)or,  fitting  them  for 
their  work,  and  giving  them  success,  the  Holy  Ghost  has 
shown  himself  to  be  God ;  and  with  the  Father  and  the 
Son,  entitled  to  divine  honors. 

18.  As  God  assigns  to  Christians  their  talents  and  oppor- 
tunities, their  condition  and  meitsure  of  influence,  as  will 
best  promote  his  glory  and  the  good  of  his  kingdom,  there 
is  no  more  reason  for  strife  among  them  as  to  which 
sli;iU  be  the  greatest,  than  among  the  members  of  the 
human  body.  The  perfection  and  highest  usefulness  of 
each  consists  not  in  his  possessing  the  talents,  exerting 
tlie  influence,  or  doing  the  duties  of  another,  but  in  rightly 
discharging  his  own. 

27.  As  all  have  a  common  interest,  and  are  parts  of  one 
great  whole,  ivU  should  have  a  common  sympattiy  ;  and  by 
fidelity  to  Christ  in  the  discharge  of  aiipropriate  duties, 
labor  for  the  general  good. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1.  Charilij;  love  to  God  and  to  men.  Sounding  brass; 
empty  and  worthless. 

2.  Giftnf  propheai;  see  note  to  chap.  12:28.  Understand 
all  mijslcncs,  and  all  knouiedf^e ;  have  the  power  of  unfold- 
ing ail  the  deep  counsels  of  (iod  as  contained  in  his  word, 
and  of  declaring  by  inspiration  what  has  been  hitherto 
concealed  from  the  world.   All  faitli  ;  the  fiiith  of  miracles. 

4.  Suffcretlilon<r;  with  patience  under  injuries,  hkind; 
not  to  friends  only,  but  to  foes.  Envielk  not ;  is  not  uneasy 
at  the  jirospcrity  of  others.  Vauntelk  not ;  does  not  boast 
of  its  own  excellence. 

5.  Seeketh  not  Iter  own;  as  the  chief  end;  is  not  selfish, 


envietli  not;^  charity  vaunteth  not  itself,"  is  not 
puffed  up,*" 

5  Dotli  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not 
her  own,'  is  not  easily  provoked,'"  tliiuketh  no  evil ; 

6  Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,"  but  rejoiceth  in*  tlie 
truth ; 

7  Beareth  all  things,"  believeth  all  things,"  hop- 
eth  all  things,"  endureth  all  things.'' 

8  Charity  never  faileth :  but  whether  t/ure  be 
prophecies,  they  shall  fail ;  whether  there  be 
tongues,  they  shall  cease  ;  whether  there  be  know- 
ledge, it  shall  vanish  away. 

9  For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part.' 

10  But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  then 
that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away.' 

11  When  I  was  a  child,  I  sjiake  as  a  child,  I  un- 
derstood as  a  child,  I  thought'  as  a  child:  lint 
when  I  became  a  man,  I  jmt  away  childish  things. 

12  For  now  we  see  through  a  glass,"  darkly;^ 
but  then  face  to  face:  now  I  know  in  part;  but 
then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known. 


10:21.  m  Frov.  11:17.  >>  Rom.  1:32.  t  Or,  ii'ilA.  o  Rom.  1.5:1.  p  Psa. 
119:08-  q  Rom.  8:24.  rj„b  13:15,  'ch.  8:2.  tlJohn3:2.  t  Or,  reasoned. 
u  a  Cor.  3:18.     S  Gr.  in  a  riihlle. 


but  benevolent.     Tliinketli  no  evil;  is  not  disposed  to  im- 
pute to  others  evil  designs. 

G.  Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity;  as  is  done  by  the  selfish,  when- 
ever iniquity  in  themselves  or  others  can  be  made  sub- 
servient to  their  own  personal  interests,  or  the  destruc- 
tion of  their  enemies.  Rejoiceth  in  the  truth  ;  in  the  reception 
and  propagation  of  it,  whoever  may  be  the  instruments, 
and  whatever  the  effects  on  us. 

7.  Beareth  all  //«'»,g.s,-  inflicted  by  others,  so  far  as  is  con- 
sistent with  duty,  witliout  being  disposed  to  publish  their 
misconduct  or  to  punish  it.  Believeth — Itopeth  all  things; 
is  disposed  to  put  the  best  construction  upon  men's  con- 
duct, and  hope  the  best  concerning  them.  Endureth  all 
things ;  which  it  may  be  called  to  suffer  in  the  path  of  dtity. 

8.  Never  faileth ;  it  will  continue  to  eternity;  while  tho 
gifts  of  foretelling  future  events,  or  of  miraculously  speak- 
ing with  ttmgues,  or  by  inspiration  understanding  and  com- 
municating divine  truth,  will  soon  pass  away  as  no  longer 
necessary. 

9.  We  knotv  in  part ;  that  is,  in  our  present  state.  We 
prophecy  in  part;  we  are  not  capable  of  either  receiving 
or  commnnicaling  truth  by  prophecy,  except  in  a  partial 
and  im]ierfect  waj'. 

10.  That  ivhich  isperfect;  the  perfect  knowledge  of  heaven. 
That  which  is  in  part;  our  present  imperfect  knowledge, 
with  our  present  imperfect  means  of  gaining  it  tlu-ough 
prophecies,  tongues,  etc. 

11.  ^  child — a  man;  as  the  conceptions  and  speech  of  a 
lisping  infiuit  differ  from  those  of  an  educated  and  full- 
grown  man,  so  do  our  highest  attainments  in  this  lile  dif- 
fer from  what  they  will  be  in  the  life  to  come.  Childish 
things;  the  imperfect  conceptions  and  reasonings  of  a 
child.  Sujiply,  So  in  heaven  we  slnill  put  away  our  im- 
perfect conceptions  of  God's  truth, and  our  imperfect  helps 
for  gaining  it. 

12.  Now;  in  our  ]U"esent  earthly  state.  We  see  through 
a  glats,  darldij ;  our  knowletlge  of  God  and  divine  truth  is 
indirect  and  obscure,  like  that  of  a  man  who  looks  not 
directly  on  the  object  itself,  but  only  on  a  dim  image  of  it, 
such  as  was  reflected  from  tlie  imperfect  mirrors  of  tho 
ancients.  But  then;  in  the  he;tvcnly  state.  Face  to  face; 
that  is,  immeiliately,  tind  clearly,  as  one  looks  on  the  face 
of  another.  Compare  Num.  12:8,  and  Exod.  3:i:ll,  Dent. 
;!4:10.  Shall  I  know;  God  and  divine  truth.  Even  as  also 
lam  known;  more  literally,  even  as  also  I  have  been  known; 
that  is,  known  by  God  in  the  present  state  ;  where  oin'  know- 
ledge of  him,  though  real  and  saving,  is  yet  so  faint  and 
imperfect,  tli;it  it  may  bo  better  said  that  we  are  known  of 
liod,  than  that  we  know  him.   Gal.  1 : 0.   The  apostle  plainly 

13:27 


Concerning  'prophecy  and 


1  CORINTHIANS  XIV. 


speaking  with  tongues. 


13  And  now  abideth  faith,"  hope,  charity,  these 
three ;   but  the  greatest  of  these  is  ciiarity. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  Prophecy  is  commendt'd.  2,  3.  4  and  preferred  before  speaking  witli 
tongues,  6  by  a  comparison  drawn  from  musical  instruments.  12  Both 
must  be  referred  to  edification,  2*2  as  to  tiieir  true  and  p:oper  end.  26 
The  true  use  of  each  is  tauijht.  27  and  the  abuse  taxed.  34  Women 
are  forbidden  to  speak  in  the  church. 

FOLLOW  after  charity,  and  desire  spiritual 
gijh;^  but  rather  tliat  ye  may  prophesy. 

2  For  he  that  spealceth  in  an  unknown  tongue,"^ 
speaketh  not  unto  men,  but  unto  God  :  for  no  man 
nndcrstandetir  him;'^  howbcit  in  the  spirit  ho 
speaketh  mysteries. 

3  But  he  tliat  prophesieth  speaketh  unto  men  to 
edification,  and  e.xiiortation,  and  comfort. 

4  He  that  speaketh  in  a.\\iinknown  tongue  edifictli 
liim.-elf;  but  he  that  prophesieth  edihetli  the churcli. 

5  I  would  tliat  ye  all  spake  with  tongues,  but 
rather  that  ye  prophesied :  for  greater  is  he  that 
prophesieth  than  he  that  speaketh  with  tongues, 
except  he  interpret,  that  the  church  may  receive 
edifying.'' 

G  Now,  brethren,  if  I  come  unto  you  speaking 
with  tongues,  what  shall  I  profit  you,  except  I  shall 
speak  to  you  either  by  revelation,  or  by  knowledge, 
or  by  prophesying,  or  by  doctrine?' 


«  Heb.  ln:.15,  30;  I  Pel.  1:21.     bRph.  1:3.    c  Ads  10:40.     •G^.lmrtth. 
li  Acts  22:0.     e  vor.  28.     '  ver.  2li.    t  Ur,  (unes.    s  Num.  10:9.    1  lir.  sii'iii;!- 


has  in  mind  not  the  extent  of  our  knowledge  in  the  heav- 
enly sttite,  but  rtitlicr  its  manner,  as  direct  and  clear. 

13.  Abideth;  according  to  some,  will  outlive  all  iiiiracu- 
lous  gifts;  according  to  others,  will  abide  for  ever:  i'aitk 
in  the  sense  of  confidence  in  God  and  Christ ;  and  liope,  a.s 
the  joyous  looking  forward  to  an  eternity  of  ever  increasing 
blesseilncss.  The  greatest  of  these  is  charity ;  not  only  in  itself, 
but  because  it  is  the  root  and  groin  id  of  the  other  two. 
IN.STULHTIOXS. 

1.  As  love  to  God  anil  to  men  is  the  best  gift  which  God 
bestows,  all  should  most  earnestly  desire  and  cherish  it 
in  themselves  and  in  otiiers. 

3.  Men  often  eagerly  jnu'sue  and  glory  in  what  will  be 
to  tliem  of  no  permanent  benefit.  Nothing  which  they  do 
or  i)OH.scss,  without  love  to  God  and  to  men,  will  save  them 
from  perdition. 

7.  Love  is  so  active  in  its  nature  and  marked  in  its  effects, 
that  none  need  or  ought  to  be  in  doubt  whether  they  pos- 
sess it. 

13.  Things  which  are  only  temporary  should  never  awa- 
ken our  deepest  interest  or  be  our  chief  concern.  Noth- 
ing should  do  this  that  will  not  last  for  ever. 

Cn.VPTER  XIV. 

It  is  plain  from  the  present  cliajiter  that  the  f'oriiithians 
measured  the  wortli  of  the  several  spiritual  gifts  not  so 
miicli  from  their  power  to  edify  the  church,  as  from  their 
adaptcdness  to  strike  the  beholders  with  womler.  For 
this  reason  they  were  ready  to  pint  the  gift  of  speaking  in 
tongues  above  that  of  ])rophccy.  This  erroneous  judg- 
ment the  apostle  now  [irocecds  to  correct. 

2.  Spatkclh  not  unto  men ;  conveys  to  tliem  no  instruction 
or  edification,  lint  unto  God;  wjio  underst-ands  his  spirit, 
and  with  whom  lie  thus  lias  communion.  Speiikilh  myste- 
ries; tlie  mysteries  of  tlie  gospel ;  it.s  deep  truths  which 
have  heretofore  been  liidden,  or  l)Ut  dimly  revealed. 

5.  Greater  is  he  Ihut  prophesieth  ;  because  Ids  office  is  more 
useful  to  the  church,  vir.  3.  Except  he  interpret ;  from  this 
and  ver.  13  it  is  manifest  that  the  two  gifts  of  sjieaking 
with  tongues  and  of  intcr|ireting  them,  chap.  12: 10,  might 
or  might  not  be  possessed  by  the  same  person.  When  a 
1328 


7  And  even  things  without  life  giving  A.n,  .19. 
sound,  whether  pijie  or  harp,  except  they  give  a 
distinction  in  the  soimds,*  how  shall  it  be  known 
what  is  piped  or  liar]icd  ? 

8  For  if  the  trumpet  give  an  uncertain  sound, 
who  shall  prepare  himself  to  the  battle  ?* 

9  So  likewise  ye,  except  ye  utter  by  the  tongue 
words  easy  to  be  understood,*  how  shall  it  be 
known  what  is  spoken?  for  ye  shall  speak  into 
the  air. 

10  There  are,  it  may  be,  so  many  kinds  of  voices 
in  the  world,  and  none  of  them  is  without  signifi- 
cation. 

11  Therefore  if  I  know  not  the  meaning  of  the 
voice,  I  shall  be  unto  him  that  sjicaketh  a  barba- 
rian,'' and  he  that  speaketh  shall  be  a  barbarian 
unto  me. 

12  Even  so  ye,  forasmuch  as  ye  are  zealous  of 
s])iritual  gif/s.^  seek  that  ye  may  excel  to  the  edi- 
fying of  the  church. 

13  Wherefore,  let  him  that  speaketh  in  an  wn- 
knovn  tongue  pray  that  he  may  i!iter]iret. 

1-1  For  if  1  pray  in  an  unknoun  tongue,  my  spirit 
praycth,  but  my  understanding  is  unfruitful. 

15  What  is  it  then?  I  will  ])ray  with  the  sjiirit,' 
and  I  will  pray  with  the  understanding  also:  I 
will  sing  with  the  spirit,^  and  I  will  sing  with  the 
understanding  also.'' 


rant,     h  Rnm.  1:14. 
ITsa.  47:7. 


!  Gr.  spirits.    ■  John  4:24.    J  Eph.  5:19|  Col.  3:18. 


man  had  the  gift  of  speaking  with  tongues  without  the 
power  to  interpret  them,  some  think  that  he  was  uiiablo 
to  understand  liis  own  utterances,  liut  the  meaning  seems 
rather  to  be,  that  though  lie  s]ioke  intelligibly  to  liimself, 
he  had  not  the  gift  of  interiireting  intelligibly  to  others. 
See  further  on  ver.  14. 

C.  Hij  revelation ;  so  as  to  make  to  you,a  revelation.  Ihj 
knowletlge ;  so  ;i8  to  communicate  to  you  knowledgr.  liy 
doctrine;  teachings  in  the  ordinary  way,  as  distinguislieci 
from  the  utterances  of  prophecy,  t'nless  he  declared  to 
them  truths  which  they  coujd  understand  and  apjily  to 
practice,  he  would  do  them  no  good. 

7.  A  distinction;  the  meaning  of  which  shall  be  under- 
stood by  tlio  tiearers. 

8.  An  uncertain  sound ;  the  meaning  of  wliich  is  not  un- 
derstood. 

y.  Easy  to  be  nnikrstonti ;  better,  as  the  margin,  signifi- 
cant, that  is,  to  the  hearers.  Sjicalc  into  theair ;  j'our  wtu'ds 
shall  be  thrown  away. 

10.  None  of  them  is  without  sif^ification ;  they  all  have 
meaning,  and  were  designed  to  be  understood  ;  each  lan- 
guage should  therefore  be  used  with  tiioso  only  who  under- 
stand it. 

11.  yj  borbnrinn  unto  me;  a  foreigner,  whose  language  is 
not  understood. 

12.  Arezealmis;  earnestly  desire.  Excel  tothe  cdifyin<^  of 
the  church  ;  abound  in  these  gifts  in  such  a  way  as  to  edify 
the  churcii. 

13.  Pray  thai  he  nwy  interpret ;  eillier,  that  (!od  will  add 
to  liim  tlie  gift  of  interiiretaliou  ;  or,  as  the  conti'.xt  seems 
rather  to  require,  ]iray  in  such  a  way  that  lie  may  inter- 
pret; namely,  by  adding  intrrpretation  to  his  prayer. 

14.  71/;/  spirit  prayrlli ;  goclh  forth  to  tiod  in  lioly  and 
fervent  desires.and  is  thus  edified,  ver.  4.  M y  umlerstnntl- 
ing  is  unfruitful ;  according  to  one  view,  it  liears  no  fruit 
to  myself,  since  it  in  not  enlightened  by  what  I  utter  ;  ac- 
i:ording  to  anotlier  and  iiref'crable  view,  it  bears  no  fniit 
to  otliers,  since  it  communicates  nothing  to  them  in  an 
intelligible  w,ay. 

I.*).  With  the  understanding ;  the  right  use  of  it,  in  words 
which  tiie  hearers  understand. 


rroihecy  p.cfened 


1  CORINTHIANS  XIV. 


lo  the  gift  of  tonguc.t. 


A.  I). M.  16  Else  when  thou  slialt  bless  with  tlic 
spirit,  how  sliall  he  that  occupietii  the  room  of 
the  unlearned  say  Amen  at  thy  ffivinp;  of  thanks," 
seeinfc  he  uuderstandeth  not  what  thou  sayest? 

17  For  thou  verily  givest  thanks  well,  but  the 
other  is  not  edilied. 

18  I  thank  my  God,  I  speak  with  tongues  more 
than  ye  all: 

m  Yet  in  the  church  I  had  rather  speak  five 
words  with  my  understanding,  that  hi/  my  voice  I 
might  teach  others  also,  than  ten  thousand  words 
i.-i  an  unknown  tongue. 

'20  Brethren,-be  not  children  in  understanding:'' 
liowbeit,  in  malice  be  ye  children,''  but  in  under- 
standing be  men.*'' 

21  h\  the  law  it  is  written,''  With  men  o/"  other 
tongues  and  other  lips  will  I  speak  unto  this  peo- 
ple; and  yet  for  all  that  will  they  not  hear  me, 
saith  the  Lord.'' 

22  Wherefore  tongues  arc  for  a  sign,''  not  to 
them  that  believe,  but  to  them  that  believe  not:" 
but  prophesying  servdh  not  for  them  that  believe 
not,  hut  for  them  which  believe. 

23  If  therefore  the  whole  church  be  come  together 
into  one  place,  and  all  speak  with  tongues,  and* 
there  come  in  those  that  are  unlearned,  or  unbeliev- 
ers, will  they  not  say  that  ye  are  mad  ?' 

24  But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there  come  in  one 
that  believeth  not,  or  one  unlearned,  he  is  convinced 
of  all,  he  is  judged  of  all : 

2.5  And  thus  are  the  secrets  of  his  heart  made 
manifest;  and  so  falling  down  on  his  face  he  will 
worslap  God,  and  report  that  God  is  in  you  of  a 
truth.J 


»  Ch.  11:24.  b  Eph.  4:IJ,  15;  Heb.  6:1-3;  aPet.  3:18.  uPsa.  131:2; 
Matt. 13:3:  Rom. 16:19;  lPet.2:2.  '  Gc.  pfrfert.  or  o/a  ripe  age.  <i  Psa. 
Il<):n9.  ejohn  10:34.  <  Jsa.  2S:11.  12.  S  Mark  16:17;  Acts  2:6,  etc. 
I'  1  Tim.  1:0.     i  Acts  2:13.    j  Isa.  45:14  ;  Zech.  6:2:3.     k  ver.  6.    1  ver.  40. 


16.  Ji/css  with  the  spirit;  praise  God  in  language  which 
others  do  not  understand. 

20.  Not  children ;  not  carried  away  with  sound  and  show, 
hut  men  who  look  not  to  show,  but  to  the  edification  of 
their  brethren. 

21.  It  is  written;  Isa.  28:11,  12.  Other  tongues;  foreign 
languages.  In  this  passage  Jehovah  threatens  the  men 
who  treated  with  scorn  the  messages  of  their  own  proph- 
i.ts,  who  spoke  to  them  in  their  own  language,  that  he  will 
.speak  to  tliem  by  the  lip.s  of  foreigners;  namely,  by  giv- 
ing them  up  to  their  dominion.  The  point  on  which  the 
apostle  insists  is,  that  here  foreign  tongues  are  made  a 
sign  to  unbelievers. 

23.  All  speak  witli.  tongues;  in  foreign  languages  only. 
Ye  are  mad;  appear  deranged  to  him  who  does  not  under- 
stand you. 

24.  All  prophesy;  in  language  intelligible  to  those  who 
hear.  He  is  convinced;  convicted  of  sin,  and  condemns  his 
former  course  of  life. 

25.  Falling  down  on  his  face;  as  penitents  were  wont  to 
do  in  confessing  their  sins  and  imploring  mercy.  In  you; 
;unong  you,  in  your  assembly. 

26.  Come  together ;  in  public  assemblies  for  instruction 
and  worship.  Every  one ;  one  had  a  psalm  to  sing  ;  another 
a  doctrine  or  truth  to  inculcate;  another  a  discourse  to 
deliver ;  another  an  interpretation  to  give ;  ;nid  all  were 
eager  to  speak,  not  considering  that  the  object  of  each 
should  be  to  do  good,  and  the  exercises  should  be  so  con- 
ducted as  to  be  suited  to  this  end. 

27.  By  Hdo  or — three;  let  not  more  than  two  or  three 
speak  at  the  same  meeting,  and  these  not  together,  but  in 
succession ;  and  let  some  one  as  they  proceed  give  the 
meaning,  that  all  the  hearers  may  understand  it. 

84 


26  How  is  it  then,  brethren?  when  ye  come  to- 
gether, every  one  of  yon  hath  a  psalm,  hath  a  doc- 
trine, liath  a  tongue,  hath  a  revelation,  hath  an 
interpretation.''  Let  all  things  be  done  unto  edi- 
fying.' 

27  If  any  man  speak  in  an  unknown  tongue,  kt 
it  be  by  two,  or  at  the  most  hy  three,  and  that  by 
course;  and  let  one  interpret. 

28  But  if  there  be  no  interpreter,  let  him  keep 
silence  in  the  church ;  and  let  him  speak  to  him- 
self, and  to  God. 

29  Let  the  prophets  speak  two  or  three,"  and  let 
the  other  judge. 

30  If  any  thing  be  revealed  to  another  that  sit- 
teth  by,  let  the  first  hold  his  peace." 

31  For  ye  may  all  prophesy  one  liy  one,  that  all 
may  learn,  and  all  may  be  comforted. 

32  And  the  spirits  of  tlie  prophets  arc  subject  to 
the  prophets." 

33  For  God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion,*  but 
of  peace,  as  in  all  churches  of  the  saints.'' 

34  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the  churches :'' 
for  it  is  not  permitted  unto  them  to  speak ;  but  they 
are  commanded  to  be  under  obedience,"'  as  also  saith 
the  law.** 

35  And  if  they  will  learn  any  thing,  let  them  ask 
their  husbands  at  home :  for  it  is  a  shame  for  women 
to  speak  in  the  church. 

36  What !  came  the  word  of  God  out  from  you  ? 
or  came  it  unto  you  only  ?' 

37  If  any  man  think  himself  to  be  a  prophet,  Or 
spiritual,"  let  him  acknowledge  that  the  things 
that  I  write  unto  you  are  the  commandments  of 
the  Lord. 


m  ver.  39;  IThess.  5:19,  20.  nJob:J2:U.  "lJolin4:l.  t  Gr.  (Kiniid,  or 
unriuietness.  p  ch.  11:16.  q  1  Tim.  2:11,  12.  r  Eph.  5:22j  Titus  2:5; 
1  Pet.  3:1.  »  Gen.  3:16;  Num.  30:3-12;  Esth.  1:20.  I  ch.  4:7.  "  2  Cor. 
10:7;   ljohn4:0. 

28.  Let  him  ;  who  can  speak  only  in  an  unknown  tongue. 
Speak  to  himself;  in  silent  meditation  and  prayer,  but  not 
utter  in  public  what  his  hearers  will  not  understand. 

29.  T/ie  other;  in  the  original,  tlie  others:  those  who 
hear,  let  them  .judge  whether  what  thej"  hear  is  according 
to  the  word  of  (J-od. 

30.  Be  revealed;  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  one  who  is  not 
speaking,  as  a  thing  which  he  ought  to  declare.  Hold  his 
peace ;  so  that  aU  shall  have  an  opportunity  to  speak  in 
succession. 

::!1.  Ye  may  all  prophesy;  each  may  speak  in  his  tiu-n,  and 
thus  all  be  boucfitea. 

32.  Are  subject ;  they  were  able  to  control  themselves  in 
this  matter.  Though  they  were  insjiired,  there  was  no 
need  of  more  than  one  speaking  at  a  time. 

33.  God  is  not  the  author  of  corfmion  ;  the  Holy  Hiiirit,  by 
his  inspiration,  does  not  lead  to  it,  nor  docs  he  apjirove  it. 
All  under  his  influence  can  and  ought  t6  avoid  it.  Of  peace; 
order,  harmony,  and  love,  as  is  manifest  in  all  well-regu- 
lated churches. 

31.  In  the  churches;  in  the  public  religious  assemblies. 
33.  If  they  wilt  learn  anything ;  beyond  what  they  can  by 

hearing.  /(  is  a  shame;  because  it  is  stepphig  out  of  their 
proper  place,  assuming  what  does  not  belong  to  them,  and 
acting  in  this  respect  as  if  they  were  men.  It  is  doing 
what  Gcid  forbids. 

3ii.  What .'  were  j-ou  the  first  to  receive  or  spread  the 
gospel,  that  you.  in  the  above-mentioned  things,  act  so 
dift'orently  from  other  churches,  as  if  you  were  wiser  than 
they?  By  no  means.  Other  churches  have  been  much 
longer  establi.shcd,  have  had  greater  experience,  and  are 
more  worthy  of  imitation. 

37.  Prophet,  or  spiritual ;  under  the  special  guidance  of 


Tlie  resurrection  and 


1  CORINTHIANS  XV. 


ap'pcarings  of  Christ. 


38  But  if  any  raaa  be  ignorant,  let  liiin  be  igno- 
rant. 

39  Wherefore,  brethren,  covet  to  prophesy,  and 
forbid  not  to  speak  with  tongues. 

40  Let  all  things  be  done  decently  and  in  order." 

CHAPTER  XV. 

3  By  Christ's  resurrection,  12  he  proveth  the  necessity  of  our  resurrec- 
tion, a^'ainst  all  such  as  deny  the  resurrecdon  of  the  body.  21  The 
fruit,  35  and  manner  thereof;  -"il  and  of  the  changiug  of  tliem  that 
shall  be  found  alive  at  the  hist  day. 

MOREOVER,  brethren,  I  declare  unto  you  the 
gospel  which  I  preached  unto  you,''  which 
also  ye  have  received,'^  and  wherein  ye  stand  ;''  _ 

2  By  which  also  ye  are  saved,  if  ye  keep'  in 
memory  what*  I  preached  unto  you,"  unless  ye 
have  believed  in  vain.' 

3  For  I  delivered  unto  you  first  of  all  that  which 
I  also  received,  how  that  Christ  died  for  our  sins 
according  to  the  scriptures;" 

4  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again 
the  third  day  according  to  the  scriptures:" 

a  Ver.  2(>,  33.  b  Gal.  1 : 1 1 .  c  ch.  1 : 4-9.  d  1  Pet.  5: 12-  •  Or,  holdfast. 
IGl.  iu  what  spterh.  eHeb.3:(i.  f  Gal.  .1:4.  r  Gen.  3: 10;  Psa.  aJ:  1,  etc. ; 
Isl.  53:1,  etc.;  Dan.  9:-.i();  Zcch.  13:7;  Luke  24:-.>li,  46.     !■  Psa.  16:10;  Hos. 

the  Holy  Gliost,  and  qualified  to  judse  in  such  matters. 
La  him  ackmncMf^e;  if  ho  does  not,  it  will  show  that  he 
does  not  tViink  rif^lit- 

38.  Be  ignorant;  of  the  fact  that  the  directions  wliicli 
Paul  gave  were  tlie  commandments  of  God.  Let  him  be 
ignorant;  it  was  not  best  for  tliem  to  debate  tlie  matter 
further,  but  leave  him  to  moot  the  consequences  of  his 
conduct. 

.39.  Covet  toprophemj;  as  the  best  gift.  Forbid  not  tospcak 
with  tongues;  as  a  gift  good  in  its  proper  place,  and  when 
exercised  in  a  proper  way. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Endowments  are  valuable  in  proportion  as  they  are 
useful,  anil  it  sliould  be  the  object  of  all,  in  the  exercise  of 
thoir  talents,  to  do  good. 

9.  All  the  services  in  public  worship  should  bo  in  lan- 
guage understood  by  the  worshippers. 

1.').  The  object  of  a  wise  and  good  minister  is  not  to  dis- 
play himself,  but  to  impart  instruction,  and  thus  bo  use- 
ful to  those  who  hear  him.  Of  course,  he  will  not  conduct 
any  part  of  the  iiublic  service  in  a  language  which  his 
hearers  do  not  unilerstand. 

20.  To  be  carrieil  away  or  greatly  influenced  by  sound, 
external  display,  orany  thing  pertaining  to  m;niner  merely, 
without  enlightening  the  mind  or  ]iurifying  the  heart,  is 
childish,  unworthy  the  character  of  men,  especially  of 
professed  Christians. 

25.  The  truths  of  the  gospel  plainly  and  kindly  declared, 

are  often  so  attended  by  the  inlluci s  of  the  Holy  (Ihost, 

that  persons  who  come  out  of  curiosity,  or  to  ridicule  the 
preacher  and  scoff  at  religion,  are  convictcil  of  sin,  led  to 
condemn  themselves,  ami  join  with  those  whom  they  came 
to  oppose  in  worshipping  (Jod. 

28.  b'niess  a  minister  speak  in  a  language  which  Ids 
hearers  understand,  or  some  one  interpret  to  them  his 
meaning,  it  is  the  will  of  (!od  that  he  should  not  speak  at 
all.  Suppose  he  speaks  in  Latin,  ami  says,  "This  is  not 
an  unknown  tongue,  but  is  perhaps  the  best  known  in  the 
world;"  if  his  hearers  do  not  umleistiind  it,  he  sacriliccs 
their  good  and  violates  the  revealed  will  of  God. 

.■$2.  The  Holy  Spirit  by  his  induinces  does  not  lessen  a 
man's  control  over  himself,  but  increases  it, and  leads  him 
to  do,  not  things  which  are  unsuitable,  but  those  which 
in  themselves  are  right,  and  in  their  tendency  useful. 

57.  .Spiritually  minded  iierHons,  who  are  influenced  by 

the  Holy  (;host,  and  rightly  understand  truth  and  duty, 

will  acknowledge  that  the  directions  given  by  i'aiil  about 

miniatcre  speaking  in  a  language  known  to  their  licarers, 

1330 


5  And  that  he  was  seen  of  Cephas,  then  a.  d.  59. 
of  the  twelve:' 

G  After  that,  he  was  seen  of  above  five  hundred 
brethren  at  once ;  of  whom  the  greater  part  remain 
unto  this  present,  but  soiue  are  fallen  asleep. 

7  After  that,  he  was  seen  of  James;  then  of  uU 
the  apostles. 

8  And  last  of  all  he  was  seen  of  me  also,J  as  of 
one  born  out  of  due  time.* 

9  For  I  am  the  least  of  the  apostles,*  that  am  not 
meet  to  be  called  an  apostle,  because  I  persecuted 
the  church  of  God. 

10  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am: 
and  his  grace  which  -was  b(sfmv(d  upon  nie,  was 
not  in  vain;  but  I  labored  more  abundantly  than 
they  all :  yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which 
was  with  me.' 

11  Therefore  whether  it  were  I  or  they,  so  wc 
preach,  and  so  ye  believed. 

12  Now  if  Christ  be  ])roached  that  he  rose  from 
the  dead,  how  say  some  among  you  that  there  is 
no  resurrection  of  the  dead?"' 


a-.i.     i  Luke  -24:34,  etc.    J  Acts  9:17.     1  Or,  an  abortive,    k  Eph.  3:7,  8. 
1  .Matt.  lUtaU.    •"  Acts  -ia-.-i. 


about  women's  keeping  silence  in  the  church,  and  about 
the  avoidance  of  all  tumult  and  confusion  in  iiublie  wor- 
ship, are  commandments  of  God  whicli  all  should  obey. 

CHATTER   XV. 

I.  /  declare  unto  ijou  llir  gospel ;  I  make  once  more  a  state- 
ment of  the  gosjjol.  He  says  this  with  especial  reference 
to  one  of  its  great  foundation  doctrines,  tlie  resurrection 
of  Christ,  and,  in  him.  of  all  his  believing  people.  Wherein 
tjcxtand;  upon  which  your  church  is  founded,  and  upon 
whicli  all  your  hopes  rest. 

.'i.  Received;  by  inspiration,  and  directly  from  the  I/Ord 
.lesus  Christ.  Christ  died  for  our  sins;  on  .account  of 
them;  as  an  atoning  sacrifice,  the  just  for  tlie  unjust. 
1  Pet.  :i:18.  The  Scriptures;  as  foretold  of  him  in  the' Old 
rcstameiit.  Psa.  22:1-31;  Isa.  53:1-9;  Dan.  9:24-26; 
Zech.  12:10;  13.7. 

4.  The  Scriptures ;  Psalm  IG:  10,  11 ;  IsaiahSS:  10-12  ;  llos. 
G:2. 

5.  Cephas;  Peter.     Tteelve ;  the  apostles. 

C.  Urelliren;  disciples  of  Christ.  i^emnHi;  are  now  alive. 
Fallen  asleep;  are  dead. 

7.  James;  supposed  to  he  the  James  who  wrote  the 
epistle,  and  who  was  called  James  the  less. 

8.  Out  of  due  time;  as  by  an  untimely  birth.  A  jirover- 
bial  expression  to  denote  nnworthiness. 

9.  The  least  of  the  apostles;  least  worthy,  or  most  unwor- 
thy and  guilty.  Eph.  3:8.  Not  meet;  not  worthy,  or  fit. 
Actstl:!  ;  2(;:9-n. 

10.  Not  in  vain;  it  was  not  inoperative;  it  led  me  to 
labor  more  than  theij  all ;  than  any  nf  the  apostles.  Nut  I; 
iKjt  on  account  of  any  thing  spiritually  good  naturally  in 
him.     .Matt.  10:20. 

II.  7'/;ci/,- the  other  apostles.  Ifcpj-McA  ,•  the  same  great 
truths — Christ  criiciliid  for  the  sinsof  men,  and  raised  for 
their  justification.     Hom.  •I:2.'i. 

12.  Is  no  resurrection  tfltie  dead?  no  such  thing  as  a  res- 
itrrcction  of  the  dead?  The  men  against  whose  error  the 
apostle  wrote  denieil,  doubtless  on  philosophical  grounds, 
the  |)Ossibility  of  a  resurrection  from  the  dead.  He  jiro- 
cceds  to  show,  first,  that  such  a  denial  involves  the  denial 
of  (Jlirist's  resurrection,  and  consequently  of  the  gospel 
itself,  with  all  the  hopes  that  are  built  on  it,  verses  13-19  ; 
29-32  ;  sectmdly,  that  the  certiiin  fact  of  Christ's  resurrec- 
tion is  an  earnest  ;ind  )dedge  of  our  resurrection  also, 
verses  20-28.  He  then  proceeds  further  to  meet  (d)jec- 
tions  to  the  doctrine,  and  make  various  explanations  and 
revelations  concerning  it. 


The.  certainty  of 


1  CORINTHIAXS  XV. 


believers'  resii rrediun. 


A.  D,  59.     13  But  if  tlicre  be  no  resurrection  of  the 
dead,  then  is  Ciu-isl  not  risen:" 

14  And  if  Christ  be  not  risen,"  tlicn  is  our  preach- 
ing vain,  and  j'our  faith  is  also  vain. 

15  Yea,  and  we  are  found  false  witnesses  of  God; 
because  we  have  testified  of  God  tliat  he  raised  up 
Christ:  whom  ho  raised  not  up,  if  so  be  that  the 
dead  rise  not. 

16  For  if  the  dead  rise  not,  then  is  not  Christ 
raised. 

17  And  if  Christ  be  not  raised,*^  your  faith  is 
vain;  ye  are  yet  in  your  sins. 

18  Then  they  also  which  are  fallen  asleep  in 
Christ  are  perished. 

11)  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ, 
we  are  of  all  men  most  miseraljle.'' 

20  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,""  and 
become  the  hrst-fruits  of  them  that  slept.' 

21  For  since  by  man  came  death,^  by  man  came 
also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.'' 

22  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ 
shall  all  be  made  alive. 

23  But  every  man  in  his  own  order:  Christ  the 
first-fruits;  afterward  tlicy  that  arc  Christ's  at  his 
coming.' 

24:  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he  shall  have  de- 
livered up  the  kingdom  to  God,  even  the  Father  ;J 
when  he  shall  have  put  down  all  rule,  and  all  au- 
thority and  power. 


a 

1  Thess 

4:11 

t>  Acts 

17:31.      c  Rom.  4: 

■i3.      J  J 

ohn  lli: 

i;  ch. 

4:l:j; 

2'l 

im.  .T:l'- 

e 

?et.  1  ::: 

.      f  Acts  2(i: 

«;  i; 

n\.  1:13 

Rov.   1 

:.5.      g 

Rom. 

."i:! 

2,  17.     h 

.lolin 

l^-ii.     i 

1  Thess    4:15 

-17. 

Dan.  7 

14,  27. 

kPsa 

2:6- 

10; 

4.3:  H-G; 

UC 

1;    Eph. 

l:-.;j;    Hcb.  1 

:i;i. 

1  Hos.   1 

i:14;    ■- 

T.m. 

1:UJ; 

14.   Vain ;  useless,  because  not  true. 

17.  Your  faitli  is  vaui ;  it  cannot  save  you.  Ye  are  yet  in 
your  sins;  uii])ardoned,  because  no  one  can  be  pardoned 
except  through  the  atonement  and  righteousness  of  Christ, 
which,  if  he  has  not  risen  from  the  dead,  never  has  been 
aecejited  ;  and  tlierc  is  no  way  of  salvation,  except  by  one's 
own  works,  which  to  sinful  man  is  impossible. 

18.  Fallen  asleep  in  Clirist;  died  believing  in  Christ's  res- 
urrection, and  expecting  to  be  saved  through  him.  Are 
perished;  since  no  salvation  has  been  provided  for  them, 
tliey  have  died  under  the  curse  of  God's  law,  which  is  the 
death  of  the  soul. 

10.  Most  miserable;  because  we  have  exposed  ourselves 
to  all  manner  of  sufferings  and  hardships  to  no  purpose, 
and  all  our  hopes  are  destined  to  end  in  disappointment. 

20.  Now  is  Clirist  risen;  the  apostle  comes  now  to  the 
triumphant  assertion  of  the  fact,  the  proof  of  which  he 
h:is  already  stated.  First-fruits ;  a  pledge  that  all  united 
by  faith  to  Christ  would  rise  again.  Them  that  slept;  the 
pious  dead.  Elsewhere  he  affirms  the  resurrection  of  both 
the  just  and  unjust,  .\cts  24:ir>;  but  here  he  dwells  more 
particularly  on  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  in  Christ. 

21.  By  man;  Adam,     liif  man;  .Jesus  Christ. 

22.  In  Adam  all  die  ;  all  having  become  sinners  through 
him,  as  is  stated  in  Itom.  5:12,  17-19.  In  Christ  shall  all  be 
made  alive;  ho  shall  rai.se  to  life  the  whole  human  family, 
.Jolui  5:28,  20  ;  but  here  the  apostle  has  especially  in  view 
the  resurrection  of  the  righteous. 

2:i.  Christ  Ihefirsl-fruits;  he  is  the  first  who  rose  from 
the  dead  to  die  no  more  ;  and  his  resurrection  was  a  sure 
idedge  that  his  people  at  his  coming  will  lilccwise  rise,  to 
live  and  reign  with  him  for  ever.  Matt.  25:31,  Hi ;  John 
14:19. 

24.  Tliecnd;  of  the  present  state  of  things— the  day  of 
judgment.  Delieeredvpthe  kingdom ;  thatwhieh  he  received 
as  Mediator,  having  completed  the  work  for  which  he  re- 
ceived it.  Put  down  all  rule — authority — power;  conquered 
all  enemies. 

25.  Mmt  reign ;  as  Mediator  till  then,  in  order  to  fulfil 


2.5  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  his  feet.'' 

26  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is 
death.' 

27  For  he  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet."" 
But  when  he  saith,  All  things  are  put  under  Mm,  it 
is  manifest  that  he  is  excepted  which  did  put  all 
things  under  him. 

28  And  when  all  things  shall  be  suVidued  unto 
him,''  then  shall  the  Son  also  himself  be  subject 
unto  him  that  ])ut  all  things  under  him,°  that  God 
may  bo  all  in  all. 

29  Else  what  shall  thoy  do  which  are  baptized 
for  the  dead,P  if  the  dead  rise  not  at  all '?  why  are 
they  then  baptized  for  the  dead  ? 

30  And  why  stand  wc  in  jeopardy  every  hour"?'' 

31  I  protest  by  your"  rejoicing  which  I  have  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,''  I  die  daily." 

32  If  after^  the  manner  of  men  I  have  fought 
with  beasts  at  Ephesus,  what  advantageth  it  me, 
if  the  dead  rise  not?  let  us  eat  and  drink;  for 
to-morrow  we  die.' 

33  Be  not  deceived  :  evil  communications  corrupt 
good  manners." 

3-1  Awake  to  righteousness,  and  sin  not;'  for 
some  have  not  the  knowledge  of  God :  I  speak  this 
to  your  shame. '^ 

35  But  some  man  will  say,  How^  are  the  dead 
raised  up?''  and  with  wiiat  body  do  they  come? 


Rev. 20:14  mPsi.S:!!.  n  I'iiil.  3:21 .  och.ll:3.  P  Rom.  (i::!,  4.  q  2  Cor. 
11:26.  •  Some  read,  OHr.  r  J^hi!.3;3.  s  Rom.  8:36.  t  Or,  to  speak  o/Vifr. 
I  Eccl.  2:24;  Isi.  22:13.  uch.5:6.  v  Rom.  1:3:11 ;  Eph.  5: 14.  w  ch.  6:3. 
»  Ezek.  37:3. 


the  predictions  of  scripture  coucermng  him.  Psa.  2:6-12; 
46:3-7;  110:1. 

2G.  Death;  Christ  will  abolish  or  destroy  tliis,when,atthe 
general  resurrection, he  delivers  his  people  from  its  power. 

27.  Ik  saith;  Psa.  8:0.     He;  God. 

28.  The  Son — he  subject ;  the  chief  object  of  his  Media- 
torsliip  will  then  have  been  accomplished. 

20.  This  verse  is  connected  in  argument  with  verse  19. 
Else;  if  there  is  no  resurrection,  what  is  the  advantage  of 
being  baptized  and  exposed  to  innumeriible  dangers,  and 
even  to  death  itself,  in  hope  of  one  '?  Baptized  for  the  dead ; 
according  to  some,  the  meaning  is  this:  Why,  when  many 
for  their  attachment  to  Christ  are  put  to  death,  do  multi- 
tudes in  the  face  of  death  openly  profess  by  baptism  to  be 
his  disciples,  and  thus  take  their  place '! 

30.  And  win) ;  do  we  who  have  professed  this  continue. 
without  wavering,  to  brave  checri'ully  ;ill  its  dangers? 

31.  I  protest ;  solemiilj'  afiirm.  I  die  daily;  am  daily  ex- 
posed to  death,  on  account  of  my  attachment  to  Christ  as 
a  crucified  and  risen  Saviour. 

32.  Fought  with  beasts ;  exposed  myself  to  instant  and  vio- 
lent death.  Let  us  eat  and  drink;  if  there  is  no  resurrection 
to  eternal  life,  let  us  avoid  all  the  pain  and  enjoy  all  the 
pleasures  we  can  now,  according  to  the  maxim  of  those 
who  live  only  for  the  present  world. 

33.  Be  not  deceived;  by  the  false  opinions  and  reasoning 
of  wicked  men.  Evil  communications ;  familiar  intercourse 
with  the  wiekcMl  is  eornipting.  This  was  :i  sentiment  ex- 
pressed by  Meuander,  a  Greek  poet,  whom  Paul  iiuoted. 

31.  Awake  to  righteousness  ;  the  origiiud  is  very  strong: 
awake  out  of  your  infoxieation.namelj',  with  sin  and  error. 
liCt  the  ccuiiiinty  of  retribution  arouse  ymi  to  dut}',  and 
restrain  you  from  sin:  for  some  among  you  have  not  that 
knowledge  of  God  which  leads  them  to  believe  and  obey 
him.  To  ijour  shame ;  for  they  had  means  and  opportuni- 
ties to  know  and  do  better. 

:i5.  Some  man ;  who,  because  he  cannot  undcrsl;iud  the 
manner  in  which  men  will  be  raised,  or  with  what  bodies, 
concludes  there  will  be  no  resurrection. 

1331 


The  manner  of 


1  CORINTHIANS  XV. 


lelxvsn'  resurrection. 


36  T/wu  fool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quick- 
ened, except  it  die:" 

37  And  that  winch  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not 
tliat  body  tliat  siiall  be,  but  bare  grain,  it  may 
chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  grain: 

38  But  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it  liath  pleased 
him,  and  to  every  seed  his  own  body.'' 

39  All  flesli  is  not  the  same  Ilesli :  but  there  is  one 
kind  o/" flesh  of  men,  another  flesh  of  beasts,  another 
of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds. 

40  T/icre  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  ter- 
restrial:''  but  the  glory  of  tlic  celestial  is  one.  and 
the  glory  of  tiie  terrestrial  is  another. 

41  There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,''  and  another 
glory  of  the  moon,  and  another  glory  of  the  stars ; 
for  one  star  differetli  from  another  star  in  glory. 

42  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is 
sown  in  corruption ;  it  is  raised  in  incorruption : 

43  It  is  sown  in  dishonor;  it  is  raised  in  glory;'' 
it  is  sown  in  weakness;  it  is  raised  in  power: 

44  It  is  sown  a  natural  body;  it  is  raised  a  spir- 
itual body.  There  is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is 
a  spiritual  body."^ 

45  And  so  it  is  written,  Tiic  first  man  Adam  was 
made  a  living  soul;''  the  last  Adam  icas  made  a 
quickening  spirit.'' 

46  Howljcit,  that  ivas  not  first  which  is  spiritual, 
but  that  which  is  natural ;  and  afterward  that 
which  is  spiritual. 

»  John  li:-H.  b  Geii.  1:11,  12.  «  Uen.  1:1U.  J  I'sa.  19:4.  o.  e  Dan. 
l-2;3i  Matt.  13:43;  Phil.  3:21.  <  Luke  21:31;  John  2U:I9,  ai.  e  Gen.  2:7. 
1'  John  5:21;  C:-*).  40.      ■  John  3:l:i.  31.     J  Rom.   U.-iO.    k  John  3:3,  5. 


47  The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy:  a. u.sc. 
the  second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heaveu.' 

48  ^5  is  the  earthy,  such  are  tliey  also  that  arc 
earthy:  and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are  they  also 
tliat  are  heavenly. 

49  And  as  we  have  borne  tlie  image  of  the  earthy, 
we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of  tlic  licavi'uly.-' 

50  Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesli  and  blood 
cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God ;''  neither  doth 
corruption  inherit  incorruption. 

51  Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery:  We  shall  not 
all  sleep,  but  we  sliall  all  be  changed,' 

52  In  a  moment,  in  the  fwinivling  of  an  eye,  at 
the  last  trump:'"  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,"  and 
tlie  dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,"  and  we 
sliall  be  changed. 

53  For  this  corruptible  must  ]iut  on  incorruption, 
and  this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality.'' 

54  So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on 
incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have  jiut  on 
immortality,  then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the 
saying  thai,  is  written.  Death  is  swallowed  up  in 
victory.'' 

55  0  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  0  grave,"  where 
is  thy  victory  ?■■ 

56  The  sting  of  death  is  sin;''  and  the  strength 
of  sin  is  the  law.' 

57  But  thanks  be  to  God,"  which  giveth  us  the 
victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'' 

I  IThess.  4:15-17.  »iaret.3:lU.  n  Zech.  9:14;  Malt.  21:31.  ojohn5:2o. 
I>  2  Cor.  5:4;  1  John  3:2.  q  Isi.  25:S.  •  Or,  hell.  rHos.  13:14.  >  Rom. 
U:*!.     'Rom.  4:15.     u  Rom.  7:25.     v  Rom.  t:37;  1  John  5:4,  5. 


36.  Foot;  measuring  your  taitli  by  your  ignoranue,  and 
because  you  cannot  understand  tlie  manner,  rejecting  the 
fact ;  wlien  tlicreis  notliing  more  unaccountalile  in  tlio  case 
of  the  resurrection-l)ody,  than  tlicre  is  in  llie  quiclcening  of 
a  seed  sown,  tlirough  its  dcatli,  into  a  new  liody.  Quick- 
ened; made  to  live  and  grow  into  a  new  plant. 

37.  Bare  fcrain ;  a  naked  kernel  of  griiin. 

38.  Giveth  it;  the  seed  sown.  To  every  seed  his  own  botly; 
so  that  each  grain  preserves  its  identity,  wheat  ])roduciiig 
wheat,  and  liarley,  biirley.  In  tliis  illustration  three  things 
are  to  be  noticed:  first,  the  seed  sown  is  not  (luickencd 
into  a  new  plant  except  it  die,  that  is,  bo  itself  dissolved 
and  perish,  as  it  always  does  in  germination  ;  secondly,  the 
new  plant  with  its  seed  is  not  the  grain  itself  that  was 
sown ;  yet,  thirdly,  it  is  the  same  in  kind,  and  thus  pre- 
serves its  identity,  each  seed  reproducing  its  own  body. 
So  the  heavenly  body  th;it  shall  spring  from  the  death 
of  this  earthly  body,  though  not  th;it  body  of  flesh  and 
blood  that  was  sown  in  the  grave,  shall  yet  bo  the  same 
body  in  such  a  sense  thiit  at  the  resurrection  every  one 
shall  receive  again  his  own  body. 

39-41.  All  Jlesh  is  not  the  same  flesh — celestial  bodies,  and 
lindics  lerreslriid — one  slorij  of  the  sun,  and  another  f^lonj  of 
llie  moon;  the  apostle  introiliicesanother  arguiiKiit,  drawn 
from  the  variety  that  exists  by  the  power  of  (Jod  among 
natural  bodies,  to  show  how  easily  ho  may  cause  llie  bodies 
raised  to  differ  greatly  from  those  that  died.  The  contrast 
between  terrestrial  and  celestial  bodies  seems  to  hint  at 
that  between  our  present  and  our  future  bodies,  as  given 
in  verses  42-54.  Some  liave  thought  that  in  referring  to 
the  ditf'renec  in  glory  among  the  heavenly  bodies,  he  has 
in  view  difl'erent  degrees  of  glory  and  blessedness  among 
tlie  righteous  in  heaven.  This,  however,  he  does  not  after- 
wards insist  on,  but  only  the  great  contrast  between  tlie 
corruptible  body  and  the  incorruptible. 

4.3.  In  power;  strong,  and  not  subject  to  disease  or  death, 
44.  A  natural ImkI ij — a  spirilual  My;  in  Ihi^origiiiid  flreek 
the  word  reiidered  "  natural  "  is  the  adjective  correH]iond- 
iiig  to  the  word  rendered  "  soul  "  in  ver.  4.5.     In  order  bet- 
ter to  understand  the  force  of  the  r|uotation  in  that  verso, 
1332 


we  might  render  the  present  thus:  It  is  sown  a  soul-body ; 
it  is  raised  a  spirit-body  :  the  word  soul  being  used  as  it 
is  in  Uon.  2:7,  to  denote  man  in  his  [jresent  earlhly  state 
as  inhabiting  an  aniiiud  boily,  and  subject  to  animal  jias- 
sions  and  wants  ;  while  the  spiritual  body  will  have  no 
animal  nature,  and  be  subject  to  no  animal  wants. 

45.  /( is  written;  t!en.  2:7.  The  ipiotation  extends  only 
to  the  first  clause  of  the  verso.  The  first  man  Adnm  ;  whose 
nature  we  all  inherit.  II'mv  mndc  a  living  soni ;  sec  note  to 
verso  44.  llie  last  Adam  ;  Christ ;  to  the  nature  of  whoso 
heavenly  body  our  s])irilual  bodies  will  be  made  like.  A 
quickenins;  spirit ;  a  spirit  having  life  in  himsiir.  ami  bestow- 
ing spiritual  life  and  a  spiritual  body  upon  all  who  are  his. 

47.  The  Lord  fom  heaven;  Isa.  ',i:(i,7;  Mill.  ;!:!;  .lohn 
17 :5 ;  2  Cor.  8:9;  Phil.  2 :  G.  He  is  therefore  not  earthy,  but 
heavenly  in  his  nature. 

48.  Such  arc  thei/  also  that  are  earthy;  descendants  of 
Adam,  and  naturally  like  him  in  body  and  soul.  That  arc 
heavcnii/;  friends  of  Christ,  like  him  in  body  and  sjjirit. 
I'hil.  3:21. 

49.  The  imafre  of  the  heavenli/;  in  both  soul  ;ii;d  body. 
Hom.  8:29;  1  .lohii  3:2;  I'hil.  3:21. 

50.  Flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit;  our  bodies  must  un- 
dergo a  ch;iiige,  such  as  is  efiected  in  the  resurrection,  in 
order  to  fit  them  to  live  in  lic:ivin. 

51.  Not  all  sleep;  Christians  who  shall  be  living  at  (he 
end  of  the  world  will  not  die,  but  will  experience  a  change 
similar  to  that  which  those  who  have  died  experience  in 
the  ri'surrection,  Ihal  they  may  be  s]iiritual,  im-onnptible, 
and  iimnorliil. 

64.  Then;  when  the  chad  h;ive  been  raised, and  the  liv- 
ing so  changed  as  to  fit  them  to  live  and  reign  with  Christ. 
The  saijinf; ;  shall  be  fulfilled  that  is  written  in  Isa.  25:8. 

55.  Thy  slinf! ;  that  by  which  thou  didst  terrify  men. 
IIos.  i:i:i4.  Thy  victory;  by  which  thou  didst  hold  men 
:is  vaii(|uished. 

5fi.  The  sting  of  death  ;  that  which  makes  death  terrible, 
is  sin,     liom.  4:15;  r>:2:]. 

57.  The  victor  1/ ;  over  sin,  death,  and  every  foe.  I!om. 
7:25;  8:1,  37. 


Syslemalic  beneficence. 


1  COr.INTHIANS  XVI. 


Friendly  admonitions. 


A.  p.  59.  58  Tlicrcfore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
steadfast,  unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord,"  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that 
your  labor  is  not  iu  vain  in  the  Lord. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  He  exliorteth  them  to  relieve  the  want  of  the  brethren  at  Jerusalem. 
10  Commendeth  Timothy,  13  and  after  friendly  admonitions,  16  closeth 
his  epistle  with  divers  salutations. 

"VTOW  concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints, 
J_\l  as  I  have  given  order  to  the  churches  of  Ga- 
latia,''  even  so  do  ye. 

2  Upon  the  first  dny  of  the  week"^  let  every  one 
of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  a.s  God  hath  prospered 
liiiii,  that  there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come. 

3  And  when  I  come,  whomsoever  ye  shall  approve 
by  your  letters,''  them  will  I  send  to  bring  your 
liberality*  unto  Jerusalem. 

4  And  if  it  be  meet  that  I  go  also,  they  shall  go 
with  me. 

5  Now  I  will  come  unto  you,  when  I  shall  pass 
through  Macedonia:"  for  I  do  pass  through  Mace- 
donia. 

6  And  it  may  be  that  I  will  abide,  yea,  and  win- 
ter with  you,  tliat  ye  may  bring  me  on  my  journey 
whithersoever  I  go. 

7  For  I  will  not  see  you  now  by  the  way ;  but  I 


•  aPei.  :l:ll.  bGal.ailO.  c  Acts  ail:7:  Rev.  1:10.  <1 'JCor.  8:19.  *  Gr. 
gift,  e  iCor.  1:1.5,  10.  I  2  Cor.  2:12-,  Rev.  3:8.  C  Phil.  3:1S.  h  Acts 
lli:-J-2.     1  Phil.  2:19-22.    JlTim.4:12.     k3John6.     Ich.  1:12.     m  1  Pet. 

58.  Steadfast;  in  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gospel,  in 
habitual  lively  confidence  of  the  resurrection,  the  day  of 
judgment,  and  the  retributions  of  eternity.  Unmovable; 
not  discouraged  by  opposition  or  difficulties  ;  not  led  even 
to  doubt  about  the  complete  fulfilment  of  all  which  God 
has  declared.  In  the  work  of  the  Lord;  in  labors  to  honor 
him  and  do  good.  Your  labor  in  not  m  vain  in  the  Lord; 
wluit  you  do  to  honor  Christ  shall  receive  a  glorious  and 
an  eternal  reward. 

IXSTRUCTIOXS. 

11.  That  .Jesus  Christ  died  for  the  sins  of  men,  and  rose 
again  for  the  justification  and  salvation  of  all  who  believe 
on  him,  are  fumhimental  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  are 
taught  as  such  liy  all  who  are  prepared  and  called  by 
Christ  to  preach  it. 

20.  That  Clirist  arose  from  the  dead,  God  has  shown  to 
be  certain,  and  with  equal  certainty  that  all  his  people 
who  die  will  rise  also. 

42.  Many  things  take  place,  the  manner  of  which  men 
cannot  understand ;  and  for  them  to  disbelieve  what  God 
has  declared,  because  they  cannot  understand  the  manner 
in  wliic;h  it  will  be  accomplished,  is  great  foil}'. 

58.  The  certainty  of  tlie  resurrection,  of  the  day  of  ju<Ig- 
mcnt,  and  the  retributions  of  eternity,  should  lead  all  to 
make  it  their  great  object  to  learn  and  do  the  will  of  God  ; 
hearkening  daily  to  his  voice,  believing  heartily  his  dec- 
hirations,  and  obeying  cheerfully  and  persoveringly  his 
commands. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1.  Collection;  for  the  relief  of  poor  saints  at  Jerusalem. 
Verse  3. 

2.  Upon  the  first  dm/  of  the  week;  the  day  set  apart  and 
observed  by  the  apostles  and  Christians  as  the  Lord's  day, 
the  Christian  Sabballi.  Lot/  by  him  m  store;  at  home. 
That  there  be  no  <;iithcrins;s ;  that  their  gifts  might  be  ready 
when  the  apostle  should  come. 

3.  Bij — letters;  this  may  mean  letters  from  the  bretlircn 
at  Corinth,  or  letters  by  Paul,  connuending  the  messen- 
gers to  his  friends  at  Jerusalem. 


trust  to  tarry  a  while  with  you,  if  the  Lord  per- 
mit. 

8  But  I  will  tarry  at  Ephesus  until  Pentecost. 

9  For  a  great  door  and  eflfectual  is  opened  unto 
me,''  and  there  are  many  adversaries.^ 

10  Now  if  Timotheus  come,"  see  that  he  may  be 
with  you  without  fear:  for  he  worketh  the  work 
of  the  Lord,'  as  I  also  do. 

11  Let  no  man  therefore  despise  him:'  but  con- 
duct him  forth  in  peace,''  that  he  may  come  unto 
me:  for  I  look  for  him  with  the  brethren. 

12  As  touching  our  brother  Apollos,'  I  greatly 
desired  him  to  come  unto  you  with  the  brethren: 
but  his  will  was  not  at  all  to  come  at  this  time; 
but  he  will  come  when  he  shall  have  convenient 
time. 

K3  Watch  ye,'"  stand  fast  in  the  faith,"  quit  you 
like  men,"  be  strong.'' 

14  Let  all  your  things  be  done  with  charity.'' 

15  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  (ye  know  the  house 
of  Stephanas,  that  it  is  the  first-fruits  of  Achaia,'' 
and  (/mf  they  have  addicted  themselves  to  the 
ministry  of  the  saints,) 

16  That  ye  submit  yourselves  unto  such,''  and  to 
every  one  that  helpcth  with  us,  and  laboreth. 

17  I  am  glad  of  the  coming  of  Stephanas  and 
Fortunatus  and  Achaicus;  for  that  which  was 
lacking  on  your  part  they  have  supplied. 


5:8.     n  2  Thess.   2:15. 
lli:5.     sHeb.  13:17. 


o  ch.  11:20.     p  Eph.  6:10.     q  1  Pet.  4:8.     r  Rom. 


5.  When  I  shall  pass  throuf^h  Macedonia ;  rather,  when  I 
have  passed  through  Macedonia.  This  was  an  alteration 
of  liis  original  plan,  which  he  had  in  some  way  made 
known  to  them,  and  for  this  some  in  Corinth  charged  him 
with  changeableness  of  purpose.     2  Cor.  1:15-17. 

7.  By  the  way;  on  his  way  to  Macedonia,  according  to 
his  first  plan.  See  above.  Such  a  visit  would  not  only 
have  been  brief  but  would  have  brought  him  to  Corinth 
before  the  present  epistle  could  have  had  time  to  produce 
its  intended  effects.  See  2  Cor.  1:23;  2:1-3.  Tarry  a 
while;  on  his  return. 

8.  Pentecost;  this  feast  was  celebrated  in  June,  fifty 
days  after  the  Passover,  which  was  in  April.     Acts  2:1. 

9.  A  great  door  and  effectual;  a  great  opportunity  for 
successtully  preaching  the  gospel.  Many  adrersarics; 
opposers  of  Paul  and  his  preaching.  This  made  il  neces- 
sary that  he  should  remain  for  the  present  at  Kpliesus, 
wliere  he  wrote  to  the  Corinthians  this  epistle. 

10.  Without  fear ;  occasioned  by  opposition  or  neglect 
on  your  part.    He  worketh;  is  a  wise  and  faithful  minister. 

11.  Conduct  him  forth  in  peace ;  when  he  has  finislied  his 
work  among  you,  and  is  prepared  to  leavoCorintli.  With 
the  brethren;  whom  he  expected  to  come  from  Corinth  to 
Ephesu.s.     Compare  Acts  19:21,  22. 

13.  IFn?c/(,- against  temptation.  Standfast;  in  the  faith 
and  practice  of  the  gospel.  Like  men;  act  in  a  manly  and 
not  a  puerile  manner.  Be  strong;  in  the  grace  whicli  is 
in  Christ  Jesus. 

14.  Charity ;  love  to  God  and  men. 

15.  Howte;  family.  First-fruits;  the  first  persons  who 
were  converted  in  Achaia  l)y  the  ministry  of  Paul.  Min- 
istrif  of  the  saints ;  to  assist  and  benefit  Christians. 

l(i.  Suhmd  yourselves;  treat  them  with  respect,  and  be 
suitably  influenced  by  them. 

17.  Coiiinif;  if  Stephanas ;  he  had  come  to  Ephesus,  but 
his  family  remained  at  Corintli.  Verse  15.  That  which 
was  lacking  on  your  part;  in  ministering  to  my  comfort. 
That  whicii,  by  reason  of  my  separation  from  you,  you 
could  not  bestow,  they  have  given  by  their  personal 
presence. 

1333 


Christian  salutations. 


1  CORINTHIANS  XVI. 


A  woe  and  a  Uessiiiff. 


18  For  tliey  have  refreshed  my  spirit  and  yours: 
therefore  acknowledge  ye  them  that  are  sucli." 

19  The  ciiurchcs  of  Asia  salute  you.  Aquila  and 
Priscilla  salute  you  much  iu  the  Lord.''  with  the 
churcli  that  is  in  their  house.'' 

20  All  the  brethren  greet  you.  Greet  ye  one 
another  with  a  holy  kiss. 

21  The  salutation  of  ?ne  Paul  with  mineown  hand. 


»  ITheas.  5:l-i.     b  Acts  18: -JO,     c  Rom.  16:5,  15.     <1  Eph.  0:24.     e  Gal. 


18.  Acknowledge  ye  them;  as  friends  of  Christ,  and  worthy 
of  imitation. 

19.  Church — in  their  house;  the  Christians  who  worship- 
ped there. 

21.  Tlie  salutation  of — Paul;  he  employed  the  hand  of 
another  in  writing;  the  previous  part  of  the  epistle,  but 
this  and  what  follows  he  wrote  with  liis  own  hand. 

22.  Anathema ;  accursed,  that  is,  of  God.  3Iaran-otha ;  the 
Lord  conieth,  namely,  to  judgment.  This  addition  to  the 
anathema  contains  a  solemn  intimation  of  the  time  when 
it  will  be  fulfilled. 

Was  written  from  Philippi;  the  superscriptions  to  the 
epistles  are  not  a  part  of  the  iii.s])ired  scriptures,  but  were 
added  at  a  later  period,  and  contain  errors.  From  verse  8 
of  this  chapter  it  appears  that  Paul  wrote  this  epistle  from 
Ephesus. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Faithful  ministers  of  the  gospel  will,  if  practicable, 
induce  their  hearers  liberally  to  contribute  for  the  benefit 
of  the  needy;  and  regular,  systematic  beneficence  will,  in 
the  end,  be  much  more  abundant  than  that  which  is  mere- 
ly occasional,  and  much  more  useful,  both  to  givers  and 
receivers. 

2.  As  the  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord's  day,  and 
from  his  resurroctiou  has  been  observed  by  his  people  as 


22  If  any  man  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus  a.  d.  m. 
Christ,''  let  him  be  Anathema,''  Maran-utha.'' 

23  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
you.^ 

24  My  love  iewith  you  all  in  Christ  Jesus.  Amen. 
*\,  The  first  epistle  to  the  Coriutliiaus  was  written 

from  Philippi,  by  Stejihanas,  and  Forluuatus, 
and  Achaicus,  and  Tiniothcus. 


l:ti,  a     f  Jude  H,  1.').     e  Rom.  1«:-.'U. 


sacred  to  his  worsliip,  it  is  a  proper  time  for  them  to  con- 
sider his  goodness,  and  contriluUe,  m-  lay  l\y  in  store,  as 
he  has  prospered  them,  for  the  sniii)ly  of  the  wants  of  tlieir 
fellow-men. 

7.  In  forming  plans  for  future  action,  we  should  ever 
remember  our  dependence  on  tiod,  si'cU  to  luiilersland  his 
will,  and  conunit  ourselves  in  well-doing  to  his  merciful 
guidance  and  dis])0Sal. 

12.  Christian  brctluen,and  even  pious  and  faithful  min- 
isters of  the  gospel,  may  differ  in  judgment  about  the  best 
way  of  doing  good;  and  while  thi'y  exercise  the  right  of 
private  judgment  as  to  their  own  duty,  they  sluiuld  cheer- 
fully conceile  the  same  privilege  to  others. 

IS.  The  meeting  and  conference  of  Christians  from  dif- 
ferent and  distant  places  may  be  the  means  not  only  of 
their  own  comfort,  but  of  tlieir  increased  usefulness  to 
one  another,  and  to  their  fellow-men. 

24.  'When  called  to  administer  reiiroof,  or  to  proclaim 
the  fearful  doom  of  the  incorrigitily  wicked,  while  m-o 
shouM  enileavor  to  do  it  with  fidelity,  we  should  also  do 
it  with  aU'ection,  and  iu  all  suitable  ways  show  that  it 
springs  not  from  enmity  or  indifference,  but  from  love ; 
and  that  it  is  our  earnest  desire  that  even  our  greatest 
ojiposers  may  so  conduct,  that  the  grace  of  our  Lcu'd  .Jesus 
Christ  sliall  be  with  tliem  now  and  fur  ever.    Amen. 


1884 


THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  CORINTHIANS 


The  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians  was  written,  not  many  months  after  the  first,  from  Macedonia, 
where  the  apostle  was  occupied  iu  completing  a  collection  for  the  poor  saints  at  Jerusalem,  chap.  8:1, 
etc. ;  9  : 1-4.  Whether  he  wrote  from  Philippi,  according-  to  the  subscription  to  the  epistle,  or  from  some 
other  place  of  Macedonia,  cannot  be  determined.  The  occasion  of  the  epistle  was  manifestly  tlie  report 
■which  he  had  received  from  Titus,  and  as  is  generally  thought  from  Timothy  also,  1  Cor.  4:17  and  16  :  10, 
of  the  effect  of  his  first  epistle.  So  far  as  the  main  body  of  the  Corinthian  Christians  was  concerned,  this 
was  liighly  favorable,  and  for  it  he  devoutly  thanks  God,  chap.  7:6,  1  ■  commends  tlieir  prompt  obedience  ; 
directs  them  to  restore  the  excommunicated  person  to  their  communion ;  and  discusses  very  fully  the 
matter  of  the  collection  for  the  poor  Christians  at  Jerusalem,  chaps.  8,  9.  But  this  very  success  with  the 
better  part  of  the  church  had  imbittered  his  enemies,  and  made  them  more  determined  in  their  opposition 
to  him.  They  accused  him  of  levity  in  changing  his  plans,  chap.  1:17;  of  uttering  threats  which  hi? 
would  not  dare  to  execute  when  present  among  them,  chap.  10  :9-ll  ;  of  making  a  gain  of  them  by  indi- 
rect means,  chap.  12:16-18;  and  in  various  ways  disparaged  his  apostolical  standing  and  character. 
This  led  him  to  dwell  with  great  earnestness  and  fulness  on  the  purity  of  his  apostolic  life,  and  tlie  abun- 
dance of  his  labors  and  sufferings  in  behalf  of  Christ's  cause,  always  with  reference  more  or  less  direct  to 
his  enemies.  The  prominence  which  he  is  thus  forced  to  give  to  his  own  ]ierson  and  labors  as  an  apostle  of 
Christ,  constitutes  the  most  remarkable  feature  of  the  present  epistle.  All  this  came  about  by  the  wisdom 
of  God,  who  placed  his  servant  in  such  circumstances  that  fidelity  to  the  cause  of  truth  compelled  him 
unwillingly  to  set  forth  in  himself  the  character  of  a  true  minister  of  the  gospel  in  bright  contrast  with 
that  of  those  vain-glorious  and  selfish  men  who,  under  a  show  of  groat  worldly  wisdom,  seek  to  create 
parties  in  the  churcli  of  Clirist  for  their  own  private  honor  or  emolument.  The  particular  occasion  which 
called  forth  this  epistle  soon  passed  away  ;  but  the  epistle  itself  remains  a  rich  treasure  for  all  believers, 
especially  for  all  Christian  teachers. 


A.  D.  60. 


CHAPTER  I. 


3  The  apostle  encoura^etli  them  against  troubles  by  the  comforts  and 
deliverances  wliich  (rod  had  given  him,  as  in  all  his  alTlictions,  8  so 
particularly  in  his  late  danger  in  Asia.  12  And  callini;  both  his  own 
conscience  and  theirs  to  witness  of  his  sincere  manner  of  preaching  the 
immutable  truth  of  the  gospel,  15  he  excuseth  his  not  coining  to  them, 
as  proceeding  not  of  lightness,  but  of  his  lenity  towards  them. 

P.VUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  will 
of  God,"  and  Timothy  our  brother,  unto  the 
church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth,  with  all  the 
saints  which  are  in  all  Achaia:'' 

2  Grace  be  to  you  and  peace  from  God  our  Fa- 
ther, and//-oOT  tiie  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'' 

3  Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord 

'  ITim.  1:1;  2  Tim.  1:1.    b  Phil.  1 :1 ;  Col.  1  :a.    c  Rom.  1:7.    «  Eph. 


CHAPTER  I. 

5.  The  ,i»/7>r;iin-s  of  Christ;  sufferinKs  like  those  of  Christ, 
or  endured  in  ('lirist's  cause.  All  Clirist's  (li.sciplea,  each 
in  Ills  own  measure,  must  first  sutVer  with  Christ,  that  they 
may  afterwards  be  partakers  of  his  glory.  Rum.  8:17; 
2  Tim.  Z:12. 


Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God 
of  all  comfort;'' 

4  Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that 
we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them  wliicii  are  in  any 
trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith  wc  ourselves 
are  comforted  of  God. 

5  For  as  the  suflorings  of  Christ  abound  in  us, 
so  our  consolation  also  aboundeth  by  Christ.'' 

6  And  wliethcr  we  be  alllicted,  it  is  for  your  con- 
solation and  salvation,''  which  is  effectual"  iti  the 
enduring  of  the  same  sufferings  which  we  also  suf- 
fer :  or  whether  we  lie  comforted,  it  is  for  your 
consolation  and  salvation. 

1:3;  IPot.  1:3.    eCol.  1:24.    fch.4:I5.     '  Or,  vn-oiight. 

fi.  //  ixfor  ijnvr  comnlatinn  awl  snh'ation;  our  affliction  is 
cn(bireil  iir  liehalf  of  j'ou,  as  of  all  the  churches,  ami  re- 
dounds to  your  comfort  and  salv:ition.  U'hicli  is  ejficliml ; 
which  salvation  of  yours — incluilitif;  also  the  consolation 
accomi)anying  it — is  effectual;  that  is.  active  ami  efliea- 
cious.  It  has  a  vigorous  life  anil  growth  in  your  souls, 
and  exerts  its  power  in  them  more  and  more,     in  the  cn- 

1335 


PaiiFs  joy  in  the  brethren, 


2  CORINTHIANS  I. 


and  desire  to  see  them. 


7  And  our  liope  of  you  is  steadfast,  knowing,  that 
as  ye  are  partakers  of  the  sufferings,  so  shall  yc  be 
also  of  the  consolation." 

8  For  we  would  not,  brethren,  have  you  igno- 
rant of  our  trouble  which  came  to  us  in  Asia,''  that 
we  were  pressed  out  of  measure,  above  strength, 
insomuch  that  we  despaired  even  of  life: 

9  But  we  had  the  sentence'  of  death  in  ourselves, 
that  we  should  not  trust  iu  ourselves,  but  in  God 
which  raiseth  the  dead:" 

10  Wiio  delivered  us  from  so  great  a  death,  and 
doth  deliver:''  in  whom  we  trust  that  he  will  yet 
deliver  us: 

11  Ye  also  helping  together  by  prayer  for  us,'' 
that  for  the  gift  bestowed  upon  us  l)y  the  means  of 
many  persons,  thanks  may  be  given  by  many  on 
our  behalf. 

12  For  our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony  of  our 
conscience,  that  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity, 
not  with  fleslily  wisdom,'  but  by  the  grace  of  God,*-' 
we  have  had  our  conversation  in  tlie  world,  and 
more  abundantly  to  you-ward. 

13  For  we  write  none  otiier  things  unto  you, 
than  what  yc  read  or  acknowledge ;  and  I  trust 
ye  shall  acknowledge  even  to  tlie  end ; 

14  As  also  ye  have  acknowledged  us  in  part,  that 
we  are  your  rejoicing,  even  as  ye  also  are  ours  in 
tlie  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

•  Rom.  9:17;  aTim.  2:14  b  Acts  19:33,  elc.  'Or, answtr.  c  Jor.  17:5, 
7.  i  i  Pel.  ■J-.'J.  e  Rom.  15:30;  Phil.  I:1U;  Jas.  .5:16-1S.  t  1  Cor.  :i:  I.  13. 
It  1  Cor.  15:IU.  Ii  Phil.  4:1.  t  Or,  srmre.  i  Act.'i  ai:.5.  i  ch.  10:4  1  Or, 
prtncking.     k  Matt.   5:37.     1  Mark  1:1;  Rom.  1:1.     m  Rom.  15:S,  9;  lleb. 

during — we  also  suffer ;  not.  while  yon  simply  look  on  ami 
Bcc  us  suffer  in  your  behalf,  but  while  you  share  with  us 
llie  same  suffering's. 

7.  The  consolation ;  wliidi  Christ  gives  to  those  who  suf- 
fer for  his  sake. 

8.  Pressed  out  of  measure;  exceedingly  distressed. 

9.  Sentence  of  death ;  were  cut  off  from  all  liuriian  means 
of  help,  and  doomed  apparently  to  immediate  death. 

10.  From  so  great  a  deatli;  of  the  particular  kind  of  death 
to  which  the  apostle  was  exposed  we  have  no  certain 
knowledge.  We  only  know  from  the  present  verse  that 
it  was  very  terrible. 

11.  The  gift;  the  deliverance  just  referred  to.  liij  the 
means  of  many  persons;  by  means  of  their  intercessory 
jiiayers  for  the  apostle  and  his  lieliiers,  which  (Jod  heard 
and  answered.  By  many ;  the  many  who  have  prayed  for 
the  gift. 

12.  In  simplicity;  with  a  single  view  to  the  glory  of  (iod 
and  the  good  of  men/  Fleshly  wisdom;  worldly,  sellisli, 
underhanded  policy.  Had  our  conversation ;  conducted 
ourselves  in  all  thingH ;  according  to  the  old  iiKaning  of 
the  word  conversation,  that  is.  deportment,  maimer  of  life. 
To  you-ward;  in  whose  case  there  has  been  especial  occa- 
sion for  circumspection. 

l:!.  Tfinn  what  ye  read;  the  opponents  of  Paul  in  Corinth 
had  jirobably  accused  him  of  insincerity  in  his  former 
episde.  lie  assures  them  that  he  has  no  hidden  end,  but 
that  what  they  read  is  precisely  what  he  means.  Or 
acknowledge;  more  exactly,  or  also  acknowledge;  that  is. 
reeogni'/.e  and  know  to  lie  true  from  your  own  ]iersonal 
acquaintance  with  me:  as  much  as  to  say,  What  I  write 
agrees  with  what  you  already  know  of  rne.  Sliall  acknow- 
ledge even  to  the  end;  by  finding  mo  to  be  a  persou  who 
does  not  change. 

14.  In  part;  he  makes  this  limitition  hecaiiRe  there  were 
some  in  (,'orinlh  who  did  not  aiknowledgo  him. 

15.  In  this  confidence ;  that  we  are  your  rejoicing,  and  yc 
ours,  as  ver.  H.  To  come  itnlo  you  hefore ;  liefore  visiting 
Macedonia,  whence  ho  wrote  to  them  this  lettir;  namely, 
by  calling  on  the  Corinthians  on  his  way  thither,  ver.  IG. 

1330 


15  And  in  this  confidence  I  was  minded  a  d.w. 
to  come  unto  you  before,  that  ye  might  have  a  sec- 
ond benefit;^ 

16  And  to  pass  by  you  into  J[acedonia,  and  to 
come  again  out  of  Macedonia  unto  you,  and  of  you 
to  be  brought  on  my  way  toward  Judca.' 

17  When  I  thercibrc  was  thus  minded,  did  I  use 
liglitness?  or  the  tilings  that  I  purpose,  do  I  pur- 
pose according  to  tlie  flcsli,'  that  with  me  there 
slinuld  be  yea,  yea,  and  nay,  nay? 

IS  13ut  as  God  is  true,  our  word*  toward  you 
was  not  yea  and  nay." 

19  For  tlie  Son  of  God,'  Jesus  Clirist,  who  was 
preaciied  among  you  by  us,  eve7i  by  me  and  Silva- 
nus  and  Timothcus,  was  not  yea  and  nay,  but  in 
him  was  yea. 

20  For  all  the  promises  of  God  in  him  are  yea, 
and  in  him  Amen,'"  unto  the  glory  of  God  by  us. 

21  Now  he  which  establisheth  us  with  you  in 
Christ,"  and  hath  anointed  us,"  is  God. 

22  Wlio  lialli  ah'o  scaled  us,''  and  given  the  ear- 
nest of  tiie  Spirit  in  our  hearts.'' 

2'.i  ^lorcover  1  call  God  for  a  record  u]ion  my 
soul,  tiiat  to  spare  you  1  came  not  as  yet  unto 
Corinth. 

24  Not  for  that  we  have  dominion  over  your 
faith,"'  but  are  helpers  of  your  joy :  for  by  faitli  ye 
stand.* 


l:):;-'.  n  aThess. -2:17;  1  Pet.  .'kIO.  o  |  .Inhn 'J:'.!!!,  27 ;  Rev.  3: 18.  P  Kph. 
1:1.!,  14;  4;.3a;  2  Tiro.  •>:\9.  1  Rom.  !j;9,  14-10.  '  1  Cor.  3:5;  1  Pet.  5:3. 
•  Rom.  11:20;  1  Cor.  15:1. 

A  second  benefit;  the  words  prob;iIily  mean,  the  benefit  of  a 
second  visit  from  mo  when  I  should  return  to  you  from 
Macedonia,  as  stated  in  the  following  verse. 

17.  Use  lightness;  was  he  fiekle-miiided,  as  sonic  charged 
him,  because  he  did  not  fulfil  his  purpose  of  visiting  them 
on  his  way  to  i\Iace<lonia?  According  to  tlie  fiesh  ;  as  insin- 
cere, selfish,  and  worldly  men  do,  changing  their  plans 
and  promises  to  suit  their  own  convenience. 

IS.  Ourivord;  or,  as  the  margin,  our  preaching  ;  fur  the 
apostle  adduces  the  steadfastness  and  consistency  of  his 
)ireaching  as  the  great  proof  of  his  general  steadfastness. 
Was  not  yea  and  nay ;  was  not  now  yes,  and  now  no.  Like 
ChrisI,  lis  author,  it  was  not  a  changeable,  but  a  steadfast 
doctrine. 

19.  Silvantis;  the  same  as  Silas,  Acts  l.'):22.  In  hint  ieas 
yea;  all  the  promises  made  in  him  were  only  yea — stead- 
fast ;inil  sure,  as  is  asserted  in  the  fi)llowing  verse.  It  is 
implii-d  that  Paul,  the  jjreacher  of  such  a  Saviour,  was 
stciiillast  also. 

2).   till  us;  through  our  preaching. 

21.  //((///  anointed,  lis;  us  Christians,  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 
Comjiare  1  .lohn  :i:20,  27. 

22.  Seeded  us;  ni;irked  as  his  own.  The  agent  of  this 
sealing  i.s  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  immediately  stuteil.  The 
earnest  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts;  the  Holy  Spirit  dwelling 
in  our  hearts,  and  giving  us  a  foretaste  of  the  joys  of 
heaven,  which  is  the  pledge,  of  our  lull  introdiiclioM  to 
them. 

2:j.  /  call  God;  to  witness  the  Iriilh  of  what  he  s;tid. 
To  spare  you;  lo  save  them  from  that  |iainful  discipline 
which  he  might  liave  found  necessary,  had  he  visited 
them  in  their  disorderly  state. 

21.  Not  for  that  we  have  dimiinion  over  your  faith  ;  as  much 
as  to  say.  I'o  not  understand  the  wurcls  1  have  just  writ- 
ten as  iri(:ining  thiit  we  set  ourselves  up  (o  be  lords  over 
your  taiili.and  delight  to  exercise  severity  towards  you. 
Ho  intimates  that  he  wouhl  not  exercise  apostiilic;tl  and 
iii8i)ired  authority  in  punishing  their  olVences,  if  he  ctmld 
consistently  avoid  it ;  but  would  seek  to  promote  their  joy 
iu  leading  Ihciii,  by  kind  persuaBioii,  to  correct  their  errura 


The,  excommunicxted 


2  CORINTHIANS  II. 


person  forgiven. 


A.D.60.  CHAPTER  II. 

1  Having  showed  the  reason  why  he  came  not  to  them,  6  he  requireth 
them  to  forgive  and  to  comfort  (hat  excommunicated  person,  10  even 
as  himself  also  upon  his  true  repentance  had  forgiven  him,  12  declar- 
ing withal  why  he  departed  from  Troas  to  Macedonia,  14  and  the 
happy  success  which  Crod  gave  to  his  preaching  in  all  places. 

BUT  I  determined  this  with  myself,  that  I  would 
not  come  again  to  you  in  heaviness." 

2  For  if  I  malce  you  sorry,  wlio  is  he  then  that 
maketh  me  glad,  but  the  same  which  is  made  sorry 
by  me? 

3  And  I  wrote  tliis  same  unto  you,  lest,  when  I 
came,  1  should  have  sorrow  from  them  of  whom  I 
ought  to  rejoice ;  having  confidence  in  you  all, 
that  my  joy  is  the  joy  of  you  all. 

4  For  out  of  much  affliction  and  anguish  of  heart 
I  wrote  unto  you  with  many  tears :  not  tliat  ye 
sliould  be  grieved,  but  that  ye  might  know  the 
love  wliicli  I  have  more  abundantly  unto  you.'' 

5  But  if  any  have  caused  grief ""  he  hath  not  griev- 
ed me,''  but  in  part;  that  I  may  not  overciiarge 
you  all. 

G  Sufficient  to  such  a  man  is  this  punishment,' 
wliicli  ivas  inflicted  of  many." 

7  So  that  contrariwise  ye  ought  ratlier  to  for- 
give him,'  and  comfort  him,  lest  perliajis  such  a 
one  should  be  swallowed  up  with  overmuch  sor- 
row. 

»Ch.  l:^);  ta:-2ll,  31;  1.3:10.  bch.ll:2.  <:Gal.5:10.  AQ^XA-M.  'Or, 
censure,    e  1  Cor.  5:4,  5;  1  Tim.  .5:211,     'Gal.  8:1.     Sch.  7:15.     t  Or,  s/^-Af. 


and  return  to  their  duty.  By  faith  ye  stand;  as  much  as 
to  say,  not  by  our  exercising  dominion  over  you,  but  by 
your  own  free  faith  in  Christ. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  afflictions  and  consolations  of  faithful  ministers 
are  designed  to  jjreparc  them  for  giving  instruction  and 
comfort  to  the  afflicted. 

7.  Great  sufferings  are  usually  accompanied  by  great 
consolations,  and  increase  both  our  present  and  our  eter- 
nal good. 

11.  As  Christians  may  by  prayer  greatly  assist  absent 
friends  and  bring  an  increased  revenue  of  glory  to  God, 
they  should  pray  with  all  |)raycr  and  supplication  in  the 
Spirit,  and  watcli  thereunto  with  all  perseverance.  Epii. 
6:  IS. 

IS.  We  may,  for  good  roiisons,  change  our  intentions 
and  plans  ;  but  all  men,  especially  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
should  be  on  their  guard  against  every  thing  like  fickle- 
ness of  purpose  or  worldly  jjolicy. 

22.  The  possession  and  exercise  of  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit  are  sure  evidences  of  regeneration,  and  pledges  of 
eternal  life. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  Ill  henviite'!^;  in  grief  and  sorrow,  as  he  must  have 
done,  had  lie  visited  Corinth  before  the  disorders  in  the 
ehurcli  to  which  ho  referred  in  his  first  epistle  had  been 
removed. 

2.  If  I  make  i/nu  snrry;  a  delii.'ato  way  of  saying  that  ho 
has  the  strongest  motives  not  to  grieve  any  one  of  them, 
if  he  can  possibly  avoid  it;  since  it  is  from  the  very  per- 
son grieved  that  he  looks  for  his  comfort.  Compare  chap. 
1 : 1-1. 

3.  /  wrote  thin  same;  the  admonitions  contained  in  his 
first  epistle. 

."i.  He ;  the  person  referred  to  in  1  Cor.  5:1.  But  in  part ; 
he  had  not  grieved  Piiul  only,  but  the  sound  part  of  the 
cliurch  also.  Nat  nrerchargc  ijon  alt;  not  speak  as  if  all 
were  guilty,  or  ecpially  so. 

fi.  Such  a  man ;  the  offender  referred  to,  who  ha/l,  by 
the  discipline  of  the  church,  been  brought  to  reiieidance. 
Tliis  punishment ;  his  excommunication,  according  to  Paul's 


8  Wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  ye  would  con- 
firm your  love  toward  }iim. 

9  For  to  this  end  also  did  I  write,  that  I  miglit 
know  the  proof  of  you,  whether  ye  be  obedient  in 
all  things." 

10  To  whom  ye  forgive  any  thing,  I  forgive 
also;  for  if  I  forgave  any  thing  to  whom  I  for- 
gave it,  for  your  sokes  forgave  I  it  in  the  person* 
of  Christ ; 

11  Lost  Satan  should  get  an  advantage  of  us: 
for  we  are  not  ignorant  of  his  devices. 

12  Furthermore,  when  I  came  to  Troas  to  preach 
Clirist's  gospel,"  and  a  door  was  opened  unto  me 
of  the  Lord,' 

13  1  had  no  rest  in  my  spirit,'  because  I  found 
not  Titus  my  brother ;  but  taking  my  leave  of 
them,  I  went  from  thence  into  Macedonia. 

14  Now  thanks  be  unto  God,  whicli  always  caus- 
eth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ,''  and  maketh  mani- 
fest tiie  savor  of  his  knowledge  by  us  in  every 
place.' 

15  For  we  arc  unto  God  a  sweet  savor  of  Christ, 
in  them  that  are  saved,  and  in  them  that  per- 
ish:'" 

16  To  the  one  ire  are  the  savor  of  death  unto 
death ;  and  to  the  other  the  savor  of  life  unto  life." 
And  who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?" 


Ii  Acts  16:8.    it  Cor.  16:9.   ioh.  7:5,  fi.    k  Rom. 8:37.    I  Song  1:3.    m  1  Cor. 
1:18.     iiJohn9:39;  IPet.  2:7,  8.     ooh. 3:5,6. 


direction,  1  Cor.  5:4,  5;  which  was  to  be  effected,  not  by 
Peter  or  Paul,  but  by  the  auth(u-ity  of  the  church. 

7.  Contrariu'ise;  instead  of  continuing  his  exclusion 
from  the  church,  they  ought  now  to  restore  him. 

8.  Confirm  your  love  toward  him  ;  by  receiving  him  again 
into  the  church. 

9.  To  this  end — did  I  write;  his  object  in  his  first  epistlo 
was  to  induce  them,  by  ilisciplining  this  man,  to  give  evi- 
dence of  their  disposition  to  do  right. 

10.  For  if  I  forgave^'orgave  I  it ;  or.  For  if  I  have  for- 
given any  thing,  to  whomsoever  I  have  forgiven  it,  it  is 
for  your  sakes.  As  the  i>uni,shment  had  in  view  their 
profit,  not  the  gratification  of  his  own  private  feelings,  so 
also  the  forgiveness,  hi  the  person  of  Christ;  acting  as  an 
inspired  apostle  for  (Christ  and  under  his  direction. 

U.  Lest  Satan  should  get  an  advantage  of  us;  by  leading 
them  to  be  needlessly  severe,  to  the  injury  of  the  oU'ender 
and  of  religion.  His  devices;  in  tcniptnig  men  to  sinful 
extremes. 

12.  Troas;  a  city  on  the  way  from  Ejdiesus  to  Macedo- 
nia, where  Paul  expected  to  meet  Titus  and  learn  from 
him  the  effect  of  his  first  epistle.  Hut  in  this  lie  was  dis- 
appointed. He  therefore  left  Troas  and  went  into  .Mace- 
donia, where  he  met  Titus,  and  learned  the  happy  issue  of 
things  at  Corinth.  This  caused  him  to  break  forth  in 
thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  success  which  had  attended 
his  labors.     Vcr.  14. 

14.  27(6  savor  of  his  knowledge;  the  sweet  savor  of  tho 
knowledge  of  Christ. 

15.  A  sweet  savor  nf  Christ;  what  he  has  said  of  tho 
knowledge  of  Christ  he  now  applies  to  those  who  jireach 
Christ.  To  God  they  are  a  sweet  savor  of  the  knowlrdgo 
of  Christ;  for  l)oth  the  message  itself,  and  they  who  from 
love  towards  Christ  and  their  fellow-men  ]iulilish  il,  are 
most  precious  in  God's  sight,  and  that  whether  men 
receive  Christ  or  reject  liim. 

l(i.  The  savor  of  death  unto  death;  a  deadl}'  sa\'or,  ha\dng 
death  for  its  result;  because,  113'  rejecting  the  gospel,  they 
turn  that  winch  was  intended  for  their  life  into  an  occa- 
sion of  deatli.  The  xavor  of  life  unto  life;  a  life-giving 
savor,  having  life  for  its  result.  These  things;  tlie  duties, 
responsibilities,  and  labors  of  such  a  solemn  office. 

1337 


The  ministration  of  the 


2  CORINTHIANS  III. 


Iww,  and  if  the  gosj,e\. 


17  For  we  are  not  as  many,  which  corrupt'  the 
word  of  God:  but  as  of  sihcerit_v,  but  as  of  God, 
in  the  sight  of  God  speak  we  in*  Christ." 

CHAPTEU  III. 

1  Lest  their  false  teachers  should  cliarge  him  with  vainglory,  he  show- 
eth  the  faith  and  graces  of  the  Corinthians  to  he  a  sufficient  commen- 
dation of  his  ministry.  6  Whercuprn  enterinj;  a  comparison  between 
the  ministers  of  the  law  and  of  the  gospel,  \'2  he  proveth  that  his 
ministry  is  so  far  tiie  more  excellent,  as  the  gospel  of  life  and  liberty 
is  more  glorious  than  the  law  of  condemnation. 

DO  we  begin  again  to  commend  ourselves?'*  or 
need  we.  as  some  others,  ejiistles  of  commen- 
dation to  you,"'  or  /f/Zfrs-of  CDiiinieiidafion  from  you? 

2  Yc  are  our  ciji-^tle  written  in  our  iicart.^,  known 
and  read  of  all  men  :'' 

8  Forasmuch  as  yc  arc  manifestly  declared  to  be 
the  epistle  of  Chi-ist  ministered  by  us,  written  not 
with  ink,  but  with  the  Spirit  of  the  living  God; 
not  in  tables  of  stoue,"^  but  in  fleshly  tables  of  the 
heart.'' 

4  And  such  trust  have  we  through  Christ  to  God- 
ward  : 


•  Ou  deal  dectilf idly  with;  ch.A:-2.  1  Or,  of .  aHeb.  11:27.  boh. 5:12. 
e  .\cts  ll-.il.  d  1  Cor.  9:-J.  '  Exod.  -M-A-i.  '  Jcr.  31:M;  Ezek.  11:10. 
eJohnl5:5.     h  1  Cor.  13:1U;  Phil.  2:13.     i  Eph.  3:7;  1  Tim.  1 :  12.    j  Matt. 

17.  Corrupt  the  word  of  God ;  adulterate  it  by  a  mixture 
of  human  adtiitioiis,  thus  destroyiuj;  its  ciBcacy. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Faithful  ministers  of  tlie  gospel  are  often  made  sor- 
rowful by  those  who  ought  to  give  tlicni  joy;  and  tlie 
efforts  winch  most  grieve  or  offentl  some  of  their  people, 
may  s])ring  froni  sincere  love  to  them,  and  a  most  earnest 
(lesirc  for  their  good. 

8.  The  objects  of  cliurrh  discipline  are  the  repentance 
of  offenders  and  the  honor  of  religion.  When  these  are 
accomplished,  offenders  should  be  forgiven,  and  such  as 
jiave  been  e.\conunuuicated  be  received  again  to  Christian 
conununion. 

11.  Satan  is  an  artful  and  malignant  spirit,  and  has  many 
devices  for  injuring  the  cause  of  Christ  and  ruining  the 
souls  of  men.  I'ersons  who  disbelieve  his  existence,  who 
do  not  op|>osp  his  influence,  or  are  ignorant  of  his  devices, 
are  not  ipialified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  ministers  of 
Christ. 

Ifi.  The  faithful  labors  of  preachers  of  the  gospel  are 
highly  pleasing  to  the  Lord,  however  they  may  be  regariied 
by  their  people,  and  whatever  may  be  their  effects.  I5ut 
as  those  effects  are  momentous  and  eti^rnal,  and  depend 
much  on  the  ciiaracter  an<l  conduct  of  ministers,  their 
rf-iponsibilitics  are  great,  and  they  should  earnestly  seek 
wisdom  from  above  to  direct  them  in  the  discharge  of 
their  duties. 

CnAPTER  III. 

1.  A^nin;  probably  with  reference  to  a  charge  of  self- 
commendation  against  his  former  epistle.  To rnmmciid  oiir- 
.<ieli":i;  in  what  we  have  said  of  the  dignity  of  our  oflico, 
our  purity  in  the  discharge  of  it,  and  the  triumphs  in  it 
wliich  IJod  awards  to  us,  chap.  2:11-17.  The  reader  should 
notice  in  this  ei)istle  the  abtMi<laiit  use  of  tlie  plural  num- 
ber, where  the  apostle  means  chielly  himself,  but  jirefcrs 
to  speak  in  the  name  of  his  fellow-laborers  also. 

2.  Ye  are  our  epintln;  liis  letter  of  commendation,  wliich 
all  could  read.  He  says  here,  "written  in  our  hearts." 
because  he  wishes  thus  to  express  the  place  which  the 
Corinthian  converts  have  in  his  affections,  [n  the  next 
verse  he  represents  the  epistle  as  written,  by  liis  minis- 
tration, on  the  hearts  of  the  Corinthians,  because  it  is  there 
that  the  gospel  has  exerteil  its  power.  Such  changes  of 
figure  are  very  common  with  Paul. 

3.  Ministered  by  us;  written  by  our  ministration,  as  liis 


5  Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  ourselves  a  aeo 
to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourselves;"-'  but  our  suffi- 
ciency is  of  God ;'' 

6  Who  also  hath  made  us  able  ministers'  of  the 
new  testament ;J  not  of  the  letter,  Itiit  of  tiie  spir- 
it:'' for  the  letter  killeth,'  but  the  spirit  giveth 
life.*-" 

7  But  if  the  ministration  of  death,  written  and 
engraven  in  stones,  was  glorious,  so  that  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  could  not  steadfastly  behold  the 
face  of  Moses  for  the  glory  of  his  countenance;" 
which  g'ory  was  to  l)c  done  away  ; 

8  How  shall  not  the  ministration  of  the  spirit  bo 
rather  glorious? 

y  For  if  the  ministration  of  coiidciunatiim  be 
glory,  much  more  doth  the  ministration  of  right- 
eousness exceed  in  glory. 

10  For  even  that  wliich  was  made  glorious  had 
no  glory  in  this  respect,  by  reason  of  the  glory 
that  excellelh. 

1 1  For  if  that  which  is  done  away  ivas  glorious, 
much  more  that  which  remaineth  is  glorious." 

2r.:2->;  Heb.  S:G-10.     k  Rom.  9:2-',  29.     1   Rom.  4:15;  7:0.  10!     I  Ot,  guick- 
cnclh.    m  John  6:0.1;  Rom.  S: 2.    »  Exod.  31:1,  29-35.    o  Rom.  5:2U,  21. 


instrumeiits.  Net  in  tahtp^  of  stone ;  as  a  mere  outward  law 
is.  Tlie  allusion  is  to  the  ten  comniandmcnls  written  on 
tables  of  stone.  Fleshly  tables  of  the  heart;  compare  Jer. 
31:33;  Kzek.  11:11);  3ti:26. 

4.  Such  trust  have  ve;  in  regard  to  the  success  of  our 
ministry,  as  just  stated.  Through  Christ;  not  through  our 
own  power.  To  Gml-vnrd ;  in  regard  to  Cod.  In  these 
words  the  apostle  represents  himself  as  always  acting  with 
reference  to  God's  ghuy,  and  imtting  all  his  trust  in  him. 

5.  To  lliink  anij  thing;  aright,  or  which  would  insure 
success. 

C.  Ilatli  made  us  able  ministers;  hath  given  us  sulViciency 
to  be  ministers,  as  the  original  means.  The  new  Irstmnent ; 
tlie  new  covenant  of  the  gospel,  revealing  the  way  of  sal- 
vation through  Jesus  Christ.  Not  of  the  teller ;  not  of  the 
outward  IVn-ni  merely,  but  of  the  design,  end.  and  sjiiritual 
meaning,  the  riglit  a|iiiieliension  and  cordial  rece|ition  of 
which  is,  through  tlie  grace  of  (iod,  life-giving,  while  ile- 
|)endcnce  upon  the  letter  or  outward  furiii  merely  is  ruin- 
ous to  the  soul. 

7.  The  ministration  of  death ;  of  the  Mosaic  law,  which 
"  worketli  wrath,"  and  brings  death  instead  of  life  to  sin- 
ners. Kom.  4:1.');  7:10.  Written  and  engraven  in  stones; 
the  ten  conimaiidmcuts  thus  written  here  re]ircsent  the 
whole  Mo.saie  economy.  Wa.t  glorious  ;  in  the  circumstan- 
ces of  its  institution,  and  in  the  objects  it  was  designed  to 
accomplish.  Of  this  glory  Ihe  sjilendor  of  .Moses'  counte- 
nance was  the  divinely  a]ii)ointc>d  symbol.  The  apostle 
therefore  puts  the  latter  for  the  former.  Could  not  strnd- 
fi^tl II  behold  the  face  of  Moses;  Kxod.  :!l:'J!)-:i5.  The  glory 
of  i\loscs' countenance  represented  that  of  the  dispensa- 
tion of  which  he  was  the  mediator;  the  veiling  of  his  face, 
the  obscurilv  which  Cod  threw  over  it,  in  cinmidcration 
<if  the  inabiiity  of  his  covenant  ]ieo])le  to  bcholil  directly 
the  true  si>iritual  end  wdiich  this  tcni]iorary  dis])ensalion 
had  in  view. 

«.  The  ministration  nf  the  sjiirit ;  of  the  gosixd,  which  is 
a  spiritu;il  dispensation,  administered  by  Ihe  Holy  Sjiirit, 
ami  giving  life  to  the  soul,  instead  of  death. 

!l.  Righteousness;  here  the  righteousness  which  Cod 
gives  through  faith  in  Christ,  bringing  to  the  soul  justili- 
caliiui  insteail  of  condeninatirm. 

in.  Had  nogtorij;  ceased  to  appear  as  glorious.  In  this 
respect;  in  eolniia'ring  its  glory  with  the  greater  glory  of 
the  gospel. 

II.  That  which  is  done  nwaij ;  the  Mosaic  dispensation. 
That  wliich  remaineth ;  the  gospel  dispcnaation.  Is  glorwus ; 


Ji;\;cfs  veil  to  Ic  remorul. 


2  CORINTHIANS  IV. 


The  sincerity  of  Paul. 


A.  D.60.      12  Seeing  then  that  wo  have  such  hope, 
we  use  njreat  plainness*  of  speech : 

13  And  not  as  Moses,  whiclt.  put  a  veil  over  his 
face,  that  the  children  of  Israel  could  not  stead- 
fastly look  to  the  end  of  that  which  is  abolished  :" 

14  But  their  minds  were  lilinded  :''  for  until  this 
day  reniaineth  the  same  veil  untaken  away  in  the 
reading  of  the  old  testament;  which  veil  is  done 
away  in  Christ. 

15  But  even  unto  this  day,  when  Moses  is  read, 
the  veil  is  upon  their  heart. 

16  Nevertlieless,  when  it  shall  turn  to  the  Lord, 
the  veil  shall  be  taken  away.'' 

17  Now  the  Lord  is  that  Spirit :'"  and  where  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty.'' 

18  But  we  all,  with  open  face  beholding'  as  in  a 
glass  the  glory  nf  the  Lord,'  are  changed  into  the 
same  image'"'  from  glory  to  glory,'"  even  as  by  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord.+ 


•  Or,  ioWne.ts.     a  Rom,  10:4.     b  Rom   1 1 : 7,  f^.  2o.     '  Isa.  25:7.     J  1  Cnr. 
li-Ao.     e  R.ra.  8:2.     f  1  Cor.  l:!:ia.     B  Rom.  8:39.     hPsa.  f:4:7.     t  Or,  o/ 


as  accomplishing  a  more  glorious  work,  and  to  coiitiuuc 
with  increasing  power  to  the  end  of  time. 

12.  Seeing  then  that  we  have  such  hope;  of  the  glorious 
results  to  be  accomplished  l)y  the  Spirit  through  the  gos- 
pel. Great  plainness  of  speech;  not  veiling  what  we  teacli 
under  obscure  types  and  symbols,  as  did  the  law.  of  I\[oses, 
but  declaring  boldly,  clearly,  and  freely  the  doctrines  and 
duties  of  religion. 

13.  Not  as  Moses,  which  put  a  veil  over  his  face;  our  mes- 
sage is  not  in  any  measure  concealed,  as  was  the  face  of 
Moses,  in  token  of  the  darkness  of  that  dis|)cnsation. 
Coii.lil  not  steadfasltij  look  to  the  end  of  that  which  is  abolished; 
not  clearly  understand  the  meaning  and  design  of  the  oer- 
cnionies  and  types  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  which  was 
appointed  to  pass  away. 

It.  But  their  minds  were  blinded;  not  only  did  Ood  place 
a  veil  on  the  dispensation,  but  there  was  a  veil  on  their 
minds  also — that  of  unbelief  and  hardness  of  heart.  In 
this  natural  and  easy  way  docs  the  veil  on  Moses'  face 
lead  the  apostle  to  speak  of  tlie  veil  on  the  minds  of  the 
covenant  people.  The  same  veil ;  the  same  blindness  as  to 
the  meaning  of  the  Old  Testament  scriptures.  Which  veil 
is  done  away  in  Christ;  the  obscurity  of  the  Old  Testament 
prophecies,  types,  and  figures,  is  removed  by  their  fulfil- 
ment in  Christ.  But  as  the  hearts  of  the  Jews  are  still 
opposed  to  him,  and  their  minds  blinded,  they  do  not  see 
this  fulfilment. 

]f>.  It;  the  heart  of  the  Jewish  people.  Turn  to  the 
Lord ;  embrace  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Messiah.  The  veil  shall 
be  taken  away;  they  shall  understand  the  meaning  of  the 
Old  Testament  scriptures,  and  see  their  application  to 
Christ. 

17.  The  Lord;  the  Lord  Jesus.  7s  that  Spirit;  more  lit- 
erally, is  the  Spirit;  the  spirit  in  contrast  with  the  letter, 
ver.  fi.  The  Old  Testament  types,  figures,  and  prophecies, 
taken  without  him,  are  the  "letter  which  killeth.  Hut  in 
him  they  are  the  spirit  which  giveth  life.  The  Spirit  of 
the  Lord;  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  which  need  not  be 
here  distinguished  from  the  Holy  Spirit,  since  it  is  through 
hini  thiit  Christ  works  in  our  hearts.  Lilicrty;  from  bon- 
dage' to  the  letter.  Such  liberty  includes  free  access  to 
God  and  commuuii)n  with  him. 

18.  With  open  face;  literally,  with  unveiled  face,  the  veil 
having  been,  to  us,  taken  away  in  ('hrist.  The  <rlor\j  of  llie 
Lord;  the  Lord  Jesus.  From  p/ori/ to  •r/ori/ ;  from  one  de- 
gree of  glory  to  another.  Ui/  the  SpirtI  of'ttie  Lord;  or,  as 
the  margin,  by  the  Lord  tlie  Siiiril;  that  is,  by  the  Lord 
Jesus,  who  is  the  Spirit,  ver.  J 7.  IJoth  renderings  como 
to  the  same  thing ;  since  it  is  by  the  Holy  Spirit'that  the 
Lord  Jesus  transforms  us  into  his  own  image. 

IXSTUUCTIONS. 
3.  When  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  instrumental  in  con- 


CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  d(-*eUreth  how  he  hath  used  all  sincerity  and  faitlifal  diligence  in 
preaching  the  gospel,  7  and  how  the  troubles  and  persecutions  which 
he  daily  endured  for  the  same  did  redound  to  tlip  praise  of  God's 
power,  13  to  the  benefit  of  the  church,  16  and  to  the  apostle's  own 
eternal  glory. 

THEREFORE  seeing  we  have  this  ministry,  as 
we  have  received  mercy,'  we  faint  not; 

2  But  have  renounced  the  hidden  tilings  of  dis- 
honesty,' not  walking  in  crafliuess,  nor  handling 
the  word  of  God  deceitfully ;'  but  by  manifesta- 
tion of  the  truth,  commending  ourselves  to  every 
mau"s  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God. 

3  But  if  our  gospel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to  them  that 
are  lost:'' 

4  In  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath  blinded 
the  minds  of  fhem  which  believe  not,'  lest  the  light 
of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  who  is  the  image 
of  God,'"  sliouki  shine  unto  them. 

5  For  vfQ  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus 

the  Lord  lite  Spirit.  •  1  Cor.  7:25.  I  Gr.  shame.  J  ch.  2:17.  k  2  Thess. 
2:10.      I  John  12:. Jl,  40      m  John  1  :14,  IS. 

verting  men  from  sin  to  holiness,  it  is  proof  that  the  Spirit 
of  God  accompanies  their  laliors  ;  and  though  they  are  the 
means,  he  is  the  author  of  their  success,  and  to  him  belongs 
the  glory. 

6.  To  rely  for  salvation  on  the  possession  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, on  the  stated  reading  of  them,  or  on  any  outward 
fm-nis  and  privileges,  is  destructive  ;  while  the  right  un- 
derstanding of  the  Scriptures,  and  spiritual  obedience  to 
their  true  meaning,  are  saving  to  the  soul. 

8.  The  chief  reason  why  the  Christian  dispensation  excels 
in  glory  is,  that  under  it  the  Spirit  is  given  with  a  fulness 
tind  power  unknown  before. 

12.  Living  faith  in  the  gospel  inspires  those  who  preach 
it  with  glorious  hopes,  and  leads  them  to  preach  so  jilainly 
and  with  such  earnest,  afl'ectionate  boldness,  that  all  who 
are  disposed  may  understand  them,  and  be  made  wise  unto 
salvation. 

16.  The  reason  why  the  Jews  misunderstand  the  Old 
Testament  and  reject  the  New,  is  their  hardness  of  heart 
and  blindness  of  mind.  These,  with  regard  to  many,  the 
Holy  Ghost  at  some  future  day  will  remove.  Then  they 
will  see  that  Jesus  is  their  long-promised  Messiah,  and 
will  embrace  him  as  their  hope  of  glory. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  As  we  have  received  mcrcij;  the  apostle  has  special  ref- 
erence to  the  mercy  of  God  in  calling  him  from  being  a 
blasphemer  of  Christ  to  be  his  apostle,  1  Tim.  1:12,  111 

2.  Tlie  hidden  things  of  dishonesty ;  literally,  as  the  mar- 
gin, the  hidden  things  of  .shame  ;  shameful  deeils  which  men 
practise  secretly,  because  they  are  .ashamed  to  have  them 
known.  The  words  immediately  following  show  that  he 
refers  to  the  base  arts  of  the  false  teachers  who  sought  to 
supplant  him  in  the  favor  of  the  (.'orintbians.  Kot  walking 
in  craftiness;  as  preachers  of  the  gospel,  not  resorting  to 
low  and  base  arts  to  gain  poimlarity.  Handling  the  word 
of  God  deceitfully;  corrupting  it  by  a  mixture  of  human 
inventions  to  make  it  more  palatable  to  worldly  men.  Com- 
mending ourselves;  jireaching  as  in  the  presence  of  (iod, 
and  in  such  a  manner  as  every  enlightened  conscience 
must  apjirove. 

3.  If  intr  go.ipcl  be  hid;  literally,  veiled,  in  allusion  to  the 
veil  in  the  hearts  of  the  unbelieving  Jews ;  that  is,  so  hid 
that  men  do  not  see,  its  glory.  All  such  are  slid  in  their 
lost  condition,  luienlightened  by  the  Holy  (ihost. 

4.  The  god  of  this  world;  Satan,  under  whose  inlluenco 
are  all  unbelievers.  Lest  the  light — .s/iotiW  .v/i/w;  so  shine 
that,  by  believing  in  Christ,  they  should  see  his  glory  and 
lie  made  like  him. 

5.  Christ  Jcsns  the  Lord ;  and  ourselves  your  .icrvanis ;  more 
literally,  Christ  Jesus  as  Lord,  and  ourselves  as  your  ser- 
vants. 

1339 


Paul's  zeal  for  Christ, 


2  CORINTHIAXS  V. 


in  the  midst  of  sufferings. 


the  Lord ;  and  ourselves  your  servants  for  Jesus' 
sake. 

6  For  God,  who  commanded  the  lipht  to  sliine 
out  of  darkness,^  hath*  sliined  in  our  liearts,  to  give 
the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in 
the  face  of  Jesus  Ciirist. 

7  But  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels, 
that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may  bo  of  God,'' 
and  not  of  us. 

8  IVe  are  troubled  on  every  side,'^  yet  not  dis- 
tressed ;  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  despair  ;^ 

9  Persecuted,  but  not  forsaken;  cast  down,  but 
not  destroyed ; 

10  Always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the  dying 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,''  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  might 
be  made  manliest  in  our  body.^ 

11  For  we  which  live  are  alway  delivered  unto 
death  for  Jesus'  sake,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus 
might  be  made  manifest  in  our  mortal  flesh.'" 

12  So  then  death  workeih  iu  us,  but  life  in 
you.- 

13  We  having  the  same  spirit  of  faitli,"  accord- 
ing as  it  is  written,  I  believed,  and  therefore  liave 
I  sjjoken;'  we  also  believe,  and  therefore  speak; 

14  Knowing  that  he  which  raised  up  the  Lord 
Jesus,  shall  raise  up  us  also  by  Jesus,  and  shall 
present  m*  with  you.^ 

>  Gr!n.  1:'!.  *  Gr.  is  lie  who  hath,  b  1  Cor.  2:5.  '  ch.  7:5.  t  Or,  no! 
alto-ifttirT  without  help,  or  Tlleans.  dGal.li:17.  =  "J  Tiin. 'i:!!,  12.  f  1  Cor. 
1.3::il.49.     fch.  13:U.     h-JPet.  1:1.     iPsa.  110:10.    jch.  5:1-1.     k  1  Cor. 


C.  Commanded  the  light ;  Gen.  1 : 3.  In  the  face  of  Jems 
Chriil ;  as  he  is  revealeil  in  tiic  jjospcl. 

7.  This  t reasiiie ;  this  knowledge  <if  Christ,  and  of  the 
gosj)!.-!  wliich  they  u-ere  to  pubUsli.  Karlh/ut  ws-.sc/.s ,•  feeble, 
frail,  flyinj;  men.  The  excellenci/  nf  the  power;  that  it  may 
be  seen  that  the  power  which  t;ivcs  suecess  is  of  (Jorl. 

8.  Not  distressed;  so  as  to  be  overeorno  or  disabled  for 
their  duties.  Perplexed;  as  to  what  course  to  take.  Nut 
in  despair ;  not  left  utterly  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  as  those 
forsaken  of  God. 

9.  Persenited;  by  men.  Not  forsaken  ;  of  God.  Not  de- 
stroijed :  able  to  rise  asaiii  and  renew  the  contiic-t. 

10.  Alien  1)^  hearin'^  nhmit ;  wlierever  we  go.  The  di/ing 
of  the  Lord  Jesws;  tlie  violent  putting  to  death  of  tlie  Lord 
Jesus ;  in  other  words,  always  exposeil,  like  him,  to  a  vio- 
lent death  at  the  hand  ot  the  wicked,  witli  all  the  sufi'er- 
inKs  connected  with  such  an  exposure.  See  next  verse. 
Tlie  life  also  of  Je'nis;  a  lil'e  conformed  to  that  of  Jesus. 
We  arc  to  understand  the  life  of  Jesus  in  tlie  widest  sense, 
80  far  as  he  was  a  man.  It  is  a  life  di'voted  to  God,  siis- 
taiiieil  by  God,  and  which  will  be  linally  made  triuinpliaiit 
in  a  glorious  resurrection  over  all  <'vil.  Might  be  mcule 
manifest ;  might  be  clearly  exhibited  to  men. 

11.  For  weu'hich  lire;  who  yet  live  in  mortal  liodies.  In 
our  mortal  fesli ;  not  mendy  in  our  spirits,  luit  in  our  frail 
dying  bodies  also  ;  for  these  an;  Christ's,  will  lie  jireserveil 
by  Christ  till  our  earthly  work  is  done,  and  be  glorified 
with  Christ  in  the  final  resurrection. 

12.  IhnVi—in  us,  hitl  life  in  ijnu;  our  laiiors.  which  con- 
Btaiitly  expose  us  to  death,  jiromote  your  eternal  life,  lie 
docs  not  deny  that  life  works  in  himsidfalso  ;  blithe  wishes 
to  exhibit  his  sutferings  as  contributing  to  their  life  as 
Christians  :  not  the  life  of  their  souls  only,  but  also  that 
of  their  boilies,  as  ver.  H  shows. 

\X  As  it  is  written  ;  I'sa.  11(1:10.  Hclieve  and — speak;  tUc 
truths  of  the  gospel,  without  being  disheartened  by  any 
tri;ds  to  which  it  exposes  us. 

It.  Present  us  with  ijrm;  spotless  and  faultless  before  the 
throne  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  and  eternal  joy. 

!.■>.  All  things;  the  whole  of  (jod's  rlealiiigs  with  you. 
Tills  he  says  with  especial  reference  to  the  sutferings  and 
triumphs  of  God's  ministers,  all  of  whom,  not  certain 
1340 


15  For  all  things  are  for  your  sakes,''  that  a.d.  eo. 
the  abundant  grace  might  through  the  thanksgiv- 
ing of  many  redound  to  the  glory  of  God.' 

16  For  which  cause  we  faint  not;'"  but  though 
our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the  inward  man  is 
renewed  day  by  day." 

17  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory  ;° 

18  While  we  look  not  at  the  things  which  are 
seen,  but  at  the  things  which  arc  not  seen:''  for 
the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal;  but  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  arc  eternal. 


CHAPTER  V. 

1  That  in  his  assured  hope  of  immorfal  glory,  9  and  in  expectance  of  it, 
and  of  the  general  Judgment,  he  laboretli  to  keep  a  good  conscience. 
1*2  not  that  he  may  hcr^-in  boast  of  himself,  M  but  as  one  that,  having 
received  life  from  ('hrisL.  cndeavoretli  to  live  as  a  new  creature  to 
Christ  only,  18  and  by  liis  muiistry  of  reconciliation  to  reconcile  others 
also  in  Christ  to  God. 


1 


"'GK  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  hou.-e  of //;« 
tabernacle  were  dissolved,''  we  have  a  build- 
ing of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal 
in  the  heavens."" 

2  For  in  this  we  groan,  earnestly  desiring  to  bo 
clothed  upon  with  our  house  which  is  from  heaven:' 

'■ir^i,  '.i-J.  1  en.  .--rlU.  ">  1  Citr  l.^:5tf.  n  Horn.  7:'2-i.  o  Rom.  K:l«,  .■i4. 
pllob.U:!.    qjob4:10i  aPet.  1:13,14.    rlPet.l:4.    'Roin.e:a3. 

favorite  leaders,  arc  for  their  sakos.  For  ijonr  sokes;  for 
their  salvation  and  that  of  others,  and  thus  for  the  glory 
of  God. 

l(i.  For  which  cause;  because  of  the  glorious  hopes  of 
the  gospel  and  the  glorious  results  of  our  labors.  We 
fault  not;  under  these  labors  ami  trials.  Our  outward 
man;  our  dying  body.  The  inward  man;  the  spiritual  life 
and  vigor  of  our  souls. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  'Die  glorious  ]u-os)iects  which  the  gospel  opens  to 
faithful  ministers,  and  all  true  Christians,  animate  them  to 
jiress  onward  in  the  path  of  duty  with  increasing  zeal  and 
iidelity  to  the  end. 

4.  Satan  makes  great  efforts  tn  liiiider  iiu'ii  from  hearing 
and  believing  the  gospel,  lest  its  light  should  so  shine 
into  their  minds  as  to  be  the  means  of  their  conversion 
and  salvation. 

7.  'the  character  and  condition  of  ministers  of  the  gos- 
]iel  have  always  been  such  as  to  show  that  their  suecess 
was  of  God;  ruid  the  fact  that  Christianity  has  lived  and 
triumphed,  notwitliKlanding  their  weakness  and  unwor- 
tbiness,  is  a  standing  dc'iiionstration  of  its  divin<!  origin. 

i:t.  'flic  moving  sjiriiig  of  ministerial  fidelity  is  such 
confidence  in  God  as  causes  bis  <ii'clarations  lo  appear 
true,  and  gives  to  unseen  realities  a  comniamling  iidlueiico 
over  their  minds. 

IH.  The  endless  glories  which  aw:ut  failliiiil  ministers 
anil  Christians,  and  for  which  their  present  trials  are  pre- 
paring them,  are  such  that,  in  cornparisdn,  the  latter  arc 
swallowed  up  and  lost  in  the  eternal  greatness  of  the  for- 
mer. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Our  cnrthhj  hnusr  of  this  lahernnih ;  our  body,  <-onsid- 
ered  as  a  tent  in  which  the  soul  sojourns.  Compare  2  I'ct. 
l:i;i,  H.  A  budding  tf  dud.  a  house  nut  madr  with  hands; 
namely,  the  rcsurri'ction-body.  The  ajiOHtle  here  passes 
over  the  intermediate  disembodied  slate  Avithout  noticing 
it.     lint  in  verses  (!,  K,  be  <listinctly  mentions  it. 

2.  In  this;  in  this  our  earthly  body.  Clothed  upon;  with 
our  glorified  heavenly  body. 


Paul's  hope,  of  glory. 


2  CORINTHIANS  V. 


The  constraining  love,  of  Clai::t. 


A  D.M.     3  If  SO  be  that  being  clothed  wc  shall  not 
lie  found  naked." 

4  For  \\-c  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan, 
l)eing  burdened:  not  for  that  we  would  be  un- 
clothed, but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  might  be 
swallowed  up  of  life.'' 

5  Now  he  that  hath  wrnuglit  us  for  the  selfsame 
tlnng  is  God,''  who  also  hath  given  unto  us  the 
earnest  of  the  Spirit.'' 

()  Therefore  loe  are  always  confident,  knowing 
that,  wliilst  we  arc  at  home  in  the  body,  we  are 
absent  from  the  Lord : 

T  For  we  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight:" 

8  We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to 
1)e  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with 
the  Lord.'' 

9  'Wherefore  we  labor,*  that  whetlier  present  or 
absent,  we  may  be  accepted  of  him. 

1(3  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment- 
seat  of  Christ;"  that  every  one  may  receive  the 
things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath 
done,  whether  if.  be  good  or  bad." 

1 1  Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the  Lord,'  we 
persuade  men ;  but  we  are  made  manifest  unto  God;-' 
and  I  trust  also  are  made  manifest  in  your  con- 
sciences. 

12  For  we  commend  not  ourselves  again  unto 
you,"  but  give  you  occasion  to  glory  on  our  behalf, 
that  ye  may  have  somewhat  to  answer  them  which 
glory  in  appearance,*  and  not  in  heart. 


1  Rev.  3:13;  16:15.     b  1  Cor.  15:.5-3. 
1:14.     e  Rom.  8:24,25.     f  Pliil.   1:43. 
li  Bph.  6:8;  Rev.   22:12.     i  Heb.  10:31 
tGr.  lAe/(K«.     Ich.  11:1,  16. 17.     m  Sonr 


=  Isa.  29:23;  Eph.  2:10.  d  Eph. 
"  Gr.  endeavor,  e  Rom.  14:10. 
Jude  2.3.  J  ch.  4:2.  k  oh.  3:1. 
8:6.     "Rom.  5:15.    o  Rom.  14:7- 


3.  Naked;  destitute  of  a  glorified  body. 

4.  Unclothed;  it  is  not  the  unclothing  of  our  soul  by  death 
Ihut  we  desire,  but  the  clothing  of  it  with  the  glorified 
bod.y.  If  it  might  be  t!ie  will  of  (!od,  we  should  be  glad  to 
li:ive  mortality  swallowed  up  of  life  without  death,  as  will 
IjL-  the  case  with  those  who  are  alive  at  Christ's  coming. 

y.  Wrought  Jts;  prepared  us  for,  and  led  us  to  expect 
ihcse  heavenly  glories.  Earnest  of  the  Spirit;  the  joys 
which  he  imparts  as  foretastes  of  heaven. 

().  Absent  from  the  Lord;  from  the  jilace  of  his  special 
abode  in  heaven. 

7.  Walk  hijfaitli;  are  controlled,  not  by  what  we  see, 
but  by  what  wo  believe. 

8.  Absent  from  tlie  body;  as  are  the  disembodied  spirits 
of  the  just  who  rest  with  Jesus. 

11.  The  terror  nf  the  Lord ;  wli;it  terrible  punishments  he 
will  inflict  on  the  wicked.  We  persuade  men;  to  llee  from 
tlie  wrath  to  come.  Manifest  unto  God;  he  sees  our  sin- 
cerity. Are  made  manifest  in  your  consciences ;  commend 
ourselves  to  your  consciences  as  sincere. 

12.  Commerul  not  ourselves;  Paul  means  that  ho  did  not 
Bay  this  to  gain  their  applause.  Occasion  to  glory  on  our 
behalf;  just  ground  of  commending  us  as  true  and  faithful 
servants  of  Christ.  In  appearance,  and  not  in  heart ;  in  tlie 
outward  show  of  virtues  wliicli  had  no  jilacc  in  their 
hearts.  These  were  the  vain-glorious  boasters  wlio  op- 
posed and  slandered  Paul. 

13.  Be  beside  ourselves;  go.  as  some  think,  lieyond  all 
reasonable  bounds  in  our  efforts.  Whetlier  we  be  sober;  go, 
as  some  maintain,  to  the  extreme  of  caution  and  prudence. 
For  your  cause;  for  the  sake  of  doing  you  good. 

14.  The  love  of  Christ;  his  love  to  sinners  constraineth  us 
to  love  him,  and  thus  .labor  to  induce  our  fellow-men  to 
love  him.  All  dead;  in  trespasses  and  sins — dead  to  ail 
desire  to  honor  Cod  or  live  to  his  glory,  and  dead  to  all 
possibility  of  salvation  by  their  own  works,  or  in  any  way 
except  thronirh  faith  in  Chiist. 


llj  For  whether  we  be  besiile  ourselves,'  if  is 
to  God :  or  whether  we  be  sober,  it  is  for  your 
cause. 

14  For  tlie  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us;"'  be- 
cause we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for  all,  then 
were  all  dead:" 

15  And  that  he  died  for  all,  that  they  which 
live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves, 
but  unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and  rose 
again." 

IG  'Wherefore  lienceforth  know  we  no  man  after 
the  flesh:  yea.  though  we  Jiave  known  Christ 
after  the  flesh,  yet  now  henceforth  know  we  him 
no  more. 

17  Tlierefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is'  a 
new  creature;''  old  things  are  passed  away;  be- 
hold, all  things  are  become  new.^ 

18  And  all  things  ai-e  of  God,  who  liatli  recon- 
ciled US  to  himself  l)y  Jesus  Christ,''  and  hath  given 
to  us  the  ministry  of  reconciliation ; 

19  To  wit,  tliat  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling 
the  world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  tres- 
passes unto  them;"  and  hath  committed  unto  us^ 
the  word  of  reconciliation. 

20  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,'  as 
tliough  God  did  beseech  you  by  us:  we  pray  you 
in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God. 

21  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,"  who 
knew  no  sin ;  that  we  miglit  be  made  the  riglit- 
eousness  of  God  in  him.'' 


fl;  1  Cor.  6:19,20. 

t 

Or, 

let  him  be. 

P 

John  3:3 

Gal.  6:15. 

q 

Isa 

65 

17; 

Rev. 

21:5.     r  Col. 

1 

20. 

s  Rom.  3: 

24, 

25.     5 

Gr 

.  put  in  us. 

t 

.lob 

:tl 

23 : 

Mai. 

2:7;  Eph.  6: 

20 

Isa.  63:6,  £ 

12 

;  Gal. 

3: 

3;  IPet.  2 

22 

84; 

1  .lohn 

■J:o. 

vRom.  5:1'J 

15.  Tlieij  which  live;  in  consequence  of  Christ's  dying  for 
them.  Live — unto  him  which  died  for  them ;  seek  to  honor 
him,  and  to  induce  all  others  to  do  the  same. 

10.  Know  we  no  man;  we  do  not  regard  men's  outward 
condition  or  comiections.  We  have  hiovn  Christ ;  as  a  Jew 
belonging  to  our  nation,  and  expected  great  temporal 
favors  from  him.  But  now  we  regard  him  as  a  spiritual 
Saviour,  and  labor  to  induce  as  many  as  possible  to  be- 
lieve in  him. 

17.  Li.  Christ ;  united  to  him  by  faith,  A  new  creature; 
created  hi  Christ  .Jesus  unto  good  works.  Eph.  2:10; 
4:24;  Col.  :i:10.  Old  things  arc  passed  away;  former  views 
and  feelings  with  regard  to  spiritiud  things  are  changed. 
Become  neir ;  he  seeks  new  ends  ;  has  a  new  rule  of  action 
and  pursues  a  new  course  of  conduct;  has  new  joys  and 
new  sorrows,  new  hopes  and  new  fears,  new  relations  and 
new  i^rospects. 

18.  All  things  arc  of  God;  he  is  the  author  of  this  change 
and  all  its  bles.sings.  Ministrij  of  reconciliation  ;  the  treas- 
ure spoken  of  in  chap.  4 : 7,  (o  be  used  for  the  benefit  of  lost 
men. 

19.  Not  imputing  their  trespasses;  not  punishing,  but  for- 
giving them,  77(6  word  of  reconciliation  ;  the  gospel,  mak- 
ing known  the  way,  and  inviting  men  to  be  reconciled  to 
God, 

20.  Ambassadors  for  Christ;  persons  appointed  to  act  in 
his  stead. 

21.  To  be  sin;  suffer  to  make  atonement  for  it.  Be  made 
the  righteousness  of  God;  for  Christ's  sake  accepted,  and 
ti'eated  as  righteous,  through  faith  in  him. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
;').  Every  thing  good  in  believers  comes  from  (iod.  and 
is  the  fruit  of  his  Spirit.    In  their  greatest  trials  he  is  witli 
them,  and  often  gives  them  joys  which  arc  forefcistes  ol 
heaven. 

10.  An  abiding  conviction  that  each  individual  will 
stand  at  tlie  judgment-seat  of  Christ,  and  i-eceive  accord- 

1  :U  1 


FaU/if  illness  in  the  ministry. 


2  CORINTHIANS  VI. 


Idolaters  to  be  s/iuniu'il. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1  That  he  hath  approved  himself  a  faittifiil  minister  of  Christ,  both  by 
his  exhortations,  3  and  by  iiuejjrity  of  life,  4  and  by  patient  enduring 
all  kmds  of  affliction  and  disgrace  for  the  gospel.  10  Of  which  he 
speaketh  the  more  boldly  amongst  tliem.  because  his  heart  is  open  to 
them,  13  and  he  cxpecteth  the  like  atfection  from  them  again,  14 
exhorting  to  flee  the  society  and  pollutions  of  idolaters,  as  being  tluia- 
selves  temples  of  the  living  God. 

TTTE  then,  as  workers  together  icith  Mm,"  bc- 
V  V     seech  ymi  also  that  ye  receive  not  the  grace 
of  God  in  vain.'' 

2  (For  he  saith,  I  have  hoard  thee  in  a  time  ac- 
cepted, and  in  tlu'  day  of  salvation  have  I  succored 
thee:'=  behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time;  behold, 
now  is  the  day  of  salvation.) 

3  Giving!  no  ofionce  in  any  thing,''  that  the  min- 
istry be  not  blamed : 

4  Bnt  ill  all  things  approving"  ourselves  as  the 
ministers  of  God,"  in  much  patience,  in  afflictions, 
ill  necessities,  in  distresses, 

.5  In  stripes,  in  imprisonments,'^  in  tumults,*  in 
labors,  in  watchings,  in  fastings; 

G  By  jiurcncss,  by  knowledge,  by  long-suffering, 
bv  kindness,  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  love  unfeign- 
ed, 

7  By  the  word  of  truth,^  by  the  power  of  God,'' 
by  the  armor  of  righteousness  on  the  right  hand 
and  on  the  left,' 

8  By  honor  and  dishonor,  by  evil  report  and 
good  report:  as  deceivers,-'  and  yet  true; 


»Ch.  5:-2U.  b  Heb.  1-2:13.  =181.49:5.  d  1  Cor.  lOr.l'.  •  r,r.  commrnd- 
in^.  elCor.4:l.  '  ch.  II  :'23,  etc.  i  Or^  in  tossinic-t  to  and  fro.  Sch.4:*2. 
l'lCor.2:4.  i  Kph.  (i:ll.  elc.  J  John  7:12.  17.  klCor.4:U.  iPsa.ll8:l8. 
m  Psi.  S4;ll.    n  ch.  7::};    o  Deut.  7:4,  3;  1  Cor.  7::39.     P  1  Cor.  3:10,  17; 

iiifj  to  tlio  d(?e(ls  done  in  the  body,  is  adapted  to  make 
men  circumspect,  and  Iciid  them  most  earnestly  to  desire 
anil  dili<5ently  to  labor  that  they  may  be  accepted  of  him. 

1.').  .\s  Jesus  Clirist  by  ilyinj;  for  all  has  proved  that  all 
arc  spiritually  dead,  and  as  his  ol)ject  in  this  was,  tliat 
tliose  who  are  made  spiritually  alive  should  live  not  unto 
themselves,  but  inito  him,  a  disposition  to  do  this  is  essen- 
tial to  true  religion. 

21.  In  K'virij;  his  i-'on  lo  ilie  for  his  enemies,  and  in  com- 
ing by  the  gospel  throU'.;h  his  ministers,  ;ind  beseecliing 
men  to  l)e  reconciled  to  him.tlod  has  sliown  that  he  isex- 
oee(linj;ly  desirous  of  their  salvation;  and  that  if  any  arc 
lost,  it  will  be  because  they  refuse  to  be  reeonciliMl  to  him. 

CHAPTER  Vi. 

1.  The  urate  of  Gad;  his  gracious  offer  of  pardon  and 
salvation  through  (Jhrist. 

2.  He  snilk;  Isa.  4a:8.  /  have  heard  thee;  the  ^fcssiah, 
to  whom  the  words  quoted  by  I'aul  are  addressed.  Suc- 
cored thee;  in  tliy  work  of  man's  salvation.  Now  is  the  ac- 
cepted time;  the  time  foretold  by  the  prophet  when  (lod,  in 
a  preeminent  way,  would  licar  and  succor  his  Son  in  the 
work  of  man's  salvation.  This  made  it  to  all  men  the  day 
of  salvation — the  d;iy  when  (iod's  fjrace  was  given  to  them 
in  larger  measures  than  ever  before. 

5.  Gtvinir  no  offence;  that  is,  we  the  apostles  giving  no 
oiTeiice.  The  mmiitry;  the  apostolic  ministry  committed 
to  us  by  Christ. 

4.  In  much  patience;  endurance  of  trials,  as  the  wonl  in 
the  original  means.  This  and  the  next  verse  contain  an 
enumeration  of  the  eircumstances  in  which  thoy  approveil 
themselves  as  faithful  ministers  of  (iod. 

6.  Bij  purenrss  ;  of  heart  and  life.  In  this  and  the  follow- 
ing verse  he  mentions  the  spiritu;il  glares  and  instrumen- 
talities belonging  to  his  ininistry.  He  then  passes  again 
to  the  conditions  and  ch.iracter,  temporal  and  si)iritual, 
under  which  it  w;is  exercised,  ver.  &-10.  Hi/  knowledge; 
of  the  gospel,  which  they  received  from  tlod  imd  commu- 
nicated to  men.  Jiij  llie  Iloti/  (iho^t ;  whoso  constant  pres- 
ence qualified  them  for  their  work. 

1512 


9  As  unknown.''  and  yd  well  known;  as  a  n  eo. 
dviiiff,  and  behold,  we  live ;  as  chastened,'  aiul  not 
killed ; 

10  As  sorrowful,  yet  always  rejoicing;  as  ]ioor, 
yet  making  many  rich  ;  as  having  nothing,  and  yd 
possessing  all  things.'" 

\\  0  ye  Corinthians,  our  mouth  is  open  unto  you, 
our  heart  is  enlarged." 

12  Ye  are  not  straitened  in  us,  but  ye  are  strait- 
ened in  your  own  bowels. 

13  Now  for  a  recoinjicnsc  in  the  same,  (I  speak 
as  unto  my  children,)  be  yo  also  enlarged. 

1-4  Bo  ye  not  unciinally  yoked  together  with 
unbelievers:"  for  what  fellowship  hath  righteous- 
ness with  unrighteousness'/  and  what  communion 
hath  light  with  darkness"? 

15  And  what  concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial'.' 
or  what  jiart  hath  he  that  belicveth  with  an  infidel '.' 

16  And  what  agreement  hath  the  temple  ol'  God 
with  idols?  for  ye  are  the  temi)le  of  the  living 
God;''  as  God  hath  saiil,  I  will  dwell  in  them.'' 
and  walk  in  them;  and  I  will  be  their  God,  and 
they  shall  be  my  people. 

17  Wherefore  come  out  from  among  them,  and 
be  ye  se])arate,  saith  the  Lord,  and  touch  not  the 
unclean  thing:'  and  I  will  receive  you, 

18  And  will  bo  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall 
be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Almighty.'' 


«,!!•; 

Eph. 

•i:-i\ 

'2J. 

q  Exod 

29:4 

■5;    L 

BV.  2G 

12 

;   Jcr. 

31:1 

,  .33 

32:3iH; 

Kwk 

ll:va 

■■Hi-.-iB;  37 

:2S,27; 

Zech. 

b:ti. 

rl8a. 

52 

11;  ch 

.7: 

;  Hev.  lc:4. 

>Jer. 

31:9; 

Rev 

21:7. 

7.  The  word  nf  truth ;  which  they  proclaimed.  The  pou-cr 
of  God;  by  which  he  sanctioned  and  gave  cllicacy  to  the 
truths  they  uttered.  Bij  the  armor  of  nnhtcouaiiotx;  the 
armor  furnished  by  "  (he  righteousness  wliich  is  of  faith." 
For  a  full  description  of  it  see  Eph.  C:  13-18,  which  is  the 
best  commentary  on  the  present  words. 

S.  Jx  deceiivrx ;  in  the  view  of  our  enemies. 

9.  IJaknown;  esi>ecially  to  the  rich,  great,  and  powerful 
of  this  world.  Wvll  knoini ;  by  the  cllicacy  of  our  labors. 
Di/ing;  exjioscd  cfintiniially  to  be  put  to  death.  We  live; 
lieing  upheld  in  life  by  the  ])owcr  of  (Jod. 

10.  Sorrowful;  on  account  of  our  coiillict  with  sin  and 
suffering.  Always  rejoicing;  in  God,  and  the  triumphs  of 
his  gr.ace.  Poor;  as  to  tliis  world.  liich ;  for  eternity. 
Nothing;  of  the  wealth  of  earth.  All  things;  that  will  be 
truly  beneficial  on  earth  and  in  heaven. 

li.  Our  mouth  is  open ;  we  speak  freely  from  the  fulnCRS 
of  our  hearts.  Our  heart  is  enlarged;  with  love  towards 
you,  so  that  there  is  room  enough  in  it  to  t:ike  you  all  in. 

12.  Not  straitened  in  us;  there  is  no  want  of  room  in  om- 
hearts  to  receive  you.  Straitened  in  ijimr  mm  Imiirlx;  it  is 
your  liearts  that  are  too  narrow  to  receive  us.  The  want 
of  confidence  and  love  is  on  yoin-  side,  not  ours. 

i:i.  For  a  recompense  in  the  same ;  that  you  m;iy  recom- 
pense our  largeness  of  heart  towards  you,  by  cxcrcisitig 
the  same  towards  us.  he  yr  also  enlarged;  so  as  to  take 
us  into  your  hearts  with  full  love  and  confidence. 

14.  lie  ye  not  unequally  ynlicil  together  with  unbelievers;  in- 
timattdy connected — ('hristians  with  heathen;  bclicvors  in 
Christ  with  unbelievers. 

1.').  lielial;  Hatan. 

IB.  Ye;  the  company  of  believers,  the  church.  Are  the 
temple  of  the  living  God ;  in  which  he  especially  dwells. 
Kph.  2:21,  22.  God  hath  said;  Kxod.  2!l:45;  Lev.  26:12; 
.Jer.  31::«;  Ezek.  11:20;  ;«;:2S;  :t7:27. 

17.  Come  out  from  among  them ;  luit  unite  with  them,  or 
encourage  or  connive  tit  any  of  tlieir  idolatrous  or  wicked 
practices.     Lev.  11:41;  1  I'et,  1:1.'),  III. 

18.  A  Father;  friend,  saviour,  guardian,  protector, guide, 
benefactor,  and  portion.     Sam  and  daughters;  like  tJod  in 


He  txhorldh  to  a  life 


2  CORINTHIANS  VII. 


of  penitciicc  and  holiness. 


AD60  CHAPTER  VII. 

1  He  proi^eedeth  in  exliorfing  them  to  purity  of  life,  2  and  to  bear  liim 
like  aliet^tioii  as  he  doth  to  them.  .'3  Whereof  lest  he  might  seem  to 
doubt,  lie  deciareth  what  comfo-t  he  took  in  his  afflictions,  by  the 
report  which  Titus  gave  of  their  godly  sorrow,  which  his  former  epis- 
tle had  wrought  in  them,  13  and  of  their  loving-kindness  and  obedi- 
ence towards  Titus,  answerable  to  his  former  boastings  of  them. 

HAVING  therefore  these  promises,*  dearly  be- 
loved, let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filth- 
iness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,''  perfecting  iioliiicss  in 
the  fear  of  God. 

2  Receive  us  ;  we  have  wronged  no  man, we  have 
corrupted  no  man,  we  have  defrauded  no  man.'' 

3  I  speak  not  this  to  condemn  you:  for  I  have 
said  before,  that  ye  are  in  our  hearts  to  die  and 
live  witli  yo«.'' 

4  Great  is  my  boldness  of  speech  toward  you, 
great  is  ray  glorying  of  you :''  I  am  filled  with  com- 
fort, I  am  exceeding  joyful  in  all  our  triljulation.' 

5  For,  when  we  were  come  into  Macedonia,  our 
flesh  had  no  rest,  but  wc  were  troubled  on  every 
side:  without  were  fightings,  within  icere  fears.^ 

6  Nevertheless  God,  that  comfortoth  .those  that 
are  castdown,comfortedusbythecomingof  Titus ;" 

7  And  not  by  his  coming  only,  but  by  the  con- 
solation wherewith  he  was  comforted  in  you,  when 

»Ch.6:17,lS;  lJohn3:3.  bPsa.  51:10;  Ezek.  30:2.5,  28;  ljohnl:7,0. 
«  ISam.  I-i:3,  4;  Actsa0:33;  ch.  12:17.  ilch.6:n,12  e  1  Cor.  1 :4;  ch. 
1:1-1.     tPhU.  2:17;  Col.  1:24.    P  Deut.  .32:25.     hch. 2:1.3.     ich.2:4.    'Or, 

temper,  and  heirs  to  the  eternal  glories  of  his  kingdom. 
Abni^lily;  infinitely  powcrfid,  able,  and  willing  to  do  all 
he  has  promised. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  office  of  ministers  of  the  gospel  is  one  of  high 
dignity'  and  lionor.  They  are  workers  togetlicr  with  God 
in  the  accomplishment  of  liis  great  plan  of  mercy,  and 
should  in  all  things  so  conduct  as  is  best  suited  to  pro- 
mote this  end. 

10.  Persons  united  by  faith  to  Christ  may  liave  no  exclu- 
sive right  to  any  thing,  and  yet  be  joint-heirs  with  Christ 
to  all  things.  They  may  be  destitute  of  the  riches  of  earth, 
and  yet  entitled  to  all  that  earth  and  heaven  can  afford; 
dependent  for  their  daily  bread,  and  yet  dispensing  inex- 
haustible, ever-satisfying,  eternal  treasures. 

1-t.  All  such  connections  as  tend  to  increase  wickedness 
or  encourage  sin  should  be  carefully  avoided,  and  such  a 
courise  of  life  be  pursued  as  most  tends  to  promote  holi- 
ness in  our.selves  and  our  fellow-men. 

IS.  As  Jehovah  the  almighty  God  is  through  grace  the 
Father  of  his  people,  ami  tlu^y  arc  heirs  to  his  great  and 
eternal  possossions,  they  have  no  need  to  seek  alliances 
witli  tlie  rich  and  great  of  this  world.  They  are  children 
of  a  King,  and  are  themselves  to  be  kings  and  priests  unto 
God,  and  to  reign  with  him  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  VTI. 

1.  These  promises ;  the  promises  of  God  referred  to  in 
the  last  chapter.  Filthiness  nf  the  flesh;  excessive  sensual 
indulgences.  And  spirit ;  as  pride,  anger,  malice,  revenge, 
envy,  covetousncss. 

2.  Receive  us ;  hito  your  hearts,  as  apostlcf  and  miiusters 
ofC'hrist;  give  us  your  iiffectionate  confidence  and  ready 
obedience.  There  is  here  an  allusion  to  the  exhortation, 
"Be  ye  also  enlarged,"  chap.  G:13. 

3.  /  speak  not  this  to  cnnilcinn  ijou;  what  he  lias  just  said, 
ver.  2,  might  seem  to  the  Corinthians  to  be  uttered  in  a 
spirit  of  censure.  He  wishes  them  to  understand  that  he 
cannot  speak  to  them  exce])t  from  the  imiiulso  of  love. 
Siiiil  lipforc;  chap.fl:!!,  12.  To  die  and  lire  inl/iynu ;  such 
is  his  affection  for  them,  that  ho  would  gladly  be  joined 
with  them  in  life  and  death. 

4.  31i/  'glorying  of  you;  on  account  of  their  ready  com- 
pliance with  his  iliroctions. 


he  told  us  your  earnest  desire,  your  mourning,  your 
fervent  mind  toward  me;  so  that  I  rejoiced  the 
more. 

8  For  though  I  made  you  sorry  with  a  letter,  I 
do  not  repent,  though  I  did  repent:'  fori  perceive 
that  the  same  epistle  hath  made  you  sorry,  though 
it  were  but  for  a  season. 

9  Now  I  rejoice,  not  that  ye  were  made  sorry, 
but  that  ye  sorrowed  to  repentance :  for  ye  were 
made  sorry  after  a  godly  manner,*  that  ye  might 
receive  damage  by  us  in  nothing. 

10  For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  sal- 
vation not  to  be  repented  of:-'  but  the  sorrow  of 
the  world  worketh  death.'' 

11  For  behold  this  selfsame  thing,  that  ye  sor- 
rowed after  a  godly  sort,'  what  carefulness  it 
wrought  in  you,'"  yea,  lehat  clearing  of  yourselves," 
yea,  ichat  indignation,"  yea,  u-Itat  fear,''  yea,  what 
vehement  desire,''  yea,  what  zeal,''  yea,  luhat  re- 
venge!" In  all  things  ye  have  approved  your- 
selves to  be  clear  in  this  matter.' 

12  Wherefore,  though  I  wrote  unto  you,  I  did  it 
not  for  his-caiise  that  had  done  the  wrong,  nor  for 
his  cause  that  suffered  wrong,  but  that  our  care  for 
you  in  the  sight  of  God  might  appear  unto  you." 


arrording  10  God.  J  Jer.  31:9;  Ezek.  7:10.  k  Prov.  17:22.  '  Tsa.  00:2. 
mTilus3:.S.  lEph.S:!!.  oEpli.4:20.  pHeb.4;l.  q  Psa.  42:1 ;  130:6. 
1- Rev.  3:19.    >  Matt.  5:2!),  .30.    t  Horn.  14:18.    "  ch.  2:4. 


5.  Fightings;  great  opposition  to  the  gospel  and  to  him 
for  preaching  it.  Fears;  lest  his  first  epistle  should  not 
have  producetl  the  desired  effect. 

fi.  Tlie  coming  of  Titus ;  from  Corinth  to  Macedonia  with 
the  news  of  their  compliance  with  Paul's  directions.  1  Cor. 
5:4,5. 

7.  Earnest  desire;  the  original  word,  rendered  "vehement 
desire"  in  ver.  11,  seems  to  denote  earnest  afl'ection  tow- 
ards the  apostle ;  of  course  with  reference  to  the  matter 
for  which  he  had  reproved  them.  This  would  be  accom- 
panied with  diligence  in  complj'ing  with  his  wish  as  to 
the  incestuous  person.  Mourning ;  for  the  sins  into  which 
they  hail  fallen.  Fervent  mind  toward  me;  zeal  in  comply- 
ing with  my  wishes. 

8.  Though  I  did.  repent ;  this  expresses  his  distress  in 
having  been  called  to  write  as  he  did  in  his  first  epistle. 
Chap.' 2: 4. 

9.  After  a  godly  manner ;  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

10.  Godly  sorrov);  such  as  God  requires;  which  grieves 
for  sin  because  it  dishonors  (iod.  Rrpcntanrc  to  sah-ntion; 
that  sorrow  for  sin  which  leads  a  man  to  forsake  it,  and 
look  to  Christ  for  salvation.  Not  to  he  repented  of;  a  chango 
that  will  never  bo  regretted  or  renounced.  Sorrow  of  the 
world ;  that  which  is  supremely  selfish,  and  grieves  prin- 
cijially  because  of  the  evil  which  sin  occasions  to  the 
transgressor.  Worketh  death;  tends  to  undermine  health, 
shorten  life,  ;uid  hurry  men  to  the  second  death. 

11.  Care/illness;  diligence  to  remove  the  oti'ence.  Clear- 
ing of  i/ourselves;  from  fault  in  this  nratter.  Indignation; 
against  the  ofl'ender,  and  yourselves  for  having  suflercd 
him.  Fear;  towards  God,  and  me  his  apostle.  Vehement 
desire;  affectionate  longing  towards  me,  who  had  been  con- 
strained to  rebuke  .you  for  your  sin.  Zcnl ;  to  discipline 
the  ofTender.  Revenge;  the  inlliction  of  just  discipline  and 
piniishment  njiou  him  in  your  treatment  of  the  matter. 
Clear;  by  having  done  your  duty,  according  to  the  apos- 
tle's directions.  1  Cor.  5:4.  5,  etc. 

12.  His  cause  that  hail  dune  the  wrong;  not  for  his  only,  or 
chicfiy.  His — that  suffered  wrong;  the  fiither.  1  Cor.  5:1. 
Care  for  you;  regard  for  your  good.  It  was  no  private 
feeling  against  the  incestuous  jicrson  or  any  one  wronged 
by  him  that  had  induced  the  apostle  to  rebuke  the  Corin- 
thian church.  He  wisliod  rather  to  manifest  hia  zeal  for 
their  purity,  and  thus  bring  them  to  repentance. 

1343 


Tilt,  Uherallty  of  tlie 


2C0R1XTIIIANS  VIII. 


Macedtnians  commended. 


13  Therefore  we  were  comforted  in  your  comfort : 
yea,  and  exceedingly  the  more  joyed  we  for  the  joy 
of  Titus,  because  his  spirit  was  refreshed  bv  you 
all.^ 

14  For  if  I  have  boasted  any  thing  to  him  of 
you,  I  am  not  ashamed ;  but  as  wo  spake  all  tilings 
to  you  in  truth,  even  so  our  boasting,  which  1  made 
before  Titus,  is  found  a  truth. 

15  And  his  inward  ail'ection'  is  more  abundant 
toward  you,  whilst  he  rememberetli  the  obedience 
of  you  ail,  how  witii  fear  and  trembling  ye  received 
hiiii.'' 

16  I  rejoice  therefore  that  I  have  confidence  in 
you  in  all  things.'^ 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  He  stirreth  them  up  to  a  liberal  contribution  for  the  poor  saints  at 
Jerusalem,  by  the  example  of  the  Macedonians,  7  by  commendation 
of  their  former  for\vardness,  9  by  the  example  of  Christ,  14  and  by 
the  spiritual  profit  that  shall  redound  to  themselves  tliereby ;  16  coni- 
raending  to  them  the  integrity  and  willingness  of  Titus,  and  those 
other  brethren  who,  upon  his  request,  exhortation,  and  commendation, 
were  purposely  come  to  them  for  tiiis  business. 

"OREOVER,  brethren,  we  do  you  to  wit  of 
the  grace  of  God  bestowed  on  the  churches 
of  Macedonia  ;■' 

2  How  that  in  a  great  trial  of  affliction  the  abun- 
dance of  their  joy  and  their  deep  poverty  abounded 
uiito  the  riches  of  their  liberality/'' 

3  For  to  their  power,  I  bear  record,  yea,  and  be- 


"  Rom.  ISt-l-J.    •  Gr.  bowels,    b  phil.  2:12.     =  2  Thess.  3:4;  Phile.  8.  21 . 
uli.  9:2,  4.     i  Gr..umplicity.     e  Mark  12:44.     t  Acts  11:29;  Rom.  15:25, 


13.  His  spirit  teas  refreshed;  by  your. good  ln-liavior  on 
the  receipt  of  my  first  epistle. 

14.  Oitj-  boasting;  his  representation  of  their  general 
readines.^  to  do  their  duty. 

1.5.  With  fear  and  tremhlin<i ;  lest  they  should  not  prop- 
erly treat  Titus  and  his  message. 

IC.  I  have  conjideiice  in  you;  as  ('hristians,  that  as  you 
loam  the  will  of  God  you  will  do  il,  and  thus  secure  his 
favor. 

IXSTRUC'TIOXS. 

I,  The  promises  of  God  to  believers,  instead  of  loading 
them  to  be  careless  in  sin,  excite  them  to  the  most  earnest 
desires  and  strenuous  clforls  to  be  delivered  from  it.  No 
hope  is  genuine,  or  will  slanil  in  the  day  of  trial,  but  that 
which  tends  to  purify  the  soul  even  as  Christ  is  pure.. 

ij.  The  best  uiinisleis  may  be  called  to  endure  great 
:iflliction8  both  from  without  and  within.  Hut  God  is 
mindful  of  their  trials;  and  when  their  sorrows  arc  the 
greatest,  ho  is  preparing  them  for  the  greatest  joj'S. 

II.  The  diftercnee  between  worldly  and  goilly  sorrow 
is,  one  has  supreme  respect  to  the  creature,  the  other  to 
the  Creator :  one  tends  to  inaction,  murmuring,  despair, 
and  death;  the  other  to  earnest,  jiersevering  elTorts  for 
deliverance  from  sin,  a  dread  of  repeating  it,  a  readiness 
ti>  justify  God  in  his  threatenings  against  it,  and  a  hearty 
reliance  on  Christ  for  pardon,  sanetitication.and  eternal  life. 

IG.  That  repentance  of  sin  wiiicli  leads  to  the  forsaking 

lit,  and  to  a  prompt,  persevering  discharge  of  duty,  gives 

great  joy  to  faithfid  ministers.     And  wt  II  it  may,  for  it  is 

evidence  of  true  religion  and  of  i)reiiaration  for  eternal 

life. 

CII AFTER   VI 11. 

1 .  Do  you  to  wit ;  cause  you  to  know.  The  grace  of  God ; 
here  the  grace  of  God  as  manifested  in  the  liberality  of  the 
Macedonian  churches. 

2,  TTie  ahundnncc  ff  their  jrry ;  their  spiritual  joy  in  ( 'lirist. 
This  .iboundetl  unto  the  riihcs  of  their  liberality  by 
prompting  them  to  give  a  richly  liberal  gift.  T/icir  deep 
poverty;  this  abounded  unto  the  richca  of  their  liberality 

1344 


yond  their  power,  they  were  willing  of  them-  a.  d.  w. 
selves ; 

4  Praying  us  with  much  entreaty,  that  we  would 
receive  the  gift,  and  take  upon  ms  the  fellowship  of 
the  ministering  to  the  saints.'' 

5  And  fhi.f  they  did,  not  as  we  hoped,  but  first 
gave  their  own  selves  to  the  Lord,  and  unto  us  by 
the  will  of  (!od, 

6  Insomucli  that  we  desired  Titus,  that  as  he  had 
begun,  so  he  would  also  finish  in  you  the  same  grace* 
also. 

7  Therefore,  as  ye  abound  in  every  thing,'  in 
faith,  and  utterance,  and  knowledge,  and  in  all 
diligence,  and  in  your  love  to  us,  see  tliat  ye  abound 
in  this  grace  also. 

8  I  speak  not  by  commandment,''  but  by  occasion 
of  the  forwardness  of  others,  and  to  prove  the  sin- 
cerity of  your  love. 

9  For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  though  he  was  rich,'  yet  for  your 
sakes  lie  became  ])Oor,J  that  ye  through  his  pov- 
erty migltj  be  rich." 

lU  And  herein  I  give  my  advice:  for  this  is  ex- 
pedient for  you,  who  have  begun  before,  not  only 
to  do,  but  also  to  be  forward^  a  year  ago. 

11  Now  therefore  perform  the  doing  of  it  ,•'  that 
as  there  was  a  readiness  to  will,  so  there  may  be  a 
performance  also  out  of  that  which  ye  have. 

12  For  if  there  be  first  a  willing  mind,  it  is  ac- 

2li.  tOi. gift.  elCor.l:5.  h  1  Cor.  7:0.  ijohni:!.  J  Luke  fl-.5S;  Phil. 
2:0,7.    kR(;v.3:l«.    iGr. willing.    1  1  Tim.G:  19;  Hob.  13:l(i;  Jas.  2:15,  I(i. 

by  making  their  gift  a  richer  expression  of  faith  and  love. 
Though  i)orsecuted  and  poor,  they  had  contributed  large- 
ly for  the  benefit  of  others.  Compare  what  the  Saviour 
says  of  the  poor  widow's  gift  in  Mark  12:43,  44;  Luke 
2l":3,  4. 

3.  Of  themselves ;  without  being  entreated. 

4.  Praijinr^uswith  much  entreaty — mini.'itering  tn  the  saints ; 
according  to  another  anil  a  more  literal  rendering,  Asking 
of  us  with  much  entreaty  the  gift  and  the  fellowship  of 
the  ministering  to  the  saints ;  that  is,  asking  of  us  the 
privilege  of  making  the  gift,  and  thus  sharing  in  minister- 
ing to  the  saints.  It  is  the  poor  saints  in  Jerusalem  that 
arc  referroil  to.     Rom.  1.5 :2G;  1  Cor.  16:3. 

5.  Not  as  we  hoped;  they  went  beyond  our  hopes.  Unto 
lis;  to  be  directed  by  us,  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

fi.  Insomuch;  on  account  of  their  great  liberality.  As 
he  had  begun;  to  make  a  collection  for  the  poor  saints  at 
Jerusalem. 

7.  In  this  grace;  that  of  lil)crally  contributing  of  their 
substance,  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  needy. 

8.  Nut  liy  commandment ;  ho  diil  not  connnand  as  to  the 
amount  of  their  cimlribution ;  but  from  the  example  of 
others,  and  to  show  their  love  to  (!od  and  men,  he  en- 
deavors to  persuade  them  to  be  liberal.  The  forwardness 
of  others;  the  Maeednnian  Christians.     Ver.  1. 

!),  lie  vas  rich  ;  in  all  the  glories  of  the  fiodhcad  in  heaven. 
flc  became  poor ;  by  leavhig  the  glory  he  lijiil  with  the  Fa- 
ther before  the  creation,  being  born  of  a  virgin  in  a  sUi- 
ble,  and  cradled  in  a  manger ;  living  in  jioverty,  and  dying 
in  agrmy  on  the  cross,  the  just  for  the  unjust.  Ye — might 
lie  rich;  in  the  perfect  and  eternal  holiness  and  bliss  of 
heaven. 

10.  Herein;  as  to  their  contribution.  Begun  before;  be- 
gun before  the  Macedoni;in  churches.  As  they  hail  made 
:i  movement  the  preceding  year  before  the  Macedonian 
iliurclies  began,  it  was  liighly  desirable  that  they  slioidil 
have  their  contribution  comideted.  Compare  what  he 
says  on  this  |)iiin(  in  chap,  9:2-4. 

12.  Not  according  to  that  he  hath  not ;  a  man  is  not  required 
to  do  beyond  his  ability,  or  give  what  he  has  not. 


Liberality  commended. 


2  CORINTHIANS  IX. 


Ministerii]"  to  the  saints. 


A.  D.60.  cepted  according  to  that  a  man  liatli,  and 
not  according  to  tliat  he  hath  not.'' 

13  For  I  mean  not  that  other  men  be  eased,  and 
ye  burdened : 

14  But  by  an  equality,  that  now  at  tliis  time  your 
abundance  may  be  a  supply  for  their  want,  tliat 
tlieir  abundance  also  may  be  a  supply  for  your 
want:  tliat  there  may  be  equality: 

15  Xs.  it  is  written,  He  that  had  gathered  much 
had  nothing  over ;  and  he  that  had  gathered  little 
had  no  lack.'' 

16  Uut  thanks  be  to  God,  which  juit  the  same 
earnest  care  into  the  heart  of  Titus  for  you. 

17  For  indeed  he  accepted  the  exhortation  f  but 
being  more  forward,  of  his  own  accord  he  went 
unto  you. 

18  And  we  have  sent  with  him  the  brother," 
whose  praise  is  in  tlie  gospel  throughout  all  the 
cluu'chea ; 

19  And  not  that  only,  but  who  was  also  chosen 
of  the  churciies  to  travel  with  us  with  this  grace,"* 
which  is  administered  by  us  to  the  glory  of  the 
same  Lord,''  and  declaration  of  your  ready  miiid  : 

20  Avoiding  tliis,  that  no  man  sliould  blame  us 
in  this  abundance  wliich  is  administered  by  us : 

21  Providing  for  honest  things,"  not  only  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  but  also  in  tlie  sight  of  men. 

22  And  we  have  sent  with  tlicni  our  brother, 
whom  we  have  oftentimes  proved  diligent  in  many 
things,  but  now  much  more  diligent,  upon  the  great 
confidence  wliicli  I  have*  in  you. 

23  Whether  any  do  inquire  of  Titus,  he  is  my 


a  Luke  21:3.     bBxod.  16:13.     c  Ter.  6.     dch.  12:18.     'Or.  ^ft.    e  1  Cor. 
10:3,  4.     f  ch.  4:15.    g  Rom.  12:17;  Phil.  4:8;  1  Pet.  2:1-2.     t  Or,  he  hath. 


14.  A  supply  for  your  want ;  should  you  be  destitute,  and 
they  have  means  to  relieve  you.  Tliat  there  may  be  equali- 
ty; to  such  an  extent  tliat  all  shall  have  a  supply. 

15.  It  is  written;  Exod.  10: 18.  See  note  on  this  passage. 
The  point  urged  by  the  apostle  is,  that  now,  as  in  the 
distribution  of  tlie  ancient  manna,  every  one  should  have 
his  just  sui)ply. 

l(i.  The  same  earnest  care;  to  complete  this  collection  at 
Corinth  for  Christians  in  Judea. 

17.  The  exhortnlinn;  to  visit  Corinth,  in  ver.  6. 

19.  This  grace — administered  f>y  us;  the  gift  or  contribu- 
tion which  the  apostle  had  obtained,  and  was  to  convey 
to  Jerusalem. 

20.  That  no  man  should  blame  us;  charge  us  with  any 
improper  use  of  the  money.  In  this  abundance ;  in  respect 
to  this  abundant  contribution. 

21.  Not  only;  being  really  honest  in  the  sight  of  God, 
but  aho  appearing  to  be  so  in  view  of  men. 

22.  I  have;  or,  he  hath. 

23.  Of  Titm;  about  Titus,  who  he  is,  or  why  he  is  thus 
employed.  Or  our  brethren;  if  inquiries  were  made  about 
thcni,  the  answer  miglit  be  given  which  Paul  suggested. 
The  glory  of  Chrht ;  persons  in  whom  Christ  munifests  his 
glory.  This  he  does  by  his  glori(]Us  work  in  their  own 
souls,  which  makes  itself  visible  in  their  whole  life  and 
spirit.  .\I;itt.  .5:11;;  and  by  his  ghirious  work,  through  their 
instrunicMtality,  ujion  the  souls  of  others. 

24.  The  proof  of  your  love;  hy  furnishing  them  with  a 
liberal  contribution.  Oicr  boasting;  oui  commendation  of 
your  liberality. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
5.  A  disposition  to  give  one's  self  to  the  Lord,  and  to 
use  what  he  bestows  according  to  his  will,  is  the  fruit  of 
divine  grace;  it  is  also  a  source  of  great  joy,  and  leads  to 
liberal  contributions  for  the  good  of  others. 
9.  Information  and  kind  persuasions  are  more  eflica- 
85 


partner  and  fellow-helper  concerning  you  :  or  our 
bretlircn  be  inquired  of,  thiy  are  the  messengers  of 
the  churches,''  and  the  glory  of  Christ. 

2-4  Wherefore  show  ye  to  them,  and  before  the 
cliurches,  the  proof  of  your  love,  and  of  our  boast- 
ing on  your  behalf.' 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  He  yieldeth  the  reason  why,  though  he  knew  their  forwardness,  yet 
lie  sent  Titus  and  his  brethren  beforehand.  6  And  he  proceedeth  in 
stirring  them  up  to  a  bountiful  alms,  as  being  but  a  kind  of  sowing  of 
seed,  10  which  shall  return  a  great  increase  to  them,  13  and  occasion 
a  great  sacrifice  of  thanksgivings  unto  God. 

FOR  as  touching  the  ministering  to  the  saints,^ 
it  is  superfluous  for  me  to  write  to  you: 

2  For  I  know  the  forwardness  of  your  mind,  for 
which  I  boast  of  you  to  them  of  Macedonia,  that 
Achaia  was  ready  a  year  ago ;  and  your  zeal  hath 
provoked  very  many. 

3  Yet  liave  I  sent  the  Ijrethren,  lest  our  boasting 
of  you  sliould  be  in  vain  in  this  belialf ;  that,  as  I 
said,  ye  may  be  ready: 

4  Lest  liaply,  if  they  of  Macedonia  come  with 
me,  and  find  you  unjirepared,  we  (that  we  say  not, 
ye)  should  be  ashamed  in  this  same  confident  boast- 
ing." 

5  Tlierefore  I  thought  it  necessary  to  exhort  the 
brethren,  that  tliey  would  go  before  unto  you,  and 
make  up  beforeliand  your  bounty,*  whereof  ye  had 
notice  before,^  tliat  the  same  might  be  ready,  as  a 
matter  o/"  bounty,  and  not  as  o/'covetousness. 

6  But  this  /  say,  He  which  sowetli  sparingly, 

h  Phil.  2: -2.5.  ich.  7:14.  J  oli.  8:4,  etc.  k  oh.  8; -24.  >  Gt.  blessing.  §  Or, 
which  liatli  been  so  much  spokcji  of  before. 

cious  than  authority  in  leading  men  to  do  gooi].  Exam- 
ple has  great  influence,  and  the  most  powerful  means  of 
all  is  the  example  of  Jesus  Christ.  Would  we  lead  men 
to  do  the  greatest  good,  we  must  direct  their  minds  to 
him,  and  by  his  love  strive  to  induce  them  to  imitate  his. 
example. 

15.  Those  who  have,  whether  they  regard  their  own 
gooil  or  that  of  others,  should  cheerfully  impart  to  those 
who  have  not.  Blessings  are  not  given  to  men  that  they 
should  hoard  them,  or  consume  tliem  upon  their  lusts,  but 
that  they  should  use  them  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
good  of  men. 

19.  Churches  have  a  right  to  choose  not  only  their  min- 
isters, but  also  the  persons  who  shall  receive  and  dis- 
tribute their  contributions:  and  those  who  are  intrusted 
with  charitable  funds  should  not  only  be  faithful  in  their 
application  of  them,  but  should  show  that  they  are  so ; 
and  thus  avoid  the  appearance,  and  as  far  as  practicable, 
the  suspicion  of  evil,  that  their  influence  for  good  may 
not  be  impaired  but  augmented. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1.  The  ministering  to  the  sainta;  making  the  collection  for 
the  Christians  in  Judea. 

2.  Acham;  that  i)art  of  Greece  of  which  Corinth  was  the 
capital.     Was  ready;  to  make  a  collection. 

3.  Our  boasting  of  you;  of  their  readiness  liberally  ta 
contribute. 

4.  Unprepared — be  ashamed;  if  it  should  bo  found  that  no 
collecliiin  bad  been  made. 

5.  Go  tjcfore ;  before  he  went  himself,  accompanied  by 
others  of  .\laccdonia.  liountij — not  as  of  covetinisness ;  as  a 
freewill-oftering,  not  as  if  extorted  by  importunity. 

G.  Reap — sparntgli/ — tiounl fully ;  iiicii  will  be  rewarded 
in  proportion  to  what,  from  love  to  (Jhrist,  they  do  for  his 
cause. 

1345 


Chetrful  and  bountiful  giving. 


2  CORINTHIANS  X. 


Paul  defendeth  himsdf- 


shall  reap  also  sparingly;  and  ho  wliich  soweth 
bountifully,  shall  reap  also  bountifully.'' 

7  Every  man  according  as  he  purposeth  in  his 
heart,  so  let  him  give;  not  grudgingly,"  or  of  neces- 
sity: for  God  lovetli  a  cheerful  giver.'' 

8  And  God  is  able  to  make  all  grace  aViound 
toward  you ;''  that  ye,  always  having  all  sufficiency 
in  all  tilings,  may  abound  to  every  good  work: 

9  As  it  is  written.  He  hath  dispersed  abroad; 
he  hath  given  to  the  poor:  his  righteousness  re- 
mainoth  for  ever." 

KJ  Now  ho  that  ministeretii  seed  to  the  sowcr,*^ 
both  minister  bread  for  your  food,  and  multiply 
your  seed  sown,  and  increase  tiie  fruits  of  your 
righteousness;^ 

11  Being  enriched  in  every  thing  to  all  bounti- 
fulness,'  which  causcth  through  us  tlianksgiving  to 
God." 

12  For  the  administration  of  this  service  not  only 
supplieth  tlic  want  of  the  saints,'  but  is  abundant 
also  by  many  thanksgivings  unto  God ; 

13  Wiiile  by  the  experiment  of  this  ministration 
they  glorify  God  for  your  professed  subjection 
unto  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  for  your  liberal  dis- 
tribution unto  them,  and  unto  all  wim,--* 

14  And  by  their  prayer  for  you,  which  long  after 
you,  for  the  exceeding  grace  of  God  iu  you." 

15  Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  uuspcakable 
gift.' 


CHAPTER  X, 


«  Psa 

41: 

1-3:  Prov.  ll:-i 

1,  a-i: 

Ifl: 

7;  i-l 

0;  Gal. 

G:7 

9.     l>T)eut. 

15:7,  8. 
eHos. 

cExod 

35: 

3:  Rom.  ia:S. 

d  Phil 

.4: 

19.    c 

I'si.  \\-> 

:«. 

r  Isa.  55 

10. 

1U:12. 

'  Gr.  simv'idty,  or 

littrnl 

"v 

l>ch 

1:11  ;  -i 

:1.5. 

1  ch.  «: 

14. 

J  Malt 

5:16.     kch 

8:1.    1  John  3 

IG;  J 

l:i. 

1:17. 

m  Rom 

1-J: 

I.     t  Or, 

in  Qittivard 

8.  AU  grace;  every  good  gift. 

9.  As  it  IS  written;  I\sa.  112:9.  His  righteousness;  as 
maiiil'ustuJ  in  liis  works  of  love  and  raerey.  llemaineth 
fur  ever;  in  tlie  orisiiiid  Hebrew,  staiidetli  fur  ever,  that 
is,  oiidiiretli  firm,  bcin|^  acknowledged  and  upheld  bytiod. 
It  follows  that  he  himself  stiinds  firm  for  ever  in  God's 
favor.  Compare  the  following  clause  of  the  i>salm,  "Ilia 
horn  shall  be  exalted  with  honor." 

10.  He;  (jod.  Multiplij  yimr  seed  sown;  increase  your 
means  of  doing  good,  flie  fruits  of  your  rigliteousMss;  the 
blessed  results  to  yourselves  and  others. 

11.  To  all  bnuiitifulness ;  that  they  might  do  greater  good , 
and  thus  lead  many  to  bless  (!od.  Through  us;  as  the 
dispensers  of  your  liberality.  Thanksgiving  to  God;  from 
those  who  receive  it ;  and  so  ver.  12. 

12.  Adminislriitionof  this  service;  the  distribution  of  their 
bounty.     Is  abundant ;  will  cause  many  thanks  to  (jod. 

l.'i.  fiy  tlie  experiment  of  this  ministration ;  through  the 
experience  they  have  of  your  liberality  in  ministering  to 
their  wants.  For  your  professed  subjection  unto  the  gospel  of 
Christ ;  literally,  for  the  sulijection  of  your  profession  tow- 
ards the  gospel  of  Christ.  Their  Christian  profession  was 
not  empty,  and  in  name  only  :  it  was  accompanied  by  true 
obedience. 

11.  liijtlieir  prayer  ;  wliich  they  will  offer  for  j-onr  pood. 
Wh'cli  long  after  you;  or,  while  they  long  after  you,  with 
Christian  affection.  For;  on  account  of.  The  exceeding 
grace  of  God  in  you;  as  manifested  in  your  deeds  of  love 
and  mercy. 

1.).  Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift;  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  grace  through  him  which  produces  in  men 
fruits  of  rightcousncgg. 

IKSTRUCTIONS. 
4.  Wise  and  good  ministers  exceedingly  desire  that 
Cliristians  should  bo  prompt  and  liberal  in  their  benefac- 
tions, and  will  be  disposed  to  make  honor:ible  mention  of 
such  as  are  bo,  that  others  may  be  led  to  imitate  their 
example. 

1346 


A. D.  00. 

Against  tlie  fal.^e  apostles,  who  disgr.ared  the  we:Lkness  of  his  person  and 
bodily  presence,  he  setU'th  out  the  spiritual  might  and  authority  with 
whicli  he  is  armed  against  all  adversary  powers,  7  assuring  them  that 
at  his  coming  lie  will  be  found  :vs  mighty  in  word,  as  lie  is  now  in 
writing  being  absent,  I'J  and  withal  taxing  them  for  reaching  out 
themselves  beyond  their  compass,  and  vaunting  themselves  into  other 
men"s  hibors. 

^VTOW  I  Paul  myself  beseech  you  by  the  meek- 
_L>  ness  and  gentleness  of  Christ,'"  who  in  pres- 
ence* am  base  among  you,"  but  being  absent  am 
bold  toward  you: 

2  But  I  beseech  you,  that  I  may  not  be  liold  wlien 
I  am  present  with  tiiat  coiilidence,  wherewitii  I 
tliiiik  to  lie  bold  against  some,"  wiiicii  think*  of  us 
as  if  we  walked  according  to  the- flesh. 

3  For  though  we  walk  in  the  flesh,  we  do  not 
war  after  the  flesh:'" 

4  (For  the  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  car- 
nal,'' but  mighty  tlirough^  God  to  the  pulling  down 
of  strong-holds:'') 

5  Casting  down  imaginations, '"  and  every  high 
thing  that  cxaltefli  itself  against  the  knowledge 
of  God,'  and  bringing  into  captivity  every  thought 
to  the  obedience  of  Christ;" 

6  And  having  in  a  readiness  to  revenge  all  dis- 
oliedience,  when  your  obedience  is  fulfilled." 

7  Do  )'e  look  on  tilings  after  tlie  outward  appear- 
ance?" If  any  man  trust  to  himself  that  he  is 
Christ's,  let  him  of  himself  think  this  again,  that 
as  he  is  Christ's,  even  so  are  we  Christ's. 


appenranre. 

n  ver.  10 

0  1  Cor.  4:21  :  ch 

13:2 

10.     1 

Or 

rerkon 

P  Rom. 

S:r3. 

<I  Eph 

(i:l3:   1 

Thess.  5:P:  1  Tim. 

1:18 

)  Or 

to. 

'  Jer 

1 

10;  ch. 

l;):3, 

1.    lOr, 

reasonings.    »1  Cor.  1:19.    t 

P»a. 

1H:27; 

Ezek.  17: 

J4, 

u  Sen. 

8:21 

Matt.  1 

1:29,  3U; 

15:19;  Heb. -1:12. 

vch 

7:15. 

w 

John  7 

24 

7.  Cheerful  conti'ibutions  for  Christians  who  are  in  want 
are  peculiarly  pleasing  to  God.  and  the  greater  the  amount 
ill  proportion  to  their  means,  which  any  rightly  bestow, 
the  greater  will  be  their  reward. 

15.  To  liberal  contributions  Christians  arc  urged  not 
only  by  a  wise  regard  to  their  own  good,  but  by  gratitude 
to  (!od  for  the  freciiess  and  greatness  of  his  love  iu  the 
gift  of  a  Saviour,  through  whom  they  receive  idl  the  good 
which  they  enjoy  iu  tliis  world,  and  all  which  they  hojie 
for  in  the  world  to  come. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1.  Mcchwss  and  gentlcnc.is  of  Christ;  which  Tiiul  wished 
them  to  imitate.  Jiasc — bold;  weak  and  contemptible,  as 
my  enemies  say,  in  my  bodily  jiresence;  but  asBumiug 
great  boldness  in  my  absence,     ^ee  ver.  10. 

2.  lie  bold ;  called  to  exercise  his  apostolical  authority 
and  enforce  luiinfiil  discipline.  As  if  ve  valked  according 
to  thefesh  ;  were  governed  by  a  worldly  policy,  after  the 
manner  of  selfish  men. 

:i.  In  thcjleslt;  in  the  body,  and  Butijoct  to  human  frailty. 
Not  war  after  Ihcjlesh ;  are  not  governed  by  worldly  or  self- 
ish consideriitions. 

4.  Not  carnal ;  not  such  as  worldly  and  selfisli  men  use 
or  rely  on  for  success,  as  external  force,  wealth,  talent, 
cunning,  iind  fraud.  Through  Giid  ;  by  his  power.  Pull- 
ing down  rf  strong-holds;  overcoming  strong  oi)p08ition  to 
truth  and  duty. 

.0.  Casting  down  imasinatinns — every  high  thing;  M  the 
proud  and  lofty  thoughts  of  men,  which  le;id  them  to  e.\;ilt 
themselves  against  the  gospel. 

C.  To  revenge  ;  jinniKh  by  virtue  of  our  apostolie  autlior- 
ity.  Your  obedience  is  fulfilled ;  when  you,  who  are  true  to 
Clirist  and  his  cause,  have  had  opportunity  to  apiuovo 
yourselves  by  your  obedience. 

7.  Look  on  things  after  the  outward  appearance ;  regard 
men  simply  according  to  their  outward  condition  and  re- 
lations. 


Paul  asserteth  his 


2  CORINTHIAXS  XI. 


power  as  an  apostle. 


A.  D.  m.  8  For  though  I  should  boast  somewliat 
more  of  our  authority,"  which  tlic  Lord  hath  iiivcn 
us  for  edification/'  and  not  for  your  destruction,  I 
sliould  not  he  asliamed: 

V)  Tliat  I  may  not  seem  as  if  I  would  terrify  you 
by  letters. 

10  For  /lis  letters,  say  they,*  are  weighty  and 
powerful ;  but  his  bodily  presence  is  weak,  and  his 
speech  contemptible. 

11  Let  such  a  one  think  this,  tliat  such  as  wo  are 
in  word  liy  letters  when  we  are  absent,  such  will 
ice  be  also  in  deed  when  we  are  [iresent. 

12  For  we  dare  not  make  ourselves  of  the  num- 
ber, or  compare  ourselves  with  some  that  commend 
tliemselves;''  but  they,  measuring  themselves  by 
tliemselvcs,  and  comparing  themselves  among  them- 
selves, are  not  wise.*'' 

13  But  we  will  not  boast  of  tilings  without  our 
measure,  but  according  to  the  measure  of  the  rule* 
wliich  God  hath  distributed  to  us,  a  measure  to 
reach  even  unto  you. 

14  For  we  stretch  not  ourselves  beyond  our  meas- 
ure, as  thougli  we  reached  not  unto  you ;  for  we  are 
come  as  far  as  to  you  also  in  preaching  the  gospel 
of  Christ : 

15  Not  boasting  of  things  without  oiir  measure, 
f/int  is,  of  otlier  men's  labors  ;"*  but  liaving  hope, 
wlien  your  faith  is  increased,  that  we  shall  be  en- 
larged by  you*  according  to  our  rule  abundantly, 

16  To  preacli  the  gospel  in  the  regions  beyond 

»Ch.  l:J:2,a  b  ch.  13:S.  •  Gr.  saitk  he.  c  ch.  3:1.  t  Gr.  umlerstaitd 
it  not.     ^  Prov. '26:12.     1  Or,  line,     e  Rom.  15:20.     i  Or,  magiujied  in  you. 

8.  Our  authority;  as  inspired  apostles.  I  should  not  be 
a-sluimed ;  for  the  result  will  show  that  I  have  power  to  do 
according  to  my  words. 

9.  That  I  may  not  neem;  supply  at  the  beginning  of  this 
verse,  And  this  I  say,  in  respect  to  my  not  being  ashamed. 
Terrify  you  by  letters ;  by  empty  threats  in  my  letters,  which 
I  have  no  power  to  fulfil. 

10.  Siijilliey;  his  opposers. 

13.  Without  our  measure;  beyond  the  measure  of  our 
actual  laliors,  as  was  done  by  the  opponents  of  Paul,  who 
intruded  themselves  upon  the  field  of  other  men's  labors, 
and  took  to  themselves  the  credit  of  what  other  men  had 
done.  The  measure  of  tlie  rule;  the  limits  of  labor  which 
God  had  assigned  them.  A  measure  to  reach ;  a  measure 
appointed  by  God  to  reach. 

14.  Wcstretcli  not  ourselves;  boast  not  ourselves  beyond 
the  splicre  of  our  actual  labors. 

V>.  Eiilarired;  in  respect  to  our  field  of  labor.  By  you  ; 
by  your  cooperation.  According  to  ourrule;  according  to 
the  field  assigned  us  by  God,  which  has  lain  without  the 
field  of  other  men's  labors. 

IC.  To  preach  ;  that  is,  so  as  to  preach,  as  the  result  of 
this  enlargement,  lieijond  yon. ;  to  the  heathen  fiu'thcr  west, 
who  had  never  heard  the  gospel.  In  another  man's  line; 
in  anotlun-  man's  field  of  labor.  Of  things  made  ready  to.our 
hand;  of  labors  tliat  we  find  already  jicrformed. 

17.  In  the  Lord ;  acknowledging  him  as  the  Author  of  all 
good. 

18.  Not  lie  that  commendetli  himself;  man  is  not  his  own 
judge,  but  the  Lord  ;  and  by  His  decision  every  one  must 
stand  or  fall. 

INSTRCCTIOXS. 

1.  Jfeekness  and  gentleness  were  distinguishing  char- 
acteristics of  Jesus  Christ,  which  should  be  habitually  imi- 
tated by  his  disciides.  All  who  learn  of  him  will  find  rest 
to  the  soul. and  may  be  instrumental  of  imparting  this  bless- 
ing to  others. 

4.  Tliose  who  pretend  to  be  ministers  of  the  meek  and 
lowly  Jesus,  and  yet  enforce   their  authority  by  guns. 


you,  and  not  to  boast  in  another  man's  line'  of 
tilings  made  ready  to  our  hand. 

17  But  he  that  glorieth,  let  hiin  alory  in  the 
Lord.' 

IS  For  not  he  that  commendeth  himself  is  ap- 
proved, but  whom  tlie  Lord  commendeth.^ 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  Out  of  his  jealousy  over  the  Corinthians,  who  seemed  to  make  more 
account  of  the  false  apostles  tlian  of  him,  he  entereth  into  a  forced 
commendation  of  himself.  5  of  his  equality  with  the  cliief  apostles^  7 
of  his  preaching  the  gospel  to  them  freely,  and  without  any  their 
charge,  13  showing  that  he  was  not  inferior  to  those  deceitful  workers 
in  any  legal  prerogative,  23  and  in  the  service  of  Christ,  and  in  all 
kind  of  sufferings  for  his  ministry,  far  superior. 

WOULD  to  God  ye  could  bear  js'ith  me  a  lit- 
tle in  my  folly:  and  indeed  bear''  with  me. 

2  For  I  am  jealous  over  you  with  godly  jealousy ; 
for  I  have  espoused  you  to  one  husband,'*  that  I 
may  present  you  as  a  chaste  virgin  to  Christ.' 

3  But  I  fear,  lest  by  any  means,  as  the  serpent 
beguiled  Eve  tlirough  his  subtlety,  so  your  minds 
should  be  corrupted  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in 
Christ. 

4  For  if  he  that  comcth  prcachcth  another  Jesus, 
whom  we  have  not  preached,  or  if  ye  receive  an- 
other spirit,  which  ye  have  not  received,  or  an- 
other gospel,J  which  ye  have  not  accepted,  ye 
might  well  bear  witli  him.' 

5  For  I  suppose  I  was  not  a  whit  behind  the 
very  cliiefest  apostles.*^ 

I  Or,  rule,  f  Jer.  0:24.  S  Rom.  2:29.  ^  Ox.  ye  do  bear,  h  Hos.  2: 19,  20. 
iLev.21:13.     JGal. 1:7.8.     •Qr.TOjVAme.     k  1  Cor.  1.5:10;  ch.  12:11. 


swords,  and  prisons,  are  deceivers,  and  show  this  by 
using  such  means  as  were  never  used  by  Christ  or  his 
apostles,  and  such  as  are  suited  to  make  not  Clu-istiaiis, 
but  hypocrites  and  infidels. 

12.  Men  who  think  highly'  of  themselves,  and  boast  of 
their  talents,  excellence,  and  usefulness — who  compare 
themselves  not  with  tlie  law  of  God,  but  with  their  own 
defective  ideas  of  the  characters  of  their  fellow-men,  are 
living  exhibitions  of  pride,  weakness,  and  folly. 

15.  An  earnest  desire  to  make  known  Christ  to  those 
who  have  never  heard  of  him,  and  a  readiness  to  labor  and 
suffer  to  induce  men  to  believe  on  him,  are  truly  apostolic, 
and  make  his  mhiisters  in  the  highest  and  noblest  sense 
successors  of  apostles. 

18.  As  men  are  to  stand  or  fall,  not  by  their  own  judg- 
ment or  that  of  their  fellow-men,  but  the  judgment  of  (Jod, 
they  should  be  most  careful  to  secure  his  aiiprobatiou ; 
and  as  their  qualifications  for  usefulness  ;iiid  their  success 
come  from  him,  they  should  give  him  all  the  glory. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1.  Ml)  folly ;  in  relating  what  he  bad  done  and  suffered 
in  the  cause" of  Christ ;  which,  in  ordinary  circumstances, 
might  have  beenregank'd  as  foolish.  And  indeed  bear  u-ith 
me;  better,  as  the  margin,  and  indeed  ye  do  bear  with 
me.  As  much  as  to  say,  I  acknowledge  your  indulgeiwe 
heretofore,  and  ask  for  more  of  it  on  the  present  occa- 
sion. 

2.  With  godly  jealousy ;  I  am  exceedingly  anxious  for  your 
good.  Espoused  you  to  one  husband ;  he  had  been  tlie  means 
of  uniting  thom  to  Christ. 

3.  His  subtlety;  Gen.  3:1-5.  Should  be  corrupted ;  byfal.so 
teachers.  From  the  simplicity;  so  as  to  depart  from  the 
sim])licity.  The  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ  is  their  simple- 
hearted  devotion  to  bin  g(is|iel  in  its  ]iurity. 

4.  Ye  mifrht  veil  bear  with  him;  in  liis  vain -glorious  as- 
sumption of  suiieriority  over  me  anil  of  doniiuiiui  over 
your  faith.  13ut  this  is  not  the  case.  These  boastful 
teachers  have  nothing  new  to  offer. 

1347 


The  services  and  sufferings 


2  CORINTHIANS  XI. 


of  the  apostle  Paul. 


6  But  though  /  be  rude  in  speccli,"  yet  not  in 
knowledge;''  but  we  have  been  tliorouglily  made 
nianitest  among  you  in  all  things."^ 

7  Have  I  connnitted  an  offence  in  abasing  myself 
that  ye  might  be  exalted,  because  I  have  preached 
to  you  the  gospel  of  God  freely  ? 

8  I  robbed  other  churches,  taking  wages  of  them, 
to  do  you  service. 

9  And  when  I  was  present  with  you,  and  wanted, 
I  was  chargeable  to  no  man  :''  for  that  which  was 
lacking  to  me  the  brethren  wliich  came  from  Jlac- 
cdonia  supplied:*^  and  in  all  Ihings  I  have  kept 
myself  from  being  burdensome  unto  you,  and  so 
will  I  keep  myself. 

10  As  the  truth  of  Clirist  is  in  me,  no  man  shall 
stop  me  of  this  l)oasting'  in  the  regions  of  Achaia. 

11  Wherefore?  because  I  love  you  not?  God 
knoweth. 

12  But  what  I  do,  that  I  will  do,  (hat  I  may  cut 
off  occasion  from  them  which  desire  occasion  ;'  that 
wherein  they  glory,  they  may  be  found  even  as  we. 

13  For  such  are  false  apostles,'^  deceitful  work- 
ers,'" transforming  themselves  into  the  aj)Ostles  of 
Christ. 

14  And  no  marvel ;  for  Satan  himself  is  trans- 
formed into  an  angel  of  liglit.' 

15  Tlierefore  it  is  no  great  thing  if  his  ministers 
also  be  transformed  as  tiie  ministers  of  righteous- 
ness ;  whose  end  shall  be  according  to  their  works.-" 

16  I  say  again.  Let  no  man  think  me  a  fool;"  if 
otherwise,  yet  as  a  fool  receive^  me,  that  I  may 
Ijoast  myseif  a  little. 

17  That  wliicli  I  speak,  I  speak  it  not' after  tlic 
Lord,'  but  as  it  were  foolishly,  in  this  confidence 
of  boastin"-.'" 


a 

1  Cor.  1 

17; 

2:1. 

13.     b 

Kph 

SA.     c 

oh 

13:12. 

i  Ads  18:3; 

1  Thess. 

•Jr'l. 

•  Phil 

4:10,  1.5 

•Or. 

this 

boaxting 

shall  not  be 

stopped  in  m 

.    '  Gil. 

1:7 

Phil.  1 

:l.5, 

etc. 

g  <ial 

2:4 

i  IVt.  2 

:I, 

1  John  4 

1;  Kev.  2:2. 

h  Phil. 

■i.i 

Tilu« 

:1U 

II. 

i  lien 

■i-A, 

5;  Rev. 

12. 

9.    JPhil 

3:19.    kch. 

12: G,  11. 

6.  But  titougli  I  be  rwle  in  speech;  as  my  enemies  object 
to  me,  cluip.  10:10.  Thoroughly  made  manifest;  he  had 
given  tlicm  abundant  evidence  of  his  character  as  an 
apostio. 

7.  Alm.sing  myself;  in  laboring  for  his  support,  not  receiv- 
ing it  from  llieiii.     -Acts  18:. 3. 

8.  Taking  wages  of  tliem;  receiving  supplies  from  others, 
while  laboring  for  you. 

9.  From  being  burdensome;  by  receiving  support  from 

J'OU. 

10.  Of  this  boasting;  that  T  preach  without  receiving 
8up[iort  friiin  those  to  whom  I  preach. 

11.  Jhcausc  I  love  you  not  ?  and  tlierefore  am  unwilling  to 
seem  to  be  under  oi)ligation  to  you  ? 

12.  Titat  I  may  cut  off  ocaision  from  them  which  desire  occa- 
sion; tliat  his  oiioinics  should  not  be  aMc  to  say  tliat  lie 
was  Kollisli,  and  yireached  for  hire.  Wherein  they  glori/; 
namely,  that  they  preach  the  gospel  free  of  charges. 
Found  even  as  we;  have  no  ground  or  plausible  ajipear- 
ance  for  pretending  to  be  more  benevolent  or  worthy  of 
regard  than  we. 

13.  Transforming  themselves;  attempting  to  appear  like 
apostles  of  (llirist. 

14.  An  angel  of  light ;  tries  to  seem  like  one. 

16.  Think  me  afoul ;  in  seeming  thus  to  boast  of  what  I 
am  and  what  I  have  done  ;  for  present  circiirnstanccs  ren- 
der this  needful.  If  otherwise ;  if  it  docs  apjiear  foolish, 
let  him  bear  with  me  in  mentioning  a  few  things  which  the 
case  seems  to  require. 

17.  Sot  after  Ihr.  Lord;  not  in  accordance  with  his  usual 
insjiireJ  instructions.    As  it  were  foolishly;  aa  mayapiicar 

1348 


18  Seeing  that  many  glory  after  the  flesh,  a.  d.  eo. 
I  will  glory  also." 

19  For  ye  sufler  fools  gladly,  seeing  ye  yourselves 
are  wise. 

20  For  ye  suffer,  if  a  man  bring  you  into  bond- 
age, if  a  man  devour  you,  if  a  man  take  of  you.  if  a 
man  exalt  himself,  if  a  man  smite  you  on  the  face. 

21  I  speak  as  concerning  reproach,  as  though  we 
had  been  weak.  Howbeit,  whereinsoever  any  is 
bold,  (I  speak  foolishly,)  I  am  bold  also. 

22  Are  they  Hebrews?  so  am  1.  Are  they  Isra- 
elites? so  am  I.  Are  they  the  seed  of  Abraham? 
so  am  I. 

23  Are  they  ministers  of  Christ?  (I  speak  as  a 
fool,)  I  am  more;  in  labors  more  abundant,"  in 
stripes  above  measure,''  in  prisons  more  frequent, 
in  deaths  oft.i 

24  Of  the  Jews  five  times  received  I  forty  stripes 
save  one.'' 

2-5  Thrice  was  I  beaten  with  rods,'  once  was  I 
stoned,"  thrice  I  suffered  shipwreck,  a  night  and  a 
day  I  have  been  in  the  deep;" 

26  /«  journeyings  often,  in  perils  of  waters,  in 
perils  of  I'obbers,  in  perils  by  mine  own  country- 
men,'' in  [icrils  by  the  heathen,  in  perils  in  the  city, 
in  perils  in  the  wilderness,  in  perils  in  the  sea,  in 
perils  among  false  brethren  ; 

27  In  weariness  and  painfiilness,  in  watchings 
often,'"  in  hunger  and  thirst,"  in  fastings  often,  in 
cold  and  nakedness. 

28  Besides  those  things  that  are  without,  that 
which  cometh  upon  me  dail}',  the  care  of  all  the 
cliurchc.<.^ 

29  Who  is  weak,  and  I  am  not  weak?'  who  is 
offended,  and  I  burn  not? 

^Or.suffer.  llCor.7:12.  iiich.9:4.  i>  Phil.  3:3,  J  ;  1  Cor.  4:10.  o  I  Cor. 
15:10.  pAct89:16;  2U:23;  21:11.  q  1  Cor.  15::!0-I2.  r  n.>ut.  2.'>:3,  'Acts 
10:22.  1  Acts  14:19.  u  AcM  27.  vAcU14:o.  vr  Acts  20::J1.  «1  Cor.  4:11. 
y  Acts  I5;:j(i.^0.     2  1  Cor.  9:22. 

foolish,  and  would  be,  were  it  not  for  the  peculiarities 
which  now  call  for  it. 

18.  After  the  flesh ;  in  llicir  birlh,  rank,  and  worldly  dis- 
tinctions. 

19.  Ye  suffer  fools  gladly;  your  persuasion  of  j'our  own 
wisdom  makes  it  easy  for  yon  to  bear  with  the  coiidiut  of 
fools.  He  alludes  to  their  false  teachers,  who  wiUiout  any 
good  reason  boasted  of  their  ])recmineiicc. 

20.  For  ye  suffer;  that  is,  ye  entlure  ]iatiently.  He  now 
.adduces  the  proof  that  they  sufler  fools  gladly.  Jlring  you 
into  bondage ;  by  U8ur))ing  <loniinion  over  you.  Devour  you  ; 
devour  your  jiroperty.  7'a/.c  if  ynu  ;  or,  take  you  ;  that  is, 
take  you  by  fraud,  eireumvent  you.  Exalt  himself;  over 
you.  Smile  you  on  the  face;  treat  you  with  insolence  and 
abuse.  The  inference  is,  that  if  they  can  sulVer  all  this 
])atiently,  tln^y  ought  to  bear  with  the  ajiostle  in  his  boast- 
ing. 

21.  I  speak  as  concerning  reproach;  or,  I  speak  by  way  of 
dishonor,  as  if  admitting  the  truth  of  the  reiu'oaches  cast 
upon  me  by  my  enemies.  This,  however,  he  does  not 
admit,  as  he  proceeds  to  show.  Any  is  hold;  to  state 
things  of  which  he  may  boast.  lam  bold  also;  for  in  all 
the  grounds  of  prec'miiicncc  ou  which  llie^'  pride  them- 
selves, 1  go  beyond  them. 

215.  In  flue  deep;  floating,  it  is  supposed,  on  something 
after  one  of  his  shipwrecks. 

28.  liesiiles  those  things  that  arc  without ;  or,  bcnidos  otlier 
things,  some  of  which  he  proceeds  to  name. 

29.  Weak;  needing  assistance.  And  I;  do  not  sympa- 
thize with  him.  Offended;  tempted,  or  led  into  sin.  / 
burn  not;  with  grid  and  indignation. 


Paul's  visions 


2  CORINTHIANS  XII. 


and  revelations. 


A.  I).  CO.     30  If  I  must  needs  glory,  I  will  glory  of 
the  things  which  concern  mine  infirmities/' 

31  Tlie  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  which  is  blessed  for  evermore,'^  knoweth 
that  I  lie  not.'' 

32  In  Damascus  the  governor  under  Aretas  the 
king  kept  the  city  of  the  Damasceucs  with  a  gar- 
rison, desirous  to  apprehend  me : 

33  And  through  a  window  in  a  basket  was  I  let 
down  by  the  wall,  and  escaped  his  hands.° 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  For  commending:  of  his  apostleship,  though  he  might  glory  of  his  won- 
derful revelations,  9  yet  he  rather  chooseth  to  glory  of  his  inhrmities, 
11  blaming  them  for  forcing  him  to  this  vain  boasting.  14  He  prom- 
iseth  to  come  to  them  again ;  but  yet  altogether  in  the  affection  of  a 
father,  20  although  he  feareth  he  shall  to  his  grief  find  many  oifend- 
ers,  and  public  disorders  there. 

IT  is  not  expedient  for  me  doubtless  to  glory.    I 
will*  come  to  visions  and  revelations  of  the  Lord. 

2  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ'"  above  fourteen  years 
ago,*  whetiior  in  the  body,  I  cannot  tell ;  or  wheth- 
er out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell :  God  knoweth ; 
such  a  one  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven. 

3  And  I  knew  such  a  man,  whctlier  in  the  body, 
or  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell :  God  knoweth  ; 

4  How  that  he  was  caught  up  into  paradise,'  and 
heard  unspeakable  words,  which  it  is  not  lawful* 
for  a  man  to  utter. 


>  Ch.  l-i:.5,  9.  10.  b  Gal.  1:3.  '  Rom.  0:5.  dlThess.  2:5.  eAct39:2J, 
2.5.  •  Gt.  For  I  will.  (  Rom.  16:7.  t  A.  D.  46;  Aols  22: 17.  S  Luke  2-1:4:!; 
Kev.  2:7.     i  Or,  possible,    h  ch.  11:30;  ver.  9,  10.    i  Ezek.  3S:2I ;  Gal.  4:14. 

30.  Mine  iiifirmitics;  my  sufferings  for  Christ's  sake,  and 
my  need  of  liis  lielp.  The  above  enumeration  shows  that 
in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  we  have  but  a  brief  account  of 
Paul's  labors  and  sufferings  for  Clirist's  sake. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  A  judicious  and  modest  Christian  will  not  speak  of 
himself  and  his  labors  unless  the  public  good  evidently 
requires  it ;  and  then  ho  will  do  it,  not  to  exalt  himself, 
but  to  magnify  the  grace  of  God. 

9.  Althougli  it  is  the  duty  of  a  people  to  support  their 
minister,  and  he  is  as  justly  entitled  to  his  living  as  any 
workman  is  to  his  wages,  yet  there  are  cases  where  a  wise 
and  good  minister  will  preach  without  compensation,  and 
live,  if  need  be,  by  manual  labor  or  cm  charity,  for  the 
purpose  of  doing  greater  good  to  mankind. 

15.  Satan  has  ministers  who  pretend  to  preach  Christ's 
gospel ;  they  make  professions  of  piety  and  benevolence, 
enter  into  other  men's  labors,  and  strive  to  draw  away 
Christians  from  nunisters  who  have  been  instrumental  in 
their  conversion,  and  who  preach  to  them  the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Jesus. 

31.  The  labors,  sacrifices,  and  trials  of  faithful  ministers 
are  all  known  to  Cod  ;  and  it  is  a  great  consoliition  when 
tliey  arc  able  in  sincerity  to  appeal  to  liini  for  the  truth  of 
their  declarations,  the  benevolence  of  their  plans,  and  the 
liilelity  of  their  efforts.  Though  they  may  here  be  re- 
proached, vililied, persecuted,  and  slain,yet  He  willremem- 
l)cr  them  in  the  ilay  when  he  inakes  up  his  jewels,  and 
will  bring  forth  their  righteousness  as  the  light  and  their 
judgnient  as  the  noonday. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1.  It  if!  not  expedient  for  me  donlitlcmi  to  <xhry ;  for  him  to 
state  further  with  regard  to  his  labors  and  sufferings. 
Revelations;  which  the  Lord  made  to  him  of  the  glories  of 
heaven. 

2.  A  man  in  Christ;  a  Christian,  meaning  himself.  T/ie 
third  heaven  ;  the  place  where  God  peculiarly  manifests  his 
presence. 


5  Of  such  a  one  will  I  glory:  yet  of  myself  I 
will  not  glory,  but  in  mine  infirmities.'' 

G  For  though  I  would  desire  to  glory,  I  shall 
not  be  a  fool ;  for  I  will  say  the  truth  :  but  now  I 
forbear,  lest  any  man  should  think  of  me  above  that 
which  he  seeth  me  to  be,  or  that  he  hearcth  of  me. 

7  And  lest  I  should  be  exalted  above  measure 
through  the  abundance  of  tlie  revelation^s,  there 
was  given  to  inc  a  thorn  in  the  flesh,'  the  messen- 
ger of  Satan  to  buffet  me,^  lest  I  sholild  be  exalted 
above  measure. 

8  For  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice,  that 
it  might  depart  from  me.'' 

9  And  he  said  unto  me,  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee  :  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weak- 
ness. Most  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory 
in  my  infirmities,'  that  the  power  of  Christ  may 
rest  upon  me."* 

10  Therefore  I  take  pleasure  in  infirmities,  in 
reproaches,  in  necessities,  in  persecutions,  in  dis- 
tresses for  Christ's  sake:  for  when  I  am  weak, 
then  am  I  strong. 

11  I  am  become  a  fool  in  glorying;  ye  haTe 
compelled  me ;  for  I  ought  to  have  been  com- 
mended of  you:  for  in  nothing  am  I  behind  the 
very  cliiefest  apostles,"  thougli  I  lie  nothing." 

12  Truly  the  signs  of  an  apostle  were  wrought 
among  you  in  all  patience,''  in  signs,  and  wonders, 
and  mighty  deeds. 


j  J.ib  2:7;  Luke  1.3:16.  k  Deut.  3:2:3-27;  Tsi.  77:2-11  ;  Lam.  3:S;  Mitt. 
26:44.  lver.5.  ■»lPet.4:14.  iich.ll:o.  o  Luke  17:IU;  1  Cor.  3:7;  Eph. 
3:8.     PI  Cor.  9:2. 


4.  Paradise ;  the  place  of  celestial  blessedness. 

5.  Of  such  a  one — ofmy.^elf;  he  purposely  speaks  of  Paul 
caught  up  to  tlie  third  heavens  as  one  person ;  and  him- 
self— Paul  dwelling  in  the  flesh,  and  subject  to  all  its  infirm- 
ities— as  another.  Of  the  former  he  will  glory  in  respect 
to  the  higli  favors  conferred  upon  him ;  but  of  the  latter — 
Paul  as  known  among  men — he  will  glory  only  in  respect 
to  his  infirmities. 

6.  To  glorij;  in  stating  still  further  the  honor  God  had 
bestowed  upon  liim.  I  forbear ;  to  mention  any  thing 
more  about  visions  and  revelations.  Above  that  u-hich  lie 
seeth  me  to  be,  or  that  he  heareth  of  me;  he  chooses  to  be 
judged  and  estimated  not  according  to  the  glorious  reve- 
lations vouchsafed  to  him,  which  were  invisible  to  men, 
but  according  to  what  in  his  life  and  labors  was  open  to 
the  view  of  all. 

7.  A  Ihnrii  in  thejicsh;  this  seems  to  have  been  some 
bodily  infirmity  of  a  painful  and  humbling  character.  T/ie 
messenger  cf  Satan;  this  is  best  understood  of  the  thorn  in 
the  flesh,  which  is  called  the  messenger  of  S;itan,  because 
he  made  use  of  it  to  buffet  the  apostle.  The  buffeting  we 
may  well  suppose  came  in  the  way  of  temptation  to  impa- 
tience, despondency,  and  the  like  unholy  feelings. 

b!.  The  Lord;  the  Lord  Jesus.  That  it  miglit  depart ;  tluit 
the  trial  might  be  removed. 

y.  Mij  grace  is  siiffir.icnl ;  to  enable  you  with  patience  to 
bear  it,  su])iiort  and  comfort  you  under  it,  and  make  j'ou 
more  h:i,]i|iv  and  useful  than  you  would  be  without  it. 
(rloni  in  nil/  infirmitirs ;  because  they  fit  mo  better  for  the 
service  of  Christ,  and  make  it  more  manifest  that  it  is 
his  ]H>wer  which  sustains  me,  and  gives  success  to  my 
labors. 

10.  Talcc  pleasure  in  iifirmilics;  on  account  of  tlie  good 
wdiich  they  occasion.    Weak;  in  myself.    Strong;  in  Christ. 

11.  Ye  have  compelled  me;  your  conduct  has  made  it 
needful.  /  be  nothing ;  in  and  of  myself;  all  my  suflicicnc}' 
is  of  God. 

12.  Signs  of  an  apostle ;  such  works  as  proved  iiic  to  be 
one. 

1349 


Paul's  prudence  and  fidelity 


2  CORINTHIANS  XIII. 


in  the  apostolic  office. 


13  For  what  is  it  wherein  ye  wore  inferior  to 
other  i-hurchos,  except  it  be  tliat  I  myself  was  not 
burdensome  to  you?"  forgive  me  this  wrong. 

14  Behold,  the  third  time  I  am  ready  to  come  to 
you;  and  I  will  not  be  burdensome  to  you:  for  I 
seek  not  yours,  but  you:''  for  the  children  ought 
not  to  lay  up  for  the  parents,  but  the  parents  for 
the  children. 

15  And  I  will  very  gladly  spend  and  be  spent 
for  you  ;*  though  the  more  abundantly  I  love  you, 
the  less  I  be  loved. 

16  But  be  it  so,  I  did  not  burden  you :  neverthe- 
less, being  crafty,  I  caught  you  with  guile. 

17  Did  I  make  a  gain  of  you  by  any  of  them 
whom  I  sent  unto  you? 

18  I  desired  Titus,'' and  with  Aim  I  sent  a  brother. 
Did  Titus  make  a  gain  of  you?''  walked  we  not  in 
the  same  spirit?  ira/kcdve  not  in  the  same  steps? 

19  Again,  think  ye  that  we  excuse  ourselves  unto 
you?''  we  speak  before  God  in  Christ:  but  we  do 
all  things,  dearly  beloved,  for  your  edifying. 

20  For  I  fear,  lest,  when  fcome,''  I  shall  not  find 
you  such  as  I  would,  and  that  I  shall  be  found  unto 
you  such  as  ye  would  not:  lest  t/ure  he  debates, 
envyings,  wraths,  strifes,  backbitings,  whisperings, 
swellings,  tumults: 

21  jJnd  lest,  when  I  come  again,  my  God  will 
humble  me  among  you,''  and  t/iat  I  shall  bewail 

'  Ch.  U;'J.  b  1  Cor.  10:33;  1  Thess.  2;8.  •  Gr.  your  souls,  c  ch.  «:(). 
ilch.7:-2.  ech.5:la.  '  1  Cor.  4:-.'l  ;  ch.  13:a,  10.  5ch.a:l.  lilCor.5:l, 
Rey.3:al.    i  Deut.  19;I5;  Heb.  10;aS,  29.    jch.  12:21.    l'lCor.9:2.    1  Phil. 


i:i.  Were  inferior  to  other  c/mrclies;  in  tlie  quality  of  the 
ministry  enjoj'oJ  by  you.  Wa.f  not  burdensome ;  did  not 
rcL-eivo  my  support  from  you.  Forgive  me  t/iis  wrong ;  said 
in  irony. 

It.  Tlie  third  time  I  am  readij  to  come  to  you  ;  there  is  but 
one  recorded  visit  of  tlie  aiiostlc  to  Corinth  before  tlie  date 
of  this  epistle  ;  but  be  had  puriioscd  to  visit  them  twice 
before,  and  now  he  purposed  it  the  third  time.  Nat  yours, 
but  ijou  ;  not  your  money,  but  your  salvation. 

lU.  lie  it  so;  his  enemies  said,  if  he  did  not  o]ienly  re- 
ceivi,-  support  from  them,  he  did  covertly,  for  he  sent  men 
anions  them  to  take  U])  contributions  iirofessedly  for  the 
poor,  and  then  usccl  the  money  himself.  With,  gude ;  they 
said  lie  obtained  money  by  false  pretences.  This  slander 
he  refutes,  ver.  17,  18,  by  appealing  to  what  they  knew. 

19.  That  tec  excuse  ourselves  unto  i/ou ;  as  if  you  were  set 
to  be  our  jiidj;c8,  and  wo  iiee<led  to  clear  our  character 
before  you.  We  speok  before  God  in  Christ ;  in  idl  sincerity, 
having  no  concealed  purpose  to  accomplish.  For  your 
edifying;  what  the  apostle  had  said  by  way  of  self-vindi- 
cation had  reference  simply  to  their  spiritual  good,  that 
they  might  bo  led  to  trust  in  him  as  a  true  apostle  of 
Christ,  and  obey  his  directions  by  repenting  of  their  sins 
and  putting  them  away,  of  which  there  was  much  need, 
as  he  shows  in  the  ne.xt  verso. 

^0.  Such  as  ye  woxdd  not ;  lest  ho  should  be  obliged  to 
ri'biike  them  for  their  sins,  and  administer  severe  disci- 
pline in  order  to  bring  them  to  repentjince  and  reforma- 
tion, and  to  save  the  church  from  the  corrupting  induence 
of  their  example. 

INSTHUCTIOXS. 

i.  From  the  Scriptures,  under  the  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  we  may  learn  as  much  about  heaven  as  it  is  best 
wo  should  know.  Wo  should  therefore  lie  contented  with, 
and  grateful  for  our  present  means  of  information,  and  so 
use  them  as  to  become  wise  to  salvation,  and  thus  be  pre- 
pared to  grow  in  the  knowledge,  holiness,  and  bliss  of 
heaven  for  ever. 

10.  Pride  is  so  natural  and  strong  even  in  Christians, 
and  the  bcstowment  on  them  of  sjiecial  mercies  is  so  a|>t 
to  increase  it,  that  God  sees  it  needful  to  visit  them  with 
1350 


many  which  have  sinned  already,  and  have  -\.  n  w 
not  repented  of  the  unclcanncss  and  fornication 
and  lasciviousness  which  they  have  committed.'' 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  He  threateneth  severity,  and  the  power  of  his  apostleship  against 
obstinate  sinners.  5  AnJ  advising  tliem  to  a  trial  of  their  tiiitli.  7 
and  to  a  reformation  of  tiieir  sins  before  his  coming,  11  he  concludeth 
his  epistle  witli  a  general  exhortation  and  a  prayer. 

THLS  is  the  third  time  1  am  coming  to  you.    In 
the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  shall 
every  word  be  established.' 

2  I  told  you  before,  and  foretell  you,  as  if  I  were 
present,  the  second  time;  and  being  absent  now  I 
write  to  them  which  heretofore  have  sinned,-'  and 
to  all  others,  that  if  1  come  again.  I  will  not  spare: 

3  Since  ye  seek  a  proof  of  Christ  speaking  in  me, 
which  toyoii- ward  is  not  weak,  but  is  mighty  in  you.'' 

4  For  though  he  was  crucified  through  weakness, 
yet  he  livetli  by  the  power  of  God.'  For  we  also 
are  weak  in*  him,  but  we  shall  live  with  him  by 
the  power  of  God  toward  you. 

5  Examine  yourselves,'"  whether  ye  be  in  the 
faith  ;  prove  your  own  selves.  Know  ye  not  your 
own  selves,  how  that  .Tesus  Christ  is  in  you,"  ex- 
ce[it  ye  be  reprobates?" 

G  But  I  trust  that  ye  shall  know  that  we  are  not 
reprobates. 


2:7,  8;  I  Pet.  3:18.  t  Or,  u>i(/i.  m  1  Cor  11:2; ;  IJohn  3:20,  21.  "Rom. 
S:10;  Gal.  4:19.     o  1  Cor.  9:27;  2  Tim.  3:8. 

special  trials  ;  and  if,  in  answer  to  their  prayers  and  the 
use  of  proper  means,  he  does  not  remove  those  trials,  they 
have  abundant  reason  to  acquiesce  and  even  to  rejoice  in 
their  continuanee,  as  the  best  means  of  i)romotiiig  the 
glory  of  Cod  and  the  good  of  his  kingdcJin. 

21.  Among  the  nuinerons  trials  wliicli  alfcctionato  and 
successful  ministers  of  Christ  are  called  to  encounter,  the 
disappointment  of  their  hopes  with  regard  to  many  who 
for  a  time  jiromisod  well,  is  by  no  means  the  least.  Often 
they  are  called  to  deep  anguish  under  the  apprehension 
that  some  of  their  ]irofessod  cimverts  ni.i^',  after  all,  bo 
impenitent  and  sink  into  the  horrors  of  the  second  death. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1.  Tlie  third  t imc ;  sec  chap.  12: 11,  Two  or  three  vitnesses ; 
the  probable  meaning  of  the  ajiostlc  is,  that  he  will  admin- 
ister jiromjit  (lisciiiline  according  to  the  well-known  Jew- 
ish rule,  Dent,  17:(;;  I!):15. 

2.  As  if  I  ircre  present  the  second  time;  see  note  to  cli;q). 
12:14.  I  will  not  spare;  if  1  find  yini  nnreclainud.  I  will 
e.\ercisc  my  apostolical  authority  and  miraculous  jiower 
in  disei])line. 

3.  Christ  spenkinp;  in  me;  that  T  am  commissioned  of  him 
and  act  according  to  his  will.  Mighty  in  ijou  ;  as  shown  by 
the  effects  which,  through  my  ageiiiy,  lie  has  produced. 

■i.  Tlirough  weakness;  as  a  man  in  a|i]iarent  weakness; 
abstaining  from  exercising  his  power  for  deliverance. 
Arc  walk  in  him;  have  fellowship  with  him  in  the  weak- 
ness which  he  manifested  when  among  men,  and  have 
alistaincil  from  exercising  aiiostolii-al  :iiid  miraeulons  |iow- 
er  iijion  our  ojiposers.  Shall  live  with  Inm  ;  when  we  come 
amring  you  again,  liij  the  power  of  God;  manifested  in  the 
Judgments  which  throngh  us  he  will  inllict  on  obstinate 
ojiposers, 

r>.  Wliether  ye  be  in  the  faith;  whether  you  have  he;irtily 
believed  on  Jesus  Christ.  Ismyou;  by  hisS)iiril,aulliorily, 
and  likeness.  Except  i/e  be  reprobates;  except  your  faith 
is  dead,  your  hopes  vain,  and  your  religion  worthless. 

6.  Not  reprobates;  not  deceivers,  nor  deceived, but  what 
wo  profess  to  be,  (,'hristians  anil  insjiircd  apostles,  armed 
by  our  .MastcT  with  divine  power. 


Concluding  exhortations 


2  CORINTHIANS  XIII. 


and  salutations. 


A.  D.  60.  7  Now  I  pray  to  God  that  ye  do  no  evil ;  not 
that  we  should  appear  approved,  but  that  ye  should 
do  tliat  which  is  honest,  though  we  be  as  reprobates. 

8  For  we  can  do  nothing  against  the  truth,  but 
for  the  truth." 

9  For  we  are  glad,  when  wo  are  weak,  and  yc 
are  strong :  and  this  also  we  wish,  even  your  per- 
fection.'' 

10  Tlierefore  I  write  these  things  being  absent, 
lest  being  present  I  should  use  sharpness,''  accord- 
ing to  the  power  which  the  Lord  hath  given  me 
to  edification,  and  not  to  destruction.'' 

'  Prov.  21:30.  b  1  Tliess.  3:10;  Heb.  G:l.  c  Trtus  1:13.  ■!  ch.  10:8. 
t  Ter.  9.     r  Rom.  ]2:l(i;  15:5;  Eph.  4:3;  Phil.  2:2;  1  Pet.  3:e.     S  Rom. 

7.  Ye  do  no  ei'tl ;  but  do  what  is  right,  and  especially  in 
the  matter  about  which  I  have  written.  Not  that  vie  should 
appear  approved;  by  showing  our  apostolical  authority  in 
inilicting  judgments.  77(0?  which  is  honest ;  that  you  should 
reform,  and  not  need  puiii-shment.  Though  we  be  as  repro- 
bates; though  we  should  not  show  our  apostolical  author^ 
ity,  and  should  thus  give  our  enemies  occasion  still  to 
say,  that  we  either  could  not  or  dared  not  inflict  the  pim- 
ishnient  we  spoke  of  as  proving  the  trutli  of  our  apostle- 
ship. 

8.  We  can  do  nothing ;  against  truth  and  duty,  however 
it  may  affect  ourselves. 

9.  We  are  glad;  are  willing,  and  even  rejoice  to  appear 
weak,  or  to  continue  to  be  called  so,  if  it  is  occasioned  by 
your  well-doing.  Your  perfection;  complete  reformation 
and  restoration  to  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gospel. 

10.  Not  to  destruction;  not  for  the  purpose  of  destroying 
you,  but  of  delivering  you  fi-om  sin,  and  thus  promoting 
your  salvation. 

11.  Farewell ;  an  expression  of  earnest  desire  for  their 
good.  Be  perfect ;  in  the  belief  and  practice  of  the  trutli. 
Be  of  good  comfort;  in  the  consolation  which  it  will  then 
afl'ord  you.  Uf  one  mind;  united  in  feeling  and  conduct. 
Live  in  pence;  without  divisions,  strife,  or  contentions. 
The  God  of  love  and  peace ;  the  autlior  of  these  graces,  who 
requires  and  loves  them  in  his  people. 

13.  All  the  saints ;  who  were  with  Paul. 

14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  the  favor  which 
he  bestows  upon  his  affectionate  and  obedient  people. 
Tlie  love  of  God;  manifested  in  the  gift  of  his  Son,  and 
shed  abroad  in  the  hearts  of  his  people.     The  communion 


11  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  perfect,''  be 
of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind,'^  live  in  peace; 
and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with 
you. 

12  Greet  one  another  with  a  holy  kiss.^ 

13  All  the  saints  salute  you. 

14  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,''  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,'  be  with  you  all.     Amen. 

Ii  The  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians  was  writ- 
ten from  Philippi,  a  city  of  Macedonia,  by  Titus 
and  Lucas. 


1G:IS.     h  Rom.  10:24.     i  Phil.  2:1. 


of  the  Holy  Ghost;  his  gracious  presence,  divine  communi- 
cations, graces,  and  consolations  be  and  abide  with  you 
all.  Amen ;  so  let  it  be ;  and  so,  if  you  obey  him,  thiough 
grace  it  will  be  for  ever  and  ever. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  When  professors  of  religion  fall  into  sin,  dishonor 
their  profession,  and  injure  the  cause  of  Christ,  his  min- 
isters will  earnestly  desire  and  fiiithfully  endeavor  by 
remonstrance,  persuasion,  and  kind  entreaty  to  reclaim 
thcra.  If  this  is  ineftectual,  the  discipline  which  Christ 
has  appointed  must  be  applied,  and  such  offenders  be 
excluded  from  the  communion  of  the  church.  Matt.  18 :  IS- 
IS; ICor.  5:4,5. 

9.  "When  Christians  do  right,  and  the  cause  of  Christ 
prospers,  his  ministers  rejoice,  whether  they  have  been 
instrumental  in  it  or  not,  and  however  it  may  affect  them ; 
for  they  love  Christ  and  his  cause  more  than  themselves 
or  any  earthly  good. 

11.  Union  and  peace  among  Christians  in  believing  and 
obeying  the  truth,  are  pecidiarly  pleasing  to  God,  and  pre- 
pare the  way  for  him  to  dwell  with  them,  and  impart  to 
them  the  riches  of  his  grace. 

14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Clirist,  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  comprehend  all  the 
blessings  which  the  most  benevolent  heart  can  desire. 
The3'  will  therefore,  by  all  the  truly  wise,  be  most  ear- 
nestly sought,  for  tliemselves  and  their  fellow-men ;  and 
to  all  who  believe  on  Christ  and  walk  in  his  ways,  they 
will  for  his  sake  be  given,  to  the  glory  of  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  one  only  living  and  true  God, 
for  ever.     Amen. 


1351 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  GALATIANS. 


Galatu,  the  Greek  word  answering  to  the  Roman  Gallia  or  Gaul,  was  one  of  the  central  provinces  of 
Asia  Minor,  and  was  inhabited  by  a  people  of  Gallic  origin  who  had  migrated  thither  about  280  b.  c. 
Two  missionary  visits  of  the  apostle  to  Galatia  are  recorded  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  chap.  16:6; 
18  :  23  ;  and  it  is  generally  supposed  that  this  opistlc  was  written  not  long  after  his  second  visit.  Com- 
pare chap.  1  :  6.  The  Galatian  churches  had  begun  well,  chap.  5:7;  but  Judaizing  teachers  had  come 
in,  bringing  the  very  doctrine  mentioned  Acts  15:1,  "Except  ye  be  circumcised  after  the  manner  of 
Moses,  ye  cannot  be  saved  ;"  and  they  were  having  great  success  among  them.  This  was  a  fundamental 
error,  and  Paul,  in  the  present  epistle,  attacks  it  witli  a  wonderful  mingling  of  severity  and  tenderness. 
The  first  two  chapters  are  mainly  devoted  to  a  defence  of  his  apostolic  office,  which  was  rendered  neces- 
sary by  the  attempts  of  the  false  teachers  to  disparage  his  apostolical  standing.  lie  then  enters  with 
peculiar  fervor  upon  the  great  theme  of  justification  by  faith.  His  argument  is,  for  substance,  the  same 
as  that  in  the  first  half  of  the  epistle  to  the  Romans,  only  that  it  takes,  from  necessity,  a  more  contro- 
versial form.  He  brings  the  main  discussion  to  a  close  by  carefully  guarding  the  doctrine  of  Christian 
liberty  against  antinomian  abuse,  chap.  5  :  13-26,  adding,  after  his  usual  manner,  various  exhortations  of 
a  practical  character. 

The  subscription  to  the  epistle,  which  represents  it  as  written  from  Rome,  is  of  no  authoritj'.  It  is 
far  more  probable  that  it  was  written,  either  from  Ephesus,  where  we  find  him  after  his  second  visit  to 
Galatia,  Acts  10  :23  compared  witli  19  : 1  ;  or,  as  some  think,  from  Corinth,  whither  ho  next  went,  taking 
Macedonia  on  his  way,  1  Cor.  10  :5  compared  with  vcr.  8  ;  Acts  19  :21.  Upon  the  latter  supposition,  this 
epistle  would  agree  with  that  to  the  Romans  in  date,  as  well  as  in  its  contents. 


CHAPTER  I. 

C  He  wondereth  that  they  have  so  soon  left  him  and  the  gospel,  8  anil 
accursfth  those  that  preach  any  other  gospel  than  he  did.  11  He 
learned  the  gospel  not  of  men,  but  of  God ;  14  and  showeth  what  he 
was  before  his  calling,  17  and  what  he  did  presently  after  it. 

PAUL,  an  apostle,  not  of  men,  neither  by  man, 
but  by  Je.sus  Clirist,"  and  God  the  Fatlier, 
who  rained  liim  from  the  dead  ;'' 

2  And  all  the  liretlircn  which  arc  with  mc,  unto 
tlic  clmrchcs  of  Galatia :° 

3  Grace  he  to  you  and  peace  from  God  the  Fa- 
tlier. iixid  from  our  Lord  Jesus  Clirlst,'' 

4  Who  gave  himself  for  our  sins,"  that  ho  might 

•  Acl»0:n.l5     bAcU2:2l.    t  AcU  10:0;  18:20.    J  Ilom.  1:7,  tie.    •  .Inhn 
1(1:17,   IS;  Titu.  2:11.     f  John   17:15;  1  John  2:10.    «  Rom.  H:27.     h  ch. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Not  of  men;  not  doriving  my  office  from  men.  Neither 
by  man;  not  ai>|)ointcd  by  man.  Beinn  about  to  contend 
a;;ain8t  a  fiindamciit.il  error,  he  asserts  in  the  strongest 
terms  liig  full  aiiostolical  authority,  and  goes  on  to  show 
that  ho  has  receivcil  not  his  office  alone,  but  the  gospel 
wliicll  he  preaches  directly  from  Christ. 

4.  Wlio  gave  himself  for  our  sins;  he  asserts  at  the  outset 
1352 


deliver  us  from  this  present  evil  world,'^  a.o.  68. 
according  to  the  will  of  (iod  and  our  Father:" 

5  To  wliom  be  glory  lor  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

6  I  marvel  that  ye  arc  so  soon  removed  from 
him  (hat  called  you  into  the  grace  of  Christ,  unto 
another  gospel:'' 

7  Which  is  not  anotlier;'  but  Ihere  be  some  that 
trouble  you,  ami  would  pervert  tlie  gospel  of 
Ciirist.' 

8  Buttliougli  we.oraii  angel  fnini  heaven,  preach 
any  other  gospel  unto  you  tiian  that  wJiich  we  have 
preached  unto  you.  let  him  be  accursed.'' 

9  As  wc  said  before,  so  say  I  now  again,  If  any 

i5:4,7,8.    i2Cor.11;4.    J  Acl«  I,'.:  I,  21 ;  2  Cor.  2:17;  ch.  5:10,  12     k  1  Cor. 
10:22. 


the  fundamental  doctrine  of  redemption  through  Christ,  in 
opposition  to  the  Judaizing  teachers,  who  taught  the  (Ja- 
hitiiins  to  seek  salvatiiin  through  the  works  of  the  law. 
Deliver  us  from  tins  present  evil  vnrlil ;  from  both  its  cor- 
ruption and  its  misery.  Tliis  he  does  hy  making  us  citi- 
zi-ns  of  a  better  world,  and  thus  enabling  us  to  live  above 
the  present. 

n.  llim  that  called  you;  God,  who  by  Paul  called  them  to 
embrace  the  gospel. 


The  apostle  dedareth 


GALATIANS  II. 


his  calling  ly  Christ. 


A.  D  5s.  man  preach  any  other  gospel  imto  you  than 
that  VG  have  received,  let  him  be  accursed.'' 

10  For  do  I  now  ])ersuade  men,  or  God?  or  do 
I  seek  to  please  men?"  for  if  I  yet  pleased  men,  I 
shoiihl  not  be  the  servant  of  Christ." 

11  But  I  certify  you,  bretiiren,  that  the  gospel 
■R-hich  was  preached  of  me  is  not  after  man  : 

12  For  I  neither  received  it  of  mftn,"'  neither  was 
I  taught  it,  but  by  tiie  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ." 

13  For  ye  have  heard  of  my  conversation  in  time 
past  in  the  Jews'  religion,  how  that  beyond  measure 
I  persecuted  the  church  of  God,  and  wasted  it:' 

1-i  And  profited  in  the  Jews'  religion  above 
many  my  equals*  in  mine  own  nation,  being  more 
exceedingly  zealous  of  the  traditions  of  my  fathers.'-' 

15  But  when  it  pleased  God,  who  separated  me 
from  my  mother's  womb,  and  cal  led  me  by  his  grace," 

1()  To  reveal  Iiis  Sou  in  me,'  that  I  might  preach 
him  among  the  heathen  ;J  immediately  I  conferred 
not  with  flesh  and  blood :'' 

17  Neither  went  I  up  to  Jerusalem  to  them 
which  were  apostles  before  me ;  but  I  went  into 
Arabia,  and  returned  again  unto  Damascus. 

18  Then  after  three  years  I  went  up*  to  Jerusa- 
lem to  see  Peter,'  and  abode  with  him  fifteen  days. 

19  But  other  of  tiie  apostles  saw  I  none,  save 
James  the  Lord's  brother."' 

20  Now  the  things  which  I  write  unto  you,  be- 
hold, before  God,  I  lie  not. 

21  Afterwards  I  came  into  the  regions  of  Syria 
and  Cilicia;" 

a  Dent.  4:2;  Rev.  '.'i:  IS.  b  2  Cor.  12:19;  1  Thess.  2:4.  =  Jas.  4:4. 
d  1  Cor.  1.5:1-).  e  Eph.  3:3.  f  Acts  S:  1,  3;  9: 1,  2;  2li:9.  •  Gi.  equals  in 
yrars.  B  Mirk  7:.5-l:i;  Acts  22:3;  Phil.  3:6.  h  Isa.  49:1;  Jar.  1:5;  Acts 
13:2;    22:14,  15;    Rom.  1:1.      i  2Cor.  4:6.      J  Acts  9:15.     k  2  Cor.  5:16. 


10.  For  do  I  now  persuade;  seek  to  gain  the  favor  of.  As 
much  as  to  say,  'Wonder  not  tliat  I  speak  with  sucli  sever- 
ity ;  for  I  seek  not  man's  friendship,  but  God's. 

11.  Not  <ifter  man;  not  of  human,  but  divine  origin. 

12.  /  neither  received  it  of  man — was  I  taught  it ;  lest  the 
false  teachers  in  Galatia  should  disparage  Paul's  apostle- 
ship,  as  being  only  of  a  secondary  character,  he  takes 
pains  to  show  that  he  has  received  the  doctrines  whish 
he  preaches  immeiliately  from  C'nrist. 

13.  Conversation;  manner  of  life. 

11.  Profited;  made  progress.  Equals;  in  age,  standing, 
and  privileges. 

15.  IV/m  separated  me;  set  me  apart  from  my  birth  for 
the  work  to  which  he  afterwards  called  me. 

l(j.  Reveal  his  Son  in  me;  make  known  to  me  Jesus  Christ, 
and  lead  me  to  believe  on  him.  I  conferred  not  with  flesh 
and  blood;  took  no  counsel  with  men,  and  sought  not 
instruction  from  them. 

1".  Arabia;  a  country  south  of  D.amascus,  a  city  of  Syria. 

21.  Si/rm;  a  country  north  of  Palestine.  Cilicia;  a  prov- 
ince of  Asia  Minor,  north-west  of  Syria. 

2t.  Glorified  God  in  me;  praised  God  for  the  change 
which  lie  had  wrought  in  me. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Christians  in  any  house,  town,  or  city  who  met  to- 
gether on  tlie  Lord's  d;iy  to  woishiii  him  and  observe  his 
ordin;iiices,  were  regarded  by  the  apostles  as  iu  a  sense  a 
church  of  Christ. 

3.  .\s  Paul  was  chosen  to  be  an  apostle,  and  commis- 
sioned to  preach  the  gospel,  liy  Jesus  Christ,  and  prayed 
to  Ilini  as  he  did  to  the  Father  for  the  highest  spiritual 
blessings,  it  is  evident  that  he  viewed  Him  as  divine. 

9.  Any  jdan  of  salvation  excej)!  that  of  free  grace, 
througli  fiith  in  Christ,  is  opposed  to  the  gospel,  and 
tliey  who  preach  it  are  iu  danger  of  au  awful  condemna- 
tion. I 


22  And  was  unknown  by  face  unto  the  churcliea 
of  Judoa  wliich  were  in  Clirist:" 

2o  But  they  had  heard  only,  that  he  which  per- 
secuted us  in  times  past,  now  preacheth  the  faith 
which  once  lie  destroyed." 

24  And  they  glorified  God  in  me.i 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  showeth  -when  he  -went  up  again  to  Jerusalem,  and  for  wliat  pur- 
pose;  3  and  that  Titus  was  not  circumcised;  .11  and  that  lie  resisted 
Peter,  and  told  him  the  reason,  14  why  he  and  other,  being  Jews,  do 
believe  in  Clirist  to  be  justified  by  faith,  and  not  by  works;  20  and 
that  tliey  live  not  in  sin,  who  are  so  justified. 

THEN,  fourteen  years  after,  I  went  up  again  to 
Jerusalem  with  Barnabas,"'  and  took  Titus 
with  me  also. 

2  And  I  went  up  by  revelation,  and  communi- 
cated unto  tliem  tliat  gospel  which  I  preacli  among 
tlio  Gentiles,  but  privately*  to  them  wliich  were 
of  reputation,  lest  by  any  means  I  should  run,  or 
had  run,  in  vain." 

3  But  neither  Titus,  who  was  with  me,  being  a 
Greek,  was  compelled  to  be  circumcised: 

4  And  tliat  because  of  false  brethren  unawares 
brought  in,'  who  came  in  privily  to  spy  out  our 
liberty  which  we  have  iu  Christ  Jesus,"  that  they 
might  firing  us  into  boiulage:'^ 

5  To  whom  we  gave  place  by  subjection,  no,  not 
for  an  hour;  that  the  truth  of  the  gospel  might 
continue  with  you. 

6  But  of  those  who  seemed  to  be  somewhat,^  what- 
soever they  were,  it  maketh  no  matter  to  me ;  God 

\  Or,  returnid.  1  Acts  9:20.  m  Mark  6:3.  n  AcU  9:.m  o  1  Thess.  2:14. 
p  Acts  9:13,  26;  1  Tim.  1:13-16.  q  Acts  21:19,  20.  r  Acts  15:2,  etc.  1  Or, 
severally.  'Phil.  2:16.  t  Acts  15:1,  24.  "  cli.  5:1,  13.  v  2  Cor.  11:20;  ch. 
4:3,9.     "oh.  6:3. 


17.  God  assigns  to  all  his  people  their  appropriate  work, 
and  so  orders  events  in  his  providence  and  grace  as  to  lit 
them  to  perform  it. 

24.  When  persecutors  of  Christ  become  his  friends,  and 
labor  to  promote  what  before  they  sought  to  destroy,  they 
strikingly  manifest  the  grace  of  God,  and  furnish  occasion 
for  thanksgiving  and  praise. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  Fourteen  years  after;  after  his  conversion,  or  after  his 
journey  to  Jerusalem.     Chaj).  1:18. 

2.  By  revelation;  by  direction  of  (Jod.  Run  in  vain  ;  he 
stated  what  he  had  iireached  and  done  among  the  Gentiles 
to  certain  leading  individuals,  and  not  to  the  whole  church, 
lest  he  should  f til  of  the  object  ho  hail  in  view.   Acts  15 : 2. 

3.  Neilhcr  Til  us — was  coinprllcd ;  or  reiiuiretl  to  be  cir- 
cumcised. This  showed,  in  direct  opposition  to  the  false 
tciichers  among  the  (ialatians,  that  they  did  not  consider 
circumcision  needful. 

4.  And  that  liecause  of  false  brethren ;  as  much  as  to  say, 
This  exemption  of  Titus  from  circumcision  was  because 
of  false  brethren.  It  was  a  protest  against  their  lidso 
teachings.  Unawares  brought  in ;  artfully  introduced. 
Came  in;  to  their  meetings.  To  spy  out  onr  lilierli/;  their 
liberty  to  dispense  with  Jewish  rites.  Into  bondage;  to 
the  ceremi>ni;il  law,  which  Paul  contended  was  not  bind- 
ing under  the  gospel. 

5.  A'o,  not  for  an  hour;  they  did  not  yield  at  all  to  tho 
false  brethren. 

6.  Of  those;  the  leading  men  referred  to,  ver.  2.  Maketh 
no  matter ;  their  reputation  did  not  alfect  his  stiinding  as 
an  apostle,  or  the  correctness  of  his  preaching  and  con- 
duet.  God  acceptetli  no  man's  person  ;  he  docs  not  apjirovo 
of  men  because  of  their  talents,  reputation,  niiik.  nr  condi- 
tion. Added  nothing;  to  his  authority  as  au  apostle,  or  his 
doctrines  as  a  niiuister  of  Christ. 

1353 


He  withstandelh 


GALATIANS  II. 


Peter  at  Antioch. 


accepteth  no  man's  person:"  for  they  ■wlio  seemed 
to  be  somewhat  in  coufcrouce  added  nothing  to 
me: 

7  But  contrariwise,  when  they  saw  that  the  gos- 
pel of  the  uncircinncision  was  committed  unto  me," 
as  //(('  f^ospel  of  the  circumcision  was  unto  Peter; 

8  (For  he  that  wrouglit  effectually  in  Peter  to 
the  apostleship  of  the  circumcision,  the  same  was 
mii;-iity  in  me  toward  tlie  Gentiles:) 

y  And  when  James.  Cephas,and  John, who  seemed 
to  be  ])illars,''  perceived  the  grace  that  was  given 
unto  me,''  they  gave  to  me  and  Barnabas  the  right 
hands  of  fellowship;  that  we  should  go  unto  the 
heallicn,  and  they  unto  the  circumcision. 

10  Only  they  u-ould  that  we  should  remember  the 
poor:  the  same  which  I  also  was  forward  to  do."" 

11  But  when  Peter  was  come  to  Antioch,''  I  with- 
stood him  to  the  face,  because  he  was  to  lie  blamed. 

12  For  before  that  certain  came  from  James,  he 
did  eat  with  the  Gentiles:'''  but  when  they  were 
come,  he  withdrew  and  separated  himself,  fearing 
them  which  were  of  the  circumcision. 

liJ  And  the  other  Jews  dissembled  likewise  with 
him ;  insomuch  that  J]arnabas  also  was  carried 
away  with  their  dissimulation. 

14  But  when  1  saw  that  they  walked  not  uprightly 
according  to  the  truth  of  the  gospel,''  I  said  unto 

»  Acu  10:34;  Rom.  2:11.  >>  1  Thess.  2:4:  1  Tim.  2:7.  c  Matt.  1«:1S: 
Efh.i-.'iO.  d  Roiii.  I:.'5;  12:3,  (i.  e  Acts  11:30;  Rom.  1.5:23.  t  Acts  1.5;:J5. 
«  Acts  11:3.  li  ver.  5.  i  1  Tira.  5:20.  J  E|)li.  2:3.  12.  k  Acts  13:.3S, 
3'J;  R.im.  3:211.      I  Rom.  5:1  ;   ch.  3:11,  24.     ■»  Psl.  143:2;   Heb.  7:lt!,  IB. 

7.  Goupe!  cfthe  uncircumcision;  that  he  was  commissioned 
1)y  Christ  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  Gentiles,  as  Peter 
was  to  tlie  Jews. 

9.  Pillnr.i;  men  of  eminence  amonj;  the  apostles,  and 
chief  instruments  in  supporting  the  cause  of  Christ.  The 
prnce ;  the  favor  l)esto\ved  on  Paul  in  prepariii;^  him  for 
the  work  to  which  he  was  called.  T/ie  rvjit  liamh  of  fcl- 
liiu-s'iip;  liy  this  they  acknowledged  them  as  ministers  of 
Christ. 

10.  The  poor;  the  needy  Christians  in  Judca ;  obtain  con- 
triliiitidiis  from  the  Gentiles  for  them. 

11.  IVilhslood  him;  reVjiiked,  iuid  reproved  him.  Was  to 
be  blamed;  for  liis  timidity,  and  time-servinf;  s])irit. 

12.  From  James;  from  .Jerusalem,  where  James  resided. 
Did  eat  vutk  the  Gentiles;  in  disregard  of  tlie  ceremonial 
law.     Of  the  circumrision ;  the  Jews  from  Jiidea. 

LX  Disiembled;  disguisecl  their  sentiments.  They  knew 
that  the  Jewish  ceremonial  w;is  done  awiiy  liy  the  gospel, 
and  h;id  jiraetically  acknowledged  it  by  eating  with  tlio 
Gentiles,  liut  now  they  were  afraid  to  avow  their  true 
consictions. 

14.  Livest  after  tlie  manner  of  Gentiles ;  without  observing 
the  Jewish  ceremonies.  This  was  what  Peter  had  been  in 
tlie  haliit  of  doing.  Compelle\l  Ih'iii ;  by  setting  an  example, 
whirh,  if  they  follow  it,  will  lead  them  astray.  Live  as  Jo 
the  Jeivi;  observe  the  ceremonial  law. 

1.').  Jews  by  nature;  boni  Jews.  Sinners  of  the  Gentiles; 
sunk  in  the  idolatry  and  vices  of  the  fientiles. 

I'i.  Jiij  the  vorks  of  the  law  s'lall  no  flesh  be  justified;  Paul 
and  Peter,  though  .Jews,  believed  this.  Why  then  should 
I'eter  act  as  if  it  were  necessary  for  the  (icntiles  to 
obsiTve  the  ceremonial  law?  This  was  inconsistent,  and 
adapted  to  make  an  erroneous  imjiression  on  others. 

I".  If,  while  ve  seek — are  found  sinners;  if,  in  si'cking 
justification  and  salvation  from  Christ,  not  from  llio  works 
of  the  law,  tre  ourselves  also;  we  who  are  Jews  by  nature 
as  well  .'18  the  (Jcntiles,  are  found  sinners;  found,  ;ifter  all 
our  seeking,  to  be  still  in  a  slate  of  guilt  and  condemna- 
tion: M  therefore  Chrnl  the  minister  of  sin?  has  he  intro- 
duced a  gospel  which  leaves  those  who  trust  in  it  still  sin- 
licrs  under  the  condemnation  uf  the  law,  so  that  they  must 
1354 


Peter  before  them  all.  If  thou,  being  a  Jew,  a.  d.  m. 
livest  after  the  manner  of  Gentiles,  and  not  as  do 
the  Jews,  why  compellest  thou  the  Gentiles  to 
live  as  do  the  Jews?' 

15  We  vho  are  Jews  bv  nature,  and  not  sinners 
of  the  Gentiles.-i 

IG  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the 
works  of  the  laNv."  but  l>y  the  faith  of  Je.^ns  Christ,' 
even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus  Ciirisl,  that  we 
might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not 
by  the  works  of  the  law  :  for  by  the  woi-ks  of  the 
law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified.'" 

IT  But  if,  while  we  seek  to  be  justified  by  Christ, 
wo  ourselves  also  are  found  sinners,"  w  therefore 
Christ  the  minister  of  sin?     (iod  forbid. 

18  For  if  I  build  again  the  things  which  1  de- 
stroyed, I  make  m^yself  a  transgressor. 

1!)  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the  law," 
that  I  might  live  unto  God."* 

20  I  am  critcified  with  Christ:''  nevertheless  I 
live;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me  :■■  and  the 
life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flesii,  I  live  lij'  the  I'aith 
of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  him- 
self for  me.' 

21  I  do  not  frustrate  the  grace  of  God:  for  if 
righteousness  come  by  the  law,'  then  Christ  is  dead 
in  vain. 


n 

IJohr 

3:9. 

10. 

o  Rom. 

7:4 

1(1 

S:2. 

P 

Rom 

r>;ll 

14:  2 

Cor. 

5:1.5. 

q 

ch.  5 

24  ;  (i 

14, 

r  1  Thess.  5 

lU; 

1  Pet. 

4 

2.    s 

.lohn 

1U:11: 

Kph 

5:2. 

t 

Heb.  7 

:11. 

turn  again  from  Christ  to  the  law  for  justification  ?  Paul 
states  the  conclusion  which  must  inevitably  iolliiw,  if  men 
are  obliged  to  go  back  to  the  Jewish  cereiiK.piiial  for  salva- 
ticjii,  and  then  indigiiiuitly  denies  it  in  the  words,  God  for- 
bid; let  it  not  be.  Christ  is  not  the  minister  of  sin;  but 
in  turning  awaj-  from  Him,  I  make  myself  a  sinner,  as  he 
proceeds  to  show. 

IS.  The  (/(//in-.s  which  I  destroyed ;  the  system  of  Jiwisli 
ceremonies,  which,  upon  believing  in  Christ,  T  had  ile- 
stroycd,  that  is,  gi\  cii  up  as  worthless.  I  mahc  myxelf  a 
transgressor ;  iu  going  back  from  faith  iu  CJjrist  tu  the 
law. 

19.  For  I  throvinh  the  law  am  dead  to  the  hir ;  insteail  of 
thus  going  b;ick  to  the  law  f(ir  justilic:itiiin,  I  have  learned 
through  tlie  law  itself  to  renounce  the  law  as  the  means 
of  my  s;ilvation.  A  true  knowledge  of  God's  holy  and 
spiritual  liiw  has  taught  me,  that  to  a  sinner,  like  nic,  it 
works  death.  Cdiiipaio  chap.  3:24;  Hum.  :i:2tt;  4:15; 
7:10.     Might  live  unto  God;  in  and  through  Christ. 

20.  Crucified  with  Christ;  thnnigh  bis  di-;ith  Paul  had 
become  dead  to  ;dl  cxjiectatidii  of  salv;itioii  in  iiiiy  way 
except  through  l';iilh  in  Christ;  yet  he  was  irjore  active 
than  ever,  and  from  better  motives.  1  lire;  a  heavenly 
an<l  divine  life.  Not  I;  not  by  my  own  jiower  or  good- 
ness. Christ  livcth  in  me;  by  his  Spirit;  and  he  is  the 
cause  of  every  thing  right  and  good  iu  nie. 

21.  Do  not  jf rust  ml  r  the  grace  rf  God ;  set  it  aside  as  of  no 
efficaey.as  do  the  f;ilse  teachers,  by  going  l)aek  to  the  l;iw 
for  justification.  If  righteousness  come  by  the  law ;  if  there 
is  any  other  way  of  being  justified  and  Siived,  except 
through  Christ,  his  dc';ith  w;ik  needless. 

IN.<n!rCTION'.S. 

2.  Ministers  of  the  gosjiel,  while  Ihoy  should  preach 
Christ  and  him  criicifieil  a-s  the  only  found:ition  of  hope, 
shoillil  use  all  ju'oi'er  me;ins  to  ])revcii1  iiiis;i|i]irihenhions, 
remove  prejudices,  ;tnd  coniiter;iit  inllneiices  which  tend 
to  hiiiilcr  the'success  of  their  hibois. 

fi.  Men  are  prone,  even  in  religion,  to  bo  governed  by 
linmaii  opinions  r:illier  th;in  by  the  word  of  (!oil — to  regard 
some  m;in  iis  iii;iKter  and  head  of  the  church,  nither  than 
Jesua  Christ.    Ihit  the  great  question  should  be,  not  what 


Believers  are  justified 


GALATIANS  III. 


and  blessed  with  Abra/iam. 


CHAPTER  III. 


1  He  asketh  what  movfd  them  to  leave  the  faith,  and  hang  upon  the 
hxw.  6  They  tliat  believe  are  justified,  9  and  blessed  with  Abraham. 
10  And  this  he  showeth  by  many  reasons. 

O  FOOLISH  Galatians,''  wlio  hath  bewitched 
you,"  that  ye  should  not  obey  the  truth,  be- 
fore who.se  eyes  Jesus  Christ  hath  been  evidently 
set  forth,  crucified  among  you? 

2  Tills  only  would  I  learn  of  you,  Received  ye 
the  Siiirit  by  the  works  of  the  law,"  or  by  the 
hearing  of  faith ?'^ 

3  Are  ye  so  foolish?  having  begun  in  the  Spirit,"" 
are  ye  now  made  perfect  by  the  flesh?' 

4  Have  ye  suffered  so  many*  things  in  vain?^  if 
it  he  yet  in  vain. 

5  He  therefoi'c  that  ministereth  to  you  the  Spirit,'' 
and  worketli  miracles  among  yon,  doeth  he  it  by  the 
works  of  the  law,  or  by  the  hearing  of  faith? 

t)  Even  as  Abraliaiii  believed  God,'  and  it  was 
accoiinted*  to  him  for  rigiitcousness. 

7  Know  ye  therefore  that  they  which  are  of  faith, 
the  same  are  the  children  of  Abraham.-* 

8  And  the  scripture,  foreseeing  that  God  would 
justify  the  heathen  through  faith,"  preached  before 
the  gospel  unto  Abraham,  saying,  In  thee  shall  all 
nations  be  blessed.' 

»Matt.7;aO.  bch.  .''1:7.  »Eph.  1:13.  d  Rom.  111:17.  ech4:9.  f  Heb. 
9  HI  •  Or.  great,  s  ■ilnhnB.  baCor.  3:^<.  i  Gen.  15:6.  1  Or,  imputed. 
I  John  8:39;  Eom.  4:I1-Ui.  k  ver.  a-J.  I  Gen.  12:3;  22:18;  Acts  3:25. 
m  oh.  4:28.     n  Deut.  27:36.     o  Hib.  2:4.     P  ifom.  10:5,  0.     q  Lev.  18:5; 


docs  this  or  that  man  think,  but  what  do  the  Scriptures 
teach. 

14.  God  foreknowing  that  some  woukl  be  disposed  to 
claim  for  Peter  and  his  pretended  successors  peculiar 
prerogatives  and  honors,  suffered  him  repeatedly  to  fall 
into  great  sins,  and  had  them  recorded  in  the  Scriptures, 
that  all  might  liave  infallible  evidence  that  Peter  was  not 
a  wliit  above  tlic  rest  of  the  apostles. 

20.  The  author  and  siistainer  of  divine  life  in  the  soul 
is  (-'hrist ;  and  the  means  of  rendering  it  vigorous  is  faith 
in  him — forming  between  the  soul  and  him  a  union,  by 
virtue  of  which  it  receives  of  his  fulness,  grows  in  con- 
formity to  his  image,  and  shows  forth  his  glory. 

21.  Any  system  of  salvation  which  dispeuscs  with  the 
atoning  sacrifice  of  Christ,  is  a  renunciation  of  the  gospel, 
and  a  virtual  proclamation  that  his  death  was  in  vain. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  Bewitched;  fascinated,  deluded.  Set  fnrt/i,  crvcificd 
amonvr  you  ;  or,  set  forth  among  you  as  crucilied. 

2.  This  only  would  I  learn  of  ijou ;  as  much  as  to  say. 
The  answer  to  this  question  will  abundantly  convict  you 
of  your  folly.  Tlie  Spirit ;  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  his  sancti- 
fying and  miraculous  influences.  By  the  works  of  the  low; 
thrciugh  the  efficacy  of  your  observance  of  the  .Jewish  law, 
to  wliieh  you  are  now  turning.  By  the  hearing  of  faith; 
by  obeying  the  message  of  the  gospel,  which  offers  you 
s;dvation  through  faith  in  Christ.  The  answer  is  plain : 
It  was  not  through  the  works  of  the  law,  Vmf  througli  the 
li'-aring  of  faith,  that  they  had  received  the  Holy  Spirit; 
why  then  turn  away  from  the  latter  to  the  former  ? 

:{.  In  the  Spirit;  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  the  minister  of  a 
sjiiritual  disiiensation.  By  the  flesh  ;  by  the  observance 
of  the  outward  ceremonial  law. 

4.  Suffered  so  many  th in<rs ;  on  account  of  their  professed 
attachment  to  Christ.  If  it  he  yet  in  vain;  as  it  would  be, 
if  they  should  forsake  the  gospel  for  the  Jewish  ceremo- 
nial law. 

5.  He  therefore  that  ministereth  to  you  the  Spirit;  God,  who 
bestows  Upon  you  the  IToly  Sjiirit.  By  the  vnrks  of  the 
law,  or  by  the  licaring  of  fail  li  I  supply  the  answer,  He  does 
it  \\y  the  hearing  of  faitli,  not  by  the  works  of  the  law. 


9  So  then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with 
faithful  Abraham."' 

10  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law 
are  under  the  curse:  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is 
every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them." 

11  But  that  no  man  is  justified  by  the  law  in  the 
sight  of  God,  it  is  evident:  for,  Tlic  just  shall  live 
by  faith." 

12  And  the  law  is  not  of  faith:''  but,  The  man 
that  doeth  them  shall  live  in  them.'' 

13  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the 
law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us:''  for  it  is  written. 
Cursed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree  :'* 

14  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on 
the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ ;'  that  we  might 
receive  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith." 

15  Brethren,  I  speak  after  the  manner  of  men; 
Though  it  he  but  a  man's  covenant,*  yet  if  it  he  eon- 
firmed,  no  man  disannullcth  or  addeth  thereto. 

16  Now  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  were  the  prom- 
ises made.''  He  saith  not,  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many ; 
but  as  of  one,  And  to  thy  seed,  which  is  Christ. 

17  And  this  I  say,  T/iat  the  covenant  that  was 
confirmed  Ijefore  of  God  in  Christ,  the  law,  which 
was  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  after,™  cannot 


Ezek. 20:11.  r  2  Cor.  .5:21 ;  ch.  4:5.  sDeut.21:23.  t  Rom.  4:9,  16.  "  Tsa- 
44:3;  Ezek.  30:27;  Joel  2:23,  29.  I  Or,  testament,  v  Gen.  12:3,  7;  17:7. 
"Exod.  12:40,41. 


7.  Children  of  Abraham;  like  him  in  spirit,  and  justified 
in  the  same  w;iy,  not  by  works,  but  l\v  faith. 

8.  Foreseeing;  the  Holy  Ghost  foreseeing,  and  in  the 
Scriptures  foretelling,  that  God  would  justify  Gentiles  a8 
he  did  Abraham.  In  thee;  as  the  spiritual  father  of  all 
that  believe.  Gen.  12:3;  18:18;  22:18.  Thus  the  glad 
tidings  were  announced  to  Abraham  that  God  would  l)less 
and  save  the  Gentiles  through  such  faith  as  he  exercised. 

9.  Blessed  tcith  faithful  Abraham  ;  accepted  of  God  in  the 
same  way. 

10.  Of  the  works  of  the  laie ;  are  seeking  justification  by 
it.  Ujiilcr  the  curse;  because  they  have  not  perfectly 
obeyed  the  law. 

11.  The  jii.st  shall  live  by  faith;  sinners  in  all  ages  have 
been  justified  by  faith  ;  never,  under  any  dispensation,  by 
works,  Ilab.  2:4. 

12.  T!ic  law  is  not  of  faith  ;  does  not  promise  justification 
by  faith,  but  by  works.  But;  that  is,  but  its  language  is. 
Shall  live  in  them;  by  doing  them.  The  law  knows  noth- 
ing of  grace,  but  demands  absolute  obedience  as  its  only 
condition  of  justification. 

13.  The  curse  of  the  laiv;  the  punishment  which  it  threat- 
ens against  transgressors.  Made  a  curse;  treated  as  ac- 
cursed, ill  suffering  for  our  sake  the  accursed  death  of  the 
cross.     Deut.  21:23. 

14.  The  blessing  of  Abraham;  that  which  God  promised 
to  him  and  to  all  believers,  justification  through  faith. 

15.  Aflcr  the  manner  of  men;  as  they  view  and  treat  a 
covenant  that  has  been  ratified. 

IG.  His  seed;  Christ,  as  the  head  of  his  church;  and, 
through  him,  all  believers,  who  constitute  his  body.  He 
snith  not.  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many;  he  docs  not  make  tho 
promise  to  Abraliam's  seeds,  as  if  he  were  speaking  of  tho 
many  individual  children  of  Abraham  ;  in  other  words, 
were  making  the  promise  to  each  one  of  the  many  who  are 
his  chilib-en  liy  outward  descent.  But  as  of  one,  And  to  thy 
seed;  he  makes  tho  jiromise,  as  speaking  of  one,  to  one 
seed  of  Aliraham.  U'hich  is  Christ;  that  is,  this  one  seed 
that  receives  the  promise  is  Christ,  and  in  him  all  believ- 
ers, who  constitute  his  body. 

17.  The  corenani ;  with  .\br;>ham  and  his  seed.  In  Christ; 
as  the  promised  seed.     The  law ;  given  to  Moses. 

1355 


Ahra flam's  seed  are 


GALATIANS  IV. 


all  hlessetl  in  Christ. 


disaDiiul,  that  it  should  make  the  jiroiiiisc  of  uone 
eflect. 

18  For  if  the  inheritance  he  of  the  law,  it  is  no 
more  of  promise:"  but  God  gave  it  to  Abraham 
by  promise. 

19  Wherefore  then  scrvdh  the  law?  It  was 
ad<led  because  of  transgressions,''  till  the  seed 
slinuld  come  to  whom  the  promise  was  made ;" 
and  it  teas  ordained  by  angels"  in  the  hand  of  a 
mediator." 

20  \ow  a  mediator  is  not  a  vicdiator  of  one ;  but 
God  is  one.'" 

21  Is  the  law  then  against  tlie  promises  of  God?''' 
God  forbid :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given 
wliich  could  have  given  life,  verily  righteousness 
sliould  have  been  by  tlie  law.'' 

22  But  tlie  scripture  hath  concluded  all  under 
sin,'  that  tlie  promise  by  faitli  of  Jesus  Christ 
might  be  given  to  them  that  believe.' 

2:i  But  before  faith  came,  we  were  kept  under 
tlie  law,  shut  up  unto  the  faith  which  should  after- 
wards be  revealed. 

24  Wlierefore  tlic  law  was  our  sclioolmastcr  to 
bring  us  unto  Christ,"  tliat  we  might  be  justified 
by  faith. 


"Rom.  4:14.  b  Rom.  5:20.  c  ver.  10.  d  Aols  7:53:  Heb.  2:2.  •  Exod. 
20:  ID-Si;  Deul.5:->2-3l.  f  Deut.  0:4.  e  Matt.  5:17.  lioh.2:ai.  i  Rom. 
3:9,  lU.  i).     )  Rom.  4:11,  12,  16.     k  Col.  2:17;  Heb.  9:9,  10.     1  John  1:12; 


18.  Tlie  inheritance;  of  the  spiritual  blessings  promised 
to  Abralniiii  and  liis  st-ed.  By  promise ;  tliat  the  blessing 
elioiild  come,  through  Christ,  to  ;dl  who  believe  on  him.  As 
this  promise  was  made  and  ratified  long  before  tlic  law  was 
given,  its  blessings  could  not  come  from  obedience  to  law. 

111.  Wherefore  then  scrvetk  the  taw?  why  was  it  added? 
Bcrnii^e  nf  transgressions;  the  .lews  were  so  prone  to  for- 
sake (jo(l,  worship  idols,  and  commit  all  sorts  of  abomina- 
tions, that  the  law  vv:us  added  to  restrain  them — to  pre- 
serve among  them  the  knowledge  and  worship  of  Jehovah, 
show  them  the  desert  of  sin,  their  need  of  Christ  and  the 
nature  of  ids  salvation,  and  i)oint  them  to  liim  as  tlie  Lamb 
of  (jod,  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.  Urdaincd 
bij  angeh ;  given  through  the  ministry  of  angels.  In  tlie 
hand  of  a  maliator ;  luuncly,  Moses.   Compare  K.\od.  20: 19  ; 

Deut.  o-.a,  -n. 

20.  Of  one;  one  party.  Is  one;  one  party,  the  other  party 
being  iii;ui. 

21.  /■.■  the  hivi  tlicn  against  the  promises?  was  it  designed 
to  open  another  way  of  life,  or  in  any  degree  to  conflict 
witli  the  jjroinises?  Certainly  not,  but  to  aid  iu  their  ac- 
complishment. 

22.  Ilolh  rondwled ;  declared  all  to  bo  shut  up  un<lcr  sin 
and  condemiuition,  so  that  there  is  no  way  ofuBcapo  except 
by  faitli  ill  Christ. 

23.  Before  faith  came ;  before  Christ,  tlie  object  of  faith, 
came ;  or  before  the  wiiy  of  life  through  him  w;is  cleaj-ly 
revealed. 

21.  Tlic  law  was  our  schoolmaster;  showing  iis  our  lost 
and  guilty  condition,  and  thus  constraining  us  to  come  to 
Christ  for  salvation. 

2.').  AV  longer  under  a  schoolmaster ;  having  believed  on 
Christ,  he  had  adopted  them  as  his  cliildren  and  given 
them  in  Ihe  gosjiel  all  iicedeil  instruction,  so  thiit  lluy 
had  no  further  neeil  of  the  ritual  observances  of  the  law. 

27.  Haptizcd  mtoChrist;  become  united  to  him  by  faith, 
and  according  to  his  will  openly  professed  to  bo  his  dis- 
cil>lts.  Have  put  on  Christ ;  taken  him  as  their  leader,  and 
professed  to  come  under  the  controlling  influence  of  his 
Spirit. 

28.  One  in  Christ  Jesus;  poBSCssed  of  one  character; 
accepted  in  one  way;  belonging  to  one  family;  under  one 
he:id,  Christ;  and  cr|iially  entitloil  to  all  the  blessings  of 
salvation  tliroiigli  him. 

2y.  Christ's;  united  to  Christ  by  believing  on bim.  Abra- 
1356 


25  But  after  that  faith  is  com(>,  we  are  no  a.  v.  ss, 
longer  under  a  schoolmaster. 

26  For  ye  are  all  the  cliildren  of  God  liy  faith 
in  Christ  Jesus.' 

27  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized 
into  Christ,  have  put  on  Christ.'" 

28  There  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek,  there  is  nci- 
tlier  bond  nor  free,"  tliere  is  neither  male  nor  fe- 
male: for  ye  are  all  one  in  Clirist  Jesus. 

29  And  if  ye  be  Christ's,  then  are  ye  Abraham's 
seed,"  and  heirs  according  to  the  promise.'' 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  We  were  under  the  law  till  Christ  came,  as  the  heir  is  under  his 
guardian  till  he  be  of  age.  S  But  Christ  freed  us  from  the  law;  7 
therefore  we  are  servants  no  lonj^er  to  it.  M  He  reinembereth  their 
■^ood  will  to  iiirn,  arul  his  to  them,  22  and  showeth  that  we  are  the 
^oiis  of  Abraham  by  the  free-woman. 

NOW  I  say,  T/iat  the  heir,  as  long  as  he  is  a 
child,  diifcreth  nothing  from  a  servant,  though 
he  be  lord  of  all ; 

2  But  is  under  tutors  and  governors  until  tlic 
time  appointed  of  the  father. 

3  Even  so  we,  when  we  were  children,  were  in 
bondage  under  the  elements"  of  the  world : 

lJohn3:l,a.     m  Rom.  0:3.     n  Col.  3:11.     "  ver.  7.     p  Rom.  t:l".     •  Or, 
rudiments;  Col.  2:8,  20. 


Iwm'ssecd;  for  the  one  seed  of  Abraluim  to  whom  the  prom- 
ise was  m;ide  is  Christ,  ver.  Ki.     All,  then,  tluit  are  united 
to  Christ  by  faith  are,  in  and  through  him,  Abraham's  seed, 
and  heirs  of  the  promises  mtide  to  Alir;diam. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Men  who  hope  to  be  saved  in  any  other  way  than 
through  ftith  in  Christ,  are  grossly  deceived.  •• 

.').  'I'he  enVets  of  the  gospel  arc  conclusive  evidence  tluvt 
it  is  from  (lod. 

8.  The  jiromises  of  God  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  were 
of  spiritual  blessings,  justification  by  fiith,  and  eteriiiil 
life  through  Jesus  Christ;  not  to  believing  Jews  only,  but 
to  all  who  should  believe,  of  all  nations,  in  all  ages. 

II.  Juslifieation  by  faith  and  not  by  works  is  ;i  doetrino 
taught  in  the  Okl  Testament  as  well  as  in  the  New. 

17.  The  covenant  of  Uod  with  Abraham  was  made  and 
confirmed  in  Christ ;  and  the  laws  which  were  afterwards 
given,  were  not  designed  to  alter  it  or  change  its  condi- 
tions, but  to  lead  men  to  comply  with  them,  and  thus 
obtain  its  blessings. 

24.  In  the  ceremonial  law,  and  in  the  whole  Mosaic 
economy,  (Jod  li;id  ;i  gracious  design;  and  by  it  he  pro- 
duceil,  on  idl  who  rightly  oliserved  it,  gracious  ed'eets:  not 
by  leading  them  to  e.\])eet  s;dvatioii  by  their  ceienionial 
observances,  but  in  leading  them,  through  faith  in  Clirist, 
to  become  Abraham's  seed,  iind  thus  receive  the  blessing. 

29.  The  rich  Hpiritu;il  blessings  wliieh  (iod  in  his  cove- 
nant with  Abrali;iiii  promised  him  and  his  seed,  do  not 
come  by  natunil  deseent ;  they  are  not  alTeeteil  by  age, 
rank,  sex,  or  outward  condition;  but  are  the  fruits  of 
grace,  given  for  ('hrist's  s;ike  to  all  who  by  believing  on 
him  become  children  of  Abr;ih;iiu  in  Ihe  sense  of  the  cove- 
nant, and  thus  possess  the  character  and  sustain  Ihe  rela- 
tion of  those  to  wlnnii  the  promises  were  made. 

ClIAF'TKR  IV. 

In  carrjdng  out  his  iirgnment  agiiiiist  Judaism,  the  apos- 
tle compares  the  covenant  jieople,  before  the  coming  of 
Christ,  to  an  heir  under  age  kejit  in  a  state  of  servitude. 

1.  Dijferelh  nolhiti/;;  as  to  the  control  of  his  person  and 
properly.     Lord  <f  nil ;  owner  of  the  whole  estate. 

2.  The  time  appoinird;  fur  his  taking  jiossession  of  his 
inhcrit.'uicc. 

3.  IVe;  the  covenant  people  of  (iod  before  the  advi  nt 
of  Christ,  into  whom,  after  his  coming,  the  Gentiles  also 


Christ  redcemeth 


GALATIANS  IV. 


hdkvers  from  Hit  law. 


A.  D.  68.  4  But  Tvlien  the  fulness  of  tlie  time  was 
come,  God  sent  forth  bis  Son,  made  of  a  woman, 
made  under  the  law, 

5  To  redeem  them  that  were  under  tlie  law,  that 
we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons. 

6  AimI  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth 
tlie  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba, 
Fatlier." 

7  Wherefore  thou  art  no  more  a  servant,butason ; 
and  if  a  son,  then  an  heir  of  God  through  Christ. 

8  Howbeit  then,  when  ye  knew  not  God,  ye  did 
service  unto  them  which  by  nature  are  no  gods. 

9  But  now,  after  that  ye  have  known  God,  or 
rather  are  known  of  God,  how  turn  ye  again*  to 
the  weak  and  beggarly  elements,''  whoreunto  ye 
desire  again  to  bo  in  bondage? 

10  Ye  observe  days,  and  mouths,  and  times,  and 
years. 

Ill  am  afraid  of  you,  lest  I  have  bestowed  upon 
you  labor  in  vain. 

12  Brethren,  I  beseech  you,  be  as  I  am;  for  I 
am  as  ye  are:  ye  have  not  injured  mo  at  all. 

13  Ye  know  how  through  infirmity  of  tlie  flesh 
I  preached  the  gospel  unto  you  at  the  first." 

14  And  my  temptation  which  was  in  my  flesh  ye 


»  Rom.  8:15,  17.     *  Or,  hack,     t  Or,  riuiiments.     b  1  Cor.  2:3.     »  2  Sam. 
19:27;  Mai.  2:7.     a  Matt.  1(1:40.     >  Or,  Wliat  was.     e  E,,i„.  10:3,    5  Or,  us 


are  incorporated  by  faith.  When  we  were  children;  under 
the  Old  Testament  dispensation,  when  the  people  of  God 
were  treated  as  in  their  minority',  and  subjected  to  manj' 
restraints  from  which  under  the  gospel  they  are  free.  E/c- 
m  ?nts  of  the  world ;  the  ilosaic  rites  and  ceremonies.  See,  for 
a  fuller  explanation  of  these  words,  the  note  to  Col.  2 :  S. 

5.  Receioe  the  adoption  of  sons;  pass  from  the  condition 
and  spirit  of  servants  to  the  privileges  and  filial  spirit  of 
sons,  in  a  state  not  of  minority  and  servitude,  but  of  man- 
hood and  freedom. 

B.  Sent  forth  the  Spirit ;  God  by  his  Spirit  has  given  you 
a  filial  temper,  and  tauglit  you  to  use  the  language  not  of 
servants,  but  of  sons.  Abba;  a  Chaldee  word  for  Father. 
Gorai)are  Rom.  8:1.5,  16,  and  notes. 

8.  Ye;  the  gentde  part  of  the  church.     No' gods;  idols. 

9.  Have  known  God ;  have  been  led  through  the  gospel 
to  the  knowledge  of  God.  Or  rather  are  known  of  God ;  as 
much  as  to  say,  I  might  better  say  that  ye  have  been 
known  of  God — known  as  the  objects  of  his  love  and 
favor;  for  tliis  higher  knowledge  of  you  on  God's  jiart,  is 
the  ground  of  your  lower  knowledge  of  him.  Weak  and 
beggarly  elements;  Jewish  rites  and  forms,  which  can  im- 
part no  real  good. 

10.  Dui/':,  and  months,  and  times,  and  years;  such  as  were 
required  in  the  ceremonial  law.  This  lias  no  reference  to 
the  weelvly  Sabbath,  which  was  established  at  tlio  crea- 
tion, and  set  apart  by  God,  to  be  oliserved  by  all  men  in 
all  ages,  and  was  required  in  tlic  moral  law ;  but  to  the 
feasts,  new  moons,  and  s;ibbaths  required  in  the  ceremo- 
ni;d  law,  wliich  was  never  binding  except  on  .Tews  and 
those  who  embraced  their  religion,  and  when  Paul  wrote 
had  for  years  l)ecn  done  away. 

11.  lam  if  raid  of  you;  he  was  fearful  that  they  were 
depending  i'or  salvation  on  Jewisli  ceremonies,  not  on 
Christ;  in  wliich  case  his  labor  to  bring  them  to  Christ 
would  be  lost. 

12.  Jle  o.s-  /  am  ;  for  I  am  as  ye  are;  according  to  some, 
Be  united  to  me  in  love,  as  I  am  to  you.  Make  to  me  the 
return  of  love  wliich  I  bestow  on  yon.  Compare  2  Cor. 
6:13,  and  note  there.  Otlicrs  uniler'stand  him  to  mean.  Be 
as  I  am  in  renouncing  dependence  on  Judaism ;  for  I, 
though  by  birtli  a  Jew,  have  become,  in  this  respect,  like 
you  (ientiles.  Compare  1  Cor.  9:21.  Ye  have  not  injured 
me;  I  have  no  iiijnri(-s  to  charge  upon  you  wliich  have 
cliangeil  my  love  towards  you:  what  I  say  is  from  pure 


despised  not,  nor  rejected ;  but  received  me  as  an 
angel  of  God,"  eve7i  as  Christ  Jesus.'' 

15  Wliero  is*  then  the  blessedness  ye  spake  of? 
for  I  bear  you  record,  that  if  it  had  been  possible, 
ye  would  have  plucked  out  your  own  eyes,  and 
have  given  them  to  me. 

16  Am  I  therefore  become  your  enemy,  because 
I  tell  you  tiio  truth? 

17  Tiioy  zealously  affect  you,  but  not  well ;°  yea, 
they  would  exclude  you,**  that  ye  might  affect  tliem. 

18  But  it  is  good  to  be  zealously  affected  always 
in  a  good  thing/  and  not  only  when  I  am  present 
with  you. 

19  My  little  children,  of  whom  I  travail  in  birth 
again  until  Christ  be  formed  in  you,^ 

20  I  desire  to  be  present  with  you  now,  and  to 
change  my  voice;  for  I  stand  in  doubt  of  you.' 

21  Tell  me,  ye  that  desire  to  be  under  the  law, 
do  ye  not  hear  the  law? 

22  For  it  is  written,  that  Abraham  had  two  sons, 
the  one  by  a  bondmaid,'"  the  other  Ijy  a  free-woman.' 

23  But  he  who  icas  of  the  bondwoman,  was  born 
after  the  flesh;  but  he  of  the  free-woman,  u-as  by 
promise.' 

24  Which  things  are  an  allegory:''  for  those 


flCor.l5:5S.    slCor.4:15.    I  Or,  I  ayn  perplexed  for  you.    tGen. 10:15. 
i  Gen.  21:1,2.    jRom.  9:7,  8.     k  1  Cor.  10:11. 


regard  to  your  welfare.  Others  suppose  the  apostle  to 
mean.  Hitherto  ye  have  showed  mo  only  love  and  kindness, 
as  he  goes  on  to  show. 

13.  Infirmity  of  the  flesh;  1  Cor.  2:3;  2  Cor.  10:10;  12:7. 

14.  As  Christ  Jesus;  with  great  cordiality,  affection,  and 
confidence. 

15.  Plucked  out  your  own  eyes;  have  made  any  sacrifice 
to  conqdy  with  my  wishes. 

17.  They;  the  false  teachers  professed  a  great  regard 
for  the  (htlatians,  that  they  might  detach  them  from  Paul, 
and  attach  them  to  themselves.  This  would,  as  the  apos- 
tle saw,  lie  at  the  peril  of  their  s;ilvation,  for  then  the 
awful  words  of  our  Lord  would  be  fulfilled  to  them:  If 
the  blind  lead  the  blind,  both  shall  fall  into  the  ditch. 

19.  Until  Christ  be  formed  in  you;  till  the  new  man  that 
lives  by  faith  in  ('lirist  be  fully  formed  in  you,  so  that  you 
shall  no  longer  be  in  danger  of  being  drawn  away  from 
Christ  to  Judaism. 

20.  To  change  my  voice;  from  this  expression  of  doubt 
and  concern  to  one  of  satisfaction  ;inil  jay.  For  I  stand  in 
doubt  of  you;  am  perplexed  respecting  you.  lie  intiiiuitcs 
his  fervent  desire  to  be  delivered  fruiii  this  pcridcxity,  by 
seeing  them  eslabli.shed  in  the  faith  of  Christ,  so  that  ho 
should  no  longer  be  obliged  to  employ  towards  them  the 
tone  of  severity. 

21.  Hear  the  law;  attend  to  and  receive  the  instrni'tion 
which  m;iy  be  drawn  from  this  portion  of  it  to  which  I 
invito  your  attention. 

22.  it  is  written;  Gen.  16:1.');  21:2,  3. 

23.  Born  after  the  flesh  ;  without  any  special  divine  inter- 
position. By  promise;  the  s])ecial  and  peculiar  favor  of 
God,  graciously  and  uncxpecte(fly  bestowed. 

24.  Which  things;  those  which  relate  to  these  two  sons, 
Ishinael  and  Is;i;ic.  Anallegori/ ;  ajitly  represent  the  bond- 
age of  those  who  are  under  t"lio  cereinonial  law  and  seek 
justification  from  it,  and  the  freedom  of  those  who  embr;ico 
the  gospel  ;uid  cxiicct  justification  only  thmngh  tUilli  in 
Cfirist.  For  tlivse ;  these  two  women,  Sarali  aiiif  Hagiir.  .-ire 
the  tiei)  CDvnianls;  fit  representations  of  the  twu;  ii;niiely, 
tliatwilli  ,\iii':ili;im,  which  was  confirmed  of  (iod  in  Christ, 
and  that  with  Moses,  which  was  made  at  mount  Sinai. 
Gendereth  In  bondage ;  bears  cliililren  to  bondage;  is  lierself 
a  bondwoman,  and  bears  children  in  the  same  condition 
with  herself  Tliere  is  hero  a  blemling  together  of  Ibigar 
and  the  covenant  which  she  reiiresents.     The  children  of 

1357 


The  allegory  of 


GALATIANS  V. 


Asrar  and  Sarah. 


are  the  two  covenants;*  tlic  ono  from  tlie  mount 
Sinai/  which  gendcreth  to  boii(lai;-e,'  which  is 
Agar. 

25  For  tliis  Agar  is  mount  Sinai  iu  Arabia,  and 
answoreth  to*  Jerusalem  wiiich  now  is,  and  is  iu 
boudaje  with  lier  cliihlren. 

2lj  But  Jerusalem  wiiich  is  above  is  free,''  which 
is  the  mother  of  us  all. 

27  For  it  is  written.  Rejoice,  thou  barren  that 
bearest  not:  break  forth  and  cry,  thou  that  trav- 
ailest  not:  for  the  desolate  hath  many  more  chil- 
dren than  she  whicli  hath  a  husliand.'^ 

28  Now  we.  bretlircu,  as  Isaac  was,  are  the  chil- 
dren of  promise.*^ 

2'.)  Hut  as  tiien  he  that  was  born  after  the  flesh 
persecuted  him  that  was  born  after  the  Spirit,'  even 
so  it  ii  now.' 

30  Nevertheless,  what  saith  the  scripture?  Cast 
out  the  bondwoman  and  her  son:  for  the  son  of 
tlie  Ijondwonum  sluill  not  be  heir  with  the  son  of 
the  free-womau.s 

'  Or^  testaments.  1  Gt.  Sina.  a  Deut.  3;}:'i.  I  Or,  is  in  the  saute  rdiilc  tfith. 
l>Heb.  I2;a2;  Rev.  21:2,  10.    cIsa-.M:!.   <1  Acts  a:2i5;  ch.  3:20.    eGeii.21:a. 

the  Mosaic  covenant  represented  by  llagar  are  those  who 
live  under  it.     Agar  ;  in  ITebrcw,  Ilagar. 

25.  Agar  is  mount  Sinai;  her  c.iso  and  that  of  her  son 
Islimael  well  represent  the  covenant  at  Sinai  an<l  those 
will)  arc  in  bondage  to  its  buivknisome  rites.  Ammretlt 
to  Jerusalem  which  now  is;  as  is  the  case  with  the  present 
inh;ibitauts  of  Jerusalem  who  reject  the  Messiah,  and  are 
therct'ore  iu  bonda;;e  to  the  Mosaic  law. 

2r>.  Jerusalem — ahove;  the  true  spiritual  Jerusalem,  which 
has  its  centre  iu  heaven,  where  Christ  its  head  is.  The 
Christian  church,  which  is  made  up  of  believers  in  ('hrist, 
both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  may  well  be  represented  by  Sarah 
the  free  princess,  and  Isaac  her  free  son  and  heir  of  the 
covenant  blessings  promised  through  grace  to  his  father. 
Of  U'!  all;  all  who  are  in  Clirist  through  faith. 

27.  For  it  is  written;  Isa.  51:1;  a  prophecy  which  plainly 
relates  to  the  Christian  dispensation.  Thou  barren — deso- 
late; the  gentile  church,  or  rather  the  church  under  the 
Christian  dispensation,  which  knows  no  distincticiu  between 
Jews  and  Gentiles.  She  is  represented  as  reni;iining  un- 
married and  barren  till  the  coming  of  Christ.  She  that  hath 
a  h  usliaml ;  the  ol  1  .le  wish  church,  whose  husband  was  God. 

2S.  We;  believers  in  Clirist. 

29.  So  it  is  now;  as  Islimael  opposed  Isaac,  so  the  unbe- 
lieving Jews,  called,  ver.  25,  Jerusalem  which  now  is,  and 
who  were  still  in  bondage  to  the  law,  persecuted  Christians. 

'M).  Tiie  scripture;  Gen.  21:10-12.  As  the  bondwoman 
and  her  son  were  cast  out,  so  all  subjection  to  Mosaic  rites 
shoulil  be  cast  out  or  excluded  from  the  Christian  church  ; 
and  so  all  who  continue  to  seek  justification  by  the  law, 
will  be  ca.st  off  by  God  for  rejecting  the  way  of  salvation 
which  he  lias  provided  through  his  Son. 

:!1.  Not  children  of  the  hondwomnn  ;  not  under  the  Mosaic 
dispensation  represented  by  her,  Iiut  under  the  gosjiel 
dis])cn.sation  represented  by  the  free-woman.  Of  course 
we  arc  free  from  subjection  to  Mosaic  rites  and  ceremo- 
nies, and  cannot  without  great  guilt  and  danger  seek  sal- 
vation from  the  observance  of  them. 
IN'STIIUCTIONS. 

6.  The  only  sure  evidence  of  being  born  of  God,  adopted 
into  his  family,  and  made  heirs  of  the  blessings  of  his  king- 
dom, is  the  possession  of  a  iilial  spirit  towards  our  Kather 
in  heaven — a  spirit  of  confidence,  afT'ction,  submission, 
and  obedience ;  connected  with  faith  in  Christ  and  a  hearty 
reliance  on  liim  for  salvation. 

II.  There  has  always  been  a  pronencsB  in  Bomc  profes- 
sors of  religion  to  dejiend  for  salvation  upon  the  observ- 
ance of  rites,  forms,  ami  ceremonies,  rather  than  on  Christ. 
In  such  cases,  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  all  efforts  to  save 
them  and  all  their  professions  have  hitherto  been  iu  vain. 
1358 


31  So  then,  brethren,  we  are  not  children  a.  d, ss. 
of  tlie  bondwoman,  but  of  the  free. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  He  moveth  them  to  .stand  in  their  libertv,  3  and  not  to  obserre  cir- 
cumcision; 1.3  but  rattier  love,  whicli  is  tlie  sum  of  the  law.  19  He 
reckoneth  up  the  works  of  the  flesh.  -22  and  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  "Jo 
and  exiiorteth  to  walk  in  the  Spirit. 

STAND  fast  therefore  in  (he  liberty  wherewith 
Clirist  hath  made  us  free,''  and  be  not  entan- 
gled again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

2  Behold,  I  Paul  say  unto  yon,  that  if  ye  be  cir- 
cumcised, Christ  shall  profit  ytui  nothing. 

3  For  1  testify  again  to  every  man  that  is  circum- 
cised, that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the  whole  law. 

4  Christ  is  become  of  no  eflect  unto  you,'  whoso- 
ever of  you  are  justified  by  the  law ;  ye  arc  fallen 
from  graee.J 

5  For  we  through  the  Spirit  wait  for  the  hope 
of  righteousness  by  faith. '^ 

G  For  in  Jesus  Christ  neither  circumcision  avail- 

f  John  15:19      8  Gen.  21:1(1,  12      li  John  ^::)2,  .11!;  Acts  15:10;  Rom.  6:18: 
Eph.6:14.     i  Rorn.0::)l,32.    JHeb.l2:15.     k  Rom.  S:25;  2  Tim.  4:8. 


18.  As  zeal  iu  a  good  cause,  united  with  judgment,  is 
excellent  and  adapted  to  give  a  person  influence,  f;tlso 
teachers  often  iiuike  gre;it  professions,  and  express  high 
reg;u'd  for  the  wellare  of  the  pei)ple.  All  should  tliereforo 
be  on  their  guard  against  wolves  in  sheep's  clothing,  and 
take  heed  not  only  how  but  wh;it  they  hear,  prove  all 
things  by  the  wortl  of  God,  and  hold  fast  that  only  whicli 
is  thus  found  to  be  good. 

24.  Facts  recorded  by  direction  of  the  Iloly  Ghost  in 
the  Old  Testament,  are  often  striking  illustrations  of  truths 
revealed  iu  the  New,  and  were  designed  by  God  to  convey 
momentous  instruction  to  mankind.  Hence  the  reason 
why  so  great  a  portion  of  the  Old  Testament  is  history; 
and  the  more  it  is  understood,  the  more,  by  all  good  men, 
will  it  be  valued. 

31.  A  state  of  freedom  is  much  to  be  preferred  to  a  state 
of  bondage.  One  in  the  view  of  God  is  a  fit  representa- 
tion of  the  darkness  and  burdensonie  restrictions  of  the 
Mosaic  dispensation,  a  yoke  which,  the  apostle  Siiys.  nei- 
ther the  first  Christiiuis  nor  their  lathers  were  able  to 
be;ir.  The  other  is  a  lit  emblem  of  the  light,  liberty,  and 
glory  of  the  gospel.  Under  the  blessings  of  the  one,  men 
have  no  right  to  tike  upon  themselves  or  impose  upon 
their  fellow-men  the  disabilities  and  burdens  of  the  other. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Stand  fiat;  be  lirm,  steadfiist,  and  persevering.  Yolce 
of  bondage;  to  Jewish  ceremonies. 

2.  If  ijc  be  circumcised;  that  is,  circumcised  as  a  profes- 
sion of  your  dependence  for  salvation  on  the  law  of  Moses, 
Acts  15:1.  It  was  not  against  the  simple  rite  of  circum- 
cision lh;it  the  .apostle  contended,  for  Tinuithy  w;is  circum- 
cised under  his  direction  as  a  ]iriidenti;d  mea,sure,  to  :ivoid 
the  prejudiccsof  the  Jews,  Acts  lii::J;  but  against  eireum- 
ciKion  as  necessary  to  salvation,  which  \v;is  the  error  of 
the  false  teachers  among  the  (!idati;uis.  Ckrist  shall  profit 
ijou  nothing;  for  ye  hiive  left  him  for  the  kiw. 

3.  Ik  IS  n  debtor  to  do  the  whole  law  ;  for  by  circumcision 
he  professes  his  dependence  on  his  works  for  salvation, 
and  must  therefore  perfectly  obey  the  whole  law.  Salva- 
tion, if  obtained,  will  then  be  of  debt,  not  of  grace.  Chap. 
:i:12;  Horn.  4:4. 

4.  Just  fird  hij  the  lair ;  are  cle])onding  upon  the  law  for 
justification.  Fallen  from  grace;  have  reiiouneed  (iod's 
gracious  mode  of  justification  through  faith  in  Christ. 

5.  Wc;  true  Christians.  Righteousness ;  the  righteoua- 
ness  which  (!od  gives  through  f;iith.     Itom.  1:17. 

Ci.  In  Jesus  Christ;  in  obtaining  H;iIv;itioii  through  him. 
Fadh  which  workelh  bi/hve;  that  confidence  in  him  which 
has  love  for  its  foundation,  aud  which  leads  to  obedience. 


True,  gospel  liberty. 


GALATIANS  VT. 


The.  fruit  of  the  Spirit. 


A  n.  :n.  cth  any  thin,?,nor  uncircumci?ion ;  ^  but  faith 
which  workcth  by  love.'' 

7  Ye  did  run  well ;  who  did  himler  you*  that  ye 
should  not  obey  the  truth? 

8  This  persuasion  cometh  not  of  liini  that  calleth 
you. 

9  A  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole  lump." 

10  I  have  confidence  in  you  tlirough  the  Lord, 
that  ye  will  be  none  otherwise  minded  :  but  he  that 
trouljleth  you  sliall  bear  Aw  judgment,''  whosoever 
he  be. 

11  And  I,  brethren,  if  I  yet  ])reach  circumcision, 
■why  do  I  yet  suffer  persecution?''  then  is  the  offence 
of  the  cross  ceased.'" 

1 2  I  would  they  were  even  cut  off  wliich  trouble 
you. 

13  For,  brethren,  ye  have  been  called  unto  lib- 
erty ;  only  use  not  liberty  for  an  occasion  to  the 
flesh,'-'  liut  by  love  serve  one  another." 

14  For  all  the  law  is  fulfilled  in  one  word,  even 
in  this :  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.' 

15  But  if  ye  bite  and  devour  one  another,  take 
heed  tluit  yc  be  not  consumed  one  of  another. 

16  T'lis  I  sav  then,  Walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  ye 
shall  not  fulfiP  the  lust  of  the  flesh.' 

17  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and 
the  Spirit  against  the  flesh:''  and  these  are  con- 
trary the  one  to  the  other:'  so  that  ye  cannot  do 

"the  thiuQ-s  that  ve  would."" 


■il  Cor  7:10.  b  ITheas.  1:1;  Jas.  i;l-'-'-"J.  •  Or.  drive  you  buck,  c  Jlalt. 
ri:Wi  I  Cor.  .5:6.  daCor.  1U:6.  ecli.6:l-.'.  fJCor.  l;-i3.  glCor.  b:9; 
Il>el.-J:10.  hljnlm3:l8.  i  Lev.  19:  lb;  Matt.  2-2::!9,  40;  Jas.  3:S.  t  Or, 
fulfil  not.     )  Rom.  8:1,4,  13.     k  Rom.  7:-Jl-J3.     1  Rom.  8:6,  7.     u  Rom. 


8.  T/tia  persuasion ;  that  it  was  needful  to  be  circumcised 
and  oli.servo  .lewisli  rites  in  order  to  bo  saved.  Of  him 
that  ciitkth  i/oii ;  of  God. 

'J.  A  liltle  leaven;  error  introduced  by  a  few  false  teach- 
ers. Leaveneth  tlie  whole  lump;  corrupts  the  whole  liody 
of  the  church. 

10.  None  othenrixe  minded;  that  they  would,  on  reflec- 
tion, agree  with  him  in  this  matter.  He  that  troulileth  you ; 
by  iiropagathig  error.  Bear  his  judgment ;  receive  puuish- 
ment. 

11.  If  I  !/et  preach;  that  circumcision  is  needful  to  sal- 
vation, as  the  false  teachers  maintained.  Then  ;  if  he  had 
go  pre;xched  he  would  have  agreed  with  the  Jews,  and 
esc;ii)ed  their  persecutions. 

l.i.  Litiertij  ;  freedom  from  Jewish  ceremonies,  and  from 
the  coiidemiiing  power  of  the  law.  For  an  occasion  to  the 
flesli;  as  ;i,  pretext  for  the  indulgence  of  fleshly  lusts.  The 
aposlle  is  careful  to  distinguish  between  true  ('hristi;in 
libi.'rty  from  the  bondage  of  Judaism  and  Autinomian  licen- 
tiousness.    Serve ;  do  good  to  one  another. 

1 1.  Alt  the  law;  the  requirements  of  the  law  with  regard 
to  our  fellow-men. 

l.i.  If  ije  bite  and  devour;  contend  with  and  injure  one 
another. 

Ki.  Walk  in  the  Spirit ;  live  under  his  influence  and  fol- 
low his  directions.  Not  fulfil  the  luxt  of  the  fcsh  ;  not 
follow  sinful  inclinations  or  comply  widi  temptations  to 
sin. 

1 7.  Lusteth  against;  sti'ongly  desires  what  the  Holy  Spirit 
firliids.  The  Spirit  against  lheflc<ih;  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
all  tluit  is  right  in  Christians  qipose  the  indulgence  of 
sinful  desires.  Hence  a  warfare  in  the  soul,  and  thus  they 
do  not  the  good  they  otherwise  would,  and  which  they 
desire  to  do.     Conijiare  Uom.  7 :  15-2,i. 

18.  Led  of  the  Spirit ;  follow  his  guidance.  Not  under  the 
law ;  as  a  covi'iiant  of  works,  but  are  delivered  from  its 
condemning  power. 

r.).  The  tvin-h  nf  the  flesh ;  those  to  which  c<nTiipt  human 
nature  prom[its,  ;uid  when  not  restrained,  iiroiluces. 


:19;  E|.h   5::i-(i:  Col.  .?:.5.  0;  Rev. 
L.  1:9.     I  Or,  passions,     r  Rom.  S;4, 


18  But  if  ye  be  led  of  the  Spirit,  ye  are  not  under 
the  law." 

19  Now  the  works  of  the  flesh  are  manifest,  which 
are  these,  Adultery,  fornication,  uncleauness,  las- 
civiousness, 

20  Idolatry,  witchcraft,  hatred,  variance,  emula- 
tions, wratli,  strife,  seditions,  heresies, 

21  Envyings,  murders,  drunkenness,  revellings, 
and  such  like:"  of  the  which  I  tell  you  before,  as  I 
have  also  told  you  in  time  past,  that  they  wliich  do 
such  things  shall  not  inlierit  tiie  kingdom  of  God. 

22  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace, 
long-suS'ering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faitii, 

23  Meekness,  temperance : "  against  such  there  is 
no  law.'' 

24  And  they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified  the 
flesh  with  tlic  afl'cctions*  and  lusts. 

25  If  we  live  in  the  Spirit,''  let  us  also  walk  in 
the  Spirit. 

26  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vainglory,"  provok- 
ing one  another,  envying  one  another. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  He  mnveth  them  to  deal  mildly  with  a  hrother  that  hath  slipped,  2  and 
to  bear  one  another's  burden;  G  to  be  liberal  to  their  teachers,  9  and 
not  weary  of  well-doing.  12  He  showetii  what  they  intend  ihat  pre.ach 
circumcision.     14  He  glorieth  in  nothing,  save  in  the  cross  oi  Christ. 

BRETHREN,  if"  a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault, 
ye  which  are  spiritual  restore  such  a  one  in 

7:1.5.19.     n  Rom.  6:14:  S-a.     oMill,  15 

aa:15.     P  John  15:5;  Eph. 5:9.     mTim.l;9. 
5.    "Phil.  2:3.    i  Or,  all/wug/i.. 

22.  Tliefru.it  of  the  Spirit;  that  which  he  produces  in 
those  who  follow  his  guidance. 

24.  HiK'e  crucified  the  flesh ;  have,  through  grace,  over- 
come the  reigning  power  of  sin,  and  are  now. habitually 
weakening  and  destroying  its  influence. 

25.  If  ve  live  in  llie  Spirit ;  if  our  inner  life  be  in  the 
Spirit;  that  is,  received  from  the  Spirit,  sustained  by  him, 
and  conformed  to  him  in  character.  Let  us  also  ivullc  iii  the 
Spirit;  let  our  outward  life  also  be  in  the  Spirit;  in  other 
words,  let  it  be  conformed  to  him  in  character,  so  that  our 
inward  principles  and  outward  conduct  shall  be  in  har- 
mony with  each  other.  •" 

2G.  Vainglory ;  empty  applause,  which  puff's  up  with 
pride.  Provoking  one  another;  by  claims  of  superiority,  or 
haughtj',  imperious  behavior.  Envying  one  another;  for 
any  real  or  supposed  excellence. 

INSTliUCTIONS. 

.5.  True  Christians  to  the  end  of  life  depend  on  Christ 
for  salvation,  and  expect  it  only  through  faith  in  him. 
Those  who  dejicnd  on  their  works,  must  through  their 
whole  lives  neglect  no  duly  and  commit  no  sin,  but  in  all 
things  obey  perfectly  the  whole  law  of  God,  or  tliey  will 
be  lost. 

9.  As  error  begun  in  a  church  tends  to  increase  and  to 
corrupt  the  whole,  it  should  lie  renounced  and  abandoned 
as  soon  as  discovered ;  and  all  should  watch  and  be  on 
their  guard  ag;unst  the  beginning  of  evil. 

13.  Freedom  from  the  ceremonial  law,  and,  through  faith 
in  Christ,  from  the  condemning  power  of  the  mor;il  hiw.iind 
from  the  necessity  of  ])erfectly  obeying  it  in  order  to  sal- 
vation, do  not  lessen  but  increase  a  man's  oblig;ition  to 
keep  it;  ami  such  freedom  will  secure  a  hearty  obedience. 

18.  No  one  is  delivered  from  the  condemning  ])ower  of 
the  law,  or  overcomes  the  corruptions  of  his  heart,  except 
under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

26.  For  every  thing  excellent  and  praiseworthy,  men 
are  indebted  to  the  grace  of  God.  They  have  thereforo 
no  good  reason  for  self-complacency'  or  exaltation,  but 
much  for  humility  and  gratitude. 

13.09 


Various  exhortations. 


GALATIANS  VI. 


Paul  glorielh  in  Christ. 


tlie  spirit  of  meekness;"  considering  thyself,  lest 
tbou  also  be  tempted. 

2  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,*"  and  so  fulfil 
the  law  of  Christ. 

?j  For  if  a  man  tliink  himself  fo  bo  sometliing, 
when  lie  is  nothing,  he  deceivetli  himself. 

■1  But  let  every  nian  prove  Ids  own  work,"  and 
tlien  shall  lie  have  rejoicing  in  himself  alone,*  and 
not  in  another. 

5  For  every  man  sliall  bear  his  own  burden. 

6  Let  him  "that  is  tauglit  in  the  word  communi- 
cate unto  him  that  teaclieth  in  all  good  things.- 

7  Be  not  deceived;  God  is  not  mocked:  for 
whatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap. 

8  For  he  that  soweth  to  his  flesh,  sliall  of  the 
flesh  reap  corruption;''  but  he  that  soweth  to  the 
Spirit,  shall  of  the  Spirit  reap  life  everlasting.^' 

9  And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing:"  for 
in  due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.' 

10  As  we  have  therefore  opportunity ,J  let  us  do 
good  unto  all  mcn,^  especially  unto  them  who  are 
of  the  household  of  faith.' 


«  Jis.  5:19,20.  li  Rom.  l.'j:!.  c  a  Cor.  13:5.  d  Prov.  H:I4.  o  1  Cor. 
9:11-14.  '  Job  4:S:  Prov.  •W:8;  Hob.  8:7.  f  Tmv.  11:13;  James  3:18. 
bICor.  15:5S.      i  Heb.  10:30;  Rev.  2:10.     j  Eccl.  9:10.     k  Matt.  5:43; 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  Ye  which  are  spirihiul ;  advauceJ  in  Christian  know- 
ledge and  experience. 

2.  One  another's  burdens;  of  weakness,  temptation,  and 
sorrow.  The  hm<  of  Christ ;  to  love  one  anotlier  as  he  had 
loved  them.     John  lo:12. 

3.  Think  himself  lo  be  something;  have  a  high  conceit  of 
hi.s  own  knowledge  and  attainments  as  a  Christian. 

i.  Prove  his  own  work ;  put  it  to  the  test  by  comparing 
it  with  God's  word,  the  Bible.  Then;  if  it  is  shown  by 
that  to  be  right  In  himself  alone ;  in  the  evidence  which 
be  lias  of  liis  own  conformity  in  heart  and  life  to  (lod's 
trutli.  Anil  not  in  another;  not  in  his  fancied  superiority 
over  his  neighbor. 

5.  His  own  burden ;  the  load  imposed  on  him  by  his  own 
sins.  The  word  in  tlie  original  is  different  from  that  used 
in  ver.  2. 

6.  All  good  things;  things  needful  for  liis  support. 

7.  Is  not  mocked;  will  not  allow  men  to  trille  with  him 
or  his  reipiirementa. 

8.  Soweth  to  his  flesh;  by  the  indulgence  of  the  lusts  of 
his  flesli.  Compare  chap.  5:19-21.  Of  the  flesh;  .as  the 
result  of  sowing  to  it.  Reap  corruption  ;  corruption  in  the 
widest  sense,  tlic  ruin  of  body  and  soul.  Soircth  lo  Ihc 
Spirit;  by  devoting  himself  to  the  works  of  the  Spirit, 
chap.  5 :  22-24. 

9.  In  due  season ;  the  proper  time,  that  which  God  has 
appointed  to  give  tlie  rewanl. 

12.  A  fair  show  in  the  flesh;  in  outward  obscrvancCB,  and 
thus  to  be  in  good  rei>utu  with  men  of  Hesldy  rninds.  Lest 
they  should  suffer ;  persecution  from  tli«  .lews,  if  they  neg- 
Icclcd  circumcision  ami  preached  the  doctrines  of  the  cross. 

Ki.  Glory  m  your  flesh ;  in  liaving  induced  you  to  be 
circumciseil,  and  thus  to  join  their  party. 

14.  liy  whom ;  by  which,  referring  to  tho  cross.  The 
world  IS  crnnfuil ;  lias  lost  ita  power  to  control  mc,  and  I 
my  desire  to  follow  it. 


11  Ye  see  how  large  a  letter  I  have  writ-  a.d.  ss. 
ten  unto  you  with  mine  own  hand. 

12  As  many  as  desire  to  make  a  fair  show  in  the 
flesh, they constrainyoutobe  circumcised ;  only  lest 
they  should  sutler  persecution  for  the  cross  of  Clirist. 

13  For  neither  they  tlieinsolves  who  are  circum- 
cised keep  the  law;  but  desire  to  have  you  circum- 
cised, that  they  may  glory  in  your  flesh. 

14  But  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in 
the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Clirist,""  by  whom'  the 
world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the  world." 

15  For  in  Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision  a  vail- 
eth  any  thing,  nor  uucircumcision,"  but  a  new  crea- 
ture.P 

16  And  as  many  as  walk  according  to  this  ride, 
peace  be  on  them,''  and  mcrey,  and  upon  the  Israel 
of  God. 

17  From  henceforth  let  no  man  troulde  me:  for 
I  bear  in  my  body  the  marks  of  the  Lord  Jesus.' 

18  Brethren,  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  your  spirit.''     Amen. 

1  Unto  the  Galatians,  written  from  Rome. 


Titus  3:8.  1  IJolui  3:14.  m  I'hil.  3:3,  7,  S.  •  Ot,  whereby,  n  ch.  2:20. 
och.5:6.  paOor.S:17.  qPsi.ia5:5.  r  Col.  1:24.  •  2Tim.  4:22;  Pliilo. 
25. 


15.  In  Christ  Jesus;  chap.  5:6.  A  new  creature;  John 
3:3;  2  Cor.  5:17. 

l(j.  This  rule;  tho  truth  which  he  had  declared.  Tlie 
Israel  of  God ;  all  his  true  worshippers. 

17.  Let  no  man  trouble  mc;  with  such  opposition  as  ho 
had  received  from  false  teachers.  The  marks  of  the  Lord 
Jesus;  scars  of  the  wounds  he  had  received  in  the  cause 
of  Christ,  on  account  of  his  attaclimcnt  to  him  and  his 
zeal  in  serving  him. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  most  spiritual  Christians,  and  those  most  ad- 
vanced in  knowledge  and  piety,  are  still exposeil  to  trmji- 
tation,and  liable  to  fall  into  aggravated  sins.  'I'liis  Kho\il<l 
make  tliem  kind  and  compassionate  towards  all  sinners, 
and  active  in  eiforts  to  recliiim  them.  It  should  make  tliem 
also  watcliful,  humble,  and  [iraycrful ;  remendjcring  that 
but  for  the  grace  of  God  they  might  have  been  among  tho 
chief  of  sinners. 

4.  Each  man  should  compare  his  views,  motives,  and 
conduct  willi  tlie  I!il)Ie.  If  they  agree  willi  that  tliey  aro 
right,  and  he  may  rejoice  in  them  as  evidences  that  he  is 
born  of  God  and  is  an  heir  of  lieaven.  But  if  they  do  not, 
they  arc  wrong,  and  must  be  changed,  or  wli;itever  he  or 
others  nuiy  think,  he  will  bo  an  outcast  from  God  and  all 
good  for  ever. 

8.  Life  is  die  seed-time  for  eternity,  and  the  fruit  of  what 
each  one  here  sows  lie  will  there  for  ever  reaji. 

12.  False  teachers  refrain  from  proclaiming  tlie  truth  as 
it  is  in  .Icsus,  not  only  beciiiise  they  dislike  it,  but  to  avoid 
the  opposition  to  which  it  would  expose  them,  and  to 
become  ]iopul;ir  with  the  wicked. 

17.  Tliose  wlio  liave  been  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto 
good  works,  anil  are  living  not  unto  tliemselves  but  unto 
liim,  have  the  Hubstance  of  true  religion,  and  will  not  bo 
disposed  to  contend  about  the  shadow.  They  will  ear- 
nestly desire  and  tervenlly  jiray  that  grace,  mercy,  and 
peace  may  be  multiplied  to  all  who  love  the  Lord  ./esus 
Christ,  and  walk  according  to  the  rules  of  his  word. 


13G0 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  EPITESIANS. 


Paul  was  a  prisoner  when  he  penned  the  epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  chap.  3  : 1 ;  4  : 1.  It  is  agreed  that 
the  place  of  writing  must  have  been  either  Cesarea  or  Rome.  The  more  common  supposition  is  that  ho 
wrote  from  Rome,  during  the  imprisonment  mentioned  in  Acts  28  :  30,  31,  not  only  this  epistle,  but  also  those 
to  the  Colossians,  to  Philemon,  and  to  the  Philippians ;  nor  can  any  valid  objection  be  urged  against  this 
liypothcsis. 

The  epistle  to  the  Galatians  is  controversial  in  its  character.  This,  on  the  contrary,  is  eminently  con- 
templative. The  apostle  has  no  particular  error  to  refute,  but  unfolds,  with  wonderful  richness  and  sub- 
limity, the  eternal  counsels  of  God  as  revealed  in  the  plan  of  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ ;  dwelling  witli 
especial  fulness  on  that  high  mystery  unknown  to  the  men  of  past  ages — the  purpose  of  God,  namely,  to 
unite  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth  under  the  headship  of  Christ,  and  to  break  down  in  and  through  him 
the  middle  wall  of  separation  between  Jews  and  Gentiles,  making  out  of  them  both  one  new  spiritual  body 
of  which  he  is  the  head.  He  then  adds,  after  his  usual  manner,  practical  admonitions  addressed  to  the 
different  classes  of  persons  constituting  the  church,  and  closes  with  a  general  exhortation  to  steadfastness, 
jtrayerfulness,  and  vigilance  in  the  Christian  warfare. 

On  the  remarkable  points  of  agreement  between  this  epistle  and  that  to  the  Colossians,  see  the  intro- 
duction to  the  latter. 


.vD«  CHAPTER  I. 

1  After  the  salutation,  3  and  thanksgiving  for  the  Ephesians,  4  he  treat- 
eth  of  our  election,  6  and  adoption  by  grace,  11  which  is  the  true  and 
proper  iountain  of  man^s  salvation.  13  And  because  the  height  of  this 
mystery  cannot  easily  be  attained  unto,  IG  he  prayelh  that  they  may 
come  I'S  to  the  full  knowledge  20  and  possession  thereof  in  Christ. 

PAUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  will 
of  God,  to  tlie  -saints  which  are  at  Epiiesus," 
and  to  the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus:'' 

2  Grace  he  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Fa- 
ther, and/rom  tlio  Lord  je.sus  Christ.- 

3  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,'^  who  hath  blessed  us  witli  all  spirit- 
ual blessings  in  heavenly  places"  in  Christ: 

■iRom.l:7.  b  Acts,  ch.  19, -H);  Col.  1:3.  c  Gal.  1  :.3;  Titus  1  i-l.  J-.'Cor. 
1;3;  IPet.  1:3.     *  Or,  tiling.^  Hab.  0:2:3.     elPet.l:-i.     t  Luke  1 :  75;  Col. 

CHAPTER  I. 

3.  In  heaventy  places ;  the  word  "places"  is  supplied  by 
the  translators.  Some  propose  to  render,  in  lieavenly 
lliiiij^s,  thinfjs  pertainin;;  to  our  preparation  for  heaven. 
I  Jut  everywhere  else  in  this  epistle  the  word  means 
heavenly  places,  ver.  20;  2:fi;  .'irlO;  6:12,  rendered  in  our 
version  "high  places;"  and  this  meaning  may  bo  retained 
here,  as  denotiiifc  the  ])laee  wliere  tliesc  s]iiril"nal  blessings 
;tre  jireparcd  fur  us.  wliere  we  shall  finally  enjoy  them  in 
lull  measure,  and  whence  we  now  receive,  through  the 
Holy  Ghost,  the  earnest  of  them.  Compare  ver.  14.  In 
C/iiist;  as  much  as  to  say.  All  these  spiritual  blessings 
come  to  us  by  virtue  of  our  union  with  Christ.  And  so 
ver.  4,  "  He  hath  chosen  us  in  him." 

4.  Tliat  we  xlioitld  hr  hnhj ;  he  has  not  chosen  us  on  tlio 
};ro\ind  that  we.  of  oiuKclveH.  make  ouiselves  \\i\\\.  lint 

8G 


4  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before 
tlic  foundation  of  the  world,"'  that  wo  sliould  be 
holy  and  without  blame  before  liim  in  love:' 

5  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of 
children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,'^  according  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  his  will," 

6  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,'  wherein 
he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  Beloved:^ 

7  In  wliom  we  have  redemption  through  his 
blood,'^  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the 
riches  of  liis  grace; 

8  Wherein  he  hath  abounded  toward  us  in  all 
wisdom  and  prudence; 


1 :  -ai    e  John  1 : 1 2 ;  Rom.  fe :  '!».  :J0. 
2:5.     kHeb.  9:1-3;  1  Pet.  l:lg,  19. 


h  Luke  12:32.    "  1  Pot.  ; 


1   1  I'et. 


purposed  that  we  should  be  made  holy  by  the  power  of 

his  Spirit.  In  love;  referring,  according  to  the  punctua- 
tion of  our  version,  to  those  whom  tJod  has  chosen  to  be 
holy  and  without  blame,  as  being  in  a  state  of  love,  which 
is  the  sum  of  all  the  Christian  graces.  Others  join  these 
words  with  the  following  verse:  "In  love  having  predes- 
tinated us,"  etc. 

rt.  To  himf:e/f;  to  be  connected  immediately  with  "  the 
adoption  of  children."  and  meaning  chililren  which  he  ha.'* 
adojited  to  liinisclf — t:iken  by  adoption  into  his  own  family. 

(i.  /((  l/ic  Hdovcd;  namely,  Christ. 

7.  Tkionsli  his  blood ;  making  atonement  for  our  sins. 

8.  In  all  wisdom  and  prudence;  in  the  bestowal  upon  na 
of  all  wislem  and  undcrstiinding  in  spiritual  things,  as  ho 
goes  on  to  show  in  the  next  verse.  Others  refer  these 
words  to  Coil's  wisdom  and  i>rnd(-ncc  as  exercised  ia 
bestowing  u|)on  u.s  his  grace. 


Tlte  way  of  salvation. 


EPHESIANS  II. 


Qxdckming  vf  the  dead. 


9  Having  made  known  unto  ns  flio  mystery  of 
his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure  which  he 
hath  purposed  in  himself:" 

10  That  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fulness  of 
times  he  might  gather  togetlier  iu  one  all  things 
in  Christ,  both  which  are  in  heaven,'  and  which 
arc  on  earth;  wdi  in  him: 

11  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inherit- 
ance," being  predestinated  according  to  the  ])ur- 
pose  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  after  tiie 
counsel  of  his  own  will: 

12  That  we  should  be  to  the  praise  of  his  glory, 
who  first  trusted*  in  Christ. 

13  111  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that  ye  heard 
the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation:'' 
in  whom  also,  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were  sealed 
with  that  holy  Spirit  of  promise,* 

14  Which  is  the  earnesf  of  our  inheritance  until 
the  redemption ''of  the  purchased  possession,'' unto 
the  praise  of  his  glory.'' 

15  Wiierefore  I  also,  after  I  heard  of  your  faith 
in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the  saints, 

16  Cease  not  to  give  thanks  for  you,  making 
mention  of  you  in  my  prayers ; 

17  That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'  the 
Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge*  of  him  -J 

18  Theeyesof  your  understanding  being  enlight- 
ened;'' that  ye  may  know  wiiat  is  the  hope  of  his 
calling,'  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his 
iniieritance  in  the  saints,'" 

19  And  what  is  the  exceeding  greatness  of  iiis 

•  2  Tim.  1 :9.  •  Gr.  the  heavens,  b  Acts  2(l:3i.  t  Or,  hoped.  '  Rom. 
10:17.  d-2Cor.  1:2>  «  a  Cor.  5:5.  r  Rom.  h:2i.  S  Acts  20:38.  h  ver.  0. 
12.  iJohn2'l:17.  X  Or,  for  the  arknowlrdgment.  J  Col.  1:9,  k  Isa.  42:7. 
lch.4:-l.     inch.:J:!r(.     n  I'ja.  1 1U:.3.     i  Gr.  the  miiiht  of  his  power.     ©Acts 

9.  The  mustcrij;  that  which  is  explained  in  verse  10. 

10.  The  dispensation  of  the  fulness  of  times  ;  tlic  f'hristian 
dispciiHation  a]ii)ointe(l  by  him,  to  l)e  introduced  when  the 
full  time  should  come.  Gaiiier  topetlier  in  one;  unite  into 
one  holy  kiiii;ilom.  Alt  things;  in  the  widest  sense,  liy 
subjecting  every  thing  in  heaven  and  earth  to  the  domin- 
ion of  Christ. 

11.  We;  Jewish  believers.  An  inheritance;  heirship 
with  Christ  to  tlie  blessedness  of  heaven. 

12.  We — whofir.ll  trusted;  the  gosjiel  was  first  preached 
to  the  Jews,  and  from  them  were  its  first  fruits  gathered. 

1.'!.  Ye  also;  ye  Gentiles  also.  Sealed;  as  belonging  to 
Clirist  by  receiving  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

H.  Earnest;  pledge  or  first-fruit  of  lieavenly  felicity. 
Reilemptiiin  of  the  purchaied  possession;  complete  salvation 
of  his  ransomed  people. 

IH.  The  hope  of  his  cnllinfr  ;  the  hope  which  he  has  called 
you  to  enjoy.  Of  his  inheriljnre;  the  inheritance  which 
lie  gives.  In  the  saints;  or,  among  the  saints.  These 
words  are  added  to  define  the  persons  upon  whom  this 
glorious  inheritance  is  bestowed. 

19.  Jo  xa-ward  who  Uiicve ;  manifested  towards  us  who 
believe,  not  merely  in  this  life,  but  also  in  that  to  come. 
The  exercise  of  this  power  extends  over  the  wluile  work 
of  the  believer's  redemption,  from  his  calling  and  the 
quickening  of  his  soul  iu  regeneration  to  his  final  glorifi- 
cation in  lieaven. 

20.  Which  lie  wrmifrhl  in  Christ ;  as  our  head.  Ood  mani- 
fests in  the  redcmjition  of  Christ's  members  the  same 
divine  power  whicli  he  exercised  in  Chiist  their  head. 

21.  Principnlitij,  and  ptiirer — everij  tuiinc  that  is  named; 
these  terms  describe  every  order  of  intelligent  beings  in 
heaven  and  on  earth  ;  everj'  creature  that  bears  a  name. 

22.  Head  over  all  things ;  all  things  in  tho  creation.  To 
the  church;  for  its  good. 

1362 


power  to  US-ward  who  believe,''  according  a  u  ei. 
to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,^ 

20  Which  he  wrought  in  Christ,  when  he  raised 
him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his  own  right 
hand  in  the  heavenly  places" 

21  Far  above  all  princi])ality,  and  power,  and 
might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name  that  is  named, 
not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to 
come :  p 

22  And  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and 
gave  him  to  he  the  head  over  all  things  to  the 
church,'' 

23  Which  is  his  body,''  the  fulness  of  him  that 
filleth  all  in  all. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  By  comparing  what  we  were  3  by  nature,  with  what  we  are  5  by 
grace;  10  lie  declaretli.  that  we  are  made  for  good  works;  13  and 
bfing  brought  near  by  Christ,  11  should  not  live  as  Oentile8,  12  and 
foreigners  in  tinie  past,  19  but  ay  citizens  with  the  saints,  and  the 
family  of  G-od. 

AND  you  hath  he  quickened,"  who  were  dead  in 
tres])asses  and  sins ; 

2  Wherein  in  tiuK^  past  ye  walked  according  to 
the  course  of  this  world,'  ;iccoidiiig  to  the  ju'iiice 
of  the  power  of  the  air,"  the  spirit  tiiat  now  work- 
eth in  the  children  of  disobedience:'' 

3  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation 
in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,"'  fulfilling  the 
desires'  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  were  by 
nature  the  children  of  wrath, ^  even  as  others. 

4  But  God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  groal 
love  wherewith  he  loved  us, 


2:24,  al.  pPhil.  2:fl;  Col.  2:10.  q  P«a.  .«:G;  Matt.  aS;lS.  '  1  Cor.  12:12; 
Col.  1:18,  24.  •  John  5:24;  Col.  2:13.  '  Acts  10:35.  u  ch.  0:12.  v  Col. 
3:(i.     "  1  Pet.  4:3.     I  Gr.  toito.     i  Psa.  51 :5. 


23,  Which  is  his  body;  compare  John  15:1-7.  Theful- 
)if«;  Christ's  body  the  church  is  called  his  fulness,  as 
being  throughout  filled  with  his  gifts  and  graces.  That 
fillcth  all  in  all;  or  who  filleth  all  things  with  all  things. 
For  Christ  is  the  creator  of  all  things,  and  he  fills  them 
with  whatever  jiowers  and  privileges  they  possess. 
INHTHl'CTIONS. 

4.  IToliness  of  heart  and  life  is  sure  evidence  of  having 
been  preclestinated  to  salvation,  through  sanctification  of 
the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth. 

9.  Men  have  no  correct  views  of  salvation  through  fiith 
in  Christ,  except  as  (!od  reveals  it  to  them;  an<l  no  dispo- 
sition to  believe  on  him  exce|it  as  Cod  gives  it. 

14.  The  recejition  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  tho  blessed- 
ness which  ho  liestows  on  those  who  follow  his  guidance, 
are  sure  j)ledges  and  earnests  (hat,  in  due  time,  he  will 
give  them  in  perfeelion  the  blessedness  of  heaven. 

20  The  greatness  of  the  power  ;ind  grace  of  (iod  mani- 
fested when  he  leads  men  to  bi'lieve  on  Clnist.  and  raises 
them  from  sjiiritual  death  to  spiriln;d  lifr.slioidil  fill  thcra 
with  adoring  gratitude,  and  bind  (hem  for  ever  in  cheer- 
ful and  hearty  obedience  to  his  will. 

CIIATTER  II. 

1.  Quickened;  made  alive.  Dead  in  trespasses  and  .<!ins; 
it  is  a  living  death  which  the  apostle  describes.  They 
were  dead  to  God  :ind  liolineKH,  and  alive  to  this  world  and 
(Icshly  Inst.  They  lived  in  tresjiasses  and  sins,  and  this 
is  spiritual  death. 

2.  7/1 /HHC  ;)(!*( ;  in  their  unconverted  state.  The  prince 
of  lite  power  if  the  air;  l^atan,  the  rnler  of  the  power  of  the 
air,  that  is,  of  tho  empire  of  evil  spirits,  whose  abode  is 
the  air. 

3.  Among  whom ;  namel.v,  among  which  children  of  dis- 
obedience.   TKe  a//;  Jews  and  Gentiles.    Had  our  conversa- 


Jesus  Christ  tl>e 


EPHESIANS  IT. 


dikf  corner-stone. 


A.-D.U.  5  Even  Tvlien  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath 
quickened  us  together  with  Christ;"  (by*  grace 
ye  are  saved:") 

6  And  hath  raised  -us  Up  togetlicr,'^  and  made  us 
sit  together  in  heavenly  p/aces  in  Ciirist  Jesus: 

7  That  in  the  ages  to  come  lie  niiglit  show  the 
exceeding  riches  of  his  grace,  in  his  Iviuduess  tow- 
ard us,  through  Christ  Jesus."" 

8  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved"  tlirongh  faith;''  and 
tlnit  not  of  yourselves  :  it  is  the  gift  of  God :  ^ 

9  Not  of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast. 

10  For  we  are  Ids  workmanship,  created  in  Christ 
Jesus  unto  good  works,  wliich  God  hath  before 
ordained*  that  we  should  walk  in  them.'' 

11  Wherefore  remember,  that  ye  being  in  time 
past  Gentiles  in  the  flesh,  who  are  called  Uncir- 
cumcision  by  that  which  is  called  the  Circumcision 
in  tlie  flesh  made  by  hands ; 

12  That  at  that  time  ye  were  without  Christ, 
being  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel, 
and  strangers  from  the  covenants  of  promise,  hav- 
ing no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world: 

i:}  But  now,  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye,  who  sometime 
were  far  off,  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Ciirist.' 

a  Rom.  5:0,  8,  10.  •  Or.  bj/ whose,  b  Rom.  3:24.  c  Col. '2:12.  d  Titus 
3:1.  e2Tim.l:9.  'Rom. 4:10.  S  John  0: 44.  05.  1  Or,  prepared  h  di. 
1:4.      iHeb.  9:12.     J  Mic.  5:5.      k  John  10:10;  Gal.  3:28.      1  Col.  2:14. 

lion;  lived.  Desires  of  the  flesh;  bodily  appetites  and  pas- 
sions. Of  the  mind;  such  as  pride,  envy,  covetousness, 
and  ambition.  Bi/  nature;  naturally  children  of  wratli, 
because  children  of  disobedience. 

5.  Together  with  Christ;  as  God  raised  Christ  from  the 
dead  in  behalf  of  his  people  and  as  tlieir  surety,  so  they, 
by  virtue  of  their  union  with  him,  had  been  raised  from 
spiritual  death,  which  is  the  pledge  of  their  future  union 
with  Christ  in  the  resurrection  of  the  body  also  to  a  glo- 
rious immortality. 

6.  Raised  us  up  together — made  us  sit  together ;  that  is, 
together  with  Christ,  as  in  the  preceding  verse.  In  lieavenhj 
places;  see  note  to  eliap.  1:3.  In  Christ  Jesus;  all  this 
takes  place  in  and  tlirough  our  union  with  Christ. 

8.  And  that ;  your  being  saved  by  grace  tlirough  faith. 
77(1?  gft  of  God ;  all  that  is  good  in  man,  and  all  the  good 
which  he  enjoys,  are  the  gracious  gift  of  God. 

10.  His  workmanship;  of  our  spiritual  life,  God  is  the 
author.  Before  ordained ;  it  was  ever  the  purpose  and  will 
of  (iod,  that  those  to  whom  he  gives  spiritual  life  should 
be  holy  and  abound  in  good  works. 

11.  Remember;  the  apostle  affectionately  reminds  the 
gentile  converts  of  the  unspeakable  gift  they  have  received 
in  being  introduced,  through  Christ,  into  his  church.  Gen- 
tilefi  in  the  flesh;  in  contrast  with  "the  circumcision  in  the 
flesh;"  meaning,  men  who  bore  in  their  flesh,  as  uncir- 
cumcised,  the  marks  of  their  being  Gentiles.  Uncircum- 
cision;  uncircumcised  Gentiles.  Circumcision  in  tlie  flexh; 
Jews,  who  liad  the  outward  sign  of  circumcision,  but  not 
the  thing  signified  by  it. 

12.  Aliens  from  tlie  commonwealth  nf  Israel ;  not  lielonging, 
even  outwardly,  to  the  people  who  were  in  covenant  witli 
God,  had  his  knowledge,  and  maintained  his  worshi]i. 
Covenants  of  promise;  those  made  with  Abraliam  and  his 
seed.  No  hope;  no  hope  in  God,  to  wiiom  ye  were  stran- 
gers. Without  God;  without  the  knowledge  of  God  and 
an  interest  in  liis  salvation. 

V.\.  Ill  Christ  Jems ;  by  your  union  with  him  through  faith. 
Are  made  nigh;  brought  near  to  God's  spiritual  common- 
wealth ami  ailmitted  into  it.  Bij  tlie  blood  of  Christ;  mak- 
ing atonement  for  your  sins. 

14.  Our  peace;  the  author  and  ground  of  our  peace — 
peace  in  the  widest  sense :  first,  between  man  and  God, 
verses  16-18;  and  then,  as  a  consequence  of  this,  between 
Jews  and  Gentiles,  verses  14, 15.     Both  one ;  Jews  and  Geu- 


14  For  ho  is  our  peace,^  who  hath  made  both  one,'' 
and  hath  broken  down  the  middle  wall  of  partition 
between  us; 

15  Having  abolished  in  his  flesh  the  enmity,  even 
the  law  of  commandments  contained  in  ordinances;" 
for  to  make  in  himself  of  twain  one  new  man,  so 
making  peace ; 

10  And  that  he  might  reconcile  both  unto  God 
in  one  body  by  the  cross,™  having  slain  the  enmity 
thereby:' 

17  And  came  and  preached  peace  to  you  which 
were  afar  off,  and  to  them  that  were  nigh." 

18  For  through  him  we  both  have  access  by  one 
Spirit  unto  the  Father." 

19  Now  therefore  ye  are  no  more  strangers  and 
foreigners,  but  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints,"  and 
of  the  household  of  God  ;" 

20  And  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of  the 
apostles  and  prophets,''  Jesus  Christ  himself  being 
the  chief  coriier-stoie;' 

21  In  whom  all  the  building  fitly  framed  togeth- 
er, groweth  unto  a  holy  temple  in  the  Lord:' 

22  In  whom  ye  also  are  biiilded  together,  for  a 
habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit." 

m  Col.  1:20-92.  i  Or,  hi  himself,  n  Acts  2:. 10.  o  John  14:6;  1  Pet.  .1:18. 
P  Heb.  12:22,23.  q  ch.  3:15.  '  Matt.  10:18;  1  Cor.  3:9,  10;  Rev.  21:14. 
»Isa.2S:10.     t  1  Cor.  3:17;  2  Cor.  0: 10.     "  1  Pet.  2:4,  5. 


tiles,  one  body.  The  middle  wall;  the  ceremonial  law, 
which,  till  the  death  of  Christ,  separated  Jews  and  Gentiles. 

15.  Abolished  in  his  flesh;  by  his  death  he  abolished  the 
ceremonial  law,  that  cause  of  enmity  and  separation  be- 
tween Jews  and  Gentiles.  Contained  in  ordinances;  thus 
he  characterizes  the  Mosaic  economy  as  a  system  of  out- 
ward ordinances.  Of  twain;  of  the  two  parties,  .Tews  and 
Gentiles.  One  new  man;  one  new  body,  of  which  he  should 
be  the  head. 

l(i.  Both;  both  Jews  and  Gentiles.  In  one  body;  in  one 
spiritual  body,  namely,  the  Christian  church.  By  the  cross; 
by  his  bloody  death  on  tlie  cross  as  an  expiation  for  sin. 
Having  slain  the  enmity;  by  annulling  the  Jewish  ceremo- 
nial law,  which  was  the  ground  of  the  enmity  between 
Jews  and  Gentiles.  Thereby;  literally,  in  it;  that  is,  by 
dying  upon  it. 

17.  To  you;  you  Gentiles,  which  were  afar  off;  from  Goil. 
See  ver.  12.  To  them  that  were  nigh  ;  to  the  Jews,  who,  in 
their  outward  relation,  were  nigh  to  God.  To  lioth  he 
preached  peace  with  God,  and  thus  with  one  another. 

20.  Are  built;  into  a  spiritual  temple.  The  foundation 
of  the  apostles  and  prophets;  the  foundation  laid  by  them,  in 
other  words,  the  doctrine  preached  by  them,  the  corner- 
stone of  which  is  Jesus  Christ. 

21.  In  whom;  not  in  Peter  or  Paul,  but  in  Christ;  in 
whom  all  true  Christians  believe,  and  on  whom  they  rely 
for  salvation.  Groweth;  as  a  living  temple  made  of  living 
stones,  1  Pet.  2:5. 

22.  Ye  also;  ye  Gentiles,  as  well  as  the  Jews.  For  a 
habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit;  God  ilwells  in  tho 
hearts  of  his  jioople  who  are  united  to  him  thr(uigh  faith 
and  love,  and  thus  each  believer  is  jiis  temple.  Isa.  .5'?:  15  ; 
John  14:23;  17:21,  2'A,  20.  In  like  manner  ho  dwells  in 
his  church,  which  is  made  up  of  believers  united  to  him 
and  to  eaili  other,  and  thus  the  church  is,  as  here,  his 
temple.     Compare  1  Cor.  .'iiK;;  1  Pet.  2:5. 

IXSTHCCTIONS. 

2.  Satan  does  much  to  lead  men  to  disobey  God,  and 
when  tlicy  violate  divine  laws  they  take  part  with  Satan 
against  Jehovah. 

3.  All  men  naturally  arc  more  pleased  in  gratifving  their 
bodily  appetites,  and  the  selfish  inclinations  of  ihcir  own 
hearts,  tii;in  in  learning  and  doing  tlie  will  of  Gud  ;  thus 
showing  tiiat  they  are  opposed  to  holiness,  in  love  with 
sin,  and  heirs  of  divine  wrath. 

1363 


The  great  mystery. 


EPHESIAXS  III. 


The  fulness  of  ChrUt. 


CHAPTER  III. 

•>  The  hidden  mystery,  G  that  the  G-enti!es  should  be  saved,  3  was  made 
known  to  Paul  by  revelation;  8  and  t"  h  ni  was  that  grace  given, 
9  that  he  should  preach  it.  13  He  desireth  then)  not  to  faint  for  his 
tribulation,  14  .and  prayeth  19  that  they  may  perceive  the  great  love 
of  Christ  toward  them. 

FOR  this  cause,  I  Paul,  the  prisoaer  of  Jesus 
Christ  for  you  Gentile.-^, 

2  If  ye  have  heard  of  the  dispensation  of  the 
irrace  of  God  wliich  is  given  nie  to  you-ward:'' 

3  How  that  by  revelation  he  made  known  unto 
me  the  mystery  ;■■  as  I  wrote  afore'  in  few  words ; 

•t  Whereby,  when  ye  read,  yo  may  understand 
my  knowledge  in  the  mystery  of  Christ/ 

5  "Wliicli  in  oilier  ages  was  not  made  known  unto 
the  sons  of  men,  as  it  is  now  revealed  unto  his 
lioly  apostles  and  prophets  by  the  Spirit;'' 

6  That  the  Gentiles  should  be  fellow-heirs,  and 
of  the  same  body,  and  partakers  of  his  jironiise  in 
Christ  by  the  gospel: 

7  Whereof  I  was  made  a  minister,  according  to 
the  gift  of  the  grace  of  God  given  unto  mc  by  the 
effectual  working  of  his  power. "^ 

8  Unto  mc,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,' 
is  this  grace  given,  that  I  should  preach  among  the 
Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ;*' 


»  Rom.  12:3;  Col.  1:25.  b  Gal.  1:12.  •  Oi,  a  littlt  before,  cch.  1:9. 
■' Matt.  13:17;  Rom.  16:25;  IPet.  1:10-12.  e  Isa.  4:1: 13;  ch.  1:19.  f  1  Cor. 
15:9.    g  Col.  1:27.     h  ,er.  4,  5;  1  Tim.  3:1G.     i  Tsa.  :B:0;  John  1:3;  Col. 

10.  The  delivcraiici;  of  men  from  a  stato  of  sin  and  death, 
l>y  makiii;;  them  alive  to  holiness,  is  of  Cod.  It  springs 
from  his  love,  is  the  fruit  of  his  Spirit,  ami  is  given  not 
merely  to  save  men  from  perdition,  Init  to  manifest  in  all 
:i;;cs  and  worlds  the  riehes  of  his  grace,  in  kindness  to 
lielievers,  through  Jesus  Christ. 

18.  Peace  with  God,  peace  with  conscience,  and  peace 
with  one  another,  are  the  fruit  of  faith  in  Christ.  By  his 
Spirit  he  produces  in  those  who  believe  on  him  a  filial 
irmper,  gives  them  access  to  God  as  their  Father,  ;ind  leads 
litem, as  his  cliildren,  from  love  to  him  to  love  one  another. 

20.  Till'  fact,  that  in  describing  the  foundaliou  of  the 
i-hurcli,  I'aiil,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  (jhost,  says 
nothing  of  Peter,  but  teaches  that  it  is  built  on  Christ,  as 
(ireached  by  apostles  and  prophets,  is  conclusive  evidence 
that  the  belief  of  its  bchig  built  on  Peter,  or  any  mere 
'■reature,  is  an  error. 

22.  The  church  of  God  is  not  composed  merely  of  min- 

tcrs  of  the  gospel,  but  of  all  who  are  united  by  faith  to 
Jesus  Christ,  and  in  whom  he  dwells  by  his  Spirit. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  For  this  cauic;  in  view  of  all  that  has  been  said  con- 
•  eming  your  introduction  through  Christ,  to  the  house- 
liold  of  jaith.  T/ie  prisoner  if  Jest'i  Christ;  one  who  is 
subjected  to  imprisonment  for  the  cause  of  Jesus  Christ, 
Sec  the  introductory  remarks.  For  iion  Gcntitcs;  he  was 
especially  called  to  preach  the  go8]iel  to  the  Gentiles,  and 
admit  them  to  the  church  without  circumcision,  on  an 
e'pial  footing  with  the  Jews.  For  this  he  had  been  perse- 
cuted, and  was  now  imprisoned. 

This  lirst  verse  is  the  beginning  of  a  sentence  which  is 
virtually  resumed  and  continued  at  ver.  H,  the  intermedi- 
ate ver.HCs  being  an  cx)(ansion  of  the  idea  coiitaineil  in 
llie  worils,  "for  you  Gentiles." 

'.'t.  Tiic  inijiilcrij;  namely, that  c.vplaincd  in  ver.  6,  that  the 
Gentiles,  through  fiiith  in  Ciirisl,  were  to  be  partakers  of 
his  salvation  on  cpial  terms  with  the  Jews,  itnd  without 
ilie  observance  of  .Icwish  ceremonies.  As  I  wrote  afore; 
as  I  wrote  a  little  above,  chap.  2:12-21. 

7.  His  power;  his  power  in  me,  qualifying  me  for  the 
oflice  to  which  he  li:is  called  me. 

9.  Whut  is  the  fellowship  if  the  mijstery;  the  mj'Btcry  is 
that,  through  faith  in  Christ,  Gentiles  and  Jews  were  to 
1364 


9  And  to  make  all  mm  see  what  is  the  fel-  a.  d.  m. 
lowship  of  the  mystery,"  which  from  the  beginning 
of  the  world  hath  been  hid  in  God,  who  created 
all  things  by  Jesus  Christ:' 

10  To  the  intent  that  now  unto  the  principalities 
and  powers  in  heavenly  places  might  be  known  by 
the  church  the  manifold  wisdom  of  God.J 

11  According  to  the  eternal  ]iurpose  which  he 
purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord :" 

12  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access  with 
confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.' 

13  Wherefore  I  desire  that  ye  faint  not  at  my 
tribulations  for  you,  which  is  your  glory." 

14  For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto  the  Fa- 
ther of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

1.5  Of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and 
earth  is  named, 

IG  That  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  glory,"  to  be  strengthened  with  might" 
by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man  ;"' 

17  That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by 
faith:''  that  ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,'" 

18  j\Iay  bcablotocoinprchcnd  witliall  saintswhat 
is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height ; 

19  And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  pass- 


1:16:  Heb.  1:2.  j  Rom.  11 :»!;  1  Cor.  2:7.  lich.l:9.  'Hob.  4:10.  "2Cnr. 
1:0.  oPhil.4:19.  o  ch.  6:10  j  Col.  1 :11.  pRora.7:22.  q  John  14:23;  oh. 
2:22.     rCol.  2::J. 


be  united  to  God  and  one  another  in  holy  fellowship  and 
communion  for  ever.  "The  fellowshi])  of  the  my.stcry" 
would  be  the  fellowship  of  Gentiles  with  Jews,  which  the 
revelation  of  this  njystery  discloses.  But  another  and 
better  authenticated  reading  is,  Wli;it  is  the  disjicnstition 
of  the  mystery  ;  that  is,  a  dispensation  which  has  the  rev- 
elation of  this  mj-stery  as  its  foundation  ]irinciple.  Hid 
in  God;  hid,  as  it  were,  among  the  secret  counsels  of  God. 
ir/io  created  all  things;  and  has  therefore  the  absolute  right 
to  order  all  things  iiccordiiig  to  his  own  counsel. 

10.  Principnlities  and  powers ;  the  different  (irders  of  heav- 
enly lieings.  Jhj  the  church;  by  niciiiis  of  God's  dealings 
with  the  chnrch.  This  is  one  of  those  jiassages  which 
represent  the  angelic  orders  as  studying  with  deep  inter- 
est the  dealings  of  God  with  men  in  the  work  of  redcmi)- 
tion.     Comiiarc  J  Pet.  1 :  12. 

13.  Mytrilnilalions;  on  account  of  pre;uhing  the  jrospel 
to  the  Gentiles,  for  which  he  w;is  then  a  juMsoner  at  Home. 
Your  glory;  the  means  of  promoting  yoiir  glory  ;  that  is, 
promotive  of  your  heavenly  glory,  with  iill  the  e;irncst8  of 
it  which  yc  now  receive  through  the  Holy  Spirit, 

14.  For  this  cause;  see  note  to  ver.  1. 

15.  Of  whom  ;  of  Goil  as  its  author  and  head.  Tlie  whole 
fainilij;  or,  as  the  original  imidies,  every  family;  namely, 
ever^'  one  of  the  ililTerenl  orilers  of  holy  beings  in  lii':iven 
and  earth,  h  named ;  bears  his  n;ime!is  the  eoinmon  Father 
of  each;  so  that  ;ill  orders  of  holy  beings  in  he;iven  and 
earth  ;iro  thus  united  into  one  glorious  fellowshi]).  The 
ajiostle  introduces  this  as  the  climax  of  that  gre;it  ideii 
which  he  labors  throughout  the  epistle  to  unfold — the 
union  of  all  holy,  beings  in  God  through  Christ, 

ll>.  Ill  the  inner  man;  by  ;i  great  increase  of  love,  joy, 
peace,  long-suirering,  gentlemss,  goodness,  faith,  meek- 
11C8S,  temper;inee,  and  all  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

17.  Dvcll  ill  i/our  hearts;  as  the  object  of  su])rcnie  affec- 
tion. Hooted  and  grcnnided  ;  lixcd  as  trees  in  a  deep,  fruit- 
ful soil,  and  lirm  as  ;i  building  on  a  rock. 

IS.  Coinprrliend ;  iinilcrshuid  more  and  more  of  the  inex- 
j  haiistible,  eternal  love  of  Christ,  the  fulness  of  which  infi- 
nitely traiisccndM  ;dl  finite  comiirehension. 
I  111!  With  all  thefulncsH  of  God;  more  literally,  unto  all 
the  fulness  of  (iod.  Ho  filled  with  his  light,  truth,  love. 
,  holiness,  and  bliss,  as  to  liecome  in  your  mciisure  like  him, 
!  and  shine  in  the  glory  of  li;»  image  for  ever. 


Unity  in  I  lie  Syirif. 


EPHESIANS  IV 


Various  gifts  of  Christ. 


A.  DM.  eth  knowledge,  tliat  ye  might  be  filled  with 
all  the  fulness  of  God." 

20  Now  iinto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  accord- 
ing to  the  ])ower  that  workcth  in  us, 

21  Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by  Christ 
Jesus  throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end." 
Amen. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  exiiorteth  to  unity,  7  and  declareth  that  GoJ  therefore  giveth  divers 
11  gifts  unto  men,  13  that  his  church  might  he  edified,  16  and  grown 
■up  in  Christ.  18  He  calleth  them  from  the  impurity  of  the  G-eniiles, 
24  to  put  on  the  new  man,  25  to  cast  off  lying,  "^9  and  corrupt  com- 
munication. 

T  THEREFORE,  the  prisoner  of*  the  Lord,  be- 
1  soech  you  that  ye  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
wherewith  ye  arc  called," 

2  With  ail  lowliness  and  meekness,*  with  long- 
suffering,  forbearing  one  another  in  love; 

3  Endeavoring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in 
the  bond  of  peace. 

■1  There  is  one  body,  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye 
are  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling; 

5  One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism, 

6  One  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all, 
and  through  all,  and  in  you  all. 

a  John  1:16.  b  Rom.  10:->5;  Heb.  13:40,  21;  Jiule  24.  'Or,  in.  c  Col. 
1:10.     d  Matt.  U: -29.     e  Rom.  12:3.     1  Or,  a  mu!liluile  of  captiets.     f  Psi. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

G.  The  gospel  was  designed  to  make  all  who  embrace 
it  children  of  God,  and  members  of  one  family ;  to  give 
them  free  access  to  him  as  their  Father,  and  lead  them  to 
love  one  another  as  brethren.  So  far  as  it  does  not  pro- 
duce these  eflects  on  those  who  profess  it,  they  have  reason 
to  fear  that  they  have  never  experienced  its  power. 

11.  Tlie  blessings  of  grace,  which,  for  (.'lirist's  sake,  God 
bestows  on  those  who  believe,  are  the  fruits  of  his  eternal 
purpose,  and  are  given  not  merely  to  save  them,  but  to 
show  to  the  universe  the  perfections  of  his  character  as 
they  could  not  otherwise  be  made  known. 

19.  Faith  in  Christ  is  the  means  not  only  of  justification, 
but  of  sanctilication  ;  rendering  men  steadfast  and  perse- 
vering in  duty,  enlarging  tlieir  apprehensions  of  his  love, 
and  causing  tiiein  to  become  more  and  more  like  hira,  till 
the}'  are  complete  in  the  perfect  image  of  God. 

21.  Tlie  glories  to  which  God  will  finally  exalt  his  people, 
can  be  comprehended  by  none  but  himself.  Ilis  saints  will 
be  for  ever  enlarging  their  comprehensions  ;  and  yet,  at 
overy  fntnre  period,  their  anticipations  of  what  is  to  come 
will  fill  them  with  profonnder  adoration  and  a  warmer  zeal, 
:md  be  drawing  forth  louder  and  sweeter  praises  to  God 
and  the  Lamb  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  T/icrefore ;  on  account  of  the  glorious  truths  revealed 
in  the  gospel.  Walk  U'ortliij  of  the  vnmlion  wliercwit/i  i/e  are 
catted;  in  a  manner  corresponding  with  its  high  and  holy 
nature. 

.3.  Tlte^  xinUij  (f  llic  Spirit  in  tlie  bond  of  peace;  be  united 
in  affection  and  live  in  peace,  according  to  the  leading  of 
the  Holy  Sjiirit. 

4.  One  tmdij  ;  the  church,  the  body  of  Christ,  of  which 
all  true  lii-lievcrs  arc  members.  One  Spirit ;  one  Holy  Spirit 
dwelling  in  the  hearts  or:dl,and  imiiii:i ling  all.  One  hope; 
hiipo  of  heaven,  through  faith  in  the  divine  Kedeenier. 

r>.  One  Lord;  Jesus  Christ.  One  faith ;  in  respect  to 
both  its  object,  its  origin,  and  its  inward  character.  It  is 
faith  ill  the  one  gospel  of  Christ;  it  is  wrought  in  our  souls 
by  the  one  Spirit  of  God;  and  it  is  one  in  its  nature  and 
ellects,  being  a  faith  which  works  by  love,  juirifies  the 
heart,  and  overcomes  the  world.  One  baptism;  for  all  are 
baptized  into  one  Saviour. 


7  But  nnto  every  one  of  us  is  gircn  grace  ac- 
cording to  the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ." 

8  Wlierefore  ho  saitli.  When  he  ascended  up  on 
high,  he  led  captivity  captive,*  and  gave  gifts  unto 
men.' 

9  Now  that  he  ascended, whatisitbut  thathealso 
descended  first  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth? 

10  He  that  descended  is  the  same  also  that  as- 
cended up  far  abov^B  all  heavens,  that  he  might 
fill*  all  things. 

1 1  And  he  gave  some,  apostles ;  and  some,  proph- 
ets ;  and  soine,  evangelists ;  and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers;*"' 

12  For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work 
of  tiie ministry,  for theedifying of  tliebody  of  Christ: 

13  Till  we  all  come  in^  the  unity  of  the  faith," 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  nnto  a 
perfect  man,'  nnto  tlie  measure  of  the  .stature'  of 
the  fulness  of  Christ : 

14  That  we  henceforth  be  no  more  children,  tossed 
to  and  fro,  and  carried  about  with  every  wind  of 
doctrine,^  by  the  sleight  of  men,  onrf  cunning  craft- 
iness, whereby  they  lie  in  wait  to  deceive; 

15  But  speaking  the  truth''  in  love,''  may  grow 
up  into  him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  head,  even 
Christ:' 


GS:1S.     XOr,  fulfil.     S  1  Cor.  12:23.    5  Or,  !«!o.     h  Col.  2:2.     i  I  Cor.  14:20. 
lOr.nge.     jjaa.l:!!.     \  Ot,  being  sinare.     li2Cor.4:2.     I  Col.  1:18,  19. 


6.  Inyouall ;  byhis  Spirit, to  enlighten, comfort, strength- 
en, sanctify,  and  save  you.     John  14:23;  17:23. 

7.  But  unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace;  here,  as  in  Rom. 
12:3-8  and  1  Cor.  ch.  12,  the  apostle  exhibits,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  essential  unity  of  believers,  the  diversity  of 
their  particular  gifts ;  for  grace  here  is  grace  qualifying 
us  for  particular  offices.  According  to  tlie  measure  (f  the 
gift  of  Christ;  according  as  Christ  has  measured  out  to 
each  his  gift. 

8.  He  saith;  Psa.  68:18.  The  apostle  does  not  quote 
literally,  but  gives  the  spirit  and  scope  of  the  passage, 
which  is,  that  the  gifts  received  by  the  ascended  Saviour 
he  bestows  upon  men.  Ascended  up;  into  heaven.  Led 
captivity  captive;  triumphed  over  all  his  foes,  and  led  mul- 
titudes captive  as  trophies  of  his  victoiy. 

!).  The  lower  parts  of  the  earth;  understood  by  some  sim- 
ply of  his  humiliation  in  descending  from  heaven  to  eartli. 
But  the  words  more  naturally  mean  his  descent  into  Hades, 
or  the  world  of  spirits,  which  is  mentioned  as  the  extreme 
of  his  humiliation. 

10.  Far  (diove  all  heavens;  to  the  highest  state  of  heaven- 
ly dignity,  authority,  and  glory.  Matt.  2S :  IS.  Fdl  all  things; 
as  God,  with  his  omnipresent  power  and  grace. 

11.  Apostles — prophets,  L'tc;  see  notes  to  the  parallel  pas- 
sage in'l  Cor.  12:28. 

13.  Till  we  nil  come;  come  fnlly.  In  the  vnitij  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  Clod ;  better,  as  the  mar- 
gin, hito  tlic  unity,  etc. ;  meaning  that  unity  which  full 
establishment  in  the  faith  and  knowledge  of  the  Son  of 
God  gives.  For  the  greater  the  measure  of  our  faith  and 
knowdedge,  the  greater  our  unity  in  that  faith  and  know- 
ledge, and  thus  our  unity  with  God  and  each  other.  Unto 
a  perfect  man;  a  full-grown,  mature  man,  in  contrast  with 
babes  in  Christ.  Verse  14.  The  fiilne'^s  of  Christ ;  the  ful- 
ness that  belongs  to  Christ;  that  is,  Christ  considered  in 
his  body  the  church. 

14.  The II ;  the  men  who  practise  sleight  and  cunning 
craftiness;  meaning  the  false  teachers,  who  sought  to  un- 
settle believers  in  the  faith. 

1.').  Speaking  the  truth  ;  the  original  word  means  rather, 
walking  in  the  truth,  being  truthful  in  word  and  deed. 
Mm/  grow  vp  into  him ;  so  as  to  become  mature  men  in 
liini.  \'er.  V.i.  In  all  things;  in  all  jjarts  of  our  Christian 
character. 

1365 


Putfi'i;^  on  the  new  man. 


EPHESIANS  V 


Pence,  honesty,  and  love  urged. 


16  From  whom  tlic  wliole  ljod_v  fitly  joined  to- 
aetlier  aud  compacted  by  that  which  every  joint 
supplieth,"  according-  to  t!ie  eftectual  working  in 
tiie  measure  of  every  part,  mal<ctli  increase  of  the 
body  unto  the  edifying  of  itself  in  love. 

17  Tiiis  I  say  therefore,  and  testifv  in  the  Lord, 
that  ye  henceforth  walk  not  as  other  Gentiles  walk, 
in  the  vanity  of  their  mind, 

18  Having  the  understanding  darkened,""  being 
alienated  from  the  life  of  God  through  the  igno- 
rance that  is  in  them,  because  of  the  blindness*  of 
their  heart : 

19  Who  being  past  feeling,  have  given  themselves 
over  unto  lasciviousness,  to  work  all  uncleauness 
with  greediness.'^ 

20  i5ut  ye  have  not  so  learned  Christ; 

21  If  so  be  that  ye  have  heard  him,  and  have 
been  taught  by  him,  as  the  truth  is  in  Jesus: 

22  That  ye  put  off  concerning  the  former  conver- 
sation tlie  old  man,""  which  is  corrupt  according  to 
the  deceitful  lusts ; 

23  And  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  niind;"^ 

24  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man.  which  after 
God  is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.*'' 

25  Wiierefore  putting  away  lying,  speak  every 
man  truth  with  his  neighbor:^  for  we  are  members 
one  of  another."* 

a  John  1.3:3.  b  A.-ts  28:18.  "  Or,  hardness.  '  Rom.  1:'21,  20.  <1  Rom. 
0:0;  Col.  3:S,  9.  e  Rom  12:2.  1  Or.  Iwtiness  of  Iriil/i ;  J«hn  11:17.  (Gal. 
0:1.5;  ell.  2:10.     S  Zech.  8:10.      b  Rom.  12:5.      i  Eccl.  7:9.      J  Jia.  4:7. 

l(i.  From  wliom;  as  the  head  and  .source  of  life.  These 
words  arc  to  be  connected  immediately  with  the  close  of 
the  verse,  "  makcth  increase,"  etc.  Compare  the  parallel 
jiassage.  Col.  2: 19.  Every  joint  supplicllt;  to  the  nourisb- 
mont  and  growth  of  the  body.  According  to  the  rffcctual 
vorkin<r;  the  vital  energy  which  is  in  tlie  measure  of  even/ 
part;  according  as  (lod  has  nioa.sured  out  to  eacli  jiart  its 
ollice.  The  cliurch  is  beautifully  comi)ared  in  this  verse 
til  the  Iiiinuui  body  under  the  direction  of  the  head,  and 
rendered  |)ert'ect  by  every  member  ]ierforniii]g  its  ;i]ipro- 
]iriate  olVice,  so  that  there  is  a  common  interest,  a  common 
sympathy,  aud  wliat  promotes  the  good  of  one  promotes 
that  of  all. 

17.  In  tlie  vanity  of  tlieir  mind;  devoted  to  vain  and  sin- 
I'ul  pursuits. 

18.  Tlie  life  of  God;  which  God  gives,  and  which  is  in 
communion  with  Cod.  JitindncM ;  hardness  and  i>ervcrsity. 
Their  iguorance  then  is  sinful,  because  it  has  a  sinful 
cause. 

19.  Past  feeling;  having  become  insensible  to  moral  and 
religious  impressions. 

20.  Learned  Chrixt ;  the  knowledge  of  Christ  includes 
the  knowledge  of  his  doctrine;  (or  \vc  know  hinv  as  our 
teacher,  as  well  as  our  Lord  and  Haviour. 

22.  Concerning  tlw  former  conversation;  as  respects  your 
former  life.  The  old  man;  so  thorough  and  radical  is  the 
change,  that  it  is  best  described  as  a  luitting  olV  of  uur 
former  selves.  Ueceilf id  lusts ;  literally,  lusts  of  deceit,  lusts 
which  have  tlieir  ground  in  error  and  self-delusion.  Com- 
jiare  note  to  ver.  21. 

24.  After  Giid;  after  God's  image.  Ii  created  in  right- 
eousness and  true  holiness;  literally,  in  righteousness  and 
holiness  of  truth,  in  that  righteousness  and  holiness  which 
liavo  tlieir  grounil  in  the  knowledge  and  obe<liciice  of  the 
truth. 

25.  Members  rme  of  nnotlier;  belong  to  one  body,  have 
one  interest,  and  should  no  more  deceive  one  another  than 
ourselves. 

26.  .SVi»  not ;  by  being  in  anger  without  or  beyond  just 
cause ;  or  by  indulging  it  too  long,  in  a  wrong  spirit,  or 
for  a  wrong  end. 

2".  Neither  give  place;  hearken  not  to  the  devil,  who 
1366 


26  Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not:  lot  not  the  a. d.«. 
sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath:' 

27  Neither  give  place  to  the  devil.J 

28  Let  him  that  stole,  steal  no  more :  but  rather 
let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing 
which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give*  to  him 
that  needeth." 

29  Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of 
your  mouth,"  but  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of 
edifying,Hhat  it  may  minister  grace  unto  thchearers. 

30  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,'"  where- 
by ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption." 

31  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and 
clamor,  and  evil-speaking,  be  put  away  from  you, 
with  all  malice:" 

32  And  beye  kind  oneto  another, tender-hearted, 
forgiving  one  another,  oven  as  God  for  Christ's 
sake  hath  forgiven  you.'' 

CHAPTER  Y. 

2  After  general  exhortiitions,  to  love,  3  to  fly  fornication,  A  and  ail  nn- 
cleanness,  7  not  to  converse  witii  tlie  wicked,  l.'i  to  walk  warily,  IS 
and  to  be  tilled  with  the  Spirit,  22  he  descendelh  to  the  particular 
duties,  how  wives  ought  to  obey  their  Imsbautis,  2-3  and  husbands 
ou^ht  to  love  their  wives,  32  even  as  Christ  doth  his  church. 

BE  ye  therefore  followers  of  God,  as  dear  chil- 
dren ; 
2  And  walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath  loveii 

lOr,dislributc.     '  Acts  20:. 15.     1  Col.  4:0.     t  Or,  loedi/i/ prtifilatilit.    "  Isa- 
63:10.    och. 1:13,14.    o  Col.  3:8;  Titus3;2.    P  Mark  11:25,  2U. 

will  tempt  you  to  hate  such  as  injure  you,  aud  to  seek 
revenge. 

28.  The  thing  which  is  good;  in  a  lawful  and  useful  btisi- 
ness. 

29.  Minister  grace;  tend  to  promote  the  Balvation  of 
those  who  hear  you  sjieak. 

30.  Grieve  not  the  ]Ioli/  Spirit ;  by  refusing  or  neglecting 
to  follow  his  directions.  Sealed;  marked  as  the  property, 
and  distinguished  as  the  children  of  God,  by  the  elTccts 
which  the  Holy  Spirit  produces  in  you.  Ualemplion;  final 
and  complete  salvation. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  The  privileges  and  blessings  graciously  bestowed 
upon  believers,  hiy  them  under  peculiar  obligations  to  be 
meek  :uid  lowly  in  heart,  patient  under  trials,  forgiving  of 
injuries,  and  active  in  promotiug  the  uuiou  and  harmony 
of  all  friends  of  (iod. 

13.  The  kind  and  the  measure  of  the  different  gifts 
which  God  bestows  upon  dillereiit  Christians  are  accord- 
ing to  his  wise  eternal  purjiose,  and  designed  to  promote 
the  holiness  and  happiness  of  his  kingdom.  All  llieso 
gifts  therefore  should  be  so  employed  us  is  best  adapted 
to  accomplish  this  end. 

24.  Even  Christians  have  need  of  being  often  exhorted 
to  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  minds,  to  |iut  otf  the 
old  man,  and  jnit  on  the  new;  for  they  arc  at  best  only 
partially  sanctilieil,  and  must  make  great  advances  in 
knowledge,  piety,  righteousness,  and  true  holiness,  before 
they  will  be  tittc^d  for  heaven. 

32.  Sacred  regard  to  truth;  freedom  from  violent,  re- 
vengeful, or  protracted  anger;  strict  and  conscientious 
integrity;  diligence  in  lawful  and  useful  luisiness ;  com- 
jiassion  towards  the  needy,  and  a  disposition  to  aid  them — 
are  all  essential  to  completeness  of  Christian  character: 
and  no  one  has  any  more  true  religion  that  he  has  in  these 
respects  likeness  to  (Christ. 

CHAPTER  Y. 

1.  Followers  of  God;  imitators  of  him,  especially  in  his 
love  to  men. 

2.  Suvrt-smclling  savor;  peculiarly  pleasing  and  accept- 
able to  God. 


Undearmess  forbidden. 


EPHESIANS  V. 


Duties  of  husbands  ami  wives. 


A.  D.  64.  us,"  and  hath  given  himself  for  us  an  offer- 
iug  and  a  sacrifice  to  God  for  a  swcet-smelliug 
savor." 

3  But  fornication,"  and  all  uncleanness,  or  cov- 
etousness,  let  it  not  be  once  named  among  you,''  as 
becorneth  saints ; 

4  Neither  filthiness,  nor  foolish  talking,  nor  jest- 
ing, wliich  are  not  convenient :°  but  rather  giving 
of  thanks. 

5  For  this  ye  know,  that  no  whoremonger,''  nor 
unclean  person,  nor  covetous  man,  who  is  an 
idolater,'''  hath  any  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  and  of  God. 

6  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words :''  for 
because  of  these  things  conicth  tlie  wrath  of  God 
upon  the  children  of  disobedience." 

7  Be  not  ye  therefore  partakers  with  them. 

8  For  ye  were  sometime  darkness,'  but  now  are 
ye  light  in  the  Lord :'  walk  as  children  of  light:'' 

9  (For  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  goodness 
and  righteousness  and  truth;') 

10  Proving  what  is  acceptable  unto  tlic  Lord." 

11  And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness,"  but  ratiier  reprove  them." 

12  For  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of  those  things 
wliich  are  done  of  them  in  secret. 

i;3  But  all  things  that  are  reproved,^  are  made 
manifest  by  the  light:''  for  whatsoever  doth  make 
manifest  is  light. 

14  Wherefore  he*  saith.  Awake,  thou  that  sleep- 
est,  and  arise  from  the  dead,"!  and  Christ  shall  give 
thee  light. 

15  See  then  that  ye  walk  circumspectly ,"■  not  as 
fools,  but  as  wise, 


»  Johnl3:.'!4.    bLev.l:9.    c  l  Cor  ():!«;  1  Thess.  4  ::i.    >1  ver.  li.    e  Horn. 
.,,      ,,,  ,     ,o   ..   „..   .„.,      .„,.,,      h  Jer.  •J9:S,  9.    •  Or,  uii'jehef. 

I  Gil.  5:'2'i,  etc.     "'  Kom. 

^covered,     p  John  3:  "JO,  "21. 


»  jonn  i.i:.i^.    oi.ev.  i:y.    ^^  i  uor  0:10;  1  inei 
1:43.     fHeb.  13:4;  Rev.  2-2:15.     E  Col.  .■):.'i.     hj 
i  ch.  2:11,  la.     jlThess.  5:3.     k  John  12:3G. 
12:2.     n  1  Cor.  5:9,  11.     ol  Tim.  5:20.     f  Or,  d/ 


3.  Covelousness ;  the  excessive  desire  of  wurldly  gain, 
leading  to  its  unlawful  pursuit. 

4.  FUthiness;  obscenity  in  words  or  actions.  Not  con- 
venient; not  fit,  proper,  useful. 

5.  Covetous  man;  one  who  regards  supremely  earthly 
good.     Sec  note  to  ver.  3. 

6.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  ;  by  inducing  you  to  think  such 
persons  as  are  mentioned,  ver.  5,  can  go  to  heaven. 

8.  Darkness;  living  in  ignorance  and  sin.  Light  in  the 
Lord;  enlightened  and  renewed  by  virtue  of  your  union 
■with  the  Lord  Jesus.  As  children  oflis^ht;  those  who  be- 
long to  the  kingdom  of  light,  of  which  God  in  Christ  is 
the  head. 

10.  Proving;  in  an  experimental  way,  by  the  actual  sub- 
jection of  yourselves  to  the  will  of  God.  See  note  to  lloiu. 
12:2. 

12.  It  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of  those  things;  they  are  too 
vile  to  bo  mentioned  or  even  thought  of  but  with  abhor- 
rence. 

13.  Are  made  manifest  bij  the  light;  by  the  light  that  re- 
proof sheds  upon  them,  thus  revealing  their  heinous  char- 
acter. Wluitsoener  dotli  make  manifest  is  light;  rather,  as  the 
same  word  lias  just  been  rendered,  whatsoever  is  made 
manifest,  namely,  by  reproof,  is  light — it  ceases  to  lie  hid 
in  the  <lark,  and  is  seen  in  its  true  character. 

14.  He  saith;  the  Lord  saith,  namely,  by  the  general 
tenor  of  his  word.  Steepest;  art  stuiiid  and  senseless  in 
the  darkness  and  pollution  of  sin.  Arise  from  the  dead; 
awake  from  thy  ileath  in  sin  to  a  sense  of  thy  guilty,  lost 
condition,  and  look  to  Him  who  died  for  thee,  and  ho  will 
make  thee  light,  and  thus  sanctify  and  save  thee. 

15.  Circumspcrth/;  witli  caution  and  h:ibitual  regard  to 
what  is  God's  will.     Ver.  lu.     Not  us  foots;  regardless  of 


16  Redeemingthe  time, becausethe  days  are  evil.' 

17  Wherefore  be  ye  not  unwise,  but  understand- 
ing what  the  will  of  the  Lord  m.' 

18  And  be  not  drunk  with  wine,"  wherein  is  ex- 
cess; but  be  filled  with  the  Spirit; 

19  Speaking  to  yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns 
and  spiritual  songs,"  singing  and  making  melody 
in  your  heart  to  the  Lord ;'" 

20  Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God 
and  the  Father,''  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ; 

21  Submitting  yourselves  one  to  another  in  the 
fear  of  God. 

22  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  hus- 
bands, as  unto  the  Lord.^ 

23  For  the  husband  is  the  head  of  the  wife,  even 
as  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  church:  and  he  is  the 
Saviour  of  the  body. 

24  Therefore  as  the  church  is  subject  unto  Christ, 
so  let  the  wives  be  to  their  own  husbands  in  every 
thing. 

25  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ 
also  loved  the  church,  and  gave  himself  for  it; 

26  That  he  might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  witli 
the  washing  of  water  by  the  word,'' 

27  That  he  might  present  it  to  himself  a  glorious 
church,''  not  having  spot,''  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such 
thing ;  but  that  it  should  be  holy  and  without  blem- 
ish. 

28  So  ought  men  to  love  their  wives  as  their  own 
bodies.     He  that  loveth  his  wife  lovetli  himself. 

29  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flesh  ;  but 
nourisheth  and  cherisheth  it,  even  as  the  Lord  the 
church : 

t  Or,  it.  qlsa.OO:!.  r  Col.  4:5.  «Psa.  .37:19.  'John  7:17.  "Lulco  21:34. 
V  Col.  3:lli.  "  Psi.  57:7,8;  147:7.  »  Isa.  63:7.  y  1  Pet.  3:1,  etc.;  Col. 
3:18,  etc.     J  Titus  3:5.     »  Jude  24.     b  Song  4:7. 

danger.  But  as  wise;  perceiving  the  evil,  and  avoiding 
it — the  good,  and  pursuing  it. 

16.  Redeeming  the  time;  time  considered  as  furnishing 
opportunity  for  serving  Christ;  in  other  words,  making 
the  most  of  every  opportunity.  Tlie  days  are  evil ;  days  of 
wickedness,  such  as  will  oppose  many  hinderaiices  to  your 
Christian  activity. 

IS.  Be  not  drunk ;  for  drunkenness  will  prevent  you  from 
understanding  and  doing  the  divine  will,  and  bring  upon 
you  the  \vrath  of  God.  Ejccess ;  abandoned  wickedness 
of  all  sorts.  Tlie  Spirit ;  the  Holy  Spirit.  Invite  his  influ- 
ences, receive  his  consolations,  and  yield  yourselves  to 
his  guidance. 

21.  Submitting  yourselves;  yielding  cheerful  obedience 
to  projier  authority,  from  regard  to  God,  who  established 
it.  This  general  precept  he  then  proceeds  to  cxjiand  by 
the  mention  of  particular  cases. 

22.  As  unto  the  Lord;  as  those  w'ho,  in  obeying  their 
husbands,  obey  the  Lord  Jesus,  because  he  requires  such 
obedience. 

23.  Andhe;  Christ.  Is  the  Saviour  of  the  body ;  the  church, 
which  is  his  body. 

24.  In  every  thing;  see  note  to  chap.  G:l. 

25.  As  Christ — loved  the  church  ;  with  a  pure,  ardent,  self- 
sacrificing  love. 

28.  Loveth  himself;  with  allusion  to  the  scriptural  decla- 
ration, "  tlicy  shall  be  one  flesh,"  Gen.  2:24.  Their  union 
is  so  intimate  and  indissoluble  that  their  happiness  is  in- 
separable ;  and  what  promotes  the  interest  of  one,  pro- 
motes that  of  the  other. 

29.  As  the  Lord  the  church;  which  is  "his  flesh  and  his 
bones,"  ver.  :ii).  As  a  man  cares  for  himscll',  and  as  Cliri.st 
cares  for  his  church,  so  a  husband  sliould  care  for  his  wife. 

laoi 


Dalies  of  children,  parents, 


EPHESIANS  VI. 


scvants,  and  masters. 


30  For  Tve  are  members  of  his  bod_y,"  of  Ms  flesh, 
uud  of  his  bones. 

31  For  this  cause  sliall  a  man  leave  his  father 
and  mother,  and  shall  be  joined  unto  his  wife,"  and 
they  two  shall  be  one  flesh/' 

32  This  is  a  great  mystery :  lint  I  spoak  concern- 
ing Christ  ami  the  churcli. 

33  Nevertheless,  let  every  one  of  yon  in  partic- 
ular so  love  his  wife  even  as  liimself ;  and  the  wife 
see  that  she  reverence  her  husband. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  The  duty  of  children  toward  their  parents,  5  of  servants  toward  tlieir 
masters.  10  Our  life  is  a  warfare,  12  not  only  against  flesh  and  blood, 
but  also  spiritual  enemies.  13  The  complete  armor  of  a  Christian,  18 
and  how  it  ought  to  be  used.     21  Tyuhicus  is  commended. 

C~1iriLI)REN,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord:'' 
ibr  this  is  right. 
2  Honor  tliy  father  and  mother;"  which  is  the 
lirst  commandment  with  promise ; 


»  1  Cor.  12:27.  b  Gen.  2:2).  '  1  Cor.  6:1G.  d  Pro».  23:22;  Col.  3:21), 
etc.     e  Exod.  21):  12.     f  1  Pet.  2:  IS,  etc.     '  Ot,  modernting.     1  Some  read, 

30.  Members  of  his  body ;  so  that  he  loves  and  cherishes 
US  as  his  own  tleah. 

31.  For  this  ant-ie  ;  on  acconnt  of  the  oneness  which  God 
has  formed  between  a  man  and  his  wife,  wliich  represents 
the  nnion  between  Chri.st  and  believers,  and  is  soraewliat 
like  the  union  between  tlic  soul  and  liodj. 

32.  A  great  mi/steri/;  the  mystery  of  the  union  of  Christ 
and  believers,  rejiresentcd  liy  the  marriage  union,  and 
which  makes  it  proper  for  the  Holy  Ghost  to  speak  of  be- 
lievers as  members  nf  the  liody  of  Christ,  of  his  flesh  and 
iif  his  bone.i,  and  of  their  bein}?  so  joined  to  the  Lord  as 
to  be  one  spirit.  1  Cor.  fi:17.  Sut  1  xpcak concerning  Christ 
(irul  the  church;  in  otlier  words,  .My  object  is  to  direct  your 
thou^^hts  to  the  higher  relation  of  Christ  to  his  church, 
wliich  is  shadowed  forth  by  the  lower  relation  of  husband 
and  wife. 

33.  Neivrtheless ;  as  much  as  to  say.  But  tfi  drop  this  nO'S- 
tical  application  of  the  marriage  relation.  liceerencc ;  honor 
liim,  respect  his  authority,  and  thus  promote  the  peace, 
usefulness,  and  liapiiincss  of  the  family. 

INSTItUCTIOXS. 

1.  We  liave  reason  for  everlasting  gratitude  to  God  that 
he  has  given  us  a  perfect  example  ;  and  it  should  be  our 
great  object  perfectly  to  imitate  it, 

■1.  A  grateful  temper,  and  the  habit  of  expressing  it  in 
llianksgiving  to  God,  form  a  safeguard  against  temptation 
and  against  improprieties  of  thought,  word,  and  deed. 

7.  Those  wild  maintain  that  continuance  in  sin  will  not 
exclude  men  from  heaven  are  deceivers.  As  such  they 
should  be  treated,  and  their  doctrines  be  ngected. 

It.  The  deadness  of  men  in  tresjiasses  and  sins  is  not 
such  as  to  free  them  from  obligation  to  awake  and  rise  to 
newness  of  life.  Of  course  ministers  of  the  gospel  are 
bound  to  call  upon  them  thus  to  awake  without  delay  ; 
and  under  the  inlluenci;  with  which  God  accomijanies  this 
call,  all  shouli]  hear  and  obey. 

IS.  Wine,  in  all  countries, is  intoxicating;  and  Christians 
who  use  it  as  a  beverage,  arc  exposed  to  the  sin  of  drunk- 
enness. 

21.  The  only  security  from  the  most  debasing  crimes  is, 
in  being  habitually  under  the  irilliieiiccH  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
actively  engaged  in  the  service  of  God,  and  in  the  consci- 
entious discharge  of  duty. 

27.  One  of  the  great  institutions  of  God  for  keppingalive 
in  this  world  and  seiuring  to  men  the  benelits  nf  tin'  know- 
lerlge  and  worship  of  himself,  is  that  of  the  family  ;  and  the 
feelings  and  conduct  of  the  wife  towards  her  hnsbaiid,  and 
the  husband  tf>wards  his  wife,  may  make  it  a  nursery  for 
and  foretaste  of  heaven,  or  a  preparation  for  and  an  emblem 
of  hell. 

31.  The  union  for  life  of  one  man  and  one  woman  in  luar- 
13G8 


3  Tliat  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou  a.  d.  ci 
maycst  live  long  on  the  earth. 

4  And,  ye  fathers,  provoke. not  your  cliildren  to 
wrath :  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  ad- 
monition of  the  Lord. 

5  Servants,  lie  obedient  to  them  that  are  your 
masters  according  to  the  flesh,'  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling, in  singleness  of  your  heart,  as  unto  Christ; 

G  Xot  witii  eye-service,  as  men-])Ieasers;  but  as 
the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from 
the  heart ; 

7  With  good  will  doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord, 
and  not  to  men : 

8  Knowing  tliat  whatsoever  good  thing  any  man 
doeth,  the  same  shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord,  wheth- 
er he  be  bond  or  free. 

9  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things  unto  them, 
forbearing"  threatening :  knowing  that  your*  Mas- 
ter also  is  in  heaven ;  neither  is  thei'e  respect  of 
persons  with  him.^ 

both  your  and  their,    g  Rom.  2:11. 

riage,  was  designed  by  God  to  illustrate  the  union  of  Christ 
and  his  people  ;  and  the  spirit  which  he  manifests  towards 
his  church,  is  that  which  they  should  nianifest  towards 
each  other. 

33.  It  is  the  duty  and  the  privilege  of  husbands  and 
wives,  from  supreme  love  to  God,  to  love  themselves  and 
each  other — to  perform  any  laliors,  submit  to  any  self- 
denials,  and  make  ai\y  sacrifices  which  may  be  needful  for 
his  glory  and  their  highest  individual  and  mutual  welfare, 

CHAPTER  VL 

1.  Obcij  your  parents ;  it  is  to  bo  understood  here,  as  in 
chap..'):  21,  that  the  obedience  enjoined  extends  to  all  thing.s 
not  contrary  to  Christ's  commands;  for  the  adilition,  in  llic 
Lord,  that  is,  obey  as  those  who  are  in  the  Loril,  and  make 
his  will  the  law  of  their  being,  excludes  obedience  to  thoso 
commands  which  are  contrary  to  Christ's  word. 

2.  W(th  promise;  with  a  promise  annexed,  namely,  that 
of  long  life  and  great  blessings.     Exod.  20:12. 

4.  Provoke  not  ijour  cliildren  ;  give  them  no  just  occasion 
to  be  angry,  or  to  feel  as  if  they  were  injured. 

5.  Masters  according  to  the  flesli;  jiersons  to  wluiiii  you 
justly  owe  service,  or  who  by  human  laws  have  jiower  to 
force  3'ou  to  serve  them.  Obey  their  commands  whenever 
you  can  do  it  withonl  disobeying  (he  commands  of  your 
-Master  in  heaven.  Willi  far  mid  trembling ;  reverentially, 
and  with  that  fear  of  (!o(l  which  is  the  beginning  of  wis- 
dom, and  wliich  sliall  make  yon  anxious  to  please  him. 
As  unto  Christ ;  for  the  purpose  of  honoring  him  and  pro- 
moting his  cause. 

G.  Net  with  cije-servicc;  not  outwardly  merely,  while  men 
are  looking  on,  or  for  the  ])iirpose  of  |ileasiiig  lliem^not  a 
constrained  external  service,  but  from  the  heart,  out  of 
regard  to  (Jod. 

7.  If'((/(  gooil  ii'ill ;  kind  and  cheerful  readiness. 

8.  The  same  shtdl  he  receive ;  the  servaiil  shall  be  rewarded 
by  God  for  obeying  him,  as  certainly  and  abundantly  as  if 
he  were  not  a  servant. 

9.  Do  the  same  things;  bo  governed  by  the  same  supreme 
regard  to  (!od  which  is  incnlcaled  on  servants,  and  mani- 
fest the  sami!  kind,  benevolent,  and  cheerl'id  rradiness  to 
please  (iocl  in  your  coinluct  towards  them,  \\  hirli  they  are 
required  lo  manifest  in  iheir  coniluct  towards  you.  For- 
Imirtiig  Ihrcalening ;  avoiding  it,  and  seeking  In  win  Ihem 
to  the  love  unci  service  of  (Joil,  They  are  your  bretlireii, 
ehildron  of  the  same  heavenly  Father,  redi'cmed  by  the 
same  nlniighty  S;iviour,  and  you  must  stand  with  Ihem 
before  the  same  impartial  Judge.  Neither  is  tliere  rcspcrl  of 
persons  vdk  liirn  ;  ynn  will  not  be  favored  because  you  are 
masters,  nor  they  less  favored  because  they  are  servants. 
Your  more  elevated  iJusitiou  increases  your  rc'sponaibility, 


The  ChriUian  warfare. 


EPHESIANS  VI. 


Salutations  to  brethren. 


A.  D.iu.      10  Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the 
Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  miglit. 

11  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,''  that  ye  may 
be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil. 

12  For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh  and  blood,* 
but  against  principalities,  against  powers,''  against 
the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  v,'orld,  against 
spiritual  wickedness*  in  high*  places. 

13  Wherefoi'o  take  unto  you  tlie  whole  armor  of 
God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil 
day,  and  having  done  all,"  to  stand. 

14  Stand  therefore,  having  your  loins  girt  about 
with  truth,"  and  having  on  the  breastplate  of  right- 
eousness ; 

15  And  your  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of 
the  gospel  of  peace;* 

16  Above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,''  where- 
with ye  shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts 
of  the  wicked. 

17  And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation,''  and  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit,^  which  is  the  word  of  God : 

a  Rom.  13:la;  2  Cm.  6.7.  •  r.r.  Iilood  and  fesh.  b  Rom.  8:03.  t  Or, 
wirked  spirits,  I  Or,  htavenlij,  as  ch.  1:^.  5  Or.  overromf,  c  Isi.  J  1:5. 
JSong7:l.    tlJohn5:4.    Msa5U:I7.    eHeb.J:ia.    hLukelS:!.    i  Mdtt. 


and,  if  you  do  not  possess  and  manifest  tlie  spirit  of  Christ, 
will  increase  your  condemnation. 

10.  Be  strong  in  the  Lord;  as  those  who  are  united  by 
faith  to  the  Lord  .Jesus,  and  depend  on  him  for  strength  and 
all  needed  aid  to  perform  every  duty,  bear  every  trial,  and 
conquer  every  foe.  In  the  power  of  lua  might ;  in  the  power 
possessed  by  you,  which  his  might  furnishes.  Although 
all  our  strength  in  the  Christian  life  comes  from  God,  it  is 
still  our  duty  to  have  strength,  because  it  is  our  duty  to 
look  to  God  for  it  in  faith  and  humility,  and,  when  we  so 
look,  we  always  receive  it. 

11.  Armor  of  God;  that  which  he  has  provided  in  and 
through  Jesus  Christ,  and  furnishes  by  his  word.  Spirit, 
and  providence.  Wiles;  devices,  stratagems  to  deceive 
and  destroy. 

12.  We  wrcille  not  against  flem,  and  blood;  weak  men  like 
ourselves.  Our  great  contest  is  not  with  men,  but  with 
various  orders  of  evil  spirits,  stjded  principalities,  powers, 
and  rulers  of  darkness.  T/te  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
worlil ;  those  evil  spirits  who  rule  this  world  in  and  through 
the  spiritual  darkness  that  prevails  in  it.  Spiritual  wick- 
edness;  or,  spiritual  powers  of  wickedness,  arnues  of  evil 
spirit.s.  In  high  places;  in  the  regions  of  the  air.  See  note 
to  chap.  2 : 2. 

13.  Tiie  whole  armor  of  God;  litcrally,the  panoply  of  God  ; 
namely,  the  cuni]dete  armor  which  he  has  provided  for  you 
in  the  gospel  of  his  Son.  Tiic  evil  day;  when  temi)ted  to 
sin,  assailed  by  enemies,  ami  beset  with  trials.  Having 
done  all ;  having  gone  tlirough  with  the  whole  conllict. 

11.  Having  your  loins  girt  about  with  truth;  having  for 
the  girdle  of  your  loins  truth  in  word  and  deed.  The  allu- 
sion is  to  the  military  girdle,  which  was  worn  about  the 
loins  for  strength,  and  not  for  mere  ornament.  The  breast- 
plate <f  righteousness;  the  "righteousness  and  holiness  of 
truth,"  chap.  4:24,  which  is  wrought  in  the  soul  by  God's 
Spirit. 

15.  Your  feet  shod;  the  reference  is  to  the  military  shoes 
of  warriors.  The  preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace  ;  the  in- 
ward ijreparatiou  of  mind  which  tliegospcl  of  peace  gives. 
For  by  shedding  abroad  in  the  soul  "  the  peace  of  God 
which  passeth  all  understanding,"  the  gosi)el  furnishes  it 
with  ciHirage,  /,eal,  and  alacrity  for  every  duty. 

Ifi.  Fiery  darts;  in  allusion  to  the  darts  fitted  with  burn- 
ing substances  that  were  used  by  the  ancients.  The  wick- 
ed; the  wicke<l  one,  the  devil.  He  mean.s  the?  fiery  temp- 
tations inward  and  outward  by  which  Satan  seeks  to  destroy 
us,  and  which  can  be  cpienched  only  by  faith. 

17.  Tlie  helmet  of  snlmlion  ;  in  1  Tliess.  r>:H,  ho  says,  "  for 
a  helmet,  the  hope  of  salvation."     The  sword  of  the  Spirit ; 


18  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion in  tlie  Spirit,''  and  watclung  thereunto  witli 
all  perseverance  and  supplication  for  all  saints;' 

ID  And  for  me,  tliat  utterance  may  be  given  unto 
me,  that  I  may  open  my  mouth  boldly,  to  make 
known  the  mystery  of  tlie  gospel,^ 

20  For  which  I  am  an  ambassador  in  bonds;'  that 
therein^  I  may  S[)eak  boldly,  as  I  ought  to  speak." 

21  But  that  ye  also  may  know  my  affairs,  and 
liow  I  do,  Tychicus,'  a  beloved  brotlicr  and  faith- 
ful minister  in  the  Lord,  shall  make  known  to  you 
all  things: 

22  Whom  I  have  sent  unto  you  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, that  ye  might  know  our  affairs,  and  that  he 
might  comfort  your  hearts.'" 

23  Peace  he  to  the  brethren,  and  love  with  faith, 
from  God  the  Father  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

24  Grace  be  with  all  them  that  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.*    Amen. 

1  Written  from  Rome  unto  the  Ephesians  by 
Tychicus. 


20:41.    J2Thess.  3:1.     I  Ot,  a  chain.     ^  Or,  tliereof.     k  Isx.  58:1. 
20:4.    niCol.  4:7,  8.     nl  Pet.  5:14.     *  Or,  witti  incorruption. 


1  Acts 


the  sword  which  the  Spirit  furnishes.  The  apostle  would 
have  us  stand  firm  in  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  ever  ready  to  propagate  and  promote  it ;  relying 
with  implicit  confidence  on  Christ,  and  expecting  the  ful- 
filment of  his  declarations ;  acquainted  with  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  using  them  for  doctrine,  reproof,  correction,  and 
instruction  in  riglitcoiisness ;  habitually  and  fervently  praj-- 
ing,  in  secret,  in  the  family,  and  in  public,  not  oidy  for  your- 
selves but  for  all  Christians,  and  especially  for  ministers 
of  Christ ;  that  without  fear  of  man  they  mtiy  preach  the 
whole  gospel  in  its  just  application  to  all  their  hearers. 

21.  Tychicus;  by  whom  Paul  sent  this  epistle  from  Rome- 
to  Ephesus. 

22.  Comfort  your  hearts;  by  hearing  of  the  goodness  of 
God  to  Paul,  the  success  of  the  gospel,  and  the  readiness 
of  God  to  aid  and  bless  all  who  put  their  trust  in  hiin. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  The  gospel  inculcates  perfect  fidelity  in  the  discharge 
of  all  the  relative  duties  of  life  ;  and  children  who  are  kind, 
respectful,  and  obedient  to  parents,  take  the  waj'  to  become 
blessings  to  themselves,  their  parents,  the  church  of  God, 
and  the  world. 

4.  As  the  highest  good  of  children  in  this  life  and  the 
life  to  come  requires  them,  in  all  things  right,  to  obey  their 
parents,  it  is  the  duty  of  parents  to  take  the  course  which 
is  best  suited  to  secure  this,  and  lead  their  children  also 
to  obey  their  Father  in  heaven.  In  order  to  this,  tliey  must 
obey  him  themselves,  daily  seek  his  guiilance  and  blessing, 
instruct  their  children  to  do  his  will,  and  present  to  them 
the  motives  which  he  has  revealeil.  They  must  also  ac- 
custom their  children,  from  their  earliest  years,  promptly 
to  submit  their  wills  to  the  will  of  their  parents,  bo  that 
it  shall,  by  habit,  become  easy  and  pleastmt, 

8.  Servants  are  bound  to  be  servants  of  Christ.and  from 
love  to  him  to  obey,  in  things  not  wicked,  their  earthly 
masters;  and  to  do  it  for  the  jiurpose  of  pleasing  him: 
showing  the  excellence  of  his  religion,  and  promoting  its 
infiuence  in  the  world.  For  doing  this,  they  will  receive 
from  him  a  gracious  and  glorious  reward. 

!t.  Masters  are  bouiiil  to  be  servants  of  Christ,  doing  his 
will  from  the  heart,  anil  manifesting  towards  their  si'rvants 
his  spirit;  doing  to  Ihem  in  all  tilings  as,  under  a  eliango 
of  circumstances,  they  ouglit  to  wish  their  servants  to  do 
to  them ;  knowing  that  Christ  requires  this,  and  that  they 
are  both  to  stand  before  him  in  judgiiunt,  and  to  receive 
for  eternity,  not  according  to  thoir  outward  uondition,  but 
aecoriling  to  their  character  and  conduct. 

18.  None  will  stand  firm  under  Ihe  banner  of  Christ,  and 
fight  pcrseveriiigly  and  successfullv  with  Satan  and  his 

1309 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  PHTLIPPIANS 


Philippi  was  a  city  of  proconsular  Macedonia,  situated  on  an  extensive  plain  ten  miles  north-west  of  its 
port,  Neapolis.  In  Acts  16 : 9,  and  what  follows,  wc  have  an  account  how  the  apostle  was  directed  by  a 
vision  to  Macedonia,  how  he  labored  at  Philippi,  and  what  cruel  persecution  he  endured  there.  We  have  also 
a  notice  of  two  subsequent  visits  made  by  the  apostle  to  Macedonia,  Acts  20  : 1-5.  In  the  fdrraer  of  these 
he  was,  as  we  know  from  his  second  epistle  to  tlie  Corinthians,  iiiucii  occupied  with  a  contribution  to  be 
made  for  the  poor  saints  at  Jerusalem,  chaps.  8,  9.  The  Macedonians,  though  very  poor,  were  distin- 
guished for  their  liberality,  2  Cor.  8:3.  The  occasion  of  the  present  epistle  was  a  contribution  sent  by 
the  Philippians  for  his  relief  by  the  haud  of  Epaphroditus,  chap.  4  :  10-18.  He  bears  them  the  honorable 
testimony  that,  after  his  departure  from  Macedonia,  no  church  communicated  with  him  "as  concerning 
giving  and  receiving,"  but  they  only.  Corresponding  with  the  occasion  is  the  character  of  this  epistle. 
It  is  a  warm  outflow  of  Christian  affection,  into  which,  however,  he  has  interwoven,  in  his  own  peculiar 
way,  some  of  the  sublimest  doctrines  of  the  gospel  and  the  richest  passages  of  Christian  experience.  The 
Philippians  were  suffering  from  persecution,  and  needed  encouragement  and  consolation  ;  they  had  dissen- 
sions among  them,  and  needed  exhortations  to  unity  ;  they  were  exposed  to  the  seductions  of  false  teachers, 
and  needed  to  be  guarded  against  their  wiles.  Each  of  these  points  the  apostle  handles  with  inimitable 
tenderness  and  pathos. 

That  he  wrote  from  Rome  as  a  prisoner  is  manifest.  He  was  expecting  soon  to  have  his  case  decided, 
and  expresses  the  confident  hope  that  the  issue  will  be  favorable,  chap.  1:25;  2  :  23,  24.  This  is  decisive 
for  his  tirst  imprisonment,  mentioned  Acts  28  :30,  31;  for  from  his  second  imprisonment  he  had  no  hope 
of  release  except  by  death.  Compare  2  Tim.  2:9;  4  : 6-8.  We  may  then  assign  this  epistle  to  the  latter 
part  of  his  first  captivity,  after  he  had  now  written  those  to  the  Ephcsians,  the  Colossians,  and  Philemon, 
or  about  a.  d.  63. 


CHAPTER  I. 

3  He  testifieth  his  thankfulncwi  to  God,  and  his  love  toward  them,  for 
the  fruits  of  their  faith,  and  fellowship  in  his  sufferings,  9  daily  pray- 
ing to  him  for  their  incre.ase  in  grace;  12  he  showelTi  what  good  the 
faith  of  Christ  had  received  by  his  troubles  at  Rome,  21  and  how 
ready  he  is  to  glorify  Christ  cither  by  his  life  or  death,  27  exhorting 
them  to  unity,  28  and  to  fortitude  in  persecution. 

P.\UL  and  Tiinotheus,  the  servants  of  .Tesus 
Christ,  to  all  tlic  saints  in  Christ  Jesu.s  wiiicli 
are  at  Philiiipi."  witli  tlio  bisho))s  and  deacons: 

2  Grace  he  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Father,  a,nd  from  tlie  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'' 


s  AcU  ia:l-2,etil.    bRrnn.  1:7.    '  Or,  menlion.    '  Bph.  1 :10,  etc. ;  I  The»«. 
l:i.     <1  H^b.  10:.T5.     •  r«a.  131:8;  John  0:20.     t  Or,7ini.iA.    (  i  Pot.  ;l:  10. 


allicR,  liiit  those  wlio  rely  tin  Christ  for  strPMf;tli,iiiiil  cliitlK,' 
tliemBtlvfs  with  tlio  armor  which  lie  hits  providciL  lint 
taking  the  Hilile  for  their  (,'"''le,  and  liabitiially  seeking' 
the  prcsenec  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  under  a  Leader  wlio  never 
was  and  never  will  he  overcome,  they  may  go  triumphant- 
ly from  conquering  to  r!im(iiier. 

CHAPTER  I. 

5.  For  your  fellowship  in  Ihe  /gospel;  more  literally,  for 
your  fillowHliiji   unto,  or  towards  tlie   gospel;   in  other 
words,  your  eommon  interest  and  fellowship  in  the  work 
of  promoting  it.     fyom  tlu  first  day;  of  your  faith. 
1370 


3  I  thank  my  God  upon  every  romem-  a.  d  m. 
brance"  of  you, 

4  Always  in  every  prayer  of  mine  for  you  all 
making  request  with  joy," 

5  For  your  fellow.sliip  in  the  gospel  from  the  first 
day  until  now ; 

6  iJeing  confident  of  tliis  very  thing,''  that  he 
which  hath  liegun  a  good  work  in  you,''  will  per- 
form* /'/  until  tlif  ihiy  of  Jesus  Clirist:' 

7  Even  as  it  is  meet  for  me  to  tliink  litis  of  you 
all,  because  1  have  you  in  my*  heart ;  inasmuch  as 

t  Or,  ye  have  me  in  ifour. 

f).  He;  (Joel.  Perform  il ;  carry  it  on  to  perfection,  linisli 
it,  as  in  the  ni;irgin.  The  dinj  of  Jems  Clirist ;  of  liis  com- 
in;;  to  jmlgnient. 

7.  Jieanise  I  have  you  in  my  heart ;  the  marginal  rendering, 
because  ye  have  me  in  your  heart,  liest  suits  the  context, 
their  aflV'ction  for  tht'  sijiostle  heing  to  him  one  of  the 
proofs  that  (!oil  had  hcj^Miri  a  good  work  in  tlieiii.  My 
prnre ;  the  gr;ice  of  being  allowed  to  sull'er  for  Christ  iiiid 
labor  in  the  defence  and  conliriiiation  of  his  gosiicl.  as  just 
st-afed.  Compare  vit.  T^.  where  suffering  for  Christ  is 
regarded  as  a  gift  of  (!od  ;  and  Kpli.  S:8,  where  preaching 
the  gospel  is  Bpoken  of  as  o  grace  and  a  gift. 


In  all  things  Paul 


PIIILIPPIAXS  I. 


glorifieth  Christ. 


A.  D.«  both  in  my  bonds,  and  in  tlie  defence  and 
confirmation  of  the  gospel,"  ye  all  are  partakers 
of  my  grace.* 

8  For  God  is  my  record,  how  greatly  I  long 
after  you  all  in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ. 

9  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may  abound 
yet  more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judg- 
ment;*" 

10  That  ye  may  approve*  things  that  are  excel- 
lent ;■*=  that  ye  may  be  sincere  and  without  offence 
till  theday  of  Christ;'' 

11  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and 
praise  of  God.^ 

12  But  I  would  ye  should  understand,  brethren, 
that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me  have  fallen 
out  rather  unto  the  furtherance  of  the  gospel ; 

13  So  that  my  bonds  in'  Christ  are  manifest  in 
all  the  palace,"'  and  in  all  oiliav  places ;' 

14  And  many  of  the  brethren  in  the  Lord,  wax- 
ing confident  by  my  bonds,  are  much  more  bold  to 
speak  the  word  without  fear. 

15  Some  indeed  preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and 
strife ;  and  some  also  of  good  will. 

16  The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sin- 
cerely, supposing  to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds: 

17  But  the  other  of  love,  knowing  that  I  am  set 
for  the  defence  of  the  gospel. 

18  What  then?  notwithstanding,  every  way, 
whether  in  pretence,  or  in  truth,  Christ  is  preach- 
ed; and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  re- 
joice. 

19  For  I  know  that  this  shall  turn  to  my  salva- 

*  Ver.  17.  •  Or,  with  me  of  grace,  t  Or,  sense,  b  ]  Thess,  3;1'2;  2  Pet. 
3:18.  lOr.try.  iOr.dfffir.  c  Kom.  2:  IS.  d  Eph.  .5:\>7.  e  John  15:8. 
I  Or, /or.  1  Or,  Cesar's  rourt;  ch.  4:'22.  '  Or.  to  alt  others,  f  Rom.  S:2S. 
raCor.  1:11,    liRom.5;5.    i  Eph.  6:19, -JO.    JRom.  14:;,S.    kRev.l4:ia 

8.  Long  after  you;  to  see  you  and  promote  your  benefit. 
The  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ;  tender  regard  for  you  such  as 
Christ  himself  feels.  • 

9.  Judgment;  discernment  in  spiritual  thinijs.  The  apos- 
tle will  have  the  love  of  believers  eiilightened  and  dis- 
cerning. 

10.  Approve  things  that  are  excellent;  or,  try  things  that 
differ,  for  tlie  purpose  of  approving  the  good  and  reject- 
ing the  evil. 

12.  The  things  which  happened  unto  me;  my  imprisonment, 
and  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  it, 

13.  My  bonds  in  Christ;  see  note  to  Eph.  3:1.  Are 
man f est;  are  made  known,  not  simply  as  bonds,  but  as 
bonds  in  Christ.  In  all  the  palace;  in  the  original  it  is,  in 
all  the  praiturium ;  by  wliich  is  to  be  understood  tlie  prae- 
torian camp,  that  is,  the  camp  of  the  emperor's  body- 
guards. 

M.  ffaxing  confident;  by  seeing  how  God  supported 
Paul,  and  gave  efficacy  to  his  preaching,  even  in  his  bonds. 

l.'i.  Envy  and  strife;  envy  of  the  iiiHuence  of  Paul,  and 
for  the  purpose  of  raising  up  a  party  hostile  to  him.  They 
were  manifestly  the  same  class  of  iircacliers  who  dis])ar- 
aped  his  influence  at  Corintli,  and  sought  to  supplant  him 
in  tlie  affections  of  the  church. 

18.  In  pretence;  such  as  the  false  teachers  employed, 
covering  up  their  base  designs  of  self-exaltation  under  a 
show  of  zeal  for  Christ. 

19.  To  my  salvation  ;  the  apostle's  salvation  in  the  widest 
sense.     Compare  Hom.  8:28. 

20.  Wilk  lilt  holdne-'i.'i;  while  I  exercise  all  boldness  in  the 
gospel,  being  assured  that  all  things  will  work  together 
for  good  to  me  and  Christ's  church  through  me.  In  mi/ 
body;  in  that  which  befalls  my  body. 

21.  Is  Christ;  his  great  object  was  the  glory  of  (!hrist. 


tion''  through  your  prayer,^  and  the  supply  of  the 
Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ. 

20  According  to  my  earnest  expectation  and  my 
hope,  that  in  nothing  I  shall  be  ashamed,"  but  that 
witii  all  boldness,'  as  always,  so  now  also  Christ 
shall  be  magnified  in  my  body,  whether  it  be  by 
life,  or  by  death.' 

21  For  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.'' 

22  But  if  I  live  in  the  flesh,  this  is  the  fruit  of 
my  labor:  yet  what  I  shall  choose  I  wot  not. 

23  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a 
desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ;'  which 
is  far  better:'" 

24  Nevertheless,  to  abide  in  the  flesh  is  more 
needful  for  you. 

25  And  having  this  confidence,  I  know  that  I 
shall  abide  and  continue  with  you  all  for  your 
furtherance  and  joy  of  faith ; 

26  That  your  rejoicing  may  bo  more  abundant  in 
Jesus  Christ  for  me  by  my  coming  to  you  again. 

27  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it  beeometh 
the  gospel  of  Christ:"  that  whether  I  come  and  see 
you,  or  else  be  absent,  I  may  hear  of  your  afiairs, 
that  ye  stand  fast  in  one  spirit,"  with  one  mind 
striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel  ;■" 

28  And  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  adversaries :' 
which  is  to  them  an  evident  token  of  perdition,"" 
but  to  you  of  salvation,"  and  that  of  God. 

29  For  unto  you  it  is  given  in  the  behalf  of 
Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on  him,  but  also  to  suf- 
fer for  his  sake;' 

30  Having  the  same  conflict  which  ye  saw  in 
me,"  and  now  hear  to  be  in  me. 


1  2  Cor.  5:8.  m  Psa.  10:11.  »  Eph.  4:1 ;  oh.  3:20.  o  ch.  4:1.  P  Juds  3. 
■I  Isa.  51:7,  12;  Matt.  10:23.  r  aThess.  1:5.  »  Rom.  8:17.  i  Acts  5:41. 
'■Acts  16:19;  1  Thess.  2:2. 


and  the  favor  of  Christ  was  his  chief  joy.  To  die  is  gain; 
it  would  be  more  for  his  happiness  than  to  continue  on 
earth. 

22.  This  is  the  fruit  of  my  labor;  this  is  the  way  in  which 
my  labor  can  bear  fruit  for  the  good  of  men. 

23.  In  a  strait  betwixt  two;  strongly  drawn  two  different 
ways.  Having  a  desire  to  depart;  more  literally,  having 
my  desire  towards  departing,  as  that  way  of  the  two 
which  IS  Jar  better;  better  as  respects  my  personal  enjoy- 
ment of  Christ. 

25.  Tilts  confidence;  that  his  longer  continuance  on  earth 
would  be  more  for  their  benefit. 

27.  Your  conversation;  your  conduct  and  intercourse  of 
hfe. 

28.  An  evident  token;  the  sustaining  presence  of  God 
which  he  grants  you,  shows  that  he  will  save  you  and 
destroy  those  who  continue  to  oppose  you. 

29.  /(  IS  given ;  given  as  a  privilege.  Compare  1  Peter, 
4:13,  14.  Jn  the  bvliiilf  of  Christ;  for  the  purpose  of  honor- 
ing him. 

30.  Conflict;  with  the  enemies  of  the  gospel. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Faithful  ministers  of  Christ  habitually  pray  for  the 
spiritual  ]ir(is)ierit_y  of  his  peo])h' ;  and  when  his  people 
so  live  as  to  honor  him,  it  gives  his  ministers  exceeding 
jo.v. 

11.  Every  thing  good  in  men  is  the  fruit  of  the  Holy 
Spirit;  and  where  he  has  begun  his  work  in  their  hearts, 
teaching  them  to  practise  piety  towards  God  and  right- 
eousness towards  men,  we  may  confidently  expect  tliat  ho 
will  carry  it  forward,  through  faith  and  obedience,  till  they 
are  perfect  in  glory. 

20.  The  efforts  of  the  wicked  to  injure  the  righteous 
and  hinder  the  success  of  the  gospel,  God  overrules  for 

1311 


He  exkorldh  to  unity, 


rillLIPPIANS  II. 


humUity,  and  cJiarity. 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  exhorteth  them  to  unity,  and  to  all  humbleness  of  mind,  by  the 
example  of  Christ's  humility  and  exallatioii ;  I'J  to  a  careful  proceed- 
ing in  the  way  of  salvation,  that  they  be  as  lights  to  the  wicked 
world.  16  and  comforts  to  him  their  apostle,  who  is  now  ready  to  be 
offered  up  to  God.  19  He  honeth  to  send  Timothy  to  them,  whom  he 
jjreatly  commendeth,  3-5  as  EpaphroJitus  also,  whom  he  presently 
sendeth  to  them. 

IP  there  be  tlicrcforo  any  consolation  in  Ciirist, 
if  any  comfoi't  of  love,  if  any  fellowsliip  of  the 
Spirit,  if  any  bowels  and  mercies," 

2  Fiillil  ye  my  joy,''  that  ye  be  like-minded,  hav- 
ing the  same  love,  lieing  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.'' 

3  Let  nothino:  be  done  thronah  strife  or  vainirlo- 
ry;''  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  let  each  esteem 
other  better  tlian  themselves.'' 

4  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things,"^  but 
every  man  also  on  the  things  of  otiiers. 

5  Let  this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was  also  in 
Ciirist  Jesus :« 

()  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,''  thought  it 
not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God :' 

7  But  matle  iiimself  of  no  reputation,'  and  took 
upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,''  and  was  made  in 
the  likeness*  of  men  : 

8  And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  hum- 
bled himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  tiie  death  of  the  cross.' 

1)  Wiierefore  God  also  hath  higldy  exalted  him, 
and  given  him  a  name  whicli  is  aljove  every  name  :'" 

ID  'I'hat  at  tiie  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  shoidd 
biiw,"  of  t/iin<rs  in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and 
things  uiuler  the  earth  ; 

11  And  that  every  tongue  should  confess  that 
Jesus  Ciirist  is  J^ord,"  to  the  glory  of  God  the 
Father. 

12  Wherefore,  my  l>eloved,  as  ye  have  always 
obeyed,  not  as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much 
moil'  in  my  absence,  work  out  your  own  salvation 
willi  I'ear  au'l  trembling.'' 

»  Col.  3:12.  b  John  3:2i).  c  j  Cor  13:11 ;  1  Pel.  3:8.  d  Gal.  5:aii;  Ja*. 
3:14.  e  I  Pet.  .O:.?.  r  1  Cor.  13:3,  J  John  13:14 :  1  Pet.  S:'.'!.  hjohnl:!, 
2;  Col.  1:1.5.  I  John  .'>:!«.  i  I'sa.  2^:8,  k  Luke  •J'J:-.!-.  •  Or, //-i4/(.  1  llel). 
14:3.  m  lleb.  2:9;  Kov.  3:21.  '  Ui..  1.5:23:  Rov.  i):l:l.  o  John  l:i:l3; 
Rom.   1I:'J.      P  Prov.    1U:1U;   John  B:27-a0i   Eph.  U;5;  Heb.    1:11;  2  I'et. 

the  good  of  his  people;  so  that  in  iiotliing  need  they  be 
di.scoura^cdjbiit  with  iiiuckiicss  and  cahiiiicss  may  go  for- 
ward, rejoicing  ttiat  wlietlier  tliey  live  or  die,  Ciirist  will 
be  honored  ami  his  cause  triiiiiipli. 

29.  ISy  eiidiiring  trials  with  a  proper  spirit,  believers 
honor  Ciirist  as  really  as  by  active  labors;  and  they  have 
no  more  just  reason  to  complain  or  be  diseoiitciited  when 
he  visits  them  with  adversity,  than  when  he  crowns  them 
with  prosperity;  for  in  both  he  consults  his  glory,  their 
highest  good,  and  the  good  of  liis  cause. 

CHAPTER  II. 

7.  Mn/le  liimwif  nf  7W  rcpnliitinn ;  emptied  himself;  for  a 
time  relinquished  the  glory  which  he  had  with  the  Father 
before  the  creation. 

9.  //;<rA/i/  exalted  him ;  as  ifediator,  head  over  all  things 
to  his  ehiii'ch.     Mali.  23:18. 

10.  TItut  at  the  name  of  Jems  every  knee  slimiltl  bow;  that 
all  in  lieaven  ami  on  earth  should  worship  him.  Matt. 
1:10;  .lohn  .0:2:i. 

12.  Work  out;  by  obeying  God.  With  fear  and  Ircm- 
bliiii;;  lest  you  should  livi-  in  sin  and  fail  of  eternal  life. 

]:i.  Wnrketh  in  ijnii ;  iMfliieiieiug  you  by  his  Spirit  to  do 
what  is  pleasing  to  him. 

1").  WithotU  rdiuke;  without  doing  any  thing  to  deserve 
rebuke. 

1372 


13  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  a.  D.f.t. 
both  to  will  and  to  do  oi  his  good  pleasure." 

14  Do  all  things  without  murmurings  and  dis- 
putings:'' 

15  That  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harmless,*  the 
sons  of  God,"  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a 
crooked  and  perverse  nation,'  among  whom  ye 
shine*  as  lights  in  the  world;" 

16  Holding  forth  tlic  word  of  life;  that  I  may 
rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ,  that  I  have  not  run 
in  vain,  neither  labored  in  vain.'' 

n  Yea,  and  if  I  be  offered^  upon  the  sacrifice  and 
service  of  your  faith,  I  joy,"  ami  rejoice  with  you  all. 

18  For  the  same  cause  also  do  ye  joy,  and  rejoice 
with  me. 

19  But'  I  trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  to  send  Timo- 
theus  shortly  unto  you,"  that  I  also  may  Vie  of 
good  comfort,  when  1  know  your  state. 

20  For  I  have  no  man  like-minded,'  who  will 
naturally  care  for  your  state. 

21  For  all  seek  tiieir  own,^'  not  the  things  which 
are  Jesus  Christ's. 

22  But  ye  know  the  [iroof  of  him.  that,  as  a  son 
with  the  father,  he  hatii  served  with  me  in  the  gospel. 

23  Him  therefore  1  hope  to  send  presently,  so 
soon  as  I  shall  see  how  it  will  go  with  me. 

24  But  I  trust  in  the  Lord  that  1  also  mj-self 
shall  come  shortly.'' 

25  Yet  I  supposed  it  necessary  to  send  to  you 
Epaphroditus,"  my  brother,  and  companion  in 
labor,  and  fellow-soldier.''  but  your  messenger, 
and  he  that  ministered  to  my  wants. 

2t)  For  he  longed  after  you  all,  and  was  full  of 
heaviness,  because  that  ye  had  heard  that  he  had 
been  sick. 

27  For  indeed  lie  was  sii'k  nigh  unto  death  :  but 
God  had  nieicy  on  him  ;  and  not  tni  iiim  only,  but 
on  inc  also,  lest  I  slHuild  Jiavc  sorrow  upon  sorrow. 

28  1  sent  him  therefore  l»lie  iiioi'e  carcl'uliy,  tliat, 


l:.1-10.  n  Heb.  13:21.  r  Rom.  H:l ;  1  Cor.  10:10.  t  Or,  si'nriTt.  ■  Malt. 
.5:45;  Eph.  5:1.  '  Dent.  32:.5.  I  Or.  .'Ame  ye.  u  Matt.  5:14,  10.  v  I  Cor. 
0:20.  i  fir.  piiiiralfiirlli.  'v  2  Tim.  4:li.  I  Gr.  Moreover.  »  IThe-i.  3:2. 
^  Or,  so  dear  itnlo  me.     y  2  Tim.  3:2.     ich.  1:25.    »ch.  4:16.     b  philo.  2. 


18.  Holding  forth;  exhibiting  in  principle  and  practice 
tlio  gospel  of  Christ.  Not  rvn — neither  labored  in  vuin ;  in 
the  toil  and  labi)r  bestowed  on  you. 

17.  If  I  be  offend;  literiilly,  jioiired  out  as  a  drink-ofl'er- 
ing;  that  is,  if  my  blood  be  tlins  iioiired  out.  Upim  the 
mcrifice  anil  .service  of  your  fadli ;  upon  the  service  of  ]ire- 
Hent'ing  your  faith  as  a  sacrifice  acceptable  to  Coil.  Tho 
apostle  comii;iios  liiniself  to  a  iiriesl  niinisleriiig  siiiritiially 
;it  (jod's  alt:ir,  ami  )ircsenliMg.  iis  his  ofl'rring,  the  faith  of 
the  I'liilipiiian.s.     Comjiare  mile  lo  l!oin.  l;"i:l(i. 

IS.  Ixrjoirc  vith  me;  grieve  not  at  my  siin'crings,  or  even 
death  for  your  sakcs;  but  join  me  in  giving  thanks  lo 
(iod  for  it. 

19.  I  trust  in  the  Lord  Jexv<i;  Paul  trusted  in  him  iis  llie 
Cod  of  providence  as  well  as  of  grace. 

20.  No  man;  no  man  among  those  now  in  ;ilteMil:inre 
uj)on  me.  Like-mindid;  in  his  aidcnl  iill:irhinenl  lo  Ihcm, 
and  desire  for  their  gond. 

21.  All;  apparently  spoken  of  those  then  in  atteiiilamo 
on  I'aiil.  S"-h  their  ovn  ;  selfishness  is  natural  to  all,  ;iiid 
I'aul's  companions,  though  Christians,  were  only  partially 
delivered  from  it. 

23.  How  It  will  po;  at  his  trial  before  tho  Ionian  em- 
peror; whether  he  should  be  ariinittcd  or  comlenineil. 

2.').  Epaphroditna;  he  was  from  I'liilippi,  and  had  como 
to  Home  to  bring  assistance  to  Paul.    Chap.  4:18. 


Paul  giveth  up 


PHILIPPIANS  III. 


all  for  Christ, 


F 


AD  w   when  yc  see  him  again,  3-0  may  rejoice,  and 
that  I  may  bo  the  less  sorrowful. 

29  Receive  him  therefore  in  the  Lord  with  all 
gladness;  and  hold  such*  in  reputation: 

30  Because  for  the  work  of  Christ  he  was  nigh 
unto  death,  not  regarding  his  life,  to  supply  your 
lack  of  service  toward  me." 

CHAPTER  III. 

I  He  warnetl)  them  to  beware  of  the  false  teachers  of  the  circumcision, 
4  showing  that  himself  hath  greater  cause  than  they  to  trust  in  t!ie 
righteousness  of  the  law;  7  which  notwithstanding  he  counteth  as 
dung  and  loss,  to  gain  Christ  and  his  righteousness,  V2  therein  acknow- 
ledging his  own  imperfection.  15  He  exhortetli  them  to  be  thus 
minded,  17  and  to  imitate  him,  18  and  to  decline  the  ways  of  carnal 
Christians. 

INALLY,  my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the  Lord." 
To  write  the  same  things  to  you,"  to  me  in- 
deed is  not  grievous,  but  for  you  it  is-  safe. 

2  Beware  of  dogs,''  beware  of  evil-workers,"  be- 
ware of  the  concision.' 

3  For  we  are  the  circumcision,  which  worship 
God  in  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh.- 

4  Though  I  might  also  have  confidence  in  the 

•Or, /lonor  5iic/i;  1  Cor.  10:18.  a  1  Cor.  10:17.  b  1  Thess.  5:1G.  c  o  Pet. 
1:13-15.  d  Isa.  56:10,  II;  Rev.  '2i:\S.  e  Psa.  119:115.  '  Gal.  5:1-!. 
5  Rom.  2. 23,  Sa.     h  .\ctsa3:(i.     i  Acts  2->:3.  4  ;  Gal.  1;1:J,  U.     JLukel:6. 

29.  Hold  such  in  reputation;  honor  those  who  make  such 
sacrifices  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 

30.  To  supply  your  lack  of  service ;  that  in  your  absence 
he  might,  as  your  mesisenger,  assist  me. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  While  the  gospel  inculcates  universal  liumilit_y  and 
benevolence,  it  jiroduces  these  virtues  in  all  who  savingly 
embrace  it,  and  thus  shows  itself  to  be  divine. 

11.  Humility  and  benevolence  are  peculiarly  pleasing  to 
God.  The  most  wondrous  exhibition  of  them  was  made  by 
•Icsus  Christ,  and  those  who  imitate  him  will,  with  him,  re- 
ceive a  glorious  reward ;  while  the  homage  which  they  and 
all  holy  creatures  will  render  him,  will  show  that  lie  is  God. 

13.  In  order  to  be  saved,  men  must  work  out  their  own 
salvation  by  faith,  love,  and  obedience,  as  God  has  ap- 
pointed I  anil  the  fact  that  whenever  they  are  iiiclhied  to 
do  it,  he  works  in  tliem,  and  thus  influences  them  to  work 
out  their  salvation,  gives  them  the  greatest  encouragement, 
without  delay,  to  engage  in  tliis  work. 

18.  TJio  holy  example  of  Christians  is  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  the  usefulness  of  ministers  of  Christ.  For  the 
jiromotion  of  it  they  are  wilhng  to  labor,  to  suffer,  and  if 
need  be  to  die ;  rejoicing  that  they  can,  even  in  death,  pro- 
mote 80  important  an  object. 

21.  All  men  naturally  love  themselves  with  all  the  heart, 
and  soul,  and  strength,  and  mind  ;  but  tliey  do  not  love 
Goil.  The  gospel  when  embraced  dethrones  this  idol,  and 
leads  men  supremely  to  love  God,  and  benevolently  to 
seek  the  good  of  their  fellow-men. 

30.  Those  who  at  the  call  of  duty  make  sacrifices  and 
suffer  trials  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  to  l)enefit  his  friends, 
are  peculiarly  dear  to  him;  and  f(U-  their  work's  sake,  they 
should  be  highly  esteemed  and  honored  by  his  p2ople. 

CHAPTKIl  HI 

1.  Vie  same  iliinssi  wliicli  lie  hiid  before  inculcated. 
.-<ome  suppose  that  he  has  especial  reference  to  the  exhor- 
r;ition  to  rejoice,  which  he  had  already  given,  chap.  2:18, 
:ind  repeats  again  emphatically,  eha]>.  4:4. 

2.  Logs;  contenti(]Us  and  impure  false  teachers.  The 
concision;  that  is,  the  cutting.  n;unely,  of  the  flesh  in  cir- 
cumcision. The  apostle  applies  the  term  to  those  who 
contended  for  the  outward  mark  of  circumcisiou  as  essen- 
tial to  salvation. 

3.  Wc;  believers  in  Christ.    Arrthcnicumnsion  ;  they  had 


flesh.  If  any  other  man  thinketh  that  he  hath 
wliorcof  he  might  trust  in  the  flesh,  I  more: 

5  Circumcised  the  eiglith  day,  of  the  stock  of 
Israel,  ofi\\c  tribe  of  Benjamin,  a  Hebrew  of  the 
Hebrews;  as  touching  the  law,  a  Pharisee;'' 

6  Concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the  church;' 
touching  the  righteousness  which  is  in  the  law, 
blameless.^ 

7  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  count- 
ed loss  for  Christ." 

8  Yea  doubtless,  and  Lcount  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus 
my  Lord : '  for  whom  I  have  sufi'ered  the  loss  of  all 
things,"'  and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that  I  may 
win  Clirist, 

9  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteousness,"  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which 
is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness 
wliich  is  of  God  liy  faith:" 

10  That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his 
resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,'' 
being  made  conformable  unto  his  death ; 

11  If  by  any  means  I  might  attain  unto  the  res- 
urrection of  the  dead."* 

k  Matt.  13:11.  1  Isa.  63:11  ;  Jer.  9:23,  24;  John  17:3;  1  Cor.  2:2.  "  2  Cor. 
11:25,27.  n  Rom.  10:3,  5.  o  Rom.  1:17;  3:21,  22.  PI  Pet.  4:13.  q  Acts 
2U:7. 


the  true  circumcision,  which  alone  was  essential,  that  of 
the  heart ;  they  were  cut  off  from  the  love  of  sin,  and  justi- 
fied through  faith  in  Christ,  of  which  the  outward  mark 
was  a  sign,  or,  as  revealed  Rom.  4:11,  a  seal  of  the  right- 
eousness of  faith.  No  confidence  in  the  flesh ;  in  any  natural 
goodness,  external  privileges,  distinctions,  or  works  of 
their  own,  as  a  grounil  of  salvation. 

5.  Touching  the  law ;  in  his  view  of  it  and  of  his  mode  of 
keeping  it. 

(1.  Touching  the  righteousness  which  is  in  the  law;  as  to  that 
external  observance  of  it  on  which  the  Pluirisees  relied 
for  salvation. 

7.  What  things  -were  gain;  those  by  wliich  he  once  had 
hoped  to  gain  eternal  life.  Loss;  lie  renounced  all  depend- 
ence on  them,  sensible  that  dependence  on  them,  should 
it  continue,  would  cause  the  loss  of  his  soul. 

8.  All  things;  as  a  ground  of  dependence  for  salvation. 

9.  Not  having  mine  own  righteousness;  as  a  ground  of 
acceptance.  The  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith  ;  see 
note  to  Rom.  1:17. 

10.  Knov)  him  ;  Christ  in  his  true  character,  by  trusting 
in  him  and  experiencing  the  transforming  efl'ects  of  such 
knowledge  in  my  own  soul.  Tlic  pourr  of  his  retnrrection  ; 
according  to  some,  the  full  power  which  the  fact  of  his 
resurrection  should  have  on  the  mind.  But  wo  may  bet- 
ter understand  here,  as  in  Rom.  (1:4;  Eph.  1:19,20;  2:1. 
.5,  fi,  the  ])ower  of  God  manifested  in  the  resiu'rection  of 
Christ.  The  meaning  then  will  be,  that  I  may  know,  by 
blessed  experience  in  my  own  person,  the  divine  power 
wliich  raised  Christ  from  the  dead :  first,  as  manifested  in 
quickening  me  more  ;ind  more  from  my  former  death  in 
sin  to  a  life  of  holiness  in  Christ ;  secondly,  as  exerted  in 
raising  my  body,  as  lliat  of  Christ  was  raised,  to  a  glorious 
iiimiortality.  Thefiilovship  of  his  sufferings;  the  endurance 
of  trials  wlien  called  to  it  as  Cin'ist  was.  in  comnuinion 
with  him  and  in  the  exercise  of  his  spirit.  Confiirmalitc 
unto  his  death  ;  his  life  of  sulfering  which  led  to  and  ended 
in  death  ;  the  same  as  '•  always  bearing  about  in  the  body 
the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,"  and  "  always  delivered  iinlo 
death  for  Jesns'  sake.''     2  Cor.  4:10,  11. 

11.  Resurrection ;  tlnit  which  awaits  the  jiisi^iu  the  like- 
ness of  Christ,  to  shine  as  Ihe  brightness  of  tiie  lirmamenl. 
and  as  the  stars  for  ever.  For  that  we  may  be  glorified 
with  him.  we  nmst  first  suffer  with  him.  Rom.  8:17; 
2  Tim.  2:12. 


An  exhortation  to  persevcrana; 


PHILIPPIANS  IV. 


and  brotherly  kindness. 


12  Not  as  tliousrh  I  liad  already  attained,  eitlicr 
■were  already  perfect:"'  but  I  follow  after,  if  that 
I  may  apprehend  tiiat  for  which  also  I  am  appre- 
hended of  Christ  Jesus. 

1.3  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have  appre- 
hended: Init  t/iis  one  thing  /  do,  forgetting  tliose 
things  wliicli  are  beiiind,"  and  reaching  forth  unto 
those  things  wliicli  are  before, 

14  1  press  toward  tiio  mark  for  the  prize''  of  the 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 

15  Let  us  therefore,  as  many  as  be  perfect,"  be 
thus  minded  :'^  and  if  in  any  thing  ye  be  otherwise 
minded,  God  shall  reveal  even  this  unto  you. 

16  Xevertlieless,  whereto  we  have  already  at- 
tained, let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us  mind 
the  same  thing.'' 

17  Brethren,  be  followers  together  of  me,''  and 
mark  them  which  walk  so  as  ye  have  us  for  an 
ciisample.' 

18  (For  many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you 
often,  and  now  tell  you  even  weeping,  t/iat  they  are 
tiie  cueniies  of  the  cross  of  Cliristr^ 

19  Wiiose  end  is  destruction,''  whose  God  is  their 
belly,'  and  whose  glory  is  in  their  shame,'"  who  mind 
earthly  things.) 

20  For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven;"  from 

»  Ueb.  12:23.  b  Psi.  45:10;  Heb.  6:1.  c  l  Cor.  9:2^  ;  Heb.  1-J;1.  <l  Heb. 
.^:l  'ICor.2:0.  'Gal.5:lfl.  g(5al.0:ir).  h  1  Thess.  l:fi.  ilPet.5::J. 
J  Gal.  1:7;  e:12.     k  2  Cor.  11 :  15;  2  Pel.  2:1.     1  1  Tim.  0:5.     m  Hos.  4:7. 

12.  Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained;  the  prize  of  my 
hiji'.i  calHiiK,  mentioned  below,  verse  14.  Apprehend ;  ob- 
tuin  tliat  lieavenly  glory  for  which  Christ  h;iil  arrested 
and  called  him  when  a  pcrseciitor,  and  for  which,  tliron;;h 
faith  and  patience  and  much  tribnlation,  he  was  jirepar- 
inj;  him. 

I'A.  To  have  apprehended;  the  fulness  of  that  to  wliicli 
he  was  appointed,  and  which  he  most  earnestly  desired. 
Rearhing  forth ;  as  a  r.accr,  who  never  looks  back,  but  al- 
ways bends  forward  in  his  race. 

14.  I presH  toward  the  mark;  the  froal  at  the  end  of  the 
course.  For  the  prize  of  the  higk  calling  of  God  m  Christ 
Jcsns;  the  prize  which  (jod's  heavenly  calling  has  in  view. 
This  prize  is  perfect  likeness  to  and  full  glory  with  Christ, 
for  which  Christians  were  led  to  renounce  their  sins,  be- 
lieve on  him,  and  devote  life  to  his  service.  John  17:24; 
LJohii  .3:2. 

1.').  Ik  perfect ;  liave  attained  to  mature  Christian  know- 
ledge. Be  thus  minded;  have  my  mind  as  just  described. 
lie  olherxeise  minded;  if  any  had  not  attained  to  so  much 
liglit  as  to  their  duty,  let  them  ini])rove  what  thej'  had, 
and  c;inie8tly  seek  the  teaching  of  (Jod,  and  he  would  iin- 
jiart  more. 

K;.  Whereto  we  have  alrearli/  attained;  so  far  as  we  under- 
stand duty  let  us  heartily  do  it,  taking  the  Hiblc  for  our 
guide,  regarding  tJod  as  our  Kather,  and  ;dl  his  children 
as  brethren,  affectionately  uniting  with  them  in  what  is 
right,  and  kindly  endeavoring  to  enlighten  and  convince 
tln-in  where  they  are  wrong. 

in.  Who  mind;  seek  as  their  chief  good. 

20.  Our  conversation;  more  exactly,  our  citizenship  :  we 
are  citizens  of  heaven;  our  King  is  there;  our  hearts  and 
thought*)  arc  there  ;  wc  obey  its  laws,  and  look  to  it  as  our 
everlasting  homo. 

21.  Sh/ill  cliange;  at  the  rcBurrection.  The  working;  the 
almighty  power  or  energy.  To  siMiie  all  things  unto  him- 
self; consequently  death  also,  the  hist  enemy  that  should 
be  destroyed.  Hce  1  Cor.  1:5:20,  where  the  destruction  of 
death  is  mentioned  in  immediate  connection  with  the  sub- 
jection of  all  things  to  Christ. 

IN.STRDCTIONS. 
1.  No  persons  have  so  much  occasion  for,  or  possess  so 
much  real  joy,  as  true  Christians. 
1374 


whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the  a.  d.  m. 
Lord  Jesus  Ciirist:" 

21  Who  shall  change  our  vile  body,"  that  it  may 
be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  accord- 
ing to  the  working  wliercby  he  is  able  even  to 
subdue  all  things  unto  himself.i 

CHAPTER  IV. 

I  From  particular  admonitions  4  he  proceeJetij  to  general  exhortations, 
10  showing  how  he  rejoiced  at  their  liberality  towards  him  lying  in 
prison,  not  so  much  for  the  supply  of  liis  own  wants,  as  for  the  grace 
of  God  in  them.  19  And  so  he  concludeth  witli  prayer  and  saluta- 
tions. 

'"pHEREFORE,  my  brethren  dearly  beloved  and 
X    longed  for,  ray  joy  and  crown,  so  stand  fast 
in  the  Lord,  ?«;/  dearly  beloved. 

2  I  beseech  Euodias,  and  beseech  Syntyche,  that 
they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the  Lord. 

3  And  I  entreat  tliee  also,  true  yoke-fellow,  help 
those  women  which  labored  with  me  in  the  gospel, 
with  Clement  also,  and  irif/i  other  my  fellow-labor- 
ers, whose  names  air  in  the  book  of  life. 

4  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway:''  and  again  I  say, 
Rejoice. 

5  Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men.' 
The  Lord  is  at  hand.' 

6  Be  careful  for  nothing ;"  but  in  every  thing  by 

n  Eph.  9:fi,  19.  o  Heb.  9:28.  P  1  Cor.  15:4.1,  etc.;  IJohn  3:2.  q  I  Cor. 
15:26,  27;  Eph.  1:19.  rch.  3:1.  >  1  Cor.  9:25.  t  Rev.  22:7,  2U.  "Matt. 
0:25;  1  Pet.  5:7. 

2.  We  should  beware  of  the  doctrines  of  those  who  rely 
on  external  observances,  or  on  their  own  works  for  salva- 
tion; especially  wlicn,  by  propagating  their  doctrines,  they 
seek  to  ]n-omote  divisions  among  Christians. 

5.  True  Christians  jiosscss  tliat,  the  necessity  of  which 
was  indicated  by  circumcision ;  without  the  sign  they 
h;ive  the  tiling  signified,  as  had  Abraham  before  he  was 
circumcised.     Rom.  4:11. 

11.  Souls  enlightened  and  renewed  by  the  Holy  Spirit 
renounce  dejicndeiice  for  salvation  upon  privileges  and 
external  distinctions,  as  well  as  upon  works,  ;iiid  make  it 
their  great  object  to  be  justified,  sanctilied,  and  saved 
Ihrongli  faith  in  llini  wdio  died,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  to 
bring  them  to  (iod. 

l.").  Those  who  would  bo  perfect  must  not  imagine  that 
they  are  so,  or  count  themselves  to  have  attiiined  com- 
plete likeness  to  Christ;  but  they  must  press  onward  and 
daily  seek  it,  in  obedience  to  him,  till  the  end  of  life. 

20.  As  Christians  are  citizens  of  heaven,  and  only  pil- 
grims and  sojourners  here,  tlicy  should  not  be  greatly  in- 
Ibienccd  by  things  of  earth,  or  chielly  occujiied  with  its 
con(;ern8.  Their  treasure  is,  and  their  hearts  should  bo 
in  heaven  ;  whence  they  look  for  Christ  perfectly  to  change 
them  into  his  own  glorious  im;igi',  ;uid  r:iisc  them  for  ever 
to  reign  with  him  in  the  kingdom  of  their  F;ithor. 

CIIAI'TER  lY. 

1.  So  stand  fust ;  as  those  whose  citizensbip  is  in  heaven, 
and  who  have  the  glorious  hojies  just  iiiimed. 

2.  Eundias  and — Sijntijche;  twti  ('hristi;iii  women  at  Phi- 
lil)l)i.  In  the  Lord;  In  love  to  hiin  and  efforts  to  promote 
his  cause. 

3.  True  yoke-fellow ;  a.  person  whoso  name  iuid  office  arc 
to  us  unknown.  The  words  may  jiossibly  be  addressed 
to  K|i:iphroditus,  the  bearer  of  the  epistle,  whom,  as  pres- 
ent, lie  <loes  not  think  it  necessary  to  n;inie.  I^iliorcd  with 
me;  not  in  preaching — as  jiublic  teachers — but  in  ways 
appro[>riate  to  women,  exerting  their  inllnence  to  promote 
till'  siiciess  of  the  gosjiel. 

!>.  Moderation;  mildness,  especially  towards  opposers. 
Tlie  Lord  it  at  hand;  to  deliver  you,  and  punisii  your  per- 
secutors. 

6.  Careftd;  anxious,  solicitous. 


Thdr  liberality  is 


PHILIPPIANS  IV. 


gratefully  aclcnowlcdged. 


AD.  64,  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving 
let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 

7  And  the  peace  of  God,"  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds 
through  Christ  Jesus. 

8  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  true,'' 
■whatsoever  tilings  are  honest,*"  whatsoever  things 
arc  just,''  whatsoever  things  are  pure,""  whatsoever 
things  are  lovely,''  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report  ;=  if  there  be  any  virtue,''  and  if  there  be  any 
praise,'  think  on  these  things. 

9  Those  things,  wliich  ye  have  both  learned,  and 
received,  and  heard,  and  seen  in  me,  do :  and  the 
God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you.J 

10  But  I  rejoiced  in  tlie  Lord  greatly,  that  now 
at  the  last  your  care  of  me  hath  flourished*  again ; 
wherein  ye  were  also  careful,  but  ye  lacked  op- 
portunity." 

11  Not  that  I  speak  in  respect  of  want:  for  I 
have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith 
to  be  content.' 

12  I  know  botli  how  to  be  abased,  and  I  know 
how  to  abound :  every  where  and  in  all  things  I 
am  instructed  Ijoth  to  be  full  and  to  be  hungry, 
both  to  abound  and  to  suffer  need. 

13  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which 
streuortheneth  me."' 


»  Isa.  26:3;  John  14:27.  b  Eph.  4:25.  •  Or,  veneraMe.  c  2  Cor.  8:21. 
<1  Deut.  16:2U;  Isa.  26:7.  e  Jis.  3: 17;  1  John  :3::).  r  1  Cor.  ch.  l:j.  6  Col. 
4:.5;  Hcb.   11:2.     h  2  Pet.   I::i,  4.     i  Rom.  1:3:3.     J  Heb.   1:):20.     t  Or,  is 


7.  The  peace  of  God;  that  whicli  he  gives,  anrl  like  that 
which  he  enjoys.  Johu  14:27;  Isa.  2C:3.  Shall  keep ;  in  a 
state  of  joyous  composure  and  security.  The  original 
word  means,  keep  as  a  military  watch. 

8.  Honest;  honorable  and  worthy  of  being  respected. 
Any  viiiue — praise;  any  thing  truly  virtuous  or  praise- 
worthy. Tlnnk  on  tliese  things;  attend  to  and  practise 
them. 

10.  Your  care  of  me;  in  sending  him  assistance.  Ye 
were — careful;  ready  to  assist,  but  had  not  opportunity. 

11.  A^o( — in  respect  of  want ;  his  necessities  were  not  the 
reason  of  his  mentioning  this  subject.     Compare  ver.  17. 

12.  To  be  abased;  to  be  destitute.  To  aliound;  to  have 
an  abundance.  Instructed;  literally,  initiated,  as  into  some- 
thing of  which  the  world  at  large  is  ignorant.  God  has 
taught  me  to  bear  prosperity  with  meekness,  and  adver- 
sity with  contentment. 

13.  Do  all  things;  to  which  he  was  in  duty  called. 

15.  In  the  beginning  of  the  gospel ;  when  he  first  preach- 
ed it  to  them.  Communicated  with  me;  by  sending  him 
relief. 

17.  Not  because  I  desire  a  gift;  he  did  not  make  this  sug- 
gestion merely  or  principally  for  his  own  sake.  Fruit; 
the  fruit  of  your  Christian  liberality,  as  something  set  to 
your  account  in  heaven  to  be  graciously  rewarded. 

22.  They  that  are  of  Cesar's  household ;  persons  attached 
to  the  emperor's  household,  who  had  been  converted  by 
the  labors  of  Paul  or  his  associates. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Differences  among  Christians,  especially  in  religious 


14  Notwithstanding,  ye  have  well  done  that  ye 
did  communicate  with  my  affliction. 

15  Now  ye  Philippians  know  also,  that  in  the 
beginning  of  the  gospel,  when  I  departed  from 
Macedonia,  no  church  communicated  with  me  as 
concerning  giving  and  receiving,  but  ye  only." 

10  For  even  in  Thessaloniea  ye  sent  once  and 
again  unto  my  necessity. 

17  Not  because  I  desire  a  gift :  but  I  desire  fruit 
that  may  abound  to  your  account. 

18  But  I  liavc*  all,  and  abound:  I  am  full,  hav- 
ing received  of  Epaphroditus  the  things  which  were 
sent  from  you,  an  odor  of  a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice 
acceptable,  well-pleasing  to  God.° 

19  But  my  God  shall  supply  all  your  need''  ac- 
cording to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Ciirist  Jesus.'' 

20  Now  unto  God  and  our  Father  be  glory  for 
ever  and  ever."'     Amen. 

21  .Salute  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  breth- 
ren which  are  with  me  greet  you. 

22  All  the  saints  salute  you,  chiefly  they  that  are 
of  Cesar's  household. 

23  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
you  all.     Amen. 

"TT  It  was  written  to  the  Philippians  from  Rome 
by  Epaphroditus. 


revival.  k2Cor.!l:9.  1  Heb,  l;!:3.  m  John  15:5;  2  Cor.  12:!).  n  2  Cor. 
ll:f.  9.  I  Or,  have  received,  o  Heb.  13:1S.  P  Psa.  23:1.  q  Eph.  3:lli. 
rRom.  10:27. 

matters,  are  a  great  hinderance  to  the  gospel,  and  should 
as  soon  as  jiracticable  he  healed. 

3.  Pious  women  may  do  much  to  promote  the  cause  of 
Christ,  and  in  a  way  which  shall  furnish  increasing  evi- 
dence that  God  has  enrolled  their  names  among  the  heirs 
of  heaven. 

5.  The  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  time  should  mod- 
erate our  desire  for  earthly  things,  and  lead  us  so  to  use 
them,  that  in  the  account  we  must  soon  give,  the  Judge 
may  sa3%  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants ;  enter 
ye  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord." 

7.  Habitual  affectionate  communion  with  God,  asking 
him  for  all  good  which  is  needed,  praising  him  for  all  that 
is  received,  and  trusting  him  for  future  supplies,  prevents 
anxious  cares,  inspires  peace,  calmness,  and  composure, 
and  furnishes  a  delight  surpassing  all  finite  comprehen- 
sion. 

8.  Professors  of  religion  should  be  careful  never  to  fal- 
sify their  word,  or  be  mean  or  dishonorable,  unjust,  im- 
pure, or  unamiable  ;  but  conscientiously  and  habitually  to 
practise  whatever  deserves  to  be  respected  and  is  praise- 
worthy. 

19.  None  need  neglect  any  known  duty,  or  be  discon- 
tented and  unha])iiy  in  any  condition  of  life.  Let  them 
trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  good  to  all  as  they  have  oppor- 
tunity, especially  to  his  people  for  his  sake,  and  he  will 
support  them,  and  supply  all  their  wiuits — not  according 
to  the  narrowness,  weakness,  and  unworthiness  of  their 
conceptions,  but  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace  in 
Christ  Jesus. 


137.5 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  COLOSSIANS. 


CoLOSSE  was  a  city  of  Phrj-j^ia,  lying  iu  its  soutli-wostcrn  part,  in  the  neigliborhood  of  Laodicca  and 
Iliorapolis,  chap.  4  :13.  Of  the  founding  of  the  church  there,  we  liave  no  information.  According  to  the 
most  natural  inteqirctation  of  chap.  2:1,  Paul  had  not  visited  it  in  person  when  lie  wrote  the  present 
epistle.  In  regard  to  date  and  place  of  writing,  it  agrees  with  that  to  the  Ephesians,  both  having  been 
sent  from  Rome  by  Tychicus  during  his  first  imprisonment  in  that  city,  cliap.  4  :7,  8,  compared  with  Eph. 
•):21,  '22.  This  may  explain  the  remarkable  agreement  between  the  two  epistles.  In  bolli  (he  apostle's 
mind  is  full  of  the  glory  and  dignity  of  C'hrist's  person,  on  which  he  dwells  in  the  most  glowing  language, 
setting  forth  in  immediate  connection  with  this  theme  that  high  mystery  of  God's  grace  which  had  been 
hid  from  ages  and  generations  ;  that  is,  liis  purpose  to  unite  in  one  holy  family  under  the  headship  of 
Christ  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  thus  to  break  down  tlio  middle  wall  of  partition  between  Jews 
and  Gentiles,  so  that  henceforward  there  should  be  in  God's  kingdom  "neither  Greek  nor  Jew,  circum- 
cision nor  uncircumcision.  Barbarian,  Scythian,  bond  nor  free ;  but  Christ  should  be  all,  and  in  all,"  chap. 
8:11.  In  both  epistles  the  discussion  of  this  high  doctrine  is  followed  113'  practical  exhortations  addressed 
to  the  different  classes  and  conditions  of  believers,  agreeing  often  to  the  very,  letter.  But,  along  side  of  this 
striking  similarity,  there  is  a  noticeable  difference  also,  as  it  resf)ects  the  doctrinal  discussion.  The  epis- 
lle  to  tlie  Ephesians  is  eminently  contemplative,  for  here  the  apostle  had  no  particular  errors  to  encounter. 
That  to  the  Colossians  assumes  more  of  a  controversial  tone,  fur  they  were  troubled  by  Judaizing  teach- 
ers, who  sought  to  draw  them  away  from  the  fulness  that  is  in  Ciirist,  to  reliance  on  the  weak  and  l)eg- 
garly  elements  of  Jewish  ceremonies.  In  this  respect  the  present  epistle  covers  the  same  ground  as  that 
to  the  Galatians.  But  here,  again,  there  is  a  difference  iu  the  form  of  tlie  argiimciit.  Of  the  epistle  to 
the  Galatians  the  key-note  is,  justification  from  faith  in  Christ,  not  from  tiie  works  of  the  law.  Of  the 
epistle  to  the  Colossians  it  is,  fulness  of  grace  from  Clirist,  not  from  tlie  beggarlj-  elements  of  Jewish 
ceremonies.  Tlius  the  wis<lom  of  God  has  presented  to  us  the  groat  doctrines  of  grace  in  various  forms 
and  aspects,  to  meet  the  various  wants  of  his  peojile  ;  and  if,  as  seems  probable,  some  epistles  of  tht;  great 
apostle  to  the  Gentiles  have  not  been  preserved  to  us,  we  may  be  sure  that  we  have  in  those  Ihat  aro 
contained  in  the  sacred  canon  all  that  is  needful  for  tlic  edification  of  the  church  to  the  end  of  time. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Aficr  nalutalion  lie  thankctli  GoJ  for  their  faith,  7  mnfirmdli  the  Joe- 
trine  of  Kpaphrafl,  9  nrfiv'-'th  further  for  their  iiicrcnAc  in  ^race,  1-1 
'lyRcribeth  the  true  Chn'-st,  21  cncourageth  them  to  receive  Jesus 
>*hrist,  and  commeniielh  Iiis  own  ministry. 

I")AUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  will 
of  fjtod,"  and  Timotheiis  ot/r  lirother, 
2  To  the  .saints  and  faithful  lu'ctliren  in  Clirisf' 
which  are  at  Colopse:    (!i-ace  hp  tmto  you.  and 
peace,  from  Ood  fiur  Father  and  tlic  F.ord  JesiiH 
('hrist." 


•Eph.I:!.   iil'M  in:!     'Gal.Ii.l.    d  Eph.  I  :!.'>,  Iff.    e4Tim.4:ei  1  Pet. 


CHAPTER  I. 

.'».  For  the  hope ;  that  is,  connecting  these  words  with  "  we 
^'ivc  thanks,"  on  actounl  of  the  lioiie.   But  wc  may  liettcr 
connect  them  witli  vor.  i.  aii<l  remii  r.  tlirough  the  hope  ; 
1370 


3  We  n-ive  ihaiiks  to  God  and  the  F-'atlicr  A.n.r,, 
of  our  Ijoi'd  .Jesus  Christ,''  prayiiii;-  always  for  you, 

4  .Since  we  heard  of  your  faitli  in  Clirist  Jesus. 
and  of  the  love  w/iich  ye  have  to  all  the  saints, 

.')  For  the  lio]ic  which  is  laid  up  for  you  in  heav- 
en," whereof  ye  heard  before  in  the  wor<l  of  the 
truth  of  (he  gospel : 

6  Which  i>  come  unto  you,  as  it  w  in  all  the 
world:'  and  liriiigeth  forlh  fruit,"  as  it  doth  also 
in  you,  since  the  (Lay  ye  heard  ofit,^'  and  knew  the 
grace  of  God  iu  truth:' 

1:4.    '«r.l».    rjohn  l.'.rlO.    hRom.lOtlT.    l.Tohn  4:43;  Tiloi  9:11,  la. 


meaning  faith  and  love  exercised  umlcr  llie  iiillueiice  ol' 
(lie  liope  laid  iiii  for  tliein  in  heaven — the  liopo  here  stand- 
ing  for  the  inlieritaiice  which  m  its  oliject. 

(i.  //)  nil  llir  vorhl;  wlierever  the  gospel  was  emhraeeil 
it  iiroilii'cil  llir  same  etFccts  as  in  Coloseo. 


The  glory  of  Christ. 


COLOSSIANS   I. 


Peace  through  his  uwrd. 


A.  D.  FA.  7  As  ye  also  learned  of  Epaphras  our  dear 
fellow-servant,''  who  is  for  you  a  faithful  minister 
of  Christ; 

8  Who  also  declared  unto  us  your  love  in  the 
Spirit." 

9  For  this  cause  we  also,  since  the  day  we  heard 
it,  do  not  cease  to  pray  for  you,  and  to  desire  that 
ye  miglit  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  his  will'' 
in  all  wisdom''  and  spiritual  understanding;'' 

ID  Tliat  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord ''unto 
all  pleasing,'-'  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work,'' 
and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  God;' 

11  .Strengthened  with  all  might,J  according  to 
his  glorious  power,  unto  all  patience''  and  long- 
suffering  witli  joyfulness;' 

12  Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  which  hath 
made  us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance 
of  the  saints  in  light:'" 

13  Who  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of 
darkness,"  and  hath  translated  us  into  tlie  king- 
dom of  his  dear  Son:* 

14  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his 
blood."  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins: 

1.5  Who  is  the  image  of  the  invisible  God,''  the 
first-born  of  every  creature: 

16  For  by  him  were  all  things  created,  that  are 
in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,"  visible  and  invis- 
ible, whether  they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or 
principalities,  or  powers:  all  things  were  created 
by  him,  and  for  him:'' 

"Phile.aX  b  Rom.  I.^.-Sn.  c  R„m.  12:2;  Eph.  6: 10,  17.  "1  Psi.  119:90. 
t  IJohn  .5:21)-  fPhil.L-i/.  (t  I  Thess.  4: 1.  >■  .lohti  1.5:8,  lo'.  i2Pet..3:lS. 
jlsa.4'):2l.  kjas,l:4.  lRnm..5:3.  m  Acts  2U:32;  Rev.  22:14.  nlPet.2:9. 
•  Gi.  tht  Soil  of  his  love.     oEph.  1:7.     P  Heb.  1:3.     q  John  1:3.     r  Rom. 

7.  An  y; — learned  of  Epaph  ran ;  loanied  "  the  grace  of  God 
in  truth  ^'  of  Epaphras,  who  .seems  to  have  been  their  first 
teacher,  aud  was  now  with  Paul  in  Rome. 

8.  Lnve ;  that  which  the  Holy  Spirit  produces. 

9.  Spiritual  underslandiag;  understanding  of  spiritual 
things  as  revealed  in  the  gospel. 

10.  Unio  all  plensiiig;  in  a  manner  constantly  or  every 
way  pleasing  to  (iod. 

11.  Patience;  endurance  under  trials. 

12.  Made  ^is  meet;  prepared  us.  Saints  inUglit;  in  the 
enjoynii'iit  of  the  bliss  of  heaven. 

13.  The  power  of  darkness ;  diimiiiion  of  sin  and  Satan. 
1.).   Tlie  image  of  the  invisible  God;  the  invisible  God  made 

manifest.  Clirist  is  the  image  of  (!od,  as  ]Hissessiiig  per- 
fect equality  with  the  Father  in  substance  and  divine  per- 
fections. Compare  his  own  words:  "He  that  hath  seen 
me,  hath  seen  the  Father,"  .lohn  11:9.  The  first-born  of 
every  creature;  or,  the  first-born  of  all  creation.  Since 
Christ  is  the  creator  of  all  things,  vcr.  l(i,  he  is  not  himself 
one  of  the  creation.  But  he  is  the  first-born  of  all  creation, 
as  being  before  all  things,  vcr.  17,  and  above  them  as  their 
supreme  head,  ver.  20. 

10.  In  heaven — in  earth,,  visible  and  invisible;  the  apostle 
lal)ors  to  assert  in  the  most  absolute  way  that  the  whole 
universe  of  created  things  is  the  work  of  Clirist.  Compare 
John  1:3,  and  Hub.  3:4,  "He  that  built  all  things  is  God." 
Thrones — powers;  words  that  <lenote  the  different  orders 
of  created  intelligences.  Compare  Eph.  1:21 ;  3:10.  For 
hiin  ;  as  their  end.  This  is  the  highest  possible  assertion 
of  Christ's  proper  deity. 

17.  Consist;  are  upheld  in  their  present  state.  Compare 
Heb.  1::^, "  Upholilingall  things  by  the  word  of  his  power." 

18.  }h'ad  of  the — church;  source  of  its  life,  liglit,  and  all 
its  blessings.  First-born  from  the  dead;  the  lirst  who  rose 
never  again  to  die,  and  who  will  raise  all  tlie  dead — some 
to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting  con- 
tempt.    Jolm  5:28,  29.     Have  the  preeminence ;  as  head  of 

87 


17  And  he  is  before  all  things,''  and  by  him  all 
things  consist. 

18  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church :' 
who  is  the  beginning,  the  first-born  from  the  dead  ; " 
that  in  all*  things  he  might  have  the  preeminence. 

19  For  it  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should 
all  fulness  dwell ;" 

20  And,  having  made*  peace  through  the  blood 
of  his  cross,"'  by  him  to  reconcile  all  things  unto 
himself;  by  him,  /  say,  whether  tiny  be  things  in 
earth,  or  things  in  heaven. 

21  And  you,  that  were  sometime  alienated  and 
enemies  in^  your  mind  by'  wicked  works,  yet  now 
hath  he  reconciled 

22  In  the  body  of  his  flesh  through  death,  to 
present  you  holy  and  unblamable  and  unreprova- 
ble  in  his  sight:'' 

23  If  ye  continue  in  the  fliith  grounded  and  set- 
tled,y  and  be  not  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the 
gospel,  which  ye  have  heard,  and  which  was  preached 
to  every  creature  which  is  under  heaven  ;'■  whereof 
I  Paul  am  made  a  minister ; 

24  Who  now  rejoice  in  my  sufferings  for  you, 
and  fill  np  that  which  is  bciiind  of  the  afflictions 
of  Clirist  in  my  flesh  for  his  body's  sake,  which  is 
the  church :" 

25  Whereof  I  am  made  a  minister,  according  to 
the  dispensation  of  God  which  is  given  to  me  for 
you,  to  fulfiP  the  word  of  God ; 

2G  Even  the  mystery  which  hath  been  hid  from 

11:30.  sjohnl:!.  1  Eph.  5:23.  u  1  Oor.  15:2(1.  \  Gr.  amongall.  vjohn 
1:10.  I  Or,  making.  «  Eph.  2:14-16.  S  Or,  6i/.  I  Or,  in.  i  Jiide  24. 
y  Heb.  1U:3S.  ^  Mitt.  24:14;  Mark  10:15.  »  Phil.  3:10.  1  e>!,  fully  to 
preacll. 


the  created  miiverse,  and  the  object  of  supreme  affection 
to  all  who  put  their  trust  in  him. 

19.  All  fulness;  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  ;  as  a  Sav- 
iour, then,  he  has  all  that  is  needful  to  save  to  the  utter- 
most those  who  come  unto  God  by  him.     Heb.  7:25. 

20.  Made  peace;  opened  the  way  for  peace.  Things  in 
earth — things  in  heaven;  that  the  opposition  between  Iieav- 
en  and  earth,  which  sin  has  occasioned,  may  be  removed, 
and  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth  m:iy  be  united  under 
Christ  as  their  head  in  one  harmonious  l)ody. 

21.  Alienated;  from  God.  By  wicked  works;  literally,  in 
wicked  works,  these  being,  as  it  were,  the  element  in 
which  they  lived. 

22.  In  the  body  of  his  flesh  through  death;  by  his  propiti- 
atory death  on  the  cross  in  human  nature.  To  present; 
to  present  you  before  God,  as  the  final  result  of  his  work 
of  redemption,  Eph.  1  :4.  In  Eph.  5:27,  the  nature  of  tlio 
figure — Christ  and  the  church  his  bride — required  the 
apostle  to  say, "  that  he  might  present  it  to  himself."  The 
two  forms  of  speaking  come  to  the  same  thing. 

2.3.  Grounded  and  settled  ;  firm  and  steadfast  in  the  belief 
and  practice  of  tlie  truth.  To  every  crcalnre  which  is  under 
heaven;  the  apostle  in  these  words  e.xiiresses  the  design 
of  the  gospel  and  its  final  desthiy. 

24.  Fill  up  that  which  is  behind;  tliat  wliich  remains  to  be 
yet  endured.  The  iijjlirtioiis  of  Christ ;  afflictions  to  be  un- 
dergone bv  Christ  in  his  body  the  church  ;  that  is,  in  the 
persons  of  his  disciples.  Of  these  every  believer  has  his 
share  to  fill  uji,  and  ought  to  rejoice  in  it,  because  God 
thus  works  out  his  stilvatioii  and  that  of  his  brethren. 

25.  Whereof;  of  which  cliiirch.  For  you, ;  for  the  benefit 
of  you  Gentiles.  To  fulfil  the  word  of  God ;  to  fuhil  my 
slowardship  of  God's  word  by  dispensing  it  faitlifnlly. 
(V)mpare  IJoin.  15:19,  where  the  original  is,  "1  have  ful- 
filled the  gospel  of  Christ." 

21).  Even  the  mystery;  added  to  show  wherein  the  fulfil- 
ling of  the  word  of  God  lies,  nanielv.  in  unfolding  the  mys- 


Believers  must  be  rooted 


COLOSSIANS  II. 


and  grounded  in  Christ. 


ages  and  from  generations,''  but  now  is  made  man- 
ifest to  his  saints:'' 

27  To  whom  God  would  make  known  wliat  is 
tlie  riches  of  the  glory  of  this  mystery  among  the 
Gentiles;  which  is  Christ  in*  you,  the  hope  of 
glory:'' 

28  Whom  we  preach,  warning  every  man,''  and 
teaching  every  man  in  all  wisdom  ;■=  that  we  may 
present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus:' 

29  Wliereunto  I  also  labor,^  striving  according 
to  liis  working,  wliich  worketh  in  me  mightily. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  still  exhorteth  them  to  be  constant  in  Christ,  8  to  beware  of  phi- 
losophy, and  vain  traditions,  IS  worsliipping  of  angels,  20  and  legal 
ceremonies,  which  are  ended  in  Christ. 

FOR  I  would  that  ye  knew  what  great  conflict* 
I  have  for  you,  undfor  tiiem  at  Laodicca,"  and 
fur  as  many  as  have  not  seen  my  face  in  the  flesh ; 
2  Tiiat  their  hearts  miglit  be  comforted,  being 
knit  togetiier  in  love,'  and  unto  all  riclics  of  the 
full  assurance  of  understanding,'  to  the  acknow- 
ledgment of  the  m\-stery  of  God,  and  of  the  Father, 
and  of  Christ;'' 


•  Eph.  :!:0.  b  a  Tim.  1:11).  •  Or.  among,  cl  Tim.  1:1.  d  Acts  20:28, 
31.  e  -J  Tim.  2:24.  35.  '2Cor.  11:2.  g  1  Cor.  1.5:  lU.  1  Or.  fear,  oi  can. 
>■  Hev.  :):U.etc.     ich..'J:14.     J  Isa   32: 17;  Heb,  6:11 .     k  IJohn  5:7.     I  Or, 


tery,  etc.  The  mystery  is  tliat  so  fully  unt'oliled  in  Eph. 
2:  lS-22,  namely,  God's  jjurpose  to  unite  Jews  and  Gentiles 
through  Christ  on  equal  terras  in  one  holy  and  spiritual 
body. 

2".  T/ih  miiatcri/ among  the  Gentile.'!;  becanse  it  is  in  the 
reception  of  the  Gentiles  to  (iod's  sjiiritual  fold  that  the 
glory  of  this  mystery  is  especially  dis])layed. 

29.  Striving;  or  struKt^liiif;.  See  note  to  chapter  2:1. 
Worketh  in  me;  God  workiii;.;  in  Paul  was  the  cause  of  his 
working,  and  the  reason  why  his  work  was  eiFicacious  in 
reconciling  men  to  God  through  Christ. 

IXSTHLXTIOXa 

2.  To  obtain  the  greatest  and  richest  of  all  blessings  for 
himself  and  his  follow-Christians,  Paul,  under  the  guid- 
ance of  the  Holy  Ghost,  was  in  the  habit  of  seeking  them 
from  (iod  our  Father  and  llie  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  a  man- 
ner which  showed  that  he  knew  them  both  to  be  ilivine. 

C.  The  gospel,  wherever  preached,  iiilhieiiccs  all  who 
embrace  it  in  truth,  whatever  may  have  been  their  past 
character  and  condition,  to  lives  of  holy  oliedience  ;  and 
inspires  them  with  a  hope  which  tends  to  purify  them,even 
as  Christ  is  pure.     1  John  'A:'i. 

11.  That  iKitient  and  jciyful  submission  under  trials  which 
becomes  the  friends  of  Christ,  it  is  dillicult  fur  them  to 
exercise,  ami  notliing  will  effectually  secure  it  but  the 
power  of  God. 

18.  As  Clirist  owns  the  bodies  and  soiila  of  men  by  the 
right  of  creation  and  redemjition,  and  as  he  made,  redeem- 
ed, aiifl  preserves  them  for  himself,  not  to  devote  them- 
svlves  to  Ills  service  is  injustice  and  dislionesty. 

23.  Tliose  who  would  be  saved  must  not  merely  believe 
in  Christ,  jirofess  him  before  men,  and  begin  to  serve  him  ; 
they  must  continue  in  the  belief  of  the  truth,  in  the  prac- 
tice of  piety  towards  God,  righteousness  and  benevolence 
towards  men,  and  in  the  conscientious  discharge  of  their 
various  personal  and  relative  duties  to  the  end  of  life. 
Matt,  10:22  ;  Ileb,  10:38,  39. 

CUAPTER  II, 

1.  Conflirt ;  or  struggle,  in  :illuslon  to  what  he  has  just 
,said  of  his  striving,  chap.  1 :29.  In  the  original  Greek  the 
two  words  agree,  like  "  struggling"  ;ind  "struggle,"  It  is 
an  inward  conflict,  the  object  of  which  he  explains  in  the 
following  verse.  As  many  n.t  have  not  seen  my  face  in  the 
flesh ;  the  obvious  meaning  of  these  words  is,  that  the  Co- 


3  In  whom*  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  a.  d.m, 
wisdom  and  knowledge, 

4  And  this  I  say,  lest  any  man  should  beguile 
you  with  enticing  words,' 

5  For  tliougli  I  be  absent  in  the  flesh,  yet  am  I 
with  you  in  the  spirit.  Joying  and  beholding  your 
order,  and  tlie  steadfastness  of  your  faith  in  Christ. 

6  As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the 
Lord,  so  walk  ye  iu  him:™ 

7  Rooted"  and  built  up  in  him,"  and  stablished 
in  tlie  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding 
therein  with  thanksgiving. 

8  Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through  jihilos- 
0)ihy  and  vain  deceit,''  after  the  trailition  of  men, 
after  the  rudiments^  of  the  world,  and  not  after 
Christ. 

9  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  God- 
liead  bodily." 

10  And  ye  arc  complete  in  him,''  which  is  the 
liead  of  all  principality  and  jiowcr:' 

11  In  whom  also  ye  are  circuiiiciscd  with  the  cir- 
cumcision made  without  liiimls,'  iu  jiutling  ott'  the 
body  of  the  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of 
Christ: 

Vi'herein.  1  Mark  13:22.  ».  1  John  2-6.  ■>  Eph.  3:17.  "  John  15:4,  5, 
P  Rom.  !l!:17;  Eph.  5:6;  Heb.  13:9.  i  Or,  eltmcnts.  q  ch.  1:19,  r  Hob. 
5:!!.     »ll'r,t.3:22      >  .fer.  4:4  ;  Phil.  3:3. 

lossians  were  among  those  who  had  never  enjoyed  Paul's 
jiersonal  ministrj-, 

2.  Be  comforted,  being  knit  together  in  love;  that  is,  com- 
forted in  the  way  of  being  knit  together  in  love.  Unto  all 
riches  of  the  full  aaiiirance  of  tinilcrstanding ;  these  words 
give  tlie  end  to  wlilch  such  a  union  of  love  tends.  The 
apostle  means  that  understanding  of  spiritual  things  which 
carries  with  it  the  full  assurance  of  their  reality  and  ex- 
cellence, and  which  is,  moreover,  possessed  in  rich  meas- 
ure. To  the  arlcnmrlcdgmeiit ;  or,  unto  tlie  knowledge.  This 
is  added,  as  a  parallel  clause,  to  explain  the  object  to  which 
the  nnderstaudiiig  just  spoken  of  has  reference.  It  in, the 
mystery  of  God — (f  Christ;  in  other  W(U-ds,  the  mystery  of 
the  plan  of  rcdcni]itlon  in  God  and  Christ,  with  special 
reference  to  that  fixture  of  it  which  unites  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles In  one  body  under  Christ  as  their  head, 

3.  Hid ;  treasured  up  to  be  communicated  according  to 
the  Wiints  of  those  who  believe, 

4.  Willi  enl icing  U'ords;  false  persuasion  ;  words  of  mere 
human  wisdom,  such  as  are  more  fully  explained  after- 
wards ill  verses  l(i-2:i, 

fi,  Christ  Joins  the  Lord;  emphatically,  Christ  Jesus  as 
j'our  sujireme  Lord  and  Bavioiir,  an<l  no  yoke  of  carnal 
ordinaiiees.  Walk  ye  in  him;  continue  In  the  belief  and 
practice  of  those  triillis  which  you  received  when  you 
gave  your  hearts  to  Christ, 

7,  Rooted  and  hitill ;  firmly  established,  like  a  tree  deep 
rooted,  or  a  Innise  on  a  rock, 

8,  Lesi  nnij  mini  .ijioil  yon;  literally,  make  booty  of  you ; 
rob  you  (if  spirit  u:d  blessings  by  leading  you  to  depend  on 
somi'lhing  liesides  Christ  fur  salvation,  liiulimcrils  of  the 
mull  I ;  the  .Mosaic  <-eremonies,  so  called  as  containing,  in 
comiiarisoii  with  the  gospel  of  Christ,  only  the  first  ele- 
ments of  religion,  even  when  rightly  used  ;  while  they  were 
so  perverted  by  the  false  teachers,  that  they  fed  the  spirit 
of  worldly  confidence,  and  made  llios(!  who  trusted  In  them 
carnal.  Instead  of  spiritual, 

9,  Gmlhead  hndili/;  (!od  lncarii;ile.  or  dwelling  in  huni,-in 
nature,     John  1:11;   liom.  <J:r>;  1  Tim.  3:1(1;  Heb,  1:0-8. 

II.  Y'e  are  lirciimrised ;  have  experienced  that  sjiiritnal 
renovation,  that  cutting  off  or  renouncing  of  sin.  the  neees- 
sity  of  which  circumelsion  tiiught,  Wilhont  hinds;  lilend 
circumcision  Wiis  made  with  hands,  but  the  spiritual  cir- 
cumcision which  they  ha<l  experienced  w;is  wrought  by 
the  Holy  Sjiirlt,  through  the  atonement,  righteousness, 
and  intercession  of  Christ, 


Vain  traditions  and 


COLOSSIANS  II. 


forms  to  he  shunned. 


A.  D.C4.  12  Buried  with  him  in  baptism,''  wherein 
also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of  the 
operation  of  God,"  who  hath  raised  him  from  the 
dead. 

13  And  you,  being  dead  in  your  sins  and  the  uncir- 
cunicision  of  your  fiesh,  hath  he  quickened  together 
witli  Iiini,''  having  forgiven  you  all  trespasses; 

14  Blotting  out  the  handwriting  of  ordinanees 
that  was  against  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and 
took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  his  cross;'' 

15  And  having  spoiled  principalities  and  pow- 
ers," he  made  a  show  of  them  openly,  triumphing 
over  them  in  it.* 

10  Let  no  man  therefore  judge  you  in  meat,  or 
in  drink,^  or  in  respect*  of  a  holy-day,  or  of  the 
new-moon,  or  of  the  sabbatli-daj/5.-' 

17  Which  are  a  shadow  of  things  to  come;'  but 
the  body  is  of  Christ. 

"Rom.  6:J,  5.  bEph.  1:19.  c  Eph.  2:1,  5,  II.  J  Kph.  2:15,  16.  e  Psa. 
68:18;  U%.  ^■■i:Vl;  Luke  10:18;  11:22;  John  12:31;  Heb.  2: 14.  •  Or.  him- 
seff.     1  Or^  for  mtins  and  drinicing.     tOi,  part,    f  Rom   14:10,13.    e  Heb. 

12.  Buried  ivith  him  in  baptism;  by  openly  renouncing 
sin,  and  publicly  professing  to  hate  and  forsake  it;  thus 
showing  their  deadness  to  its  reigning  power.  Risen  with 
him;  from  their  death  in  sin,  by  believing  on  him,  and 
thus  experiencing  in  their  own  persons  the  same  divine 
power  which  rai.sed  Christ  from  the  dead. 

13.  Dead  in  your  sins;  while  in  their,  unconverted  state. 
T!ie  uncircumctsion  of  your  fcsh;  that  inward  uncleanness 
of  soul  which  their  outward  state  of  uncircuracision  well 
represented.     Quickened;  made  spiritually  alive. 

14.  Tiie  handwriting  of  ordinances ;  the  Jewish  ceremo- 
nial law,  which  laj'  in  the  letter,  and  not  in  the  spirit. 
Contrary  to  us;  burdensome,  opposed  to  our  liberty  and 
peace  as  Christians,  and  constituting  a  "middle  wall  of 
partition  "  between  Jews  and  Gentiles.  Nailing;  it  to  his 
cross;  as  a  sign  of  its  abrogation;  in  other  words,  annul- 
ling it  by  liis  expiatory  death  on  the  cross. 

1.5.  Principalities  and  powers ;  the  powers  of  darkness,  of 
which  Satan  is  the  leader.  Compare  Eph.  6:12.  These 
our  Lord  overcame  by  his  death  and  resurrection,  John 
12:31;  14:30;  1():11.  Alade  a  show  of  them  openly  ;  led  them 
in  triumph,  as  a  conqueror  his  captives.  Compare  Eph. 
4:8.  In  it;  in  his  cross,  as  the  means  of  his  victory  over 
them. 

16.  Judge  you;  pronounce  you  good  or  bad,  according 
to  your  treatment  of  the  ceremonial  law.  A  holy-day — 
sabbath-days ;  in  the  original,  a  festival — sabbaths.  The 
days  referred  to  are  those  required  to  be  observed  in  the 
ceremonial  law — days  associated  by  God  with  meats, 
drinks,  and  new  moons.  The  passage  docs  not  refer  to 
the  Saljbatli  of  the  moral  law,  associated  with  the  com- 
mands forbidding  theft,  murder,  and  adultery.  This 
weekly  Sabbath  was  never  against  men  or  contrary  to 
them,  but  was  always  for  them,  and  promotive  of  their 
highest  good.  The  observance  of  it  caused  them  to  ride 
upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and  to  possess  the  heri- 
tage of  God's  people.     Isa.  58:1:5,  14;  Jcr.  17:21-27. 

17.  A.'ilifulow;  of  the  Ilodeenier  who  was  to  come  ;  point- 
ing to  him  as  the  only  and  all-sufficient  Saviour.  TIte  body 
is  of  Christ;  he  is  the  substance  to  which,  as  shadows,  all 
the  Jewish  rites  referred. 

15.  Of  your  reward ;  that  which  Christ  bestows  on  those 
who  cleave  to  him,  and  seek  salvation  through  him.  In  a 
voluntary  humility  and  worshipping  of  angels;  the  apostle 
apparently  speaks  of  that  false  humility  which  they  had 
who  pretended  that  God  was  too  great  to  Ijo  approached 
except  through  created  beings,  such  as  angels.  Thus 
their  false  teachers  sought  to  draw  them  away  from  Christ, 
as  if  they  needed  ceremonies  and  mediators  not  i)re8cribed 
in  the  gospel ;  whereas  neither  saints  nor  angels  nor  the 
Virgin  Mary  can  help  us  as  mediators;  and  Christ,  if  wo 
trust  in  him,  will  do  for  us  all  that  we  need.  Vainly  puffed 
up;  whatever  appearances  of  humility  or  iiiety  ai'iy  may 


18  Let  no  man  beguile  you^  of  your  reward  in  a 
voluntary  humility "  and  worshipping  of  angels,'' 
intruding  into  those  things  which  he  hath  not  seen,' 
vainly  puflcd  up  by  his  fleshly  mind, 

19  And  not  holding  the  Head,^  from  which  all 
the  body  by  joints  and  bands  having  nourishment 
ministered,  and  knit  together,  increaseth  with  the 
increase  of  God. 

20  Wherefore  if  ye  be  dead  with  Christ  from 
the  rudiments'  of  the  world,  why,  as  though  living 
in  the  world,  are  ye  subject  to  ordinances, 

21  (Touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not ; 

22  Which  all  are  to  perish  with  the  using ;)  after 
the  commandments  and  doctrines  of  men? 

23  Which  things  have  indeed  a  show  of  wisdom 
in  will-worship,  and  humility,  and  neglecting*  of 
the  body;  not  in  any  honor  to  the  satisfying  of 
the  flesh. 


8:5.  i  Or,  judge  as^aiiust  you.  iGr.  being  a  voluntary  in  huuiiUty.  h  Rev. 
.3:11.  iDeut.  29:20;  Job  38:2.  i  Eph.  4:"l5,  10.  ^  Or, eUinents.  'Or, pun- 
ishing, or  not  sparing. 


have  who  teach  that  you  need  other  mediators  besides 
Christ,  or  other  observances  besides  those  which  he  has 
appointed,  they  are  ignorant  or  selfish,  worldly  and  wicked, 
deceivers  or  deceived.  If  honest  in  what  they  say,  they 
are  blind  leaders  of  the  blind.     Matt.  15:14. 

19.  Head;  Christ.  The  body;  the  church,  which  is  com- 
posed of  all  who  ti'uly  believe  in  him.  The  increase  of  God ; 
the  increase  wliich  God  bestows,  consisthig  in  faith,  love, 
joy,  peace,  and  other  graces  of  the  Spirit.     Gal.  5 :  22,  23. 

20.  If  ye  be  dead  with  Christ;  compare,  for  this  idea  of 
dying  with  Christ,  Rom.  6:;i-ll,and  the  notes  on  that  pas- 
sage. By  dying  with  Christ,  the  Colossians  had  renounced 
sin  and  worldly  confidence  in  every  form,  especially  con- 
fidence in  the  rudiments  of  the  world ;  that  is,  the  Mosaic 
ceremonies ;  see  note  to  ver.  8.  Why  then,  as  though  lin- 
ing in  the  world,  and  not  dead  to  it  Avith  Christ,  would  they 
be  subject  to  ordinances ;  have  the  vain  worldly  ordinanees 
which  they  professed  to  have  renounced  imposed  upon 
them?  AVhy  seek  justification  by  Jewish  ordinances,  which 
forbid  certain  meats  or  drinks,  and  make  vain  distinctions 
of  days?     Ver.  16. 

21.  Touch  not — handle  not;  samples  of  these  worldly 
ordinances  pertiiining  to  the  Jewisli  distinction  of  meats. 

22.  Which  all  are  to  perish  with  the  using;  a  parenthetical 
remark  tlirown  in  by  the  apostle  to  show  that  these  meats 
can  bring  no  real  defilement  to  the  soul ;  for  they  all  per- 
ish with  the  using,  and  pass  away  without  touching  the 
true  inner,  man.  Compare  the  exactly  similar  argument  of 
our  Saviour,  Mark  7:14-23;  which  is  the  best  connnentary 
on  the  present  passage.  After  the  rommundmeiits — if  men; 
to  be  connected  immediately  with  the  w'ords,  "  why — are 
ye  subject  to  ordinances  ?"  ver.  20. 

23.  A  show  of  wisdom ;  an  empty  show  without  the  reality. 
He  then  names  three  things  in  which  this  vain  show  is 
made.  Will-worsliip;  of  man's  invention,  not  required  of 
God.  Humilitt/;  a  vain  show  of  it.  See  note  to  ver.  18. 
Neglecting  of  the  body;  unsparing  treatment  of  it  by  aus- 
terities of  man's  invention.  A^ot  in  any  honor;  meaning, 
according  to  some,  while  they  refuiie  to  bestow  any  honor 
on  the  body,  but  vilify  it  by  their  fiilse  severity  towards 
it.  But  we  may  better  understand  the  words  as  referring 
to  all  the  iireccding  part  of  the  verse,  and  describing  the 
things  iiiinied  which  have  a  show  of  wisdom  as  having  in 
tliem  no  true  honor  towards  God,  but  being,  on  the  con- 
trary, utterly  worthless.  To  the  satisfying  of  the  fcsh  ; 
referring  to  all  the  jireceding  things,  as  having  for  their 
end  not  true  holiness,  but  only  the  satisfying  of  the  fleshly 
mind. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
3.  The  religion  of  Christ  makes  all  who  possess  it  truly 
benevolent,  and  leads  them  earnestly  to  desire  the  holiness 
and  happiness  of  others. 

7.  A  heart  abounding  in  thanksgiving  to  God  for  his 

1379 


IHvers  Christian 


COLOSSIANS  III. 


graces  commended. 


CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  showeth  where  we  shoulJ  seek  Christ.  5  He  exhorteth  to  morti- 
fication, 10  to  put  off  the  old  man,  .^nli  to  put  on  Christ,  12  exhortinj^ 
to  charity,  humility,  and  other  several  duties. 

IF  ye  then  be  risea  with  Christ,"  seek  those 
tliin.crs  -n-hich  are  alxive,  -where  Christ  sitteth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God.'' 

2  Set  your  affection"  on  things  above,  not  on 
things  on  the  earth.'' 

3  For  ye  are  dead,**  and  your  life  is  hid  with 
Christ  in  God. 

4  Wlien  Christ,''  ivho  is  our  life,''  shall  appear, 
then  sliall  ye  also  appear  witli  iiini  in  glory. 

5  Mortify  therefore  your  inenibors  whicli  are 
upon  the  earth  ;'^  fornication,  uncleanness,  inordi- 
nate affection,  evil  concupiscence, and  covetousness, 
which  is  idolatry : 

6  For  whicli  things'  sake  the  wrath  of  God  com- 
eth  on  tlie  children  of  di.sobedience: 

7  In  the  wliieii  ye  also  walked  some  time,  when 
ye  lived  in  tliem." 

8  But  now  ye  also  put  off  all  tliese ;  anger,  wrath, 
malice,  blasphemy,  filthy  communication  out  of 
your  mouth. 

9  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  have 
jjiit  off  the  old  man  with  liis  deeds; 

10  And  liave  jiut  on  tlie  new  man,  wliicli  is  re- 
newed in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that 
created  him:' 

•  Ch  2:12.  b  R„m.  S;34.  *  Or,  ynind.  '  1  John  2:1.5.  i  Rom.  r,:i. 
'  1  .Inhn  .1:2.  '  John  11:25;  14:6.  s  Rom.  8:13:  Gal.  5:21;  Eph.  5:3-(!. 
bTilus:J:3.     iEph   4:*), 'il.    JRom.IU:12.     k  Marlt  11:25;  Kpli.  4:2,  32. 

mercies,  especially  for  Jesus  Christ  and  life  through  him, 
is  a  j^reat  safeguard  against  error,  a  source  of  the  purest 
enjoyment,  and  a  means  of  the  greatest  good. 

II.  The  true  circumcision,  that  which  (!od  requires  and 
which  is  essential  to  salvation,  is  not  anj'  thing  which  is 
outward  merely,  or  wrought  by  men.  It  is  the  work  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  ;ind  the  fruit  of  faith  in  ('lirist. 

17.  ('ircumcision  and  all  the  Mosaic  rites  and  ceremo- 
nies were  designed  to  show  men  their  need  of  inward 
purification,  and  the  necessity  of  believing  on  C'hrist  in 
order  to  obtain  it.  In  him  we  have  all  that  we  need. 
There  is  no  occasion,  then,  tlrat  we  look  for  salvation  to 
.lewisli,  or  other  kiiiilred  ceremonies,  to  saints,  to  the  Vir- 
gin Mary,  or  to  any  one  except  Christ.  • 

18.  Persons  who  occupy  themselves  in  matters  beyond 
the  limits  of  the  human  iiiin<l,  are  w;inting  in  hnniility  as 
well  as  in  wisdom  and  goodness.  They  are  generally  vain 
and  liglit-rainded,  superficial  and  proiul. 

23.  Kvery  thing  which  draws  men  away  from  Christ  as 
the  only  foundation  of  himian  hope,  or  le;id8  them  to  seek 
salvation  in  any  w;iy  except  through  faith  in  hirn,  tends  to 
rob  them  of  blessings  which,  by  continued  active  faith  and 
obedience,  they  would  obtiiin. 

chaptf:r  111. 

1.  Risen;  after  the  example  of  Christ  and  in  imicm  with 
him,  from  your  death  in  sin  to  a  new  divine  life.  See 
chap.  •Z:12;  Rom.  6:3-11;  Kph.  2:l-r,. 

:i.  Daid;  dea<l  to  your  former  life  of  sin.  Ymir  lifr; 
your  new  life  to  which  you  have  risen  in  Christ  through 
fiiitli.  This  life  comprehends  both  the  present  spiritual 
life  of  the  soul  and  the  glorious  resurrection  life  of  which 
it  is  the  earnest ;  for  both  together  constitute  that  one 
everlasting  life,  the  beginning  of  which  all  who  believe  in 
Christ  have  as  a  present  jiosscssion,  .lohn  3:'M);  5:24; 
r.:40,  ,')4;  1  John  .5:13.  h  htil  with  ClirisI  in  Gixl ;  hid  along 
with  t 'lirist,  whose  members  ye  are,  in  the  bosf)m  of  God 
in  heaven.  It  is  then,  first,  safe  from  all  the  a.ssaults  of 
wicked  men  and  evil  spirits,  John  10:27-29;  secondly, 
1380 


1 1  Where  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jew,'  •*  u.  i-.i. 
circumcision  nor  uncircumcision,  Barbarian,  Scyth- 
ian, bond  nor  free ;  but  Christ  is  all,  and  in  all. 

12  Put  on  therefore,  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy 
and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humble- 
ness of  mind,  meekness,  huig-suffering  ; 

13  Forbearing  one  another,''  and  forgiving  one 
another,'  if  any  man  have  a  quarreP  against  any: 
even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye. 

14  And  above  all  these  things  jml  mi  charity,"" 
which  is  the  bond  of  perfectncss." 

15  And  let  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your  hearts," 
to  the  whicli  also  ye  are  called  in  one  body;  and 
be  ye  thankful. 

10  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly 
in  all  wisdom;''  teaching  and  admonishing  one 
another  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,*" 
singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  liie  Lord. 

17  And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do 
all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,''  giving  thanks 
to  God  and  the  Father  by  him. 

18  Wives,  sulimit  yourselves  unto  your  own  hus- 
bands,'' as  it  is  lit  in  the  Lord. 

19  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter 
against  them. 

20  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things:' 
for  this  is  well-pleasing  unto  the  Ijord. 

21  Fathers,  jirovoke  not  your  children  to  anger, 
lest  they  be  discouraged. 


1  Matt.  (1:14, 15.  1  Or.  rompfainl.  m  1  Pet.  4:.-?.  "  1  Cor.  13:2,  8,  13.  o  Phil. 
4:7.  pP*a. 110:11.  qEph.5:19.  r  1  Cor.  10:31.  •  Eph  5:22,  etc.;  Titus 
2:4,  5;  1  I'ot.  3:1,  etc.     t  Kph.  fi:l,  etc. 


invisible  to  the  eye  of  sense,  so  that  not  only  does  the 
world  know  us  not,  as  it  knew  not  Christ  in  his  hinnilia- 
tion,  but  we  do  not  ourselves  know  what  wo  shall  be. 
1  John  3:1,  2. 

4.  Shalt  appear ;  slutll  be  manifested  in  glory  at  his  sec- 
ond coming.  Sliall  ijc  also  appear;  be  manifested,  so  that 
till  sh;ill  see  the  glory  which  (jod  has  bestowed  on  you. 

.0.  Mortify  I licref ore;  since  ye  are  dead  with  Christ,  act 
coiisisti'iitly  in  jiuttiiig  to  dciith  i/mir  mciiilicrs  vliir/i  are 
!(/)0)i  the  carlli;  your  boilily  members  as  the  instruments  of 
earthly  lust ;  in  other  words,  the  sinful  p;issioiis  tliiit  exert 
tlieir  power  in  your  bodily  inendters;  so  that  from  being 
"servants  to  uncleanness  and  to  iniquity,"  they  may  be- 
come "servants  to  righteousness."     liom.  (1:19. 

9.  The  old  man;  those  inclinations  and  habits  wliirli 
belong  to  man  l)efore  conversion. 

10.  Pill  on;  adojited  new  principles  and  entered  on  a 
new  course  of  life,  in  consecinence  of  having  been  renewed 
in  the  sjiirit  of  their  minils  by  the  Holy  Chost. 

11.  lioiid  nor  free ;  bondmen  and  freemen.  ;ind  miii  of  ;dl 
descriiitions  who  are  born  of  the  Hjiirit,  have  eipiiil  riglils 
and  are  entitled  to  eipial  privileges  in  the  church  of  Christ. 
'I'hey  are  all  living  members  of  his  living  body,  and  objects 
of  his  gracious  favor. 

14.  Charily;  love.  The  bond  of  perfectne.is ;  as  binding 
together  all  the  other  graces  into  oii<'  whole,  and  thus 
making  the  Christian  character  complete. 

l.l.  The  peace  of  God ;  th;it  which  he  gives,  anil  which 
rcseiidiles  liis  own. 

l«-2.-).  Soc  the  notes  on  the  very  similar  jiassage.  V,\Au 
5: in  to  B:9. 

21.  Pinimke  not  your  children;  by  unkinilly  and  improp- 
erly liniling  fault  with  them,  being  diflicull  to  ]ileasc,  or 
failing  to  commend  ;iiid  eni-ourage  them  when  they  do 
well.  Le.sl  Ihey  lie  disrouraf^cil ;  despair  of  being  abli-  to 
))lease  you,  and  so  become  broUi'ii  in  spirit  and  recklctis 
in  regard  to  your  wishes.  A  iiiokI  important  ailmonili(jn 
to  all  parents  who  would  retain  their  inllueiico  over  their 
children. 


Relative  duties  of 


COLOSSIANS  IV. 


servants  and  masters. 


A.v.M.  22  Servants,  obey  in  all  things  your  mas- 
ters according  to  the  flesh;"  not  witli  eye-service, 
as  men-pleasers ;  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fear- 
ing God: 

23  And  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  it  heartily,  as  to 
the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men ; 

24  Knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive 
the  reward  of  the  inheritance:  for  ye  serve  the 
Lord  Christ. 

25  But  he  that  doeth  wrong,  shall  receive  for 
the  wrong  which  he  hath  done;  and  there  is  no 
respect  of  persons. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  exliorteth  them  to  be  fervent  in  prayer.  5  to  walk  wisely  toward 
them  that  are  not  yet  come  to  the  true  knowledge  of  Christ.  10  He 
saluteth  them,  and  wisheth  tiiem  all  prosperity. 

"j\  ,1" ASTERS,  give  unto  yoin-  servants  that  which 
_LVJ_  is  just  and  equal;''  knowing  that  ye  also 
have  a  Master  in  heaven. 

2  Continue  in  prayer,"  and  watch  in  the  same 
with  thanksgiving;'' 

3  Withal  praying  also  for  us,  that  God  would 
open  unto  us  a  door  of  utterance,"  to  speak  the 
mystery  of  Christ,  for  whicli  I  am  also  in  bonds : 

4  That  I  may  make  it  manifest,  as  I  ought  to 
speak. 

5  Walk  in  wisdom  toward  them  tliat  are  with- 
out,"^  redeeming  the  time. 

»lPet.2:18.  b  Eph.  G:9,  etc.  cLukelS:!.  d  Mark  1-3:33.  «  2  Thess. 
3:1.     f  Psa.  <J0:12;  Eph.  5:15,  18.    e  Mark  9:50.     1>  Eph.  0:21,  aS.     i  Phile. 


22.  In  all  things;  unless  they  command  you  to  do  wrong. 
Not — as  men-pleasers;  not  merely  or  prineiiially  for  the  pur- 
pose of  pleasing  men,  with  constrained  or  outward  ser- 
vice only ;  but  willingly,  heartily,  from  regard  to  God,  and 
for  the  purpose  of  pleasing  him. 

24.  Tlie  reward  of  the  mhcritance;  the  gracious  reward 
of  the  heavenly  inheritance  which  ho  will  give  to  his  chil- 
dren. 

25.  No  respect  of  persons ;  servants  and  masters  will  stand 
together  before  God,  be  judged  by  the  same  law,  and  be 
rewarded  or  jiuuished  according  to  their  character  and 
conduct. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Christ  is  the  light,  life,  and  joy  of  his  people.  Be- 
cause he  lives,  they  shall  live  ;  and  when  he  comes,  it  will 
be  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  admired  in  all  them 
that  believe.     2  Thess.  1:10. 

11.  The  standing  of  persons  in  the  Christian  church,  and 
their  rights  and  privileges  as  members,  do  not  depend  on 
their  outward  condition,  but  on  their  union  to  him  on  whom 
they  are  dependent,  and  to  whom  they  are  accountable. 

14.  Love  to  God  and  to  men,  dependence  on  Christ,  and 
a  desire  to  obey  his  will,  are  the  source  and  security  of 
right  actions,  and  are,  in  all  conditions  and  relations,  es- 
sential to  perfection  of  human  character  and  conduct. 

2.J.  It  is  the  will  of  Goil  that  there  should  be  govern- 
ment, law,  and  order — that  some  should  command,  and 
others  obey;  but  no  degree  of  power  or  authority  gives 
any  a  right  to  require  of  others  what  is  wrong,  or  if  they 
do  reipiire  it,  makes  it  the  duty  of  others  to  obey.  Each 
one  is  bound  supremely  to  regard  God,  and  whatever  may 
bo  the  consequences,  to  make  it  the  great  object  in  all 
things  to  please  him. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  Thnt  U'hirh  is  just ;  which  rightfully,  according  to  the 
law  of  God,  belongs  to  them.  Eqiud ;  that  which  fairness 
and  honesty  require.  Ye  nho  have  a  Master;  to  whom  you 
justly  owe  service,  and  who  requires  you  to  render  to 
your  servants  all  which  equitably  and  honestly  belongs 


6  Let  your  speech  he  always  with  grace,  seasoned 
with  salt,'  that  ye  may  know  how  ye  ouglit  to 
answer  every  man. 

7  All  my  state  shall  Tychicus  declare  unto  you, 
who  is  a  beloved  brotlier,  and  a  faithful  minister 
and  fellow-servant  in  the  Lord  :" 

8  Whom  I  have  sent  unto  you  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, that  he  miglit  know  your  estate,  and  comfort 
your  hearts ; 

9  With  Onesimus,'  a  faithful  and  beloved  brother, 
who  is  one  of  you.  Tliey  shall  make  known  unto 
you  all  things  which  are  done  here. 

10  AristarchusJ  my  fellow-prisoner  saluteth  you, 
and  Marcus,"  sister's  son  to  Barnabas,  (touching 
whom  ye  received  commandments:  if  he  come 
unto  you,  receive  him  ;) 

11  And  Jesus,  which  is  called  Justus,  who  are  of 
the  circumcision.  These  only  are  my  fellow-work- 
ers unto  the  kingdom  of  God,  whicli  have  been  a 
comfort  unto  me. 

12  Epaphras,  who  is  one  of  you,  a  servant  of 
Christ,  saluteth  you,  always  laboring*  fervently 
for  you  in  prayers,'  tliat  ye  may  stand  perfect  and 
complete^  in  all  the  will  of  God.™ 

13  For  I  bear  him  record,  tliat  he  hath  a  great 
zeal  for  you,  and  them  that  are  in  Laodicea,  and 
tlicm  in  Hierapolis. 

14  Luke,  the  beloved  physician,  and  Demas, 
greet  you." 

in.     j  Acts  27:  a.     k  Acts  15:37;  2  Tim.  4:11.     •  Or,  striving.     ljas.5:16. 
^Or.Jilled.     m  Matt.  5;4S;  Heb.  0:1.     »  2  Tim.  J:  lU,  11. 

to  them ;  and  to  manifest  towards  them  the  spirit  which 
you  ought  to  wish  Christ  to  manifest  towards  you. 

2.  Continue;  be  earnest  and  steadfast.  Watch  in  tlie 
same;  be  vigilant  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty;  see  that 
ye  be  not  dull  or  slothful  in  it,  and  that  yc  allow  your- 
selves in  nothing  that  can  hinder  it. 

3.  A  iloor  of  vltcrance;  open  the  way  and  give  oppor- 
tunity to  preach  the  gospel. 

5.  Walk  tn  wisdom;  conduct  with  discretion  and  pro- 
priety. Tliem  tliat  arc  without;  without  the  church,  men 
of  the  world.     Redeeming  the  time;  see  note  to  Eph.  5:16. 

6.  With  grace;  such  as  grace  dictates;  speak  what  is 
seasonable,  pertinent,  instructive,  useful.  Seasoned  with 
salt ;  not  insipid  and  profitless,  but,  like  well-seasoned  food, 
wholesome  and  promotive  of  the  edification  of  all  who 
hciir.  Know  how — to  answer ;  in  order  to  give  just  views 
and  make  right  impressions.  The  apostle  probably  has 
special  reference  to  the  questions  of  "those  without,"  the 
answers  to  which  would  reciuire  much  circnmsi)ection 
and  heavenly  wisdom. 

7.  Ml)  state;  as  a  prisoner  at  Rome. 

8.  Whom  I  have  sent  unto  you;  Tychicus  was  evidently 
the  bearer  of  the  present  epistle,  as  well  as  of  that  to  the 
Ephesians.     Eph.  fi :  21. 

9.  Onesimus;  Phile.  Ifi,  17,  21. 

10.  Son ;  to  the  sister  of  Barnabas.  Mark,  or  Marcus, 
w.as  the  nephew  of  Barnabas,  and  this  might  be  one  rea- 
son why  liarnabas  wished  him  to  go  witli  them,  when 
Paul  thought  it  not  best.  -Vets  15:37-:)9.  Ye  received  com- 
mandments; ])robably  in  connection  with  the  contention 
between  Paul  and  Barnabas  just  referreil  to. 

11.  Jesus;  the  same  name  as  Joshua  in  Hebrew.  Of  the 
circumcision  ;  Jews. 

12.  One  of  you;  he  belonged  at  Colosse,  but  was  then 
with  Paul  at  Rome.     Chap.  1:7. 

i:!.  Laodicea — Hierapolis;  both  cities  of  Phrvgia,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Colosse,  the  former  on  the  west,  the  latter  on 
the  north-west. 

14.  LuJcc;  the  author  of  the  gospel  which  bears  his 
name.     Demas;  Phile.  24;  2  Tim.  4:10-12. 

13SI 


Concluding 


COLOSSIANS  IV. 


salutations. 


15  Salute  the  brethren  which  are  in  Laodicea, 
and  Nymphas,  and  the  church  which  is  in  his 
house.* 

16  And  when  this  epistle  is  read  among  you,*" 
cause  that  it  be  read  also  in  the  church  of  the 
Laodiceans ;  and  that  ye  likewise  read  the  epistle 
from  Laodicea. 


»  Rom.  16:5:  1  Cor.  16:19.     b  1  Thess.  5 : 27.     t  Phile.  2.     ilTim.  4:14. 


16.  The  epistle  from  Laodicea;  these  words  are  most 
natm-ally  understood  of  an  epistle  which  Paul  had  sent  to 
the  church  of  the  Laodiceans,  which  was  to  be  obtained 
from  Laodicea  that  it  might  bo  read  at  Colosse.  See  note 
to  1  Cor.  5:9. 

17.  Archippics;  Phile.  2. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Servants  have  rights  as  really  as  masters.  Certain 
things,  throiigh  the  grace  of  God,  belong  to  them ;  and 
masters  are  as  sacredly  bound  to  give  them  what  equity 
and  lionesty  require,  as  they  would  be  if  their  servants 
were  masters,  or  as  they  are  to  any  of  their  fellow-men. 

3.  Paul  often  asked  for  the  prayers  of  Christians  on 
earth,  but  never  of  the  Virgin  Mary  or  any  of  the  saints 
in  heaven.  He  knew  better.  All  who  have  the  Bible, 
who  read  and  understand  it,  know  better ;  and  if  they 
obey  the  Bible,  they  all  do  better  than  to  ask  or  desire 
any  intercession  in  heaven,  except  that  of  Christ ;  for  his 
intercession  is  all  which  they  need.     llcb.  7:25. 


17  And  say  to  Archippus,''  Take  heed  to  a.u.ci. 
the  mini.stry  which  thou  hast  received  in  the  Lord,'' 
that  thou  fulfil  it. 

18  The  salutation  by  the  hand  of  me  Paul."  Re- 
member my  bonds.'    Grace  be  with  you.     Amen. 

IT  Written   fi-om   Rome  to  the    Colossians   by 
Tychicus  and  Oiiesinius. 


e  2  Thess.  3:17.     f  Heb.  13:3,  25. 


5.  Christians,  in  all  their  intercourse  with  men,  especial- 
ly with  irreligious  men,  should  be  oiien,  frank,  honest,  and 
sincere;  kind,  amiable,  benevolent,  serious,  and  cheerful; 
showing  by  example  the  supreme  excellence  and  loveli- 
ness of  true  religion. 

6.  Much,  very  much  depends  upon  the  proper  use  of 
the  tongue.  It  may  bo  "a  world  of  iniquity"  or  a  foun- 
tain of  life.  Every  person  therefore,  csjiccially  every 
Christian,  should  pray  and  strive  for  wisdom  and  grace 
rightly  to  use  his  tongue ;  knowing  that  by  his  words  he 
will  be  justified  or  condemned  ;  that  if  any  man  otl'end  not 
in  word,  the  same  is  a  perfect  man ;  and  that  words  fitly 
spoken  are  like  ajiplcs  of  gold  in  a  net-work  of  silver. 
Prov.  18:21;  25:11;  Matt.  12:.'!7;  .Tames  3:2-18. 

12.  There  is  nothing  which  Christians  so  much  desire 
for  others,  especially  for  their  friends,  and  nothing  for 
which  they  so  earnestly  pray,  as  tliat  they  may  understand 
and  do  the  will  of  God ;  for  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God, 
abideth  for  ever.  1  John  2:17;  3:24;  1  Cor.  7:19;  Matt. 
12:50. 


1383 


THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 

TO  THE  THESSALONIANS. 


Thessalonica,  now  Saloniki,  lying  at  the  head  of  the  Thermaic  gulf,  was  the  capital  of  one  of  the  four 
divisions  of  the  Roman  province  of  Macedonia.  We  have,  in  Acts  17  :l-9,  a  brief  account  of  Paul's  mis- 
sionary visit  to  Thessalonica.  Driven  from  Philippi  by  shameful  persecution  and  abuse,  Acts  16  :  19-40, 
he  had  gone  to  Thessalonica  by  the  way  of  Ampliipolis  and  Apollonia,  which  lay  on  the  direct  road  thither, 
Acts  11 : 1,  to  be  again  forced  thence  by  the  persecution  of  the  Jews  to  Berea,  and  from  Berea  to  Athens. 
The  subscription  to  this  epistle  states  that  it  was  written  from  Athens.  But  from  its  introduction,  chap. 
1 : 1,  we  learn  that  Silvanus,  Silas,  and  Timotheus  were  with  him.  Now  since  it  was  at  Corinth,  not  at 
Athens,  that  these  rejoined  him.  Acts  18  :5,  it  is  manifest  that  the  present  epistle  was  written  from  Cor- 
inth during  his  first  visit  to  that  city.  It  is  then  the  first,  in  order  of  time,  of  all  the  epistles  of  Paul. 
From  its  general  tenor  it  is  plain  that  the  Thessalonians  shared  largely  in  the  persecutions  which  the  apos- 
tle had  himself  undergone,  and  that  his  main  design  in  writing  to  them  was  to  animate  them  to  a  cour- 
ageous profession  of  the  gospel  in  the  midst  of  their  heavy  afflictions.  His  stay  with  them  had  been  very 
short.  They  were  passing  through  a  fiery  trial  of  persecution,  and  he  exceedingly  longed  to  see  them,  that 
he  might  establish  them  further  in  the  knowledge  and  faith  of  the  gospel.  Not  being  able  to  do  this,  he 
sent  Timothy  in  his  stead.  It  was  the  good  tidings  brought  by  Timothy  of  their  steadfastness  of  faith 
and  abundance  of  love,  that  furnished  the  immediate  occasion  for  this  epistle,  in  which  he  pours  out  his 
heart  to  them  in  the  most  fervent  expressions  of  aflfectionate  desire.  See  chap.  2  :  17  to  3  : 6.  In  both  this 
and  the  following  epistle  remarkable  prominence  is  given  to  that  great  doctrine  of  the  Christian  faith,  the 
second  coming  of  our  Lord,  see  note  to  chap.  1:3;  for  this  hope  they  especially  needed  to  strengthen 
them  in  the  severe  conflict  through  which  they  were  passing.  The  churches  of  Macedonia  were  as  remark- 
able for  their  warm  attachment  to  the  apostle,  as  for  their  liberality.  Hence  the  peculiar  fervor  of  affec- 
tionate address  which  so  strongly  marks  the  epistles  to  the  Philippians  and  Thessalonians. 


ADM.  CHAPTER  I. 

1  The  Thessalonians  are  given  to  understand  both  how  mindful  of  them 
Paul  was  at  all  times  in  thanksgiving,  and  praj'er ;  5  .and  also  how 
well  he  was  persuaded  of  the  truth  and  sincerity  of  their  faith,  and 
conversion  to  God. 

PAUL,  and  Silvanus,"  and  Timotheus,  unto  the 
church  of  the  Tlie.ssaloniaus"  which  is  in  God 
the  Father  and  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Chrisit:  Grace 
be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 


'IPnter  i:\-2.     b  Acta  17: 1,  etc.     «  Ephesians  I  :a.     J  John  r.:29;  -JTIiesii. 
I:'!.     «  Hebrews  0:10.     (  Romans  liAi.     '  Or,  bdovtd  of  God,  your  tlec- 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  In  God  the  Father  and  in  the  Lord  Jews  Chrisi;  a  form 
of  oxprossion  abundantly  employed  Viy  the  apostle  V:m\, 
and  full  of  deep  meaning.  It  contains  the  idea  that  the 
life  of  eliurehes,  as  of  individual  believers,  has  its  ground 
in  nn\m\  and  communion  with  the  Father  and  the  Son 
through  faith. 

3.  Work  of  faith ;  work  which  has  faith  for  its  source, 
and  is  therefore-  itself  an  exercise  of  faith.  So  tlie  follow- 
ing expression,  labor  of  love,  is  to  be  understood.  Pa- 
tience; the  steadfast  endurance  of  trials;  an  endurance 
sustained  by  lu)})e  m  owr  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  or,  more  liter- 


2  We  give  thanks  to  God  always  for  you  all, 
making  mention  of  you  in  our  prayers ; 

3  Remembering  without  ceasing  your  work  of 
faith,''  and  labor  of  love,"  and  patience  of  hope  in 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
our  Father; 

4  Knowing,  brethren  beloved,  your  election  of 
God.- 

5  For  our  gospel  came  not  unto  you  in  word  only," 
but  also  in  power,**  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,'  and  in 


tion.     e  Isaiah  55:11;  Mark  10:20.     h  i  Corinthians  2:4. 
e:6. 


2  Corinthians 


ally,  hope  of  our  Lord  .lesus  Christ ;  that  is,  tlie  hope  of 
his  second  coming  in  glory  to  receive  his  people  to  him- 
self, which  is  made  so  prominent  in  the  two  epistles  to 
the  Thessalonians:  verse  10;  chaj).  2:19;  3:13;  1:13-18; 
5:23;  2  Tliess.  1:7-10;  chap.  2.  Sec  the  introduction  to 
this  ejustlo. 

4.  Knoicint; — ijour  election ;  being  chosen  of  Hod,  of  which 
their  reception  and  treatment  of  the  gospel  were  evi- 
dences. 

5.  In  power,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance; 
the  last  clause  of  this  verse  sliows  that  the  innnediato 
reference  of  these  words  is  to  the  ajiostle  and  his  asso- 
ciates.    Their  preaching  was  in  power,  and  in  the  Holy 

1383 


Tht  manner  of 


1  THESSALONIANS  II. 


PauVs  preaching 


much  assurance ;"  as  ye  know  what  manner  of  men 
we  were  among  you  for  your  sake. 

6  And  ye  became  followers  of  us,  and  of  the 
Lord."  having  received  the  word  in  much  afflic- 
tion, with  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghost  :■= 

7  So  that  ye  were  cnsaniplcs  to  all  that  believe 
in  Macedonia  and  Achaia. 

8  For  from  you  sounded  out  tlic  word  of  the 
Lord,*  not  only  in  Macedonia  and  Achaia,  but  also 
in  every  place  your  faith  to  God-ward  is  spread 
abroad;"  so  that  we  need  not  to  speak  any  thing. 

9  For  they  themselves  show  of  us  what  manner 
of  entering  in  we  liad  unto  you,  and  how  ye  turned 
to  God  from  idols  to  serve  the  living  and  true  God  ;'' 

10  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven.^  whom 
he  raised  from  the  dead,  even  Jesus,  which  deliv- 
ered us  from  the  wrath  to  come.'' 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  In  -what  manner  the  gospel  was  brought  and  preached  to  the  Thessa- 
lonians,  and  in  what  sort  also  they  received  it.  18  A  reason  is  ren- 
dered both  why  Paul  was  so  long  absent  from  them,  and  also  why  he 
was  so  desirous  to  see  them. 

IT^OR  yourselves,  brethren,  know  our  entrance 
in  unto  you,  that  it  was  not  in  vain : 

2  But  even  after  that  we  had  sutfered  before,  and 
were  shamefully  entreated,  as  ye  know,  at  Philippi,' 
we  were  bold  in  our  God  to  speak  unto  you  the 
gospel  of  God^  with  niucli  contention." 

3  For  our  exhortation  ivas  not  of  deceit,'  nor  of 
uncleanness,  nor  in  guile: 

4  But  as  we  were  allowed  of  God  to  be  put  in 
trust  with  the  gospel,'"  even  so  we  speak ;  not  as 
pleasing  men,  but  God,  which  trieth  our  hearts. 

5  For  neither  at  any  time  used  we  flattering 
words,"  as  ye  know,  nor  a  cloak  of  covctousness; 
God  is  witness : 

>  Hcb.  i:.!.  b  2Cor.  S;.';.  c  Acts  13:52.  <i  Rom.  10;  l.S.  e  a  Tliess.  I  :.|. 
'ICor.  l-2:2;  Gal.  4-.I?.  S  I'hil.  3:-«l.  Ii  Matt.  3:7  ;  Rom.  .1:9.  iAclsl8:12, 
etc.  JActjl7:2.3.  k  Jude  3.  lal'et.  1:10.  m  ITim.  1 :  11,  la  » 'i  Cor. 
2: 17.    o  John  3:41-14 ;  Gal.  1 ;  lU.     '  Or,  used  aulhorily.     V  2  Cor.  12: 1.1-15. 


(.Iliost,  ami  ill  full  assurance  of  what  they  uttered.  But 
tliis  cannot  be  scparattMl  from  tlie  cfTect  on  tlieir  hearers. 
To  tliein  also  tlieir  prcachinp;  was  atteniied  with  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost;  it  was  cinhraced  with  a  full  conviction 
of  its  truths,  and  led  them  to  break  off  their  sins  and  turn 
to  the  Lord.     See  verse  6. 

C.  Joy  of  the  Holy  Glioxt ;  that  which  lie  imjjarts. 

7.  Macedonia  and  Aclitiia;  nK'nlioned  to^jcllicr  as  adjoin- 
ing Komau  provinces,  comprisiiif;  the  whole  of  Urcecc. 
Achaia  comprised  the  southern  part  of  Greece,  of  which 
Corinth  was  the  capital. 

8.  The  word  of  tlie  Lord;  as  manifested  in  your  lives. 
Vcrsts  '.),  10. 

9.  Thci)  thcmictves;  the  persons  named  in  tlie  preceding 
verse,  among  whom  the  word  of  tlie  Lord  sounded  out. 
What  manner  of  entering  in  we  had;  what  power  attended 
our  prcacliing. 

INSTRffTIONS. 

3.  The  piety  of  believers  and  their  activity  in  doing  good 
nwaken  fervent  gratitude  in  the  ministers  of  Christ,  and 
lead  them  to  render  liearty  and  devout  thanksgiving  to 
Ood. 

6.  A  cordial  reception  of  tlio  gospel,  and  devotion  of 
heart  and  life  to  the  service  of  Christ,  are  sure  evidences 
of  I  icing  elected,  and  the  pledge  of  being  kept  by  tlie  power 
of  tJod  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

10.  Christ  is  the  cause  of  the  deliverance  of  liclievcrs 
from  the  wrath  to  come.  This  they  feel  and  acknowledge, 
and  to  him  they  give  the  glory. 

ia»4 


6  Nor  of  men  sought  we  glory,"  neither  a  d.  m. 
of  you,  nor  yet  of  others,  when  we  might  have 
been  burdensome,*^  as  the  apostles  of  Christ. 

7  But  we  were  gentle  among  you,  even  as  a 
nurse  cherisheth  her  children: 

8  So  being  affectionately  desirous  of  you,  we 
were  willing  to  have  iniiiartcd  unto  you,  not  the 
gospel  of  God  only,i  but  also  our  own  souls,  be- 
cause ye  were  dear  unto  us. 

9  For  ye  remember,  brethren,  our  labor  and  trav- 
ail :'■  for  laboring  night  and  day,  because  we  would 
not  be  chargeable  unto  any  of  you,  we  preached 
unto  you  the  gospel  of  God. 

10  Ye  are  witnesses,  and  God  also,  how  holily 
and  justly  and  unlilamably  we  behaved  ourselves 
among  you  that  believe: 

11  As  ye  know  how  we  exhorted  and  comforted 
and  charged  every  one  of  you,  as  a  father  dvth  his 
children, 

12  That  ye  would  walk  worthy  of  God,"  who 
hath  called  you  unto  his  kingdom  and  glory.' 

13  For  this  cause  also  thank  we  God  without 
ceasing,  because,  when  ye  received  the  word  of 
God  which  yc  heard  of  us,  ye  received  //  not  as 
the  word  of  men,"  but  as  it  is  in  truth,  the  word 
of  God,  which  effectually  worketh  also  in  you  that 
believe." 

11  For  ye,  brethren,  became  followers  of  the 
churches  of  God  which  in  Judea  are  in  Christ 
Jesus:  for  ye  also  have  suffered  like  things  of  your 
own  countrymen,  even  as  they  have  of  the  Jews: 

15  Who  both  lulled  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  their 
own  prophets,'''  and  have  persecuted  us  ;*  and  they 
please  not  God,  and  are  contrary  to  all  men: 

IG  Forbidding  us  to  speak  to  the  Gentiles  that 
they  might  be  saved,"  to  fill  up  their  sins  always:^ 
for  the  wrath  is  come  upon  Ihem  to  the  uttermost.^ 


q  Rnm.  1:11. 

r  Acl«20::)4,  3.'i;  2ThMs.  3:7,  8.     •Eph.4:l.     11  Cor.  1:9. 

u   Matt.  10:40 

alVt.3:2.     »  Ja«.   1:16;   1  Pet.  1:23.     "  Acts  7:52.     t  Or, 

r/in.vr/  1(5  out. 

I  Acts  17:5,  13;  18:12.     y  Gen.  15:16;  Matt.  23:32.     •  ReT. 

22:11. 

CHAPTER  II. 

2.  AtPhilippi;  Acts  ]fi:19-24.  For  the  situation  of  Phi- 
lippi, see  introduction  to  the  epistle  to  the  I'hilippians. 
Much  rontc.nlion  ;  conflict  with  opposers,  and  the  dangers 
anil  (lillicuUieH  thence  arising. 

X  Nul  of  deceit,  nor  of  umlcannan ;  it  did  not  spring  from 
deceit,  nor  inii>uro  motives.  Nor  in  pui/e;  we  had  no  cral'ty 
designs  of  our  own  to  accomplish  under  the  cloak  of  preach- 
ing Ihe  gosptd. 

4.  Allouxd  of  God;  approved  of  God,  as  the  original 
means. 

5.  Cloak  of  covelnumess ;  they  had  not  used  religion  to 
conceal  any  covetous  or  selfish  i)urpose. 

fi.  lieen  burdensome;  or,  as  the  margin,  used  authority, 
exacted  honor  of  ynu.  (Jllicrs  understand  the  word  of 
requiring  support  from  the  Thessalonians,  ver.  !). 

H.  Our  ovn  souls;  our  lives:  he  was  so  desirous  of  their 
salvation,  that  lie  was  willing  not  only  to  labor,  but  if  need 
be  to  die  to  promote  it. 

!l.  T'coTOi/,- hard  anil  wearisome  toil.  Laboring;  the  ref- 
erence is  to  manual  tibor  to  obtain  the  means  of  sujiport. 

Ki.  Kfffctinilhj  vnikrih;  leading  them  to  repent  of  their 
sins  and  In  lievc  in  Christ. 

l.'i.  Contrary  to  alt  men;  opposed  to  them,  Bcorniiig  all 
Gentiles,  and  haling  even  Jews  who  believe  on  Christ. 

Ifi.  To  speak;  proclaim  the  gospel.  To  fill  un  their  sins  ; 
unwilling  to  liilieve  themselves,  or  to  have  the  Gentiles 
believe,  they  filled  up  the  cup  of  their  inifiuities  and  of 


His  great  love  for 


1 THESSALONIANS IV. 


i/ie  Thessaloniam. 


A.  D.  51.  17  But  wc,  brethren,  being  taken  from  you 
for  a  short  time  in  presence,  not  in  heart,  endeav- 
ored tlie  more  abundantly  to  see  your  face  with 
great  desire. 

18  Wherefore  we  would  have  come  unto  you, 
even  I  Paul,  once  and  again ;  but  Satan  hindered  us. 

19  For  what  is  our  hope,  or  joy,  or  crown  of 
rejoicing?"  Are  not  even  ye  in  tlie  presence  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  at  his  coming?'^ 

20  For  ye  arc  our  glory  and  joy.'' 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  Paul  testifietli  his  great  love  to  tlie  Thessalonians,  partly  by  sending 
Timothy  unto  them  to  strengthen  and  comfort  them;  partly  by  rejoic- 
ing ill  their  well-doing;  10  and  partly  by  praying  for  them,  and  desir- 
ing a  safe  coming  unto  them. 

WHEREFORE,  when  we  could  no  longer  for- 
bear, we  thought  it  good  to  be  left  at  Ath- 
ens alone ; 

2  And  sent  Timothcus,''  our  brother,  and  minis- 
ter of  God,  and  our  fellow-laborer  in  the  gospel 
of  Ciirist,  to  establish  you,  and  to  comfort  you 
concerning  your  faith : 

3  Tiiat  no  man  should  be  moved  by  these  afflic- 
tions :"'  for  yourselves  know  that  we  arc  appointed 
thereunto.^ 

4  For  verily,  when  wo  were  with  you,  we  told 
you  before  that  we  should  snfter  tribulation ;  even 
as  it  came  to  pass,  and  ye  know. 

5  For  this  cause,  when  I  could  no  longer  for- 
bear,* I  sent  to  know  your  faith,  lest  by  some 
means  tiie  tempter  have  tempted  you,**  and  our 
labor  lie  in  vain.' 

G  But  now  when  Timotheus  came  from  you  unto 
us,  ami  brought  us  good  tidings  of  your  faith  and 
charity,  and  that  ye  have  good  remembrance  of 


•  Or,  ghrijing.  »Judea4.  bRev.  1;7.  t  2  Cor.  1  :M;  Phil.  4:1.  i  Acts 
17:1.3.  e  Eph.  3:13.  '  John  16:2;  1  Cor  4:9;  2  Tim.  3:12;  1  Pet.  2:21. 
gver.l.    h-iCor.  11:2,  3.    iGil.4:ll.    jrhil.l:8.     t  2Cor.  7:8,  7.    1  Eph. 


God's  vengeance.  The  wrath  is  come;  the  wrath  of  God. 
It  was  ahxady  at  their  door,  ready  to  fall  upon  them  and 
consume  them  to  the  uttermost.  This  epistle  was  written 
but  a  few  years  before  tlie  awful  overthrow  of  Jerusalem 
and  the  Jewish  nation  by  the  Romans. 

17.  Jicing  taken  from  ynu;  iKU'eaved  of  you,  as  the  orig- 
in.al  word  means.  The  apostle  felt,  in  his  separation  from 
the  Thrssalonians,  like  a  father  bereaved  of  his  children. 

18.  lliniicred  ms,-  the  agency  which  Satan  employed  was 
probably  that  of  wicked  men. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

6.  The  great  object  of  ministers  in  preaching  the  gos- 
pel, should  be  not  the  praises  of  men,  but  the  ai)probation 
of  God. 

8.  In  their  manner  of  preaching  and  in  their  intercourse 
with  iiii'Ti,  ministers  should  be  kind,  gentle,  courteous,  up- 
right, and  sincere — not  merely  or  principally  for  tho  pur- 
pose cif  i)leasing  men,  but  of  doing  them  good. 

13.  When  the  truths  of  the  Bible  are  received  as  coming 
from  God,  they  will  be  mightily  efhcaeious,  under  tho  in- 
tluenec?  of  his  Spirit,  to  enlighten,  sanetilV,  and  save. 

Id.  .Men  are  naturally  ho  wicked  that,  if  left  to  them- 
selves, tliey  will  not  only  reject  the  Siivionr,  but  oppose 
the  preac-hiiig  of  him  to  others.  This  is  exceedingly  offen- 
sive to  God,  and  exposes  all  who  are  guilty  of  it  to  his 
wrath. 

18.  KITorts  for  tho  salvation  of  souls  are  hated  and  oji- 
posed,  not  only  by  wicked  men,  but  by  Satan  ;  and  often 
ho  succeeds  in  hindering  good  men  from  doing  what  they 
might  otherwise  accomplish. 


us  always,  desiring  greatly  to  see  us,  as  we  also 
to  sec  you:' 

7  Therefore,  brethren,  we  were  comforted  over 
you  in  all  our  affliction  and  distress  by  your  faith  :'' 

8  For  now  we  live,  if  ye  stand  fast  in  the  Lord.' 

9  For  what  thanks  can  we  render  to  God  again 
for  you,  for  all  the  joy  wherewith  we  joy  for  your 
sakcs  before  our  God ; 

10  Night  and  day  praying  exceedingly  that  we 
might  see  your  face,  and  might  perfect  that  which 
is  lacking  in  your  faith?™ 

11  Now  God  himself  and  our  Father,  and  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  direct*  our  way  unto  you. 

12  And  the  Lord  make  you  to  increase  and 
abound  in  love  one  toward  another,"  and  toward 
all  7nen,  even  as  we  do  toward  you: 

13  To  the  end  he  may  stablisli  your  hearts  un- 
blamable in  holiness  before  God,°even  our  Father, 
at  tlie  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all 
his  saints.'' 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  exhorteth  them  to  go  on  forward  in  all  manner  of  godliness,  6  to 
live  holily  and  justly,  9  to  love  one  another,  11  and  quietly  to  follow 
their  own  business;  13  and  last  of  all  to  sorrow  moderately  for  the 
dead.  15  And  unto  this  last  exhortation  is  annexed  a  brief  descrip- 
tion of  the  resurrection,  and  second  coming  of  Christ  to  judgment. 

FURTHERMORE  then  we  beseech*  you,  breth- 
ren, and  exhort*  you  by  the  Lord  Jesus,  that 
as  ye  have  received  of  us  how  ye  ought  to  walk 
and  to  please  God,''  so  ye  would  abound  more  and 
more.'' 

2  For  ye  know  what  commandments  we  gave 
you  by  the  Lord  Jesus. 

3  For  this  is  tho  will  of  God,  even  your  sanctifi- 
cation,  that  ye  should  abstain  from  fornication:' 

0:13,  14;  Phil.  4:1.  m  2  Cor.  13:9,  11 ;  Col.  4:12.  i  Or.  guide,  n  IJohn 
4:7-12.  o  2  Thess.  2:17;  1  John  3:21),  21.  P  Zech.  14:5;  .lude  14.  1  Or, 
rrquest.     i  Or,  beseech.     qCol. 1:1(1.     rlCor.l5:58.     s  1  Cor.  0:15,  IS. 

20.  Sinners  who  are  converted  and  saved  in  answer  to 
the  prayers  and  through  the  instrumentality  of  Christians, 
will  be  jewels  in  their  crown  of  everlasting  joy. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  No  longer  forbear ;  so  desirous  was  he  of  hearing  from 
them,  that  he  could  not  consistently  wait  any  longer. 
3.  Be  moved;  be  led  to  renounce  his  religion  on  account 


of  the  trials  to  which  it  exposed  him.     We  are  apjjointcd; 

jle 
world  should  suffer  trials. 


it  is  a  part  of  God's  gracious  plan  that  his  peojile  in  this 


5.  Tlietemptcr ;  B-^hm.    Have  tempted  you ;  to  deny  Christ. 

8.  We  live ;  our  life  is  bounil  up  in  your  spiritual  welfare. 
To  hear  of  this  fills  us  with  joy.     Compare  chap.  2: 1!).  20. 

l.'i.  At  the  coming  of  oar  Lord  Jeaua  Christ;  when  the  result 
of  God's  work  of  sanctification  in  the  liearts  of  believers 
shall  be  made  manifest  in  its  perfection. 

I.N'STIUICTIONS. 

3.  Christians  should  see  and  acknowledge  the  hand  of 
(!o(l  in  their  trials  ;is  well  as  their  mercies,  and  never  bo 
led  by  lliem  to  renounce  their  confidence  iu  him,  or  their 
devotion  to  his  service. 

8.  When  Christians  are  steadfast  and  persevering  in  the 
faith  and  ))ractice  of  the  gospel,  those  ministers  of  Christ 
who  have  been  instrument;il  in  their  conversion  give  tho 
glory  to  (iod,  ;ind  rejoice  with  exceeding  great  joy. 

lli.  Increasing  lovo  to  Christians  on  account  of  tlicir  at- 
tachment and  likeness  to  Christ,  and  earnest  desires  to 
]>rom<)te  the  highest  good  of  men,  are  powerful  means  of 
persevenuicc  in  holiness  and  prejiaration  for  heaven. 

1385 


1  THESSALONIANS  V 


Holiness  aiid  love. 

4  That  every  one  of  you  should  kno-sv  how  to 
possess  his  vessel  in  sanctificatiou  and  honor ; 

5  Not  in  the  lust  of  concupiscence,  even  as  the 
Gentiles  which  know  not  God:-' 

6  That  no  vian  go  beyond  and  defraud"  his 
brother  in  any*  matter:  because  that  the  Lord  is 
the  avenger  of  all  sucli,  as  we  also  have  forewarned 
you  and  testified. 

7  For  God  hath  not  called  us  unto  uncleanness, 
but  unto  holiness.'' 

8  He  therefore  that  despiseth,'  despiseth  not  man, 
but  God,  who  hath  also  giveu  unto  us  his  Holy 
Spirit. 

9  But  as  touching  brotherly  love  ye  need  not 
that  I  write  unto  you :  for  ye  yourselves  are  taught 
of  God  to  love  one  another .° 

10  And  indeed  ye  do  it  toward  all  the  brethren 
which  are  in  all  Macedonia :  but  we  beseech  you, 
brethren,  that  ye  increase  more  aud  more ; 

11  And  that  ye  study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your 
own  business,'*  and  to  work  with  your  own  hands, 
as  we  commanded  you ; 

12  That  ye  may  walk  honestly  toward  them  that 
arc  without,'^  and  Ma/  ye  may  have  lack  of  nothing.^ 

1:3  But  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant, 
brethren,  concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that 
ye  sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which  have  no 
hope. 

14  For  if  we  believe  that  .lesus  died  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will 
God  bring  with  him.' 

15  For  this  we  say  unto  you  by  the  word  of  the 


Christ's  second  coming. 


«Eph.  4:17,  IS.  '  Or,  oppress,  or  overreach,  t  Or,  in  Me.  b  Lev. 11:44; 
Hfb,  12:14;  1  Pet.  1:14-16.  t  Or, rejccteth.  t  John  1.5:12,  17.  •lIPet.4:l5. 
e  Rom.  13: 13.     1  Or,  no  man.     '  1  Cor.  15:20,  elc.     e  Malt.  24:30,  31 ;  Acts 


CHAPTER  IV. 

4.  Pos-^ess  his  vessel;  treat  liis  l>o(ly  as  the  work  and  prop- 
erty of  God  and  the  liabitutioii  of  an  immortal  spirit. 

8.  Despiseth;  rejccteth  these  in.struetiops. 

12.  IValk  honestlu;  have  a  deportment  that  is  honorable 
and  reputable.  Without ;  witliout  the  ehnrcli ;  those  wlio 
do  not  profess  to  love  Christ,  llavchnk  nf  nothing ;  noth- 
ing which  is  needful  for  suppfirt,  comfort,  aii<l  usefulness. 

IS.  Asleep;  asleep  in. I<'su.s,  who  have  died  in  union  with 
Christ  by  faith,  ver.M.  Ulhirrs;  the  unenlightened  Iieathen, 
who  have  no  hope  of  a  resurrection  and  life  of  blessedness 
with  T'hrist  in  heaven. 

14.  Will  God  bring  with  him;  raise  from  tlio  dead  in 
glorious,  immortal  bodies,  so  that  they  as  well  as  those 
that  remain  alive  at  Chrisfs  coming,  shall  appear  with 
him  in  trior)'.     1  Cor.  ir):.')l-54. 

15.  Whir.h  are  alive;  when  the  Lord  shall  come  to  judg- 
ment. S'lall  not  prevent ;  not  go  before,  or  rise  to  meet  the 
Lord  before  those  do  who  are  dead. 

IC.  Rise  first;  before  the  living  shall  be  changed.  But 
after  the  dead  in  Christ  are  raised,  the  living  Khali  bo 
changed,  and  both  ascend  togetlier  to  be  for  ever  with  the 
Lord. 

INSTRUCTION'S. 

1.  .TeRiiK  (Christ  and  his  apostles  were  cxreedingly  desir- 
ous not  merely  that  men  should  be  eonverlf'd  and  have  a 
good  hope  of  heaven,  but  that  they  shoiilil  be  eminently 
holy  ;  should  not  merely  bi^  ])l;iMted  as  trees  of  right(^ous- 
ncss  in  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  but  bear  much  fruit.  .John 
15:8. 

8.  Men  treat  Ood  as  they  treat  the  truths  of  the  IJible. 
Those  who  disbelieve  and  reject  them.  <liKb(lieve  and  re- 
ject him ;  and  those  who  love  and  obey  them,  love  and 
obey  him. 

1386 


Lord,  that  we  which  are  alive  mid  remain  .\.  n.w. 
unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord  shall  not  prevent 
them  which  are  asleep. 

16  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from 
heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  arch- 
angel, and  with  the  trump  of  God:"-'  aud  the  dead 
in  Christ  shall  rise  first:'' 

17  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
cauglit  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,'  to 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air:  and  so  shall  we  ever  be 
with  the  Lord.J 

18  Wherefore  comfort*  one  another  with  these 
words. 

CHAP.TER  V. 

1  He  proceedeth  in  tlie  former  description  of  Christ's  coming  to  .jutlg- 
meut,  10  and  givcth  divers  precepts,  2.3  .and  so  concludeth  the  epistle. 

BUT  of  the  times  and  the  seasons,  brethren,  ye 
have  no  need  that  I  write  unto  you. 

2  For  yourselves  know  perfectly  that  the  day  of 
the  Lord  so  cometli  as  a  thief  in  tlie  night.'' 

3  For  when  they  shall  say,  Peace  ami  safety; 
then  sudden  destruction  cometh  upon  them,  as 
travail  upon  a  woman  with  child ;'  and  they  shall 
not  escape. 

4  But  ye,  brethren,  are  not  in  darkness,'"  that 
that  day  should  overtake  you  as  a  thief. 

5  Ye  arc  all  the  children  of  light,  and  the  chil- 
dren of  the  day :  we  are  not  of  the  night,  nor  of 
darkness. 

6  Therefore  let  us  not  sleep,"  as  do  others ;  but 
let  us  watcli  and  be  sober.'* 

1:11:  2Thess.  1:7.  Ii  Rev.  20;5,  0.  iRev.ll:12.  JJohnl4:3.  I  Or.  ei- 
liorl.  k  Luke  12:39,  40;  2  Pet.  3:10;  Rev.  lli:15.  IJcr.  13:81.  m  Eph. 
5:8;  1  John  2:8.    n  Matt.  25:5;  Rom.  13:12,  13.     o  1  Pet.  5:8. 


12.  Diligence  in  lawful  usef\il  liusiness  is  the  duty  of  all 
men,  unless  disabled;  it  is  the  means  by  which  God  ordi- 
narily supplies  their  wants  and  enables  them  to  pay  their 
debts,  support  their  families,  and  be  useful  to  their  fel- 
low-mon. 

18.  The  prospect  of  meeting  our  pious  friends  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  and  with  them,  perfect  in  body  and  soul, 
ascending  with  Clirist  and  all  his  redeemed,  to  be  for  ever 
like  him,  soothes  the  anguish  of  parting  with  them,  and 
fills  the  soul  with  joys  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  The  times  anil  the  seasons;  ihiit  pertain  to  the  Lord's 
coming,  of  which  he  had  just  been  speaking.  Ye  have  no 
need  that  1  write  unto  you;  for  the  reason  stated  in  the  next 
verse. 

2.  Perfeclh/ ;  more  literally,  accurately,  having  been  care- 
fully instructed  on  that  point  by  myself.  The  day  of  the 
Lord;  of  his  second  coming  in  glory  just  spoken  of.  As 
a  thief  m  the  night;  suddenly  and  at  an  unexpected  time. 
It  is  God's  will  that  men  should  live  in  eonst;iiit  jirejiara- 
tion  for  it.  All  overcnrious  eomjiutations  for  the  i)urpo80 
of  fixing  its  exact  date  are  vain  and  prolitless.  .Matt. 
24:.'5(i.  What  the  apostli^  here  s;iys  of  Christ's  second 
coming  is  eiriinently  true  also  of  his  particular  coming  to 
each  oni>  at  dciith,"  which  is,  in  truth,  tt>  him  the  end  of 
the  world,  lleb.  I): 27. 

3.  Thrij;  the  wicked,  who  are  living  in  careless  secu- 
rity.    Compare  .\I;tll.  21: :i7-39. 

4.  IV;  Christi:ii]H.  Niil  in  darkness  ;  the  darkness  of  igno- 
rance and  sin.  They  had  been  enlightened  by  the  reee])- 
tion  of  the  truth.  Should  mertakc  ijou;  surjirise  you  in  an 
unprepared  state,  as  a  thief  does. 

0.  Sleep;  livi:  in  stu])idity  and  carnal  security,  unmind- 
ful of  and  uninlluenced  by  the  great  truths  of  the  gospel. 


Paul  condudeth, 


1  THESSALONIANS  V. 


with  divers  precepts. 


A. D.54.     7  For  they  that  sleep,  sleep  in  the  night; 
and  they  that  be  drunken,  are  drunken  in  tlic  night. 

8  But  let  us,  who  are  of  the  day,  be  sober,  put- 
ting on  the  breastplate  of  faith  and  love ;"  and  for 
a  helmet,  the  hope  of  salvation. 

9  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,"  but 
to  obtain  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

10  Who  died  for  us,  that,  whether  wo  wake  or 
sleep,  we  should  live  together  witli  him." 

11  Wherefore  comfort*  yourselves  together,  and 
edify  one  another,  even  as  also  ye  do. 

12  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them 
which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the 
Lord,  and  admonish  you;'' 

13  And  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for 
their  work's  sake.  Jind  be  at  peace  among  your- 
selves.'' 

14  Now  we  exhort*  you,  brethren,  warn  them 
that  are  unruly,*'"  comfort  the  feeble-minded,  sup- 
port the  weak,*"'  be  patient  toward  all  men.^ 

15  See  that  none  render  evil  for  evil  unto  any 
man;^  but  ever  follow  that  which  is  good,^  both 
among  yourselves,  and  to  all  men. 


»Isa. 59:17.  t.  Rom.  9:23;  IPet.  2:8.  »  Rom.  14:S,  9;  20or.  5:15.  'Or, 
exhort,  d  Heb.  13:7,  17.  e  Mark  9:50.  t  Or,  beseech,  t  Or,  disorderly. 
'Heb.  12:12.    g  Rom.  15:1.    hEph.  4:2.    i  Prov.  20:22;  24:29;  Matt.  5:39, 


7.  They  that  sleep,  sleep  in  the  nigitt — drunken  in  the  night ; 
as  the  natural  night  is  the  time  when  men  indulge  in  nat- 
ural sleep  and  drunkenness,  so  they  who  live  in  the  spir- 
itual night  of  ignorance  and  sin  may  be  expected  to  give 
themselves  up  to  spiritual  sleep  and  dissoluteness.  But 
not  so  we,  who  are  of  the  day,  as  the  apostle  proceeds  to 
show. 

8.  Breastplate — helmet;  see  Eph.  6:13-18,  and  notes. 

9.  To  obtain  salvation  ;  this  was  evident  from  their  hav- 
ing believed  in  Christ. 

10.  Wake  or  sleep;  be  found  among  the  living  or  the  dead. 

12.  Know  them;  as  your  ministers,  with  affectionate  love 
and  obedience  to  their  instructions. 

13.  TIteir  work's  sake;  as  preachers  of  the  gospel  and 
promoters  of  your  spiritual  good. 

14.  Unruly ;  tliose  who  live  in  violation  of  the  rules  of 
God's  word.  Feeble-minded ;  those  who  are  easily  dis- 
heartened and  discouraged.  The  weak;  the  weak  in  faitli. 
Compare  Rom.  14:1;  15:1. 

16.  Rejoice;  in  (!od  and  his  salvation. 

19.  Quench  not  the  Spirit ;  by  refusing  to  follow  his  gra- 
cious leadings,  doing  wliat  you  know  to  lie  contr.ary  to  his 
will,  or  neglecting  to  perform  the  duty  to  which  he  prompts 
you. 

20.  Propliesying.i ;  see  note  to  1  Cor.  12:28. 

21.  Prove  all  things;  by  comparing  them  with  the  Bible  ; 
and  if  they  do  not  agree  with  that,  reject  them ;  if  they 
do,  receive  and  believe  them. 

23.  The  coming  nf  our  Lord;  his  second  coming  in  glory. 
See  note  to  chap.  3:13. 

24.  Who  also  will  do  it ;  God,  who  had  begun  their  sanc- 
tificatlon,  would  increase  it  till  it  should  be  perfected. 

27.  Unto  all;  for  it  was  not  designed  for  individuals 
merely,  but  for  the  whole  church. 

INSTRUCTION'S. 
6.  As  we  know  that  God  will  call  us  to  judgment,  but 


16  Rejoice  evermore.'' 

17  I'ray  without  ceasing.' 

18  In  every  thing  give  thanks:"  for  this  is  the 
will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  concerning  you. 

19  Quench  not  the  Spirit." 

20  Despise  not  prophesyings." 

21  Prove  all  things  ;p  hold  fast  that  which  is 
good." 

22  Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil/ 

23  And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you 
wholly :  and  /  pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and 
soul  and  body  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

24  Faithful  is  he  that  calleth  you,'  who  also  will 
do  it. 

25  Brethren,  pray  for  us. 

26  Greet  all  the  brethren  with  a  holy  kiss. 

27  I  charge^  you  by  the  Lord,  that  this  epistle 
be  read  unto  all  the  holy  brctliren. 

28  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
you.     Amen. 

TT  Tlie  first  epistle  unto  the  Thessalonians  was 
written  from  Athens. 

44;  1  Pet.  3:9.  J  Gal.  (5:10.  t  Phil.  4:4.  1  Rom.  12:12.  m  Eph.  5:20. 
n  Eph.  4:30.  o  1  Cor.  14: 1,  39.  PI  John  4:1.  q  Phil.  4:8.  rl^a.  3:3:15. 
'  1  Cor.  l:t<,  9.     t  1  Cor.  10:13;  2  Thess.  3:3.     5  Or,  adjure. 

cannot  know  when,  we  should  be  always  ready,  and  so 
live  that  whenever  called  we  may  give  our  account  witli 
joy,  and  not  with  grief. 

9.  Tliose  who  beheve  in  Christ  and  obey  his  commands 
show  that  they  are  elected  to  eternal  life  and  are  heirs  of 
heaven. 

13.  Ministers  who  take  the  oversight  of  churches  are 
not  to  be  esteemed  merely  or  principally  on  account  of 
their  office,  but  must  do  works  which  are  worthy  of  es- 
teem, or  tliey  give  no  evidence  of  being  ministers  of 
Christ,  and  have  no  claim,  as  such,  to  the  respect  and  con- 
fidence of  his  people. 

16.  A  Christian  is  never  placed  in  any  situation  in  which 
he  has  not  abundant  reason  for  exceeding  great  joy. 

18.  A  dependent,  grateful,  and  benevolent  spirit,  mani- 
fested in  liaVjitual  thanksgiving  and  in  supplication  for 
ourselves  and  our  fellow-men,  is  pecuharly  pleasing  to 
God. 

19.  Though  the  Holy  Spirit  is  almighty,  he  may  be  re- 
sisted. His  influences  may  be  quenched,  their  efficacy 
counteracted,  and  by  the  commission  of  sin  and  the  neg- 
lect of  duty  men  may  deprive  themselves  of  his  saving 
power. 

21.  Hearers  of  the  gospel  are  bound  to  inquire,  examine, 
and  judge  whether  what  they  hear  is  or  is  not  according 
to  the  15ible ;  and  any  man  or  body  of  men  that  denies 
them  this  right,  or  hinders  them  from  exercising  it,  is  vio- 
lating the  revealed  will  of  God. 

24.  God  will  certainly  and  wholly  sanctify  and  save  all 
who  truly  believe  in  Christ  and  continue  to  serve  him. 

25.  The  fact  that  Paul  felt  his  need  of  the  prayers  of 
living  Christians,  and  often  asked  for  them,  but  never 
asked  for  the  pra^yers  of  the  dead  or  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
shows  conclusively  that  it  is  not  right  to  pray  to  them. 
No  insi)ired  man  ever  di<l  it,  and  none  who  rightly  under- 
stand and  obi'y  tlie  Scriptures  ever  will  do  it. 


last 


THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  THESSALONIANS. 


The  second  epistle  to  the  Thessalonians  seems  to  liave  been  written  not  very  long  after  the  first,  and 
from  the  same  place,  Corinth.  The  main  design  of  the  apostle  was  to  correct  certain  false  expectations 
among  tlie  Thessalonians  in  respect  to  the  supposed  near  approach  of  the  Lord's  second  coming,  whetlier 
based  on  misapprehension  of  his  oral  or  written  iustractions,  or  on  pretended  revelations  from  the  spirit 
of  prophecy.  In  doing  this,  he  brings  in  that  remarkable  prophecy  respecting  "the  man  of  sin,"  which 
occupies  so  large  a  part  of  the  second  chapter ;  renews  the  exhortations  given  in  the  first  epistle  to  stead- 
fastness in  trials  ;  and  warns  tliem  against  idleness  and  tlie  neglect  of  their  daily  avocations,  a  vice  that 
would  naturally  ally  itself  with  their  erroneous  ideas  respecting  "the  day  of  the  Lord"  as  just  at  hand. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Paul  certifieth  them  of  the  good  opinion  which  he  had  of  their  faith, 
love,  and  patience;  11  and  therewithal  iiseth  divers  reasons  for  the 
comforting  of  them  in  persecution,  whereof  the  chiefest  is  taken  from 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God. 

]_)AIJL,  and  Silvanus,  and  Tiinothcus,  unto  the 
ciiurch  of  tlie  Thessalonians  in  God  our  Fa- 
ther and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ:" 

2  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Fatlier  and  tlie  Lord  Jesus  Clirist." 

3  We  are  bound  to  tiiaiik  God  always  for  you, 
liretlireu,  as  it  is  meet,  because  tliat  your  faith 
giowetli  exceedingly,  and  tlic  charity  of  every 
OIK!  of  you  all  toward  each  otiicr  abouiuleth  ; 

4  r^o  that  we  ourselves  glory  in  you  in  the 
churches  of  God,''  for  your  patience  and  faitli  in 
all  your  persecutions  and  tribulations  that  ye  en- 
dure:'' 

.')  H7iich  is  a  manifest  token  of  the  righteous 
jud','ment  of  God,''  that  ye  may  be  counted  wortliy 
of  tlie  kingdom  of  God,  foi-  wiiidi  ye  also  sufler:' 

G  Seeing  //  is  a  rigiiteous  thing  witii  God  to  rec- 


•  1  The.n 
S:ll       'I 

iiiia.    • 


in.  1:1,  etc.  b  I  Cor.  1:3.  «  ■•  Cor.  9:2;  I  Thew.  2: 19,  a<).  J  .la., 
'hi.  1  i-ia.  I  1  TheM.  2:14;  Heb.  l(P:;t2,  33.  «  Rev.  «:1().  h  Rev. 
(it.  the  angeh  of  his  power.     '  IThena.  4:10;  Judo  14.    J  Jlcb. 


CHAPTER  I. 

a.  A  manifest  token ;  your"p.it,ienceaiifI  faitli,"  namely,"  in 
all. voiir persecutions uinl  triliiilatioim,"  ciiiliiri'il  lor ('lnisl's 
sake,  make  it  manifest  that  a  ri(;litcons  jinl^nii-nt  is  coin- 
ing wlicn  (Jod  will  graciously  reward  jou  and  imiiisliyour 
foes.  Tlial  ye  may  be  cnuntcd  wnrlliy;  these  words  express 
the  end  and  issue  to  which  tlie  ri;;litcou8  judgment  of  (iod 
looks,  in  the  ease  of  those  who  have  steadfastly  sulfered 
for  Christ's  sake. 

7.  Wlien  Ike  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed;  at  the  day  of 
judgment. 

9.  Evertnsting  deslrvriion  from  the  presence  of  tlie  Lord; 
their  destruction  consist.s  in  everlasting  lianishment  from 
God's  presence  anil  the  glory  of  his  |)o\ver,  and  the  ever- 
lasting endurance  of  (Jod's  wrath  with  the  devil  and  his 
angilH.     .Matt,  'ii.i:  11,  4r.. 

10.  Admired  m  all  them  that  believe;  that  is,  in  the  per- 
sons of  all  them  that  believe ;  for  they  will  he  transformed 

1388 


ompcnsc  tribulation  to  them  that  trouble  a.  d.  54. 
you;B 

7  And  to  you  who  are  troulded  rest  with  us," 
when  tlie  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from 
heaven  witli  his  inigjity  angels,'' 

8  111  flaming  fireJ  taking*  vengeance  on  them 
tliat  know  not  God,"  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ:' 

9  Who  shall  be  punislied  with  everlasting  de- 
struction from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,"'  and  from 
the  glory  of  his  power  ;" 

10  Wlicn  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his 
saints,"  and  to  be  admired  in  all  tiiem  that  believe'' 
(because  our  testimony  among  you  was  believed) 
in  that  day. 

1 1  Wiierefore  also  we  pray  always  for  you,  that 
our  God  would  count'  you  worthy  of  this  calling,'' 
and  fulfil  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  goodness, 
and  tin;  work  of  failii  witli  power: 

12  Tliat  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may 
be  glorilied  in  you,''  and  ye  in  him,  according  to 
the  grace  of  our  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Clirist. 

10:27;  2  Pot.  3:7.  t  Or,  yielding,  k  Deut.  32:41,  43;  Psi.  79:0;  Zoph. 
1:0.  I  Rom. 2:8.  m  Phil.  3:19;  2  Pet.  3:7.  nisi.  2:19.  "Matt.  25:31. 
pPiia.0a;3j.     t  Or,  voul■hst^ft.    1  Col.  1 :12;  Rev.  3:4.    rIPot.l:7. 


into  Christ's  image  in  soul  and  body,  and  will  reflect  his 
glory.  JiccauKC  imr  tcsliinimii  niiiiii)'^  i/aii  ?/•««  livlicvrd ;  a 
li;irciillietical  sentence  added  to  show  that  the  TheNs;ilo- 
iii;MiH  also  are  included  in  ";ill  tlieiii  tli:it,  believe."  In  lliiit 
daij;  in  the  day  of  Christ's  second  coming.  These  words 
are  to  be  connected  immediately  with  those  before  the 
piiientliesis. 

II.  This  cnlling  ;  their  calling  to  eternal  life.  Fulfil ;  in 
your  souls.  All  the  i^ood plms\irr  (fhix  i^amlncs^t;  as  niiini- 
fested  in  ciirrying  forwunl  to  coinjilelion  tlu^  work  of  saiic- 
tilioation  in  your  souls.  The  wailc  if  fmlli  ;  that  is,  fullil 
the  work  of  faith  in  your  souls,  by  making  perfect  your 
faith  with  its  fruits. 

I '2.  He  f^lnrifml  in  i/oii,  and  ye  in  him;  by  their  bearing 
his  image,  jiromoting  his  glory,  and  being  admitted  to  his 
rest. 

INSTIHrCTIONS. 

3.  The  holy,  consistent,  and  useful  lives  of  (.'liristiaiia 
are  a  striking  manifestation  of  the  power  of  divine  grace, 


The  coming  and  destruction 


2  THESSALONIANS  II. 


of  antichrist  foretold- 


N 


ADM.  CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  willeth  them  to  continue  steadfast  in  tlie  truth  received,  3  showeth 
tliat  there  shall  be  a  departure  from  the  faith,  9  and  a  discovery  of 
antichrist,  before  the  day  of  the  Lord  come.  15  And  thereupon  re- 
peateth  liis  former  exhortation,  and  prayeth  for  them. 

OW  we  beseech  you,  bretliren,  by  the  coming 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  our  gatli- 
ering  together  unto  him, 

2  Tliat  ye  be  not  soon  sliaken  in  mind,  or  be  troub- 
led, neither  by  spirit,  nor  by  word,  nor  by  letter 
as  from  us,  as  that  the  day  of  Christ  is  at  hand.'' 

3  Let  no  man  deceive  you  by  any  means:  for 
that  day  shall  not  come,  except  there  come  a  falling 
away  first,"  and  that  man  of  sin  be  revealed,"  the 
son  of  perdition;'' 

4  Who  opposctli  and  exalteth  himself  above  all 
that  is  called  God,"  or  that  is  worshipped ;  so  that 
he  as  God  sittcth  in  tlie  temple  of  God,  showing 
himself  tliat  he  is  God. 


1  Matt.  24:4-0.     b  1  Tim.  4:1.     c  Dan.  ' 
Rev.  l:!:B.     •  Or,  hotrlelh.     tlJohn4:3. 


:-J5.     d  John  17:12.    e  Tsa.  14:1.3; 
S  Isa.  11:4;  Dan.  7:10.  11;  Rev. 


in  which  the  friends  of  Christ  greatly  rejoice,  and  for  wliich 
they  render  hearty  and  devout  tlianksgiving  to  God. 

S.  The  prosperity,  injustice,  and  cruelty  of  the  wicked, 
and  the  adversity,  meekness,  patience,  and  submission  of 
the  righteous,  show  tliat  men  are  not  in  this  world  treated 
according  to  their  character ;  and  that  there  is  a  coming 
judgment,  when  the  righteous  will  be  rewarded  and  the 
wicked  punished  according  to  their  works. 

9.  The  endless  destruction  of  the  perseveringly  wicked 
is  just. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  Bij  the  coming  of  our  Lord;  rather,  in  respect  to  the 
coming  of  our  Lord,  of  which  he  had  just  sjioken. 

2.  Bij  spirit ;  by  any  pretended  revelation  from  the  Spirit 
of  (lod.     As  from  us;  professing  to  come  from  us. 

3.  A  falling;  awiiij;  a  great  apostasy  from  the  faith  and 
practice  of  the  gospel.  That  man  of  sin ;  the  words  "  man 
of  sin  "  are  to  be  understood  not  of  any  single  person,  but 
of  a  wicked  system  presided  over  and  directed  by  a  suc- 
cession of  wicked  men.  The  words  of  the  apostle  clearly 
describe  that  great  system  of  spiritual  tyranny  and  wick- 
edness of  which  the  papacy  has  ever  been  the  central 
power.  Be  revealed;  .show  himself,  and  be  made  manifest 
in  his  true  character.  The  son  of  perdition;  the  very  words 
applied  by  our  Saviour  to  the  apostate  Judas.  They  de- 
scribe the  man  of  sin  as  notoriously  wicked  and  doomed 
to  final  destruction.  See  the  histories  of  popes  John  II. 
andJohn  VIIT. ;  of  Marcellinus  ;  of  Ilonorius,  of  whom  the 
council  of  Constantinople  say,  "  We  have  caused  kim  to  be 
accursed  ;"  of  Eiigenius,  whom  the  council  of  Basle  call 
"a  simonist,  a  perjurer,  a  wilful  lieretic  ;"  of  John  XIII. ; 
of  Sextus  IV. ;  of  .Vloxiinder  VI.,  who,  as  a  papal  historian 
says,  was  "  one  of  the  greatest  and  most  horrible  motistors 
in  ii;it\irc  ;"  and  of  many  others.  See  Guicciardhii,  Ciaco- 
nius,  and  other  pap;d  historians. 

4.  117(0  opposctli  and  exatlctli  himself  ahove  all  that  is  called 
G'jil ;  opposetlt  the  gosjiel  of  ('lirist  as  revealed  in  the 
Bililc,  and  persecutes  tliose  who  embrace  it.  Sec  the  his- 
tory of  \Vickliff(>,  lluss,  iuirl  Jerome  of  Prague,  of  the  Wal- 
deiiscs,  of  the  Inquisition,  of  .Mary  queen  of  England,  and 
of  St.  liartholomew's  day  in  France.  Who  invades  the  pre- 
rogatives of  God,  pretending  to  be  the  head  of  the  church, 
to  forgive  sins,  and  to  ilo  what  God  himself  cannot  do— 
gr;int  indulgences  to  commit  sins.  See  the  history  of  pope 
Leo  X.,  of  the  archbishop  of  Mayence,  of  Tetze'l,  and  of 
jiaiial  indulgences.  Who  practically  annuls  the  laws  of 
God,  and  substitutes  for  tliem  the  commandments  of  men; 
as  when  the  council  of  Trent  decreed,  "Whosoever  shall 
say  that  it  is  not  more  blessed  to  remain  in  virginity  or 
celibacy  tlian  to  be  joined  in  marriage,  let  him  be"  ac- 
cursed ;"  and  when  the  pope  says,  "  Be  careful  to  preserve 


5  Remember  ye  not,  that  wlien  I  was  yet  with 
you,  I  told  you  these  tilings? 

6  And  now  ye  know  what  withlioldeth*  that  he 
might  be  revealed  in  his  time. 

7  For  the  mystery  of  iniquity  doth  already 
work;'  only  he  who  now  letteth  will  kt,  until  he 
be  taken  out  of  the  way. 

8  And  then  shall  that  Wicked  be  revealed,  whom 
the  Lord  shall  consume  with  the  spirit  of  his  moutli,'^ 
and  shall  destroy  with  the  brightness  of  his  com- 
ing:'' 

9  Even  him,  whose  coming  is  after  the  working  of 
Satan,  with  all  power  and  signs  and  lying  wonders, 

10  And  with  all  deceivablcuess  of  unrighteous- 
ness in  them  that  perish;'  because  they  received 
not  the  love  of  the  trutli.^  that  they  might  be  saved. 

1 1  And  for  this  cause  God  shall  send  them  strong 
delusion,''  that  they  should  believe  a  lie : 

12  That  they  all  might  be  damned  who  believed 


19:15,21. 
1:24. 


I' Ileb.  111:27.    iHeb.  3:13.    jl  Cor.  16:22.    k  Ezek.  14:9;  Rom. 


the  people  not  only  from  the  reading  of  papers,  but  from 
the  reading  of  the  Bible  " — "  shun  with  horror  the  reading 
of  such  deadly  poison  ;"  thus  exalting  himself  above  the 
word  of  God.  See  the  Catechism  of  Dr.  James  Butler, 
Dens'  Moral  Theology,  and  other  papal  works.  As  God; 
assuming  the  right  to  control  the  conscience,  receiving  the 
titles  and  claiming  the  honors  which  belong  only  to  God-, — 
called  by  his  deluded  followers, "Our  Lord  God  the  Pope," 
"  Another  God  upon  earth,"  "  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of 
lords."     See  Newton  on  the  Prophecies. 

5.  These  things;  that  there  would  be  a  great  apostasy 
before  the  coining  of  Christ  to  judgment.  Of  course  that 
event  was  not  near.     Ver.  2. 

6.  Withlioldeth;  lioldcth  back  or  hindereth  the  develop- 
ment of  the  man  of  sin,  anil  his  claiming  the  high  powers 
and  prerogatives  which  he  afterwards  assumed. 

7.  The  vtt/ster;/  of  iniquit ij ;  that  ambitious,  proud,  covet- 
ous, and  domineering  spirit,  which  the  popes  afterwards 
exhiliitcd  in  assuming  to  be  lords  temporal  and  spiritual. 
He  who  now  letteth;  the  Roman  government,  whicli,  while 
it  lasted,  ])revented  the  rise  of  the  papal  civil  government. 
Until  he  he  taken  out  of  the  wnij ;  the  Roman  government 
would  continue,  as  long  as  it  should  last,  to  prevent  the 
establishment  at  Rome  of  the  jiapal  government. 

8.  Then  ;  after  the  downlall  of  tlie  Roman  empire.  That 
Wicked;  the  wicked  one,  the  man  of  sin  ;ind  son  of  penlition 
spoken  of  in  ver.  3.  Be  rcvenleil ;  manifest  himscll';  claim 
to  be  universal  bishop  and  lord  of  the  kings  of  the  earth. 
Shall  consume  vith  the  spirit  if  h  is  month  ;  compare  Isa.  11:4, 
"  He  shall  smite  the  earth  willi  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and 
with  the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  lie  slay  the  wicked  ;"  Isa. 
49:2,  "  He  hath  made  my  mouth  like  a  sli;irp  sword  ;"  Rev. 
1:16,  "  Out  of  his  mouth  went  a  sliarji  two-edged  sword." 
See  also  Rev.  19:21.  The  reference  tiiijiarently  is  as  well 
to  the  judgments  that  proceed  from  the  mouth  of  Cluist, 
as  to  the  (loetrines  of  his  gosjiel  anil  the  power  of  his 
Spirit.  The  full  accomplishnient  of  this  promise  can  alone 
give  us  its  full  intcrprelatinn. 

9.  After  the  vorking  of  Satan. ;  by  his  aid,  and  like  him 
deceitful,  crafty,  and  wicked.  Lijingvontlers ;  pretending 
to  work  mirticles  when  they  do  not,  and  the  pretence  is  a 
lie  designed  to  delude  the  ignorant. 

10.  Deceivdtilcness  of  nnrightroiisncss ;  all  deceitful  arts  and 
practices  tojiromotc  their  scKish  and  unrighteous  schemes. 
In  them  that  perisli ;  added  to  show  over  whom  the  wicked 
and  lying  arts  of  the  man  of  sin  have  power.  Because  theij 
received  not;  still  further  added  to  .show  why  the  men  just 
spoken  of  perish.  It  is  because  they  received  not  the  love 
of  the  truth ;  did  not  give  the  truth  a  loving  reception, 
because  they  hated  it  and  chose  error  in  its  stead. 

11.  For  this  cause ;  because  they  hate  and  reject  the  truth. 
Stall  send  them  strong  delusion  ;  iiVrmit  it  in  his  providence 

1389 


Steadfastness  and  diligence 


2  THESSALONIANS  III. 


in  prayer  and  labor. 


not  the  truth,  but  had  pleasure  in  unrighteous- 
ness.-' 

13  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to 
God  for  you,''  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  be- 
cause God  hath  from  tiie  Ix'ginning  chosen  you  to 
salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Sjiirit  and 
belief  of  the  truth  :■= 

1-1  Whereunto  he  called  you  by  our  gospel,''  to 
the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

15  Therefore,  brethren,  stand  fast,  and  hold  the 
traditions  which  ye  have  been  taught,  whether  by 
word,  or  our  epistle. 

16  Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself  and  God, 
even  our  Father,  which  hath  loved  us,'  and  hath 
given  us  everlasting  consolation  and  good  hope 
through  grace,*' 

17  Comfort  your  hearts,  and  stablish  you  in 
every  good  word  and  work. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  craveth  their  prayers  for  himself,  3  testifieth  what  eonfidence  he 
hath  in  them,  5  make'th  request  to  (lod  in  their  behalf,  6  giveth  them 
divers  precepts,  especially  to  shun  idleness  and  ill  company,  16  and 
last  of  all  conclujeth  with  prayer  and  salutation. 

I;,"^INALLY,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word 
of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course,*  and  be 
glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you : 

a  Dcut.  3'J:3.S.  b  ch.  1  :.1.  c  Eph.  1:4  ;  1  Thcss.  1 :4 ;  1  Pet.  1 :2.  d  1  Pet. 
510.  eJolinl7:a2.  '  John  1.1:1  ;  Rev.  1  :.■).  s  1  Pet.  1  :.3.  •  Gr.  run.  t  Gr. 
absurd.     lilCor.I:9.     ij,.hnl7:13.    JaCor.7:10.     klChr.   29:18.     I  Or, 

to  come  upon  thera  as  a  righteous  judgment  for  their  hatred 
am!  rejection  of  the  truth.  Jielicve  a  lie;  those  lying  won- 
ders and  false  immoral  doctrines  propagated  by  the  man 
of  sin,  to  the  deceiving  and  ruining  of  multitudes  who  take 
pleasure  in  unrighteousness. 

1.3.  ChoKen  xion  to  sah'ation  through  mnciification — and  belief 
of  the  truth;  God  not  only  chooses  his  peojile  to  salvation, 
but  he  chooses  the  way  also — "sanctificiition  of  the  ^\<u\\ 
and  belief  of  the  truth  "—a  way  in  which  they  "work  out" 
their  "  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,"  while  God 
"  worketh  in"  them  "both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good 
pleasure." 

11.   Wliereunto ;  to  salvation  in  tlie  way  just  mentioned. 

15.  Tke  traditions;  instructions  which  the  apostle  had 
given  them  in  i)rcaching  an<l  by  writing. 
INfjTKLCTIONS. 

2.  The  apostles  did  not  teach  tliat  tlie  day  of  judgment 
or  the  end  of  the  world  was  near  ;  but  tliat  the  day  of  death, 
when  their  hearers  would  be  caljcil  into  eternity,  was  near, 
ami  that  they  should  be  always  ready  ;  for  in  such  an  hour  as 
they  thought  not,  the  Son  of  man  wouM  in  that  sense  come. 

.').  The  rise  ami  progress  of  llic  jiajiacy  and  all  its  abomi- 
nations, in  exact  fiilliliiient  of  the  declarations  of  I'aul,  ut- 
ti.-red  and  recorded  hundreds  of  years  bcliire,  sliow  that 
he  was  divinely  inspired  to  make  known  tliese  things  ;  and 
that  the  epistles  as  well  as  tlie  gosjuls,  the  New  Testament 
as  well  as  the  Old,  are  the  sure  and  iiifalhble  wordof  (!od. 

8.  The  same  divine  Sjiirit  who  by  the  mouth  of  Paul 
foretold  the  rise  and  i)rogress  of  i)opery,  foretolil  also  its 
destniction;  and  the  accomi>lishm(iit  of  one  part  of  the 
prophecy  is  conclusive  evidence  that,  in  due  time,  will  be 
witnessed  the  perfect  accomplishment  of  the  other. 

9-12.  Satan  has  had  much  to  do  in  tlie  rise  and  progress 
of  popery,  and  now  has  much  to  do  in  sustaining  it,  by 
wars  and  bloodshed,  persecution  an<i  cruelty,  deceit  and 
falsehood,  and  by  those  pretended  miracles  ami  lying  won- 
ders, by  which  multitudes,  who  receive  not  the  truth  in 
the  love  of  it,  are  deceived  to  their  destruction. 

l.'i.  Traditions,  in  the  sense  in  which  the  word  is  used 
by  the  apostles,  are  the  doctrines  and  ibilies  which  they 
preached,  and  which  arc  recorded  in  the  Hible.  These  are 
the  traditions  and  the  only  traditions  which  they  exhorted 
their  hearers  to  bold.  Uence  the  reason  why  all  people 
1390 


2  And  that  we  may  be  delivered  from  un-  a. p.m. 
reasonable*  and  wicked  men :  for  all  men  have  not 
faith. 

3  But  the  Lord  is  faithful,''  who  shall  stablish 
you,  and  keep  you  from  evil.' 

4  And  we  have  conlldcnce  in  the  Lord  touching 
you,^  that  ye  both  do  and  will  do  the  things  which 
we  command  you. 

5  And  the  Lord  direct  your  hearts  into  the  love 
of  God,''  and  into  the  patient  waiting  for  Christ.* 

6  Now  we  coinniand  you,  brethren,  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  your- 
selves from  every  brother  that  walketh  disorder- 
ly,' and  not  after  the  tradition  which  he  received 
of  us. 

7  For  yourselves  know  how  ye  ought  to  follow 
us :  for  we  behaved  not  ourselves  disorderly  among 
you; 

8  Neither  did  we  eat  any  man's  bread  for  naught ; 
but  wrought  with  labor  and  travail  night  and  day,"" 
that  we  might  not  be  chargeable  to  any  of  you: 

9  Not  because  we  have  not  power,"  but  to  make 
ourselves  an  ensainple  unto  you  to  follow  us. 

10  For  even  when  we  were  with  you,  this  wc 
commanded  you,  that  if  any  would  not  work,  nei- 
ther should  he  eat." 


patience  of  ChrUt.     1  1  Cor. 
Dl  Cor.  9:0.    o  Gen.  3:19. 


5:11,  l:i;  1  Tim.   0:5.     m  Acts  18:3;  20:34. 


should  have  the  Bible  and  study  it,  that  they  m;iy  under- 
stand and  follow  the  traditions  which  apostles  and  other 
inspired  men  taught.  Hence,  too,  the  reason  why  popes 
are  afraid  to  have  the  Bible  freely  circulated.  It  jioints 
out  their  character,  and  describes  the  wickedness  of  their 
doings.  It  denounces  the  system  of  which  they  arc  the 
head,  as  the  "man  of  sin,"  "the  son  of  perdition,"  "  tho 
wicked  one,"  "  the  mystery  of  iniquity  ;"  "  whose  coming 
is  after  the  working  "of  Satan,  with  signs  and  lying  won- 
ders, in  all  dcccivableness  of  unrighteousness."  If  the  peo- 
ple are  ]iermitted  to  read  it  and  judge  for  themselves  of 
its  meaning,  and  are  disposed  to  follow  it,  they  will  si-e 
that  popes  and  their  associates  arc  antichrist,  and  will 
treat  them  accordingly.  No  wonder  they  issue  btilla 
against  the  Bible  being  circulated  in  Italy,  and  tlial  the 
masses  of  their  people  have  not  been  taught  to  read  it. 
No  wonder  tlieir  priests,  even  in  tho  United  States,  ollen 
ttikc  the  Bible  away  from  tlieir  people,  and  sometimes 
burn  it.  It  deiumnces  their  system  as  false  and  wicked, 
and  describes  those  who  are  d'ehided  by  it  as  believing  a 
lie.  Let  the  Bible  circulate,  and  let  all  read,  believe,  and 
obey  it  as  tlie  woril  of  God,  ;ind  errors  of  every  descrip- 
tion will  vanish,  will  be  consumeil  with  the  breath  of  his 
mouth  and  destroyed  with  the  brightness  of  his  coming. 

CHAPTER   III. 

1.  Have  free  course ;  not  be  obstructed  and  hindered  in 
its  progress.  Be  glorified ;  by  manifesting  its  divine  power 
in  the  salvation  of  all  who  believe. 

2.  Ilrne  not  filth;  l:iith  in  the  gospel.  They  reject  it, 
and  manifest  unreasonable  and  wiclied  ojiposition  towards 
those  who  preach  it  or  receive  it. 

W.  The  Lord  isftithful;  to  all  his  promises,  and  may  bo 
safely  trusted. 

C.  Disordcrlij;  not  according  to  the  rules  of  God's  word, 
as  the  aposllc  had  l-anght  them.  Tradition;  in  the  sense 
of  prece]its.     See  note  to  cha)!.  2:1.'>. 

9.  I'nvcr;  authority  ami  right,  according  to  the  gospfl, 
to  rei'tive  sillijiort  while  iireaching  it.  An  ensamplf ;  of 
diligences  in  busiiicss  and  readiness  to  labor  and  suffer  for 
the  good  of  others. 

10.  Neitlicr  shmtld  he  cat ;  he  should  not  be  supported 
from  the  earnings  of  others. 


The  idle  and 


2  THESSALONIANS  III. 


disorderly  censured. 


A.  D.  54.  11  For  we  hear  that  there  are  some  which 
walk  among  you  disorderlj',  working  not  at  all, 
but  are  busybodies." 

12  Now  them  that  are  such  we  command  and 
exhort  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  with  quiet- 
ness they  work,''  and  eat  their  own  bread. 

13  But  ye.  brethren,  be  not  weary"  in  well-doing.'^ 

14  And  if  any  man  obey  not  our  word  by  this 
epistle,  note  that  man,*  and  have  no  company  with 
him,''  that  he  may  be  ashamed. 


1  1  Tim.  5:13;  1  Pet.  4:15.     bEph.  4:aS.     '  Or.  faitit  not. 
t  Or,  ^isnify  that  man  by  an  epistle,     d  Matt.  IS:  17  j  ver.  6. 


»  1  Cor.  15:58. 
e  Lev.  19:17. 


11.  Bmybodics ;  neglecting  their  own  business  and  med- 
dling with  that  which  does  not  belong  to  them. 

17.  JVliich  is  the  token;  mark  by  which  the  epistle  may  be 
known  to  be  from  me.  The  preceding  part  of  the  epistle 
had  been  written,  as  usual,  by  an  amanuensis.  In  every 
epistle;  these  word.s  need  not  be  taken  with  any  limita- 
tion ;  where  he  does  not  expressly  mention  the  fact,  it  is 
still  probable  that  the  closing  benediction  was  from  his 
own  hand. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Prayer  is  as  really  instrumental  in  the  success  of  the 
gospel  as  preaching,  and  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  means 
of  being  delivered  fi-om,  or  of  overcoming  the  opposition 
of  the  wicked. 

6.  Not  to  associate  with  members  of  the  church  who  by 
their  sins  disgrace  their  profession,  is  one  of  the  divinely 


15  Yet  count  /liin  not  as  an  enemy,  but  admonish 
hirn  as  a  brother." 

IG  Now  the  Lord  of  peace  himself  give  you  peace 
always  by  all  means.'^    The  Lord  be  witii  you  all. 

17  The  salutation  of  Paul  with  mine  own  hand,^ 
which  is  the  token  in  every  epistle :  so  I  write. 

18  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
you  all.''     Amen. 

T  The  second  epistle  to  the  Thessalonians  was 
written  from  Athens. 


f  Rom.  Ui:-2U.     El  Cor.  IG;: 


hRom.  16:;M. 


appointed  means  for  bringing  them  to  repentance,  and  thus 
preventing  their  ruin.     Ver.  14. 

9.  True  benevolence  will  lead  persons  sometimes  to  omit 
enforcing  their  just  rights,  in  order  to  do  greater  good  to 
their  fellow-men. 

10.  Idleness  is  a  great  sin,  and  the  supporting  of  idle 
persons  by  private  or  public  charity,  or  in  any  way  which 
encourages  them  in  idleness,  should  be  conscientiously 
avoided. 

12.  All  who  can,  should  be  habitually  diligent  in  useful 
and  appropriate  business.  If  necessary,  it  should  be  done 
for  their  own  support;  and  if  not  necessary  for  this,  it 
should  be  done  for  the  pvu-pose  of  assisting  others. 

18.  Those  who  are  blessed  with  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  will  be  furnished,  in  obeying  him,  with  all 
needed  good  for  time  and  eternitj'. 


1391 


THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  TIMOTHY. 


Respecting  the  date  of  this  epistle  very  different  opinions  are  held.  Some  place  it  as  early  in  the  apos- 
tle's history  as  his  journey  to  Macedonia,  recorded  Acts  20  :1  ;  or  in  some  unrecorded  visit  made  by  him 
to  Macedonia  during  his  long  sojourn  in  Ephesus,  Acts  1!) :  10.  Others  believe  that  it  was  written  .after 
Paul's  first  imprisonment  at  Rome,  and  consequently,  after  tiie  close  of  the  narrative  in  tlic  Acts  of  the 
Apostles.  To  consider  the  difficulties  connected  with  these  difierent  views,  and  the  arguments  by  which 
they  are  maintained,  does  n<it  come  within  the  plan  of  the  present  brief  commentary.  The  internal  argu- 
ments in  favor  of  a  late  date  are  very  strong.  No  one  can  carefully  study  the  three  pastoral  epistles  to 
Timothy  and  Titus,  of  which  the  second  to  Timothy  was  certainly  written  during  the  .apostle's  last  impris- 
onment near  the  close  of  his  life,  without  being  profoundly  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  they  all 
belong,  as  it  respects  style  and  tone  of  thought,  to  the  same  period  of  the  apostle's  life  ;  and,  as  it  respects 
subject-matter,  to  the  same  age  when  the  churches  were  troubled  by  the  same  false  teachers.  In  both 
these  respects  the  first  and  second  epistles  to  Timothy  are  remarkably  like  each  other,  and  unlike  the 
cpislle  to  the  Ephesians,  which,  upon  the  supposition  of  the  early  date  of  the  present  epistle,  would  come 
in  between  the  two. 

In  these  three  epistles  we  have  the  affectionate  counsel  of  an  inspired  apostle,  ripe  in  Christian  expe- 
rience and  drawing  near  to  the  close  of  his  ministry,  addressed  to  two  young  men  whom  the  Holy  Ghost 
had  made  overseers  of  the  churches.  They  are  a  storehouse  of  instruction  for  all  to  whom  is  comniittc^d 
tlie  ministry  of  recoriciliation.  Let  them,  as  they  hope  to  render  up  at  the  last  day  an  account  of  their 
stewardship  with  joy  and  not  with  grief,  diligently  and  prayerfully  study  and  reduce  to  daily  practice 
these  precepts  of  heavenly  wisdom  given  by  the  Holy  .Si)irit  through  the  pen  of  "Paul  the  aged." 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Timothy  is  put  in  mind  of  the  cli.Tr;;e  which  was  given  nnto  him  hy 
P.iiil  at  his  <;oing  to  Macedonia.  •0  Of  the  ri^ht  use  and  end  of  the 
law.  1 1  Of  Paul's  calling  to  be  an  apostle,  2U  and  of  Hynieneus  aiul 
j\  l.-vander. 

P.VUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  eoni- 
niandrnent  of  G<id   our   Saviour,  and  Lord 
Je-ns  Christ,"  ivhich  is  our  hope;'' 

2  Unto  Timothy,'^  my  own  son  in  the  faitli:'' 
Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father 
and  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.*' 

3  As  I  besought  thee  to  abide  still  at  Ephesus, 

»  Ac'a!I:1.5.  bCol.l:27.  cAcnlfl:!.  ilTi(u«l:4.  »  Hal.  1  •I;  1  Pot. 
1:2      '  Acl«-20:l,3.     f  ch.  6:3, -I,  21).     h  Rom.  13:M,  10;  Gal.  5:H;  2  Tim. 


CHAPTER   I. 

2.  My  own  am;  spiritiiully,  having  been  converted  by 
his  iiiHtnirnciitality. 

3.  (U'icr  dor.lrine ;  false  doctrine  contrary  to  what  Paul 
had  liin^'ht. 

4.  FMcs;  called  "profano  and  old  wIvor"  fables,"  chap. 
4:7;  and  '•.Icwi.Hli  fiil.lcs."  Titus  1:11.  Tlic  apostle  has 
reference  to  alisufl  Ic  ;;(iitlH  and  Hlories  such  as  abound 
in  the  writings  of  the  later  .lews.  Eiulless  frcuenlogies ;  the 
exact  nature  of  these  is  unknown.  According  to  some, 
the  reference  is  to  the  .lewish  records  of  their  descent 
from  Abraham,  by  which  tlicir  pride  was  nourished,  and 
their  confidence   was  withdrawn  from  Christ  to  fleshly 

1392 


wlicnIwcntintoMacodonia,''tliatthouniight-  a. n.os. 
est  charge  some  tliat  they  teach  no  otiicr  doctrine, 

4  Ncitiier  gi\o  heed  to  fables  and  endless  gcne- 
nlogies,"  which  minister  (picstioiis,  rather  than 
godly  cdiiying  which  is  in  faitli:  so  do. 

f)  Now  the  end  of  tlic  comiiuuulinont  is  charity 
out  of  a  [Hire  iieart,''  ami  rf  a  good  coiiscii'iicc,  and 
o/ faith  unfeigned: 

'  6  From   which    some   having    swerved,"'    iiavc 
turned  aside  unto  vain  jangling; 

7  Desiring  to  bo  teachers  of  the  law;   undcr- 


2:22.     •  Oi,  not  aiming  al.    'STim.  4:10. 


relations.  Others,  with  more  probaliiHty,  supjiose  tliat 
tlie  iiiiostlc  h;is  in  view  falih'S  reKiieetiii.t;  the  KduTiilioii  of 
aiij;chcririli'rsof  liciuKN-  Thoiif;li  the  sjKtein  of  (iiioKticisni, 
which  i.s  tilled  witli  Kiiih  "endless  genealoj^ies,"  was  of 
later  ori(;iii,  lliey  bU])]>iisi'  that  its  ^jernis  may  have  existed 
ill  the  apostle's  day,  and  have  mixed  IlKMnselves  with  .lew- 
ish failles.  Minister  qurslmns,  rather  tluin  pnilhj  cihfijmf;; 
lead  to  nothing  but  eiiiply  questions  of  speculation  and 
dispute. 

."i.  The  end  of  the  cnmmmulmnit ;  its  scope  or  aim ;  its 
subHtaiice,  wliieh  all  its  particular  precepts  iiave  in  view. 
Chant II;  love  tow:irds  God  and  man. 

fi.  Swerved;  turned  aside.  Vain  jangling;  entity  and 
contentious  talk. 


77(6  calling  of  Paul. 


1  TIMOTHY  II. 


His  charge  to  Timothy. 


A  D.G5.  standing  neither  what  they  say,  nor  -where- 
of they  affirm.'^ 

8  But  we  know  that  the  law  is  good,*"  if  a  man 
use  it  lawfully ; 

9  Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not  made  for  a 
righteous  man,*^  but  for  tlio  lawless  and  disobedi- 
ent, for  the  ungodly  and  for  sinners,  for  unholy 
and  proHme,  for  murderers  of  fathers  and  murder- 
ers of  mothers,  for  manslayers, 

10  For  whoremongers,  for  tliem  that  defile  them- 
selves with  mankind,  for  men-stealers,  for  liars, 
for  perjured  persons,  and  if  there  be  any  other 
thing  that  is  contrary  to  sound  doctrine;'' 

11  According  to  the  glorious  gospel  of  the 
blessed  God,°  which  was  committed  to  my  trust.'' 

12  And  I  tiiank  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  wlio 
hath  enabled  me,*^  for  that  he  counted  me  faithful,"* 
putting  me  into  the  ministry;' 

13  Who  was  before  a  blasphemer,  and  a  perse- 
cutor,J  and  injurious:  but  I  obtained  mercy,  be- 
cause I  did  it  ignorantly  in  unbelief.'' 

14  And  the  grace  of  our  Lord  was  exceeding 
abundant  with  faith  and  love  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

15  This  is  a  faithful  saying,'  and  worthy  of  all 
acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world 
to  save  sinners ;""  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

16  Howbeit  for  this  cause  I  obtained  mercy,  that 


a  Rom.  1:2-2.     b  Rom. 
C.13.    '  I  Cor.  S):17 


•r.ll.  cGal.S:a3.  d  2Tim.  4:3;  Titus  1 :9.  e  ch. 
(j:lj.  »  i  upr.  v;i/.  K  1  Car.  15:1U.  h  1  Cor.  7:25.  i  Col.  1:25.  j  Acts 
8:3;  I  Cor.  15:9.     k  Luke  23:34.     1  2  Tim.  2:11  ;  Titus  3:8.     ■>.  Matt.  9:13; 

8.  LawfvUy;  according  to  its  proper  design. 

9.  The  law  is  not  made  for  a  righteous  man;  the  apostle  is 
combating  the  error  of  those  who  trusted  iu  the  law  as 
the  instrument  of  their  justification  and  salvation.  This 
end  it  could  never  accomplish.  To  fallen  men  it  "  work- 
eth  wrath,"  Rom.  4:15,  and  its  end  is  death,  Rom.  7:10. 
"  Wherefore  then  serveth  the  law  ?  It  was  added  because 
of  transgressions  " — to  restrain  the  transgressions  of  law- 
less men,  Gal.  3:19;  consequently  not  for  the  righteous, 
who  are  a  law  unto  themselves,  but /of  the  lawless  and  diso- 
bedient. 

10.  Sound  doctrine;  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  called, 
'■  The  doctrine  which  is  according  to  godliness,"  chap.  6:3, 
as  having  for  its  scope  true  godliness,  and  opposing  itself 
to  every  form  of  wickedness. 

12.  Coutited  me  faithful ;  counted  him  a  proper  person  to 
be  put  into  the  ministry,  and  enabled  him  to  discharge  its 
duties. 

13.  Injurious;  one  who  maliciously  and  tyrannically  op- 
pressed and  put  to  death  the  people  of  God.  Ignorantly; 
in  ignorance  of  the  true  character  of  Christ  and  his  disci- 
ples. 

14.  Ute  grace  of  our  Lord;  in  leading  him  to  repent  and 
believe  on  Christ.  With  faith  and  love;  he  mentions  these 
as  the  never  failing  attendants  and  fruits  of  God's  grace. 
Wliich  is  in  Christ  Jesus;  he  adds  these  words  to  show 
that  faith  and  love  have  their  ground  only  in  the  union 
of  the  soul  with  Christ. 

IC.  A  pattern ;  to  show  that  the  chief  of  sinners  who  be- 
lieve in  Christ  may  be  pardoned,  sanctified,  and  saved. 

18.  TImcharge;  the  directions  in  this  epistle.  Prophecies; 
which  some  of  the  New  Testament  prophets  had  uttered 
concerning  Timothy,  before  he  was  put  into  the  ministry. 
By  them ;  by  these  prophecies,  under  their  auspices,  as  it 
were;  in  other  words,  having  them  in  view,  and  being 
animated  by  them.  War  a  good  warfare;  be  faithful  to  the 
Captain  of  salvation,  contending  against  sin  and  striving 
to  save  sinners. 

19.  Holding  faith ;  holding  fast  the  faith  of  the  gospel, 
which  has   for  its  natural  companion  a  good  conscience. 

88 


in  me  first  Jesus  Christ  might  show  forth  all  long- 
suflfcring,  for  a  pattern  to  tiicm  wliich  siiould  here- 
after believe  on  him  to  life  everlasting." 

17  Now  imto  the  King  eternal,"  immortal,''  in- 
visible,'  the  only  wise  God,''  he  honor  and  glory 
for  ever  and  ever.'*     Amen. 

18  Tliis  charge  I  commit  unto  thee,  son  Timothy, 
according  to  the  prophecies  which  went  before  on 
tliee,'  that  thou  by  them  mightest  war  a  good  war- 
fare ; 

19  Holding  faith  and  a  good  conscience ;"  which 
some  liaving  put  away,  concerning  faith  have  made 
shipwreck : 

20  Of  whom  is  Hymeneus  and  Alexander;  whom 
I  have  delivered  unto  Satan,^'  that  they  may  learn 
not  to  blaspheme. 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  That  it  is  meet  to  pray  and  give  thanks  lor  all  men,  and  the  reason 
why.  9  How  women  should  be  attired.  12  They  are  not  permitted 
to  teach.  15  They  shall  be  saved,  notwithstanding  the  testimonies  ot' 
God's  wrath,  in  childbirth,  if  they  continue  in  faith. 

T  EXHORT"  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  suppli- 
X  cations,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of 
thanks,  be  made  for  all  men ; 

2  For  kings,  and /or  all  that  are  in  authority;*"' 
that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all 
godliness  and  honesty. 


Luke 

9:10. 

n  Bom 

15:4 

0 

Psa. 

in:  IB 

P 

ch 

0:1 

r> 

l(i.    q 

John 

1:IM. 

r  Rom 

16:27 

.     s  ICI 

T.  29: 

11. 

>  ch 

4:14. 

u 

ch. 

3:9 

V  1  Cor. 

5:5. 

•Or. 

desire. 

tOr, 

eminent 

place. 

w 

Rom 

13:1, 

etc 

Which;  which  good  conscience.  Having  put  away;  liter- 
ally, having  thrust  away.  They  have  wilfully  cast  away 
a  good  conscience,  and,  as  a  natural  consequence,  concern- 
ing faith  have  made  shipwreck;  for  he  who  allows  his  con- 
science to  be  defiled  by  sinful  practices  is  prepared  to 
reject  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  which  opposes  itself  to 
ever}'  form  of  ungodliness. 

■  20.  Delivered  unto  Satan ;  cast  out  of  the  visible  kingdom 
of  Christ,  perhaps  also  with  the  additional  idea  of  an  inflic- 
tion of  some  bodily  malady.  See  note  to  1  Cor.  6:5.  That 
they  may  learn ;  literally,  may  be  disciplined  ;  may  be  taught, 
by  the  evils  they  suffer,  not  to  continue  in  their  erroneous 
and  wicked  courses. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  The  connection  between  foithful  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel and  those  who  are  led  by  them  to  Christ  is  most  inti- 
mate and  endearing.  It  may  well  be  represented  by  that 
between  parents  and  their  children,  and  is  a  source  of  rich 
and  lasting  enjoyment. 

5.  The  great  things  required  of  us  are  love  to  God  and 
to  men,  confidence  in  him,  and  conscientious  devotion  to 
his  will. 

8.  The  law  of  God  is  good  as  a  rule  of  duty  for  all  men ; 
to  restrain,  by  fear  of  its  penalties,  those  who  transgress 
it,  and  to  point  out  the  puiiisliineiit  which  they  deserve, 
and  without  rcpent;ince  will  suffer. 

16.  Upon  all  who  have  ever  repented  and  believed,  God 
has  bestowed  free  pardon  and  the  blessings  of  heavenly 
grace,  that  even  the  chief  of  sinners  may  be  encouraged 
to  repent  of  their  sins  and  embrace  the  Saviour  as  he  is 
offered  in  the  gospel. 

CHAPTER  IL 

1.  First  (fall;  in  importance. 

2.  For  all  that  are  in  authority;  men  in  public  office  and 
stiitions  of  influence.  Tluit  we  may  lead  a  ipiiet  ami  peace- 
able life;  this  is  the  result  of  God's  grace  given  to  them  in 
answer  to  the  prayers  of  his  people,  and  enabling  them  to 
administer  their  office  with  fidelity  and  uprightness. 

1393 


Duties  of  women. 


1  TIMOTHY  III. 


Qualificalions  of  bixkops. 


3  For  this  is  good  and  acceptable  in  tlic  sight 
of  God  our  Saviour  ; 

■i  Who  will  have  all  men  to  be  saved,  and  to 
come  unto  the  knowledge  of  tlie  truth." 

5  For  there  is  one  God,"  and  one  mediator  be- 
tween God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus ;° 

6  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,''  to  be 
testitied*  in  due  time. 

7  Whereunto  I  am  ordained  a  preacher,  and  an 
apostle,  (I  speak  the  truth  in  Clirist,  and  lie  not,) 
a  teacher  of  tlie  Gentiles  in  faith  and  verity. 

8  1  will  tlierefore  that  men  ])ray  everywhere,'' 
liftins'  upholv  hands,  without  wrath  and  doubting.' 

9  In  like  manner  also,  lliat  women  adorn  them- 
selves in  modest  apparel,  with  shamefacedness  and 
sobriety;  not  with  broidered*  hair,  or  gold,  or 
pearls,  or  costly  array ; 

10  But,  whicli  becometh  women  professing  godli- 
ness, with  good  works. 

11  Let  tlie  woman  learn  in  silence  with  all  sub- 
jeclion.^ 

12  But  I  suffer  not  a  woman  to  teach,  nor  to 
usurp  authority  over  the  man,  but  to  be  in  silence. 

13  For  Adam  was  first  formed,  then  Eve. 


»  John  "iris.  10;  a  Pet.  3:9.  bHom.3;3n.  tHeb.9:15.  <1  Matt.  2U:2.S. 
•  Or.  a  UiUmonij.  o  John  4:31.  '  Heb.  10:22.  t  Or,  plaited;  1  Pot.  3:3. 
8lCor.l4:M.    l>Phil.l:l.    >  Titus  1:0,  etc.    I  Or,  >«orfesl.    i  Ot,  Not  readtj 


3.  For  thin;  praying  for  all  men,  especially  for  rnlei-s. 

4.  U7(0  vill  have  idl  men  to  he  saved;  by  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  the  gospel,  and  by  believing  and  obeying 
it.  lie  therefore  wills  that  it  sliould  be  preached  to  every 
creature,  and  that  his  people  should  jiray  that  all  may 
embrace  it. 

r>,  6.  One  God,  and  one  mediator — a  ransom  for  all ;  these 
words  contain  the  ground  of  the  preceding  exhortation  to 
pray  for  all  men,  and  declaration  that  Uod  desires  the 
salvation  of  all  men.  All  have  one  (iod  for  their  l''ather, 
and  one  .Mediator  who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all.  To 
be  tcitificd  in  due  time;  literally,  as  the  margin,  the  testi- 
mony in,  or  for,  its  own  times.  The  apostle  means  that 
(his  high  doctrine  which  he  has  just  stated  is  one  of  tlie 
mysteries  not  hitherto  clearly  revealed,  but  reserved  liy 
(jod  to  be  made  known,  through  the  testimony  of  his  Sj^'fit, 
in  its  appointed  time,  which  is  the  present. 

8.  Lifting  up  holy  hand.i;  in  prayer.  Witlinut  wrath; 
unholy  anger  towards  men,  which  always  hiiKlcrs  jiraycr. 
Mark  11:25.  Doubling;  the  wavering  of  faith,  which  also 
hinders  prayer.  James  l:(i,  7.  Jiut  many  prefer  to  render, 
disputing,  as  the  same  word  is  translated  in  I'hil.  2;  14. 

9.  In  like  manner ;  with  the  same  holj'  temper.  Shnmc- 
fauihiexs;  modest  appearance.  Sobricli/;  decorum.  Broid- 
rred;  or,  plaited.  Costly  array;  expensive  ornaments  or 
dress,  wliich  is  the  mark  of  pride  and  luxury,  and  corru]it- 
ing  in  its  influence  on  them  and  on  others.  Compare 
1  I'eter  3:3. 

12.  Nor  to  vxurp  authorilij;  as  she  would  sliould  she 
undertake  publicly  to  teach. 

i:i.  Adam  va.i  first  formed ;  an  indication  that  he  is  the 
head  of  the  woman,  and  that  the  oflice  of  teaching  and 
governing  belongs  to  him,  I  Cor.  11:8,9.  The  apostle  has 
reference  to  the  public  assemblies  of  believers.  Compare 
1  Cor.  14:31,  "  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the  church- 
es." 

14.  Jfa.?  not  deceived;  by  the  serpent  in  the  first  trans- 
gression. The  serpent  first  assailed  the  woman,  as  being 
most  open  to  his  arts,  and,  having  deceived  her,  he  made 
use  of  her  to  persua<le  her  liusband.  Com])are  the  worils 
of  the  woman,  "The  serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat;" 
and  the  words  of  (!od  to  the  man,  •'  lii^causo  thou  hast 
hearkened  to  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  ami  hast  eaten,"  Gen. 
3:1.3,  17.  The  headship  was  given  to  the  man,  not  to  the 
woman. 

i:j!»l 


14  And  Adam  was  not  deceived,  but  the  a.  n.cs. 
woman  being  deceived  was  in  the  transgression. 

15  Notwitlistanding  she  siiall  be  saved  in  ciiild- 
bearing,  if  they  continue  in  faith  and  charity  and 
holiness  with  sobriety. 

CHAPTER  HI. 

2  How  bishops,  and  dencons.  and  their  Avives  should  be  qualified,  14  and 
to  what  end  Paul  wrote  to  Timotliy  of  these  things,  lo  Of  the  church, 
and  the  blessed  truth  therein  taught  and  professed. 

THIS  is  a  true  saying.  If  a  man  desire  the  office- 
of  a  bishop,''  he  desireth  a  good  work. 

2  A  bishop  then  must  be  blameless,  tlio  husband 
of  one  wife,'  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,* 
given  to  hospitality,  apt  to  teacli : 

3  Not  given  to  wine,  no  striker,^  not  greedy  of 
filthy  lucre ;  but  patient ;'  not  a  brawler,  not  cov- 
etous ; 

4  One  that  ruletli  well  his  own  liouse,"  having 
his  children  in  subjection  with  all  gravity; 

5  For  if  a  man  know  not  liow  to  rule  his  own 
house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of  the  church  of  God? 

G  Not  a  novice,'  lest  being  lifted  up  with  pride' 
he  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  tlie  devil.'" 


to  rjuarrct  and  offf.r  WTon^t  as  one  in  wine,    j  I  Tim.  2:24.     k  Psa.  101:2. 
1  Or,  one  newly  cotne  to  the  faith.    I  Prov.  IC:18.    ™  Jude  G. 


15.  She  shall  be  saved  in  chitdbearin^' ;  the  apostle  says 
this  with  reference  to  the  original  curse  pronounced  upon 
the  woman,  "  In  sorrow  shalt  thou  bring  forth  children." 
(!en.  3:11).  Through  faith  in  Clirist,  who  is  cmjihalically 
"  the  seed  of  the  woman,"  (iod  will  not  only  sustain  her  in 
the  perils  of  cliildbearing,  but  make  them  conducive  to 
her  spiritual  and  eternal  salvation.  Jflliey  continue;  words 
added  to  show  who  alone  have  an  interest  in  the  promiso 
just  given. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Prayer  for  rulers  is  one  of  the  most  jiowerful  means 
of  obtaining  a  good  government,  and  securing  for  all  liV)- 
erly  to  search  the  Scriptures  and  judge  of  their  meaning, 
to  worshi])  God  according  to  the  diclates  of  conscience, 
antl  to  discharge  their  various  duties  towards  Goil  and  men. 

fi.  As  there  is  but  one  Mediator  between  God  and  men, 
and  as  he  h;is  given  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  wills  lh:it  all 
should  hear  of  him,  believe  on  him,  and  be  saved,  ami  has 
UKide  it  our  duty  to  use  all  means  in  our  power  to  accom- 
plish this,  it  is  evident  that  he  has  made  provision  for  ami 
desires  their  salvation ;  and  that  if  any  to  whom  Christ  is 
made  known  are  not  saved,  it  is  their  own  fault. 

10.  The  highest  beauty  of  women,  and  the  richest  orna- 
ments with  which  they  can  adorn  themselves,  are  true  iiiety 
and  sincere  active  beneficence.  The  gosjiel  inculcates  uni- 
versal propriety,  anil  a  character  formed  after  its  model  is 
one  of  consummate  excellence.  nscfuhiesH,  and  enjoyment. 

12,  It  is  the  revealed  will  of  (iod  that  piiblie  religiiuis 
teachers  should  lie  men,  not  women,  lli;  has  allotted  to 
them  diiVereiit  spheres  of  action,  and  the  jierlection  ofeach 
consists  not  in  aspiring  or  submitting  to  occupy  the  place 
of  the  other,  but  in  performing  their  own  appropriate  duties. 

CII.M'TKR  in. 

2.  Blameless;  of  irreproachitble  character.  Vigilant; 
watchful  and  circumspect  in  his  de|iortmeiit  and  oflice. 
Sober  ;  sober-minded,  )iid]ierly  regulating  his  appetites  and 
Iiassions.  Of  good  hdvivior ;  lU'derly  and  decorous  in  all 
liis  de|PortTnent. 

3.  Greedy  iffillliy  lucre ;  that  is,  of  gain  obtained  by  base 
arts  and  employments. 

4.  WithiUt  gravity;  with  reverent  and  decorous  deport- 
ment in  all  things.  The  words  refer  to  the  deportment  of 
his  children. 

fi.  A  novice;  one  recently  converted,  who  has  but  little 


Qiudifiatimts  of  dacsns. 


1  TIMOTHY  IV. 


T^  mystery  of  godliness. 


A.  D.  65.  7  Moreover,  ho  must  liavo  a  good  report 
of  them  wliicli  are  witliout;"  lest  ho  fall  into  re- 
proach and  the  snare  of  the  devil." 

8  Likewise  must  the  deacons  be  jxrave,*^  not  dou- 
ble-tongued, not  given  to  much  wine,  not  greedy 
of  filthy  lucre  f 

9  Holding  the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a  pure 
conscience.'^ 

10  And  let  these  also  first  be  proved ;  then  let 
them  use  the  office  of  a  deacon,  hc'mg  found  blame- 
less. 

1 1  Even  so  must,  their  wives  be  grave,  not  slan- 
derers, sober,  faithful  in  all  things.' 

12  Let  the  deacons  be  the  husbands  of  one 
wife,  ruling  their  children  and  their  own  houses 
■well.s 

I'-'j  For  they  that  have  used*  the  office  of  a  dea- 
con well,"  purchase  to  themselves  a  good  degree, 
and  great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.' 

a  Acls2-J:ia;  IThesa.  4:12.  b  ch.  C.I) ;  2Tim.  2:06.  i:ActsG:3.  <1  Lev. 
10:9;  Ezck.  41:21;  ver.  3.  o  ch.  1:10;  ver.  16.  f  Titus  2:3.  e  ver.  4. 
•Or,  ministered,  h  Matt.  25:21 .  i  2  Tim.  2:1.  J  2  Tim.  2:2(1.  t  Or,  smy 
kl  Cor.  2:7.     i  Gr.  manifested.     1  John  1 :14;  IJolm  1:2.     m  Matt.  3:16; 

knowledge  of  Christian  doctrines  and  duties,  and  has  not 
yet  become  fully  established  in  the  faith.  Tke  condemna- 
tion of  the  devil;  that  which  befell  him  for  his  pride. 

7.  Have  a  good  report ;  be  of  unblemished  reputation  in 
view  not  only  of  Cliristians,  but  of  others.  TIte  snare  of 
the  devil ;  wliich  he  sets  by  tempting  men  so  to  act  as  to 
injure  themselves  and  the  cause  of  religion. 

8.  Grave;  dignitied  and  decorous  in  their  deportment. 
Double-tongued ;  deceitful,  saying  one  thing  and  doing  or 
meaning  another. 

9.  TIte  mijstcrij  of  the  faith  ;  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel, 
so  called  because  tliey  are  addressed  to  our  faith,  and  are 
a  revelation  of  truths  undiscoverable  by  the  light  of  human 
reason.  In  a  pure  conscience  ;  a  conscience  not  defiled  by 
indulgence  in  sinfnl  practices.  Tlie  deacon  must  be  sound 
in  daily  life,  as  well  ;is  in  faith. 

10.  Proved;  tried  iu  regard  to  their  previous  Christian 
life,  and  their  qualifications  for  the  office. 

11.  Mu-'it  their  wives  be  grave ;  in  selecting  deacons  regard 
must  bo  had  to  the  character  of  their  wives,  for  they  will 
greatly  help  or  hinder  tlieir  husbands  in  their  work.  But 
many  prefer  to  render.  Must  the  women  be  grave  ;  that 
is,  tliose  selected  to  be  deaconesses. 

13.  A  good  degree;  a  good  standing  in  the  church  of 
Clirist,  enlarged  intluence  and  means  of  usefulness.  Great 
boldness  in  the  faith;  in  professing  and  maintaining  the  faith. 

15.  In  the  house  of  God ;  in  conducting  the  affairs  of  the 
church.  Pilltir  and  ground  of  the  truth;  the  church  is  the 
means  of  sustaining,  extending,  and  perpetuating  the  sav- 
ing knowk'ilge  of  divine  truth  among  men. 

It).  The  in  ijsteri/ of  godliness ;  that  great  mystery  of  the 
manifestation  of  God  in  human  nature,  of  which  tlie  apostle 
proceeds  to  speak.  It  is  a  mystery,  as  having  been  hith- 
erto hidden  in  the  secret  counsels  of  God  ;  and  tlic  mystery 
of  godliness,  as  having  godliness  for  its  end  in  ;ill  that 
believe.  God  was  manifest  in  the  flesh  ;  compare  .John  1:14, 
"And  tlie  Word  was  made  flesh" — the  s;uue  Word  which 
was  in  tlic  beginning  with  God,  and  was  God,  ver.  1.  Jus- 
tified in  tlie  Spirit;  sliown  to  be  just  in  his  claims  as  the 
Messiah,  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  given  to  liim  without  meas- 
ure, and  working  in  and  by  him  with  divine  )iower.  Seen 
of  angels;  who  ministered  to  him  and  worshi]iped  him, 
even  in  his  deepest  humiliation.  Ilcb.  l:(i.  Preached  unto 
the  Gentiles;  to  all  nations  as  the  almighty  ;uid  only  S;vviour. 
Believed  on;  by  multitudes  of  Jews  and  Gentiles.  Received 
up  into  glori/;  where  he  ever  lives  to  make  intercession 
for  all  who  come  unto  (ind  by  him.     Ileb.  7:25. 

INST  RUCTIONS. 
4.  It  is  proper  that  a  bishop  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel 


14  These  things  write  I  unto  thee,  hoping  to  come 
unto  thee  shortly : 

15  But  if  I  tarry  long,  that  thou  mayest  know 
how  thou  oughtest  to  behave  thyself  in  the  house 
of  God,-'  which  is  the  church  of  the  living  God, 
the  pillar  and  ground^  of  the  truth. 

16  And  without  controversy,  great  is  the  mystery 
of  godliness :''  God  was  manifest*  in  the  flesh,' Jus- 
tified in  the  Spirit,™  seen  of  angels,"  preached  unto 
the  Gentiles,"  believed  on  in  the  world,''  received 
up  into  glory.'' 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  foretelleth  that  in  the  latter  times  there  shall  be  a  departure  from 
tile  faith.  0  Ami  to  the  end  that  Timothy  might  not  fail  in  doing  his 
duty,  lie  furnislleth  him  with  divers  precepts  belonging  thereto. 

NOW  the  Spirit  speaketii  expressly,  that  in  the 
latter  times  some  shall  depart  from  the  faith,"" 
giving  heed  to  seducing  spirits,  and  doctrines  of 
devils:' 


,Iohn  16:8, 

s; 

Rom.  1 

:■•, 

1  Pet.  3 

13 

l.T 

ohn  5 

0.     n 

Matt. 

4:11 

i  !■ 

ike 

J:  13; 

Eph.  3:1C 

;  1 

Pet.  1: 

12 

0  Acts 

i:: 

:46 

4S; 

Horn. 

10:12 

IS. 

P 

t;oi 

1:6. 

q  Luke  24 

51 

Aotsl 

9. 

"•  Dan. 

11: 

35; 

Matt 

24:5 

-12;  2 

Pet. 

2:1 

a 

Kev. 

16:14. 

should  be  married:  and  if  married,  he  should  with  discre- 
tion and  fidelity  discharge  the  various  duties  of  the  head 
of  a  family ;  especially  should  he  set  an  example  of  good 
family  government,  and  train  up  his  children  in  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

7.  As  the  work  of  a  bishop  is  sacred  and  momentous,  it 
should  be  undertaken  only  by  those  who,  by  a  course  of 
good  conduct,  have  formed  the  character  and  secured  the 
reputation,  in  the  church  and  in  the  world,  of  being  good 
men  ;  free  from  the  imputation  of  vice,  meanness,  sensual 
indulgence,  or  love  of  money  ;  men  who  have  knowledge, 
and  are  able  and  willing  to  teach  ;  who  are  patterns  of  what 
is  upright  and  honorable,  lovely  and  of  good  report. 

11.  The  office  work  of  both  bishops  and  deacons  is  such, 
that  their  comfort  and  success  in  it  depend  much  on  the 
character  and  conduct  of  their  wives.  Tliese  should  bo 
pious,  prudent,  and  discreet,  especially  in  the  use  of  the 
tongue ;  and  say  nothing  which  is  suited  to  do  evil  to 
themselves  or  others.  They  should  also  be  one  in  judg- 
ment and  effort  with  their  husbands  in  governing  their 
children,  ami  examples  of  wisdom  and  energy,  patience 
and  kindness,  in  all  their  concerns. 

]:j.  The  cordial  reception  of  the  great  truths  of  the  gos- 
pel, especially  those  wliich  relate  to  the  char:icter,  work, 
and  glory  of  Christ,  is  the  means  of  true  godliness  ;  and 
the  church  is  God's  institution  to  maintain  those  truths, 
perpetuate  a  knowledge  of  them,  and  extend  them  through 
the  world. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

In  his  farewell  address  to  the  elders  of  Kphesus,  Paul 
forewarns  them  tluit  tifter  his  departure  grievtma  wolves 
shall  enter  in  timong  them,  not  sparing  the  tlock,  ;ind  that 
also  of  their  own  selves  shall  men  arise  speaking  perverse^ 
things,  to  draw  away  discijilos  after  them.  Acta  20:29,  30. 
Whatever  view  m;iy  be  helil  respecting  the  date  of  the 
present  epistle,  it  is  plain  that  the  ajHiStlc  here  refers  to 
the  .same  corrupt  le;i(lers  and  teachers.  But  he  connects 
their  iippear.-ince  wilh  that  great  apostasy  foretold  in  his 
second  epistle  to  the  Thcssalonians,  chap.  2:o-12.  Of  this 
these  "grievous  wolves"  were  the  forerunners.  In  and 
through  them  that  "  mystery  of  iniquity  "  was  alre;idy  work- 
ing, tlie  full  develo]iment  of  which  came  when  he  who  then 
hindereil  w;is  taken  out  of  the  way,     2  Thess,  2:7, 

1.  From  the  faith;  from  the  doctrine  of  faith  in  Christ  as 

the  only  fouiulation  of  hope.     Doctrines  of  dcrih ;  such  as 

Satan  tempts  men  toenibrace,astheworslni)ping  of  images, 

praying  to  the  Virgin  Mary  or  dcpartetl  ssiints,  and  relying 

I  on  external  connections  and  observances  for  salvation, 

1395 


A  great  apostasy. 


1  TIMOTHY  V 


Duties  of  the  ministry. 


2  Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy;  having  their  con- 
science seared  with  a  hot  iron; 

3  Forbidding  to  marry,  and  commanding  to  ab- 
stain from  meats,  which  God  hath  created  to  be 
received  with  thanksgiving  of  them  whicli  believe 
and  knovf  the  truth." 

•1  For  every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing 
to  be  refused,  if  it  be  received  with  thanksgiving : 

5  For  it  is  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and 
jirayer. 

0  If  tliou  put  tlie  brethren  in  remembrance  of 
these  things,  tliou  shalt  be  a  good  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ,  nourished  up  in  tlic  words  of  faith  and  of 
good  doctrine,"  wliereuuto  thou  hast  attained. 

7  But  refuse  profane  and  old  wives'  fables,"  and 
exercise  thyself  rather  unto  godliness. 

8  For  bodily  exercise  profiteth  little:"  but  god- 
liness is  profitable  unto  all  tilings,''  liaving  promise 
of  tlie  life  tliat  now  is,  and  of  that  winch  is  to  come."^ 

9  Tins  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  ac- 
ceptation. 

10  For  therefore  we  both  labor  and  sufl'er  re- 
proach, because  wo  trust  in  the  living  God,  who 


•  Eccl.  5:1S.     b  Jer.  15:10;  1  Pet.  2:2.     'Titus  1:14.     •  Or,  for  a  little 
lime.    <lcli.6:6.     eP3a.»4:ll.    f  Titus  2:7,  15.     e2Tim.l:6.     hell.  1:18. 


2.  Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy ;  or,  in  the  hypocrisy  of  those 
who  speiik  hes,  inculcating  on  the  people  as  true  what  they 
know  to  be  false  ;  such  as  the  power  of  the  priests  to  for- 
give sins,  the  pretended  working  of  miracles  by  the  relics 
of  saints,  the  liquifying  of  the  blood  of  St.  Jauuarius,  and 
the  weeping  of  the  statue  of  the  Virgin  Mary.  Seared  vith 
a  liot  iron;  branded  with  the  marks  of  their  wicked  deeds. 
Their  sins  are,  as  it  were,  burnt  in  upon  their  consciences. 
They  are  hardened  transgressors,  who  carry  about  in  their 
own  souls  the  consciousness  of  their  hypocrisy  and  wick- 
edness, and  are  indifferent  to  it. 

3.  Forbidding  to  marrti;  as  popery  forbids  the  clergy, 
and  induces  monks  and  nuns  to  take  vows  of  celibacy, 
declaring,  as  did  t!ie  council  of  Trent,  "  Whosoever  shall 
say  that  the  married  state  is  to  be  preferred  to  a  state  of 
virginity  or  celibacy,  let  him  be  accursed."  Commanding 
to  ahxtain  from  meats;  as  popery  does  during  Lent,  on  fast- 
days,  and  days  of  abstinence.  See  Butler's  Catechism  and 
I)ens'  Theology.  7b  be  received;  for  food,  and  eaten  by 
believers  who  know  the  will  of  God,  during  Lent  as  well 
as  at  other  times. 

4.  Every  creature;  which  God  hath  made  for  food  is  good 
for  food,  and  not  to  be  abstained  from,  but  to  be  eaten 
with  gratitude  to  God  the  giver. 

5.  Sanctified;  made  holy  to  him  who  partakes  of  it,  so 
that  the  use  of  it  cannot  delile  liim.  liii  titc  word  of  God; 
ordaining  it  for  man's  use.  Prayer  ;  which  procures  from 
God  a  blessing  upon  it. 

6.  These  things ;  the  truths  of  which  he  had  spoken. 

7.  Profane  aiul  old  wives'  fables;  see  note  to  clia]).  1:4. 
Tliese  fables  are  in  their  spirit  and  influence  jjrofane,  and 
in  their  eh.iracter  absurd  and  anile. 

8.  Bodily  exercise;  the  discipline  of  the  body  Vjy  fastings 
and  other  austerities,  considered  as  a  religious  exercise. 

10.  Saviour  of  all  men;  as  ))reserving  all  men,  and  hav- 
ing opened  for  them  a  way  of  salvation,  and  commanded 
that  it  be  made  known  to  them,  and  that  they  should  be 
entreated  to  embrace  it.  2  Cor.  5:20.  Especially  of  tlmsc 
that  believe;  for  to  them  alone  does  the  perfect  and  ever- 
lasting salvation  which  he  has  provided  for  and  offered  to 
all  men  become  actual. 

11.  Command  and  teach ;  teach  all  men  these  truths,  and 
command  them,  from  God,  to  believe  and  obey  them. 

12.  Tlniyouth  ;  compare  the  admonition  in  the  second 
epistle.  "  Ffec  also  youthful  lusts,"  cha]).  2:22. 

13.  Reading;  of  the  holy  .Scriptures.  The  immediate 
connection  of  this  word  with  "exhortation"  and  "doc- 

1396 


is  the  Saviour  of  all  men,  especially  of  those  a.  d.  gs. 
that  believe. 

11  These  things  command  and  teach. 

12  Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth;''  but  be  thou 
an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversa- 
tion, in  charity,  in  sjiirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

13  Till  I  come,  give  attendance  to  reading,  to 
exhortation,  to  doctrine. 

14  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,^  which 
was  given  thee  by  j)rophecy,''  with  the  laying  on 
of  the  hands  of  the  jiresbytery.' 

15  Meditateuponthesethings;  give  thyself  whol- 
ly to  them;  that  thy  profiting  may  appear  to  all.* 

16  Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto  tiie  doc- 
trine; continue  in  them:  for  in  doing  this  thou 
shalt  both  save  thyself,  and  them  that  hear  thee.J 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Kiiles  to  be  observed  in  reproving.  3  Of  widows.  17  Of  elders.  23 
A  precept  for  Timothy's  iiealth.  2-i  Some  men's  sins  go  before  unto 
judgment,  and  some  men's  do  follow  after. 

I^EBUKE  not  an  elder,  but  entreat  /litn  as  a 
\j  father ;  and  tiic  younger  men  as  brethren ; 


Acts  13:3.    1  Or,  in  all  things.    JJas.  5:20. 


ti-ine  "  soems  to  show  that  the  public  reading  of  the  Scrip- 
tures in  religious  assemblages,  after  the  manner  of  the 
Jewish  synagogues,  is  meant.  This  was  of  course  to  be 
accompanied  with  the  exposition  of  its  meaning. 

14.  The  gift  that  is  in  thee;  the  spiritual  gift  imparted  to 
Timothy  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Hij prophecy ;  in  accordance 
with  preceding  prophecies,  whicli  pointed  him  out  as  a 
man  to  be  inducted  into  the  sacred  office.  Compare  chap. 
1:18.  With  the  laying  on  of  the  hands;  the  special  gift  of 
the  Spirit  was  given  to  Timothy,  as  to  others,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  laying  on  of  hands,  Acts  8:17  ;  19:G.  Pres- 
bytenj ;  an  assembly  of  ciders  or  ministers  of  the  gospel. 

16.  Unto  thyself;  to  his  own  character  and  conduct.  Doc- 
trine; the  truths  which  he  taught.  In  them;  in  the  belief, 
teaching,  and  practice  of  those  truths.  Them  that  hear; 
thy  hearers,  upon  the  condition  of  their  obeying  the  truths 
taught  them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  eiTors  of  jiopery  are  a  fiilfilmont  of  Scripture, 
having  been  expressly  and  clearly  foretold  by  the  Holy 
S])irit.  They  arc  therefore  conclusive  evidence  that  the 
Bible  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God. 

2.  To  jirctend  to  lie  what  one  is  not,  and  by  hypocrisy  and 
lying  obbvin  money,  jiower,  and  influence,  awfully  blinds 
the  mind,  sears  the  conscience,  .and  hardens  the  heart. 

6.  To  point  out  the  errors  of  jiopery  and  the  jiredictions 
of  the  Bible  concerning  it,  and  to  warn  the  people  against 
its  seductive,  <lemoralizing,  and  ruinous  inlhicnce,  is  the 
duty  of  all  good  ministers  of  the  gosjiel. 

8.  Godliness  is  profitable  fur  both  worlds;  and  the  man 
who  makes  it  his  great  object  to  do  his  whole  duty,  Lakes 
the  course  whicli  is  best  suited  to  promote  his  own  high- 
est good. 

11.  As  the  declarations  of  God  arc  all  true,  and  his  com- 
mands good,  those  who  have  ciiiilidcnce  in  him  will  labor 
hard,  and  if  need  be  siillVr  much  to  induce  others  to  be- 
lieve and  obey  him ;  knowing  tliat  this  is  the  will  of  God, 
and  fh.at  all  who  comjily  witli  it  will  be  saved. 

16.  The  ability  of  ministers  to  do  good  may,  by  their  own 
efforts  under  the  blessing  of  God,  be  much  increased  ;  and 
it  is  their  duty  so  to  increase  it  that  their  jirogress  shall 
be  m,anife8t,  and  so  to  devoto  themselves  to  their  work 
that  they  may  expect,  through  grace,  to  save  both  them- 
selves and  their  hearers. 

CHAPTER  V. 
1.  Elder ;  an  aged  Christian  man. 


Concerning  the.  care  of 


1  TIMOTHY  V 


widorcs  in  the  church. 


A.  D.G5.     2  The  elder  women  as  mothers;  the  youn- 
ger as  sisters,  witli  all  purity. 

3  Honor  widows  that  are  widows  indeed." 

4  But  if  auy  widow  have  children  or  nephews, 
let  them  learn  first  to  show  piety'  at  home,  and  to 
requite  their  parents :  for  that  is  good  and  accept- 
able before  God. 

5  Now  she  that  is  a  widow  indeed,  and  desolate, 
trusteth  in  God,  and  continueth  in  supplications 
and  prayers  night  and  day. 

6  But  she  that  liveth  in  pleasure*  is  dead  while 
she  liveth." 

7  Anil  these  things  give  in  charge,  that  they 
may  be  blameless. 

8  But  if  any  provide  not  for  his  own,  and  espec- 
ially for  those  of  his  own  house,*''  he  hath  denied 
the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel. 

9  Let  not  a  widow  be  taken ^  into  the  number 
irader  threescore  years  old,  having  been  the  wife 
of  one  man, 

10  Well  reported  of  for  good  works ;  if  she  have 
brought  up  children,  if  she  have  lodged  strangers," 
if  she  have  washed  the  saints'  feet,  if  she  have  re- 
lieved the  afflicted,  if  she  have  diligently  followed 
every  good  work. 

11  But  the  younger  widows  refuse:  for  when 
they  have  begun  to  wax  wanton  against  Christ, 
they  will  marry ; 


a  Ver.  5,  16.  *  Oty  kindness.  ^  Or^  delicately,  b  Rev.  3:1.  tOr^  kindred. 
<:Isi.5S:7.  i  Or,  chosen,  d  Acts  16:15.  e2Thess.3:11.  H  Gr .  for  their 
Tailing,     t  1  Thess.  5;12,  13.     S  Deut.  25:4.     h  Luke  10:7.     ^  Oc,  under. 


3.  Honor  widows;  tlie  honor  here  referred  to,  as  the  con- 
text shows,  was  that  of  a  reception  to  the  hst  of  those 
who  were  to  have  pubUc  maintenance  from  tlie  congrega- 
tion, and  were  employed  in  useful  Christian  labors.  Wid- 
ows indeed ;  worthy  of  the  name  of  widows. 

4.  Children  or  nephews;  the  word  translated  nephews 
means  descendants,  specially  grandchildren.  If  a  desti- 
tute widow  had  children  or  grandchildren  who  could  sup- 
port her,  they  were  bound  to  do  so,  and  not  let  her  be  a 
charge  on  the  church. 

5.  Desolate;  destitute,  and  having  no  relatives  to  sup- 
port her.  The  words  "  widow  indeed,  and  desolate"  de- 
scribe both  her  worldly  condition  and  her  character  as  a 
Christian.  If  she  was  not  only  destitute  but  truly  pious, 
was  more  than  sixty  years  old,  hail  been  faithful  to  her 
husband  and  her  children,  hospitable  when  she  had  the 
means,  attentive  to  the  wants  of  poor  Christians,  and  ac- 
customed to  relieve  the  distressed,  she  might  be  received 
into  the  number  who  were  to  be  employed  and  supported 
by  the  church.     Verse  9. 

C.  In  pleiistirc ;  in  wantonness  and  luxurious  self-indul- 
gence. Dead  while  she  liveth;  dead  to  Clirist  and  his  ser- 
vice, and  dead  in  sin,  while  she  lives  only  for  this  world's 
pleasures. 

7.  These  things;  what  he  has  just  said  about  widows 
and  their  relatives.     Give  in  charge;  conuiiand  or  enjoin. 

8.  His  own ;  his  own  relatives  who  are  dependent  on  him, 
as  a  destitute  mother  or  grandmother,  and  especially  his 
wife,  cliililren,  and  such  as  belong  to  his  own  family. 
Denied  the  fiittli ;_  practically,  by  disobeying  its  known  re- 
quirements. Worse  than  an  iiifidx:l ;  in  this  respect,  violat- 
ing what  unbelievers  and  even  heathen  inculcate  as  a 
duty,  and  often  practise. 

11.  The  ijtmnircr  widows;  who  make  application  to  be 
em])loyeil  auil  8Ui)pi)rted  by  the  church.  Wanton  np;ainst 
Christ ;  being  unwilling,  through  their  wantonness  and  love 
of  pleasure,  to  submit  to  the  rules  which  he  had  enjuined. 

12.  Haviiia;  tlumnation  ;  being  condemned  fiu-  their  hicon- 
stancy,  in  deserting  the  trust  committed  to  them,  and  with 
reference  to  which  they  had  received  support. 


12  Having  damnation,  because  they  have  cast 
off  their  first  faith. 

1.3  And  withal  they  learn  to  be  idle,  wandering 
about  from  house  to  house ;  and  not  only  idle,  but 
tattlers  also  and  busybodies,*^  speaking  things 
which  they  ought  not. 

14  I  will  therefore  that  the  younger  women  mar- 
ry, bear  children,  guide  the  house,  give  none  occa- 
sion to  the  adversary  to  speak  reproachfully." 

15  For  some  are  already  turned  aside  after  Satan. 
10  If  any  man  or  woman  that  belicveth  have 

widows,  let  them  I'elieve  them,  and  let  not  the 
church  be  charged  ;  that  it  may  relieve  them  that 
arc  widows  indeed. 

17  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  wor- 
thy of  double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in 
the  word  and  doctrine.' 

18  For  the  scripture  saith,  Thou  shalt  not  muz- 
zle the  ox  that  treadeth  out  the  corn.*^  And,  The 
laborer  is  worthy  of  his  reward.'' 

19  Against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation, 
but  before^  two  or  three  witnesses.' 

20  Them  that  sin  rebuke  before  all,-"  that  others 
also  may  fear.'' 

21  I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,'  and  the  elect  angels,"'  that  thou  oljserve 
these  things  without  preferring  one  before  an- 
other,*" doing  nothing  by  partiality. 


i  Deut.  19:15.    j  Lev.  19:17.     k  Deut.  13:11. 
'  Or,  prejudice,     n  Deut.  1:17. 


1  ■JTim.  4:1.    m  Rev.  12:' 


13.  Theij ;  these  younger  widows  who  are  sujiported  by 
the  church  under  a  promise  of  devoting  themselves  to  her 
service. 

14.  /  ii'ill — that  the  younger  women  marry;  the  younger 
widows  of  whom  he  has  been  speaking.  This  would  be 
better  for  them  and  better  for  society.  The  adversary; 
the  enemy  of  religion. 

15.  Some;  of  those  spoken  of  in  verses  11-lS.  Turned 
aside  after  Satan;  by  complying  with  his  temptations  and 
falling  into  the  evils  mentioned  above. 

10.  Have  widows;  widowed  mothers  or  grandmothers, 
or  any  whom  he  or  she  ought  to  support.  tVidows  indeed; 
who  are  destitute,  are  of  the  required  age  and  character, 
and  have  not  relatives  to  support  them.     Verse  3. 

17.  Elders;  having  the  superintendence  of  the  church, 
some  of  whom  labored  as  preachers  and  teachers  of  the 
gospel  Double  honor;  special  respect,  manifested,  as  the 
next  verse  shows,  in  provision  for  their  wants.  As  the 
service  of  the  church  would  occupy  much  of  their  time, 
especially  when  they  devoted  themselves  to  the  work  of 
lireaching  and  teaching,  a  proportionate  provision  was  to 
be  made  for  their  maintenance. 

18.  The  scripture  saith ;  Deut.  25:4;  Matt.  10:10;  Luke 
10:7. 

19.  Two  or  three  ivitnrsses;  Deut.  19:15. 

20.  Tticm  that  sm ;  and  whoso  oiTences  are  proved. 

21.  The  elect  angels;  the  Imly  angels  whom  God,  in  ac- 
cordance with  his  eternal  iiurimsr,  has  preserved  in  a 
state  of  sinlessness.  Tliey  are  "all  ministering  spirits, 
sent  fortli  to  minister  for  them  wlio  sliall  be  heir.s  of 
salvation,"  Ileb.  1:14.  As  such  they  are  present  in  the 
assemliliea  of  his  church,  and  witnesses  of  the  transac- 
tions there  taking  place.  Thc^e  things;  the  directions  just 
given.  Without  preferring  one  hijorc  another;  literallj', 
without  prejudgment,  which  is  manifested  in  deciding  a 
case  Ijcforehand  under  the  influence  of  prejudice  against 
a  man,  or  prepossession  in  his  favor.  Doing  nothing  by 
partiidittj;  the  innneiliate  reference  of  tliese  words  is  to 
the  hearing  of  accusations  and  the  administering  of  re- 
bukes, vcr.  19,  20.     That  thev  ajiplv  also  to  the  ordaining 


The  duty  of  servants. 


1  TIMOTHY  VI. 


Godliness  wilh  contentment. 


22  Lav  liaiuls  suddenly  on  no  man,^  neither  be 
partaker  of  other  men's  sins:''  keep  th^yself  pure. 

23  Di-ink  no  longer  water,  but  use  a  little  wine 
for  thy  stomach's  sake  and  thine  often  infirmities/ 

24  Some  men's  sins  are  open  beforeliand,  goino; 
before  to  judgment;''  and  some  inen  they  follow 
after. 

25  Likewise  also  the  good  works  of  some  arc 
manifest  beforcluuul ;  and  tliey  that  are  otherwise 
cannot  be  hid. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Of  the  duty  of  servants.  3  Not  to  have  fellowship  with  Tiew-fan;;led 
teachers.  G  'rodliness  is  great  pain,  10  and  love  of  money  the  root  of 
all  evil.  1 1  What  Timothy  is  to  fly,  and  what  to  follow,  17  and  where- 
of to  admonish  the  rich.  20  To  keep  the  purity  of  true  doctrine,  and 
to  avoid  profane  janglings. 

LET  as  many  servants  as  are  under  tlie  yoke 
count  their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honor," 


»Aclsl3:3.     b2Johnll.     cProv.31:G.     <IGal.5;19.    e  Eph.  6:5. 
tdteving.     f2Tim.l:l3.     gTitualM.     lOr.afool.     I>  1  Cor.  S:2. 


•Or, 
;  Or, 


of  men  for  the  service  of  the  church  is  evident,  and  is  im- 
plied in  wliat  follows. 

22.  Lay  hands;  in  ordination.  Suddenlij;  hastily,  witli- 
out  duo  investigation  respecting  the  qualifications  of  the 
candidate.  Partaker  of  other  men's  sins;  as  he  would  be,  if 
through  his  negligence  or  sinful  partiality  improjier  men 
were  raised  to  office  in  the  church. 

23.  Drink  no  longer  water;  water  merely.  A  little  wine; 
as  a  medicine,  on  account  of  his  bodily  infirmities. 

2-t.  Going  before  to  juilgment ;  they  precede  the  man,  as 
it  were,  to  the  place  of  judgment,  and  witness  against  him 
beforehand  to  his  condemnation.  They  follow  after;  some 
wicked  men's  characters  are  not  known  at  first;  it  is 
necessary  to  take  time,  make  inquiries,  and  become  more 
acquainted  with  them. 

25.  Liketri.se;  so  is  it  with  good  men.  There  is  a  great 
difference  in  the  readiness  with  which  men  show  tluir 
character.  They  that  are  otherwise;  tlie  good  works  tlial 
arc  otherwise  ;  namely,  not  manifest  beforehand.  Cannot 
be  hid;  tliey  will  be  revealed  in  time.  Of  course  it  is  a 
duty  to  lie  cautioi's,  to  avoid  haste,  and  use  all  projier 
means  to  obtain  knowledge,  in  order  to  judge  and  act  right. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Ministers  of  the  go.spel  should  pay  special  altcntion 
to  the  aged,  and  treat  them  with  peculiar  resjieet  and 
kindness.  They  shouhl  also,  in  their  needl'nl  and  proper 
intercourse  with  females  of  their  congregations,  jiossess 
and  manifest  a  delicate  sense  of  projiriety,  and  the  utmost 
purity  of  feeling,  conversation,  and  conduct. 

4.  A  disposition  in  children  to  be  kind  and  attentive  to 
their  parents  and  grandparents,  and  if  need  be  to  Hupjjort 
them  and  keep  them  from  being  a  public  charge,  is  re- 
quired by  the  gospel,  and  is  peculiarly  pleasing  to  (!od. 

8.  Professors  of  religion  who  are  able  and  yet  unwilling 
to  provide  comfortably  for  their  own  families,  for  their 
parents,  grandparents,  and  other  relatives  who  arc  neces- 
Barily  dependent  on  them,  act  in  oiqiosition  not  only  lo 
the  revealed  will  of  (Jod,  but  to  the  dictates  of  natural 
religion,  and  bring  <li8gracc  on  the  (Jliristian  cause. 

10.  i\ged  and  indigent  females  who  have  been  distin- 
guished for  devotion  to  Christ  and  usefulness  to  men,  and 
who  have  no  relatives  to  support  them,  shoidd  be  sup- 
ported by  the  church  of  whicli  they  are  niendiers,  and  as 
far  as  may  be  rendered  comfortable  and  useful. 

14.  The  admission  of  young  women  into  institutions 
where  it  is  expected  that  they  will  never  be  married,  thus 
exposing  them  to  the  manifu'lrl  evils  of  suiili  a  condition, 
is  directly  opposed  to  the  revealed  will  of  (Uxl,  and  pro- 
ductive of  great  mischiefs  to  themselves  and  the  com- 
munity. 

18.  It  is  the  will  of  f;od  that  oiriccrs  of  the  church,  es- 
pecially ministers  who  devote  their  life  to  the  promotion 
of  her  interests,  should  receive  not  only  respect  and  grati- 
1398 


tliat  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  a. D.es. 
not  blas])heiucd. 

2  And  they  that  have  believing  masters,  let  them 
not  dcsjiisc  them,  because  tliey  are  bretliren;  but 
ratiier  do  them  service,  because  they  are  faitlifiil" 
and  beloved,  partakers  of  the  benefit.  These  things 
teach  and  c.xliort. 

3  If  any  man  teacli  otlierwise,  and  consent  not 
to  wholcsoiue  worils,'  cvai  the  words  of  our  JiOrd 
Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  doctrine  wiiicl;  is  accord- 
ing to  godliness," 

4  He  is  proud,'  knowing  nothing,''  but  doting* 
about  questions  and  strifes  of  words,  Avliereof 
Cometh  envy,  strife,  railings,  evil  surmisings, 

5  Perverse  disputings*  of  men  of  corrupt  minds, 
and  destitute  of  tlie  truth,  supposing  that  gain  is 
godliness:  from  such  withdraw  thyself.' 

6  But  godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain.^ 

sick,    i  Ot.  gatUnss  one  of  another,     i '2  Tim.  3:5.    jProv.  15:]G. 


tude,  but  a  just  and  reasonable  compensation  for  tlteir 
services:  enotigh  at  least  to  provide  comfortable  8upi)ort 
for  themselves  and  their  families. 

22.  In  raising  men  to  the  sacred  office,  great  care  should 
be  titkcn  not  to  introduce  improper  persons.  All  suitable 
means  should  be  used  to  ascertain  their  qualifications,  ami 
none  be  admitted  who  may  not  reasonably  be  expected  to 
be  faithful  and  useful. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  Under  the  yoke;  the  yoke  of  servitude  or  bondage. 
Count  their  own  7na.sters  worthy;  manifest  towards  thera  a 
respectful,  kind,  forgiving,  benevolent.  Christian  spirit. 
That  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not  hlas-phrnml ;  that 
the  wicked  may  not  be  led  to  speak  against  the  Christian 
religion. 

2.  Believing  masters;  Christians.  Not  despise  them;  not 
withhold  from  them  the  manifestation  ol  a  rcspcetfnJ, 
obedient.  Christian  spirit,  because  they  are  brethren  in 
Christ.  Kalher  do  them  .service;  jiromote  Iheir  interests  Iho 
more  cheerfully.  (i;il.  (JrlO.  Faithful;  or,  as  the  niargiit, 
believing,  as  the  same  word  is  rendered  in  the  beginning 
of  the  verse.  Beloved;  of  Cod.  Partakers  of  the  benefit; 
sharers  with  you  in  the  benefit  of  the  grace  of  the  gosi)el. 
But  we  may  better  render,  sharers  jwilh  yon]  in  well- 
doing, or  helpers  [with  you]  in  well-doing ;  that  is,  well- 
doing towards  each  other  and  all  men.  From  such  mas- 
ters, therefore,  servants  have  a  right  to  expect  the  same 
kiml,  benevolent,  forgiving.  Christian  spirit  which  is  re- 
quired of  tlieniselves.  Kpli.  (i:y.  That  they  will  forbear 
to  threaten  them  with  evil,  and  as  tliey  learn  what  their 
rights  are,  will  respect  them  and  render  to  them  what  is 
just  and  equal.  Col.  1:1  ;  knowing  that  tlii.s  is  reipiircd  of 
them  by  their  M:ister  in  heaven.     Matl.  7:12;  l,id;e  (i:31. 

3.  Teach  otherwise ;  difVerently  from  what  r;iul  hail  taught 
as  to  the  duly  of  ('liristi;ui  servants.  The  words  of  our 
Lord  JesHS  Christ;  about  the  manirestatioii  of  a  Christian 
spirit  in  all  relations  and  conditions.  Matt.  5: 39;  6:12-15; 
18:21-35.  Accnrdma  to  godliness;  that  which  accords  with 
the  word  of  (ioil.  and  tends  to  iimmote  his  cause. 

5.  Supposing  that  gain  is  godliness;  rather,  that  gndliness 
is  gain:  in  other  worilK,  that  the  ])rofession  of  godliness 
is  a  business  of  worldly  gain.  Coiiqiare  the  case  of  Simon 
the  sorcerer.  Acts  8: 18-2) ;  what  is  said  of  the  false  teach- 
ers at  Corinth,  2  Cor.  11:20;  and  of  these  very  "men  of 
corrupt  minds,"  2  Tim.  3:5,  (i. 

(i.  (Iddtincss — is  great  gain;  the  apostle,  by  a  beautiful 
turn  of  thought,  shuws  in  what  sense  the  proposition  is 
true  th;it  godliness  is  g;iin.  Not  the  oulu:ird  form  of  god- 
liness, but  its  inward  substance  with  cnnleiitmi'iit  is  great 
gain — gain  not  of  a  worldly,  but  a  spiritual  naturr.  It  has 
the  "  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is 
to  come."    Chap.  4:8. 


J^vil  of  ccvetoustiess. 


1  TIMOTHY  VI. 


A  charge  to  the  rich. 


A.  D.  65.     7  For  we  brought  nothing  into  tins  world, 
and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out.'' 

8  And  iiaving  food  aud  raiment,  let  us  be  there- 
witli  content.'' 

9  But  tliey  that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temptation 
and  a  snare,  and  into  many  foolish  and  liurtful  lusts, 
whicli  drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition.'^ 

10  For  the  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil  •.'^ 
which  while  some  coveted  after,  they  have  erred* 
from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through 
with  many  sorrows. 

11  But  thou,  0  man  of  God,*"  flee  these  things; 
and  follow  after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith, 
love,  patience,  meekness. 

12  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,''  lay  hold  on 
eternal  life,  whereunto  thou  art  also  called,  and 
hast  professed  a  good  profession  before  many  Avit- 
nesses.*^ 

13  I  give  thee  charge  in  the  sight  of  God,''  who 
quickeneth  all  things,  and  before  Christ  Jesus,  who 
before  Pontius  Pilate  witnessed  a  good  confes- 
sion:*' 

14  That  thou  keep  t/tis  commandment  without 
spot,  unrebukable,-'  until  the  appearing  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ:'' 

»  Psa.  49:17.  t>  Gen.  aS:20.  c  Prov.  aS:-'0.  J  Exod.  23:8.  •  Or,  been 
sedueed.  eDeut.  33:1.  taTim.  4:7.  «  Heb.  13:a:i.  ti  oh.  5:21.  t  Or, 
frofession.     i  John  18:30,  37.    J  Phil.  2:15.     k  1  Tliess.  5:23.     Icli.  1:17. 

7.  For  we  brought  nothing;  a  reason  why  we  should  have 
the  contentment  just  spoken  of.  Riches,  if  we  have  them, 
are  but  a  fleeting  possession. 

9.  IVi/l  be;  are  resolved  and  determined  to  be  rich.  An- 
other argument  against  the  love  of  money,  drawn  from  its 
hurtful  nature.  Fall  into  temptation ;  temptation  to  be  dis- 
honest, or  so  absorbed  with  earthly  cares  as  to  neglect 
their  souls.  A  snare ;  one  that  Satan  has  set  to  catch  their 
souls,  by  leading  them  to  indulge  the  lusts  of  the  eye,  tlie 
lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  the  pride  of  life,  till  they  .sink  into 
perdition. 

10.  The  root  of  all  evil;  it  tempts  to  the  commission  of 
all  sorts  of  evil.  Some;  who  professed  to  be  Christians. 
Erred  from  the  faith  ;  wandered  away  from  the  faith  of  the 
gospel ;  with  the  accessory  idea  of  their  falling  into  sin- 
ful practices. 

11.  Flee  these  things;  the  love  of  money,  with  all  its  ac- 
companying temptations  and  sins ;  never  love  money,  nor 
be  au.xious  to  be  ricli. 

12.  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith;  the  Christian  life  is  here, 
as  often  elsewhere,  compared  to  a  warfare  against  sin  and 
Satan.  Eph.  0:11-17;  2  Tim.  2:3.  Lay  hold  on  eternal  life; 
as  on  a  prize  to  be  obtained  by  hard  struggling.  Where- 
unto; to  the  gaining  of  whicli  prize.  Called;  by  the  grace 
of  God  through  the  gospel.  Hast  professed  a  good  profes- 
sion ;  or,  confessed  a  good  confession  ;  in  the  widest  sense, 
iiiclinling  lint  only  his  confession  of  Christ  at  his  baptism 
and  ordiiKition,  but  also  especially  in  times  of  persecution. 
See  the  following  verse. 

13.  Witnesaed  a  good  confession;  he  bore  his  testimony  to 
the  truth  concerning  liis  person  and  mission  in  the  faco  of 
death.  The  same  .steadfast  confession  he  required  of  Tim- 
othy, and  requires  of  all  his  followers. 

14.  Commandment;  the  whole  charge  contained  in  this 
epistle.  Without  spot,  unrebukable;  tiie  commandment  is 
kept  without  spot,  unrebiikible,  when  it  is  not  marred  by 
an  imperfect  obedience  deserving  of  censure. 

15.  In  his  times;  in  due  time;  the  proper  time.  He  shall 
show;  God  shall  make  manifest,  to  whom  alone  belongs 
the  ordering  of  the  times  and  seasons.     Acts  1:7. 

16.  Immortalitij ;  ill  and  of  himself ;  life  underived,  inde- 
pendent, and  eternal. 

19.  A  good  fnnndation;  for  receiving  the  everlasting 
reward  of  grace  in  heaven.    For  this  is  given  only  to  those 


15  Which  in  his  times  he  shall  show,  icho  is  the 
blessed  and  only  Potentate,'  the  King  of  kings, 
and  Lord  of  lords;'" 

IG  Who  only  hath  immortality,  dwelling  in  the 
light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto;"  whom 
no  man  hath  seen,  nor  can  see :°  to  whom  he  honor 
and  power  everlasting."     Amen. 

17  Charge  them  that  are  rich  in  this  world,  that 
they  be  not  high-minded,  nor  trust  in  uncertain' 
riches,"  but  in  the  living  God,  who  giveth  us  richly 
all  things  to  enjoy;'' 

18  That  they  do  good,  that  they  be  rich  in  good 
works,  ready  to  distribute,  willing  to  comnumi' 
cate;^ 

19  Laying  up  in  store  for  themselves  a  good 
foundation  against  the  time  to  come,  that  they  may 
lay  hold  on  eternal  life.'' 

■  20  0  Timothy,  keep  that  which  is  committed  to 
thy  trust,  avoiding  ]irofanc  and  vain  babblings,' 
and  oppositions  of  science  falsely  so  called: 

21  Which  some  professing,  have  erred  concern- 
ing the  faith."     Grace  he  with  thee.     Amen. 
1[  The  first  to  Timothy  was  written  from  Lao- 
dicea,  which  is  the  chiefest  city  of  Phrygia 
Pacatiana. 


mRev.l7:14.  n  Rev.  1  :ir.,  17.  o  Exod.  .'53:30.  p  Juile  25;  Ect.  1 :6.  1  Gr. 
tite  uneerlainti/ of.  qPsa.  02:10.  f  Eccl.  5:18,  19.  i  Or,  soeiaite.  'Phil. 
3:14.     t  Tims  1:14.     u  2  Tim.  2:18. 


who  have  shown  their  faith  in  Christ  by  being  rich  in  good 
works  towards  man.     Matt.  25:31-45. 

20.  That  tehich  is  committed  to  thij  trust ;  the  same  as. the 
"commandment,"  ver.  14.  Oppositions;  contentions  and 
contradictions  springing  from  science  falsely  so  called;  that 
is,  spurious  knowledge  that  exists  only  in  name  ;  that 
empty  knowledge  which  puffeth  up.  1  Cor.  8:1.  The 
apostle  apparently  alludes  to  those  who  exjilaincd  away 
the  truth  of  the  gospel  under  pretence  of  imparting  a 
deeper  knowledge  of  it. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Ministers  are  bound  to  teach,  that  Christians  in  bond- 
age, when  wrongfully  treated,  whether  in  accordance  with 
or  in  opposition  to  human  laws,  should  possess  and  mani- 
fest the  humble,  patient,  peaceful,  forgiving,  and  obedient 
spirit  of  Christ,  whether  those  who  hold  them  in  bondage 
are  Christians  or  heathen ;  that  they  may  thus  show  the 
excellence  of  Christ's  religion,  and  if  possible  lead  all  to 
embrace  it.     Rom.  12:21. 

5.  The  idea  that  it  is  always  right  to  pursue  the  course 
in  which  we  can  make  the  most  money,  or  possess  the 
greatest  influence,  even  though  human  laws  do  not  forbid 
but  require  it,  is  a  great  error.  The  law  of  God  is  above 
human  laws.  By  it  human  laws  and  their  authors,  those 
who  obey,  and  those  who  disobey,  are  all  to  be  tried,  and 
approved  or  condemned. 

(i.  Supreme  regard  to  Cod,  grateful  obedience  to  his 
commands,  cheerful  submission  to  his  dealings,  and  con- 
tentment with  the  allotments  of  his  providence,  will, 
through  grace,  gain  all  needed  good  in  life,  in  death,  and 
for  ever. 

11.  One  of  the  most  hateful  and  destructive  sins  is  the 
supreme  love  of  money,  or  of  that  ease,  power,  and  influ- 
ence which  money  will  procure.  A  Christian  sliouhl  avoid 
this  sin  as  he  would  the  snare  of  the  devil  or  the  door  of 
hell. 

19.  Riches  are  the  gift  of  God,  and  call  for  unceasing 
gratitude  to  him.  They  may  be,  and  when  rightly  used, 
will  be,  the  means  of  great  and  lasting  good.  Let  rich 
men,  as  faitlil'iil  stewards,  from  love  to  God,  use  their 
riches  in  promoting  his  glory  and  the  benefit  of  their  fel- 
low-men, es]H>cially  in  making  known  his  salvation  to  all 
I)eople  ;  and  when  called  to  leave  the  riches  of  earth,  they 
will  have  the  riches  of  heaven. 

13U9 


THE  SECOXD  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  TIMOTHY. 


The  second  epistle  of  Paul  to  Timothy  was  written  from  Rome  when  Paul  was  a  prisoner  there,  chap. 
1  :8,  16,  17  ;  2  : 9,  and  expected  soon  to  seal  his  testimony  with  his  blood,  chap.  4  : 6.  In  his  extremity, 
when  fidelity  to  him  could  only  be  shown  at  the  hazard  of  life,  many  of  his  friends  had  forsaken  him,  cliap. 
1 :  15  ;  4  :  10.  He  needed  the  presence  and  help  of  Timothy,  and  wrote  urging  him  to  come  speedily,  and 
to  bring  certain  articles  which  he  had  left  at  Troas.  Feeling  that  his  end  was  near,  he  improved  the 
occasion  to  give  Timothy  his  parting  apostolic  counsel  and  encouragement.  In  its  preceptive  part  the 
jircscnt  epistle  to  Timothy  differs  strikingly  from  the  first,  as  also  from  that  to  Titus.  In  them  the  direc- 
tions for  ordaining  officers  and  managing  the  affairs  of  the  churches  are  specific,  for  he  had  given  them 
charge  of  specific  fields  of  labor.  Here  his  exhortations  are  general,  for  he  is  summoning  Timothy  away 
from  his  ]5articular  field  to  give  attendance  upon  himself  at  Home.  But  all  three  agree  remarkably,  as 
well  in  their  general  style  as  in  their  description  of  existing  errors  and  false  teachers.  It  is  generally 
thought  that  Timothy  was  at  Ephesus  ;  and  with  this  supposition  agrees  the  salutation  to  "  the  household  of 
Onesiphorus,"  who  was  of  Ephesus,  chap.  4  :  19  compared  with  1  :  18.  But  from  the  words  of  chap.  4:12, 
"Tychicus  have  I  sent  to  Ephesus,"  some  have  inferred  that  Timothy  was  not  in  that  city,  but  only  some- 
where in  its  vicinity.  The  present  is  undoubtedly  the  last  of  Paul's  epistles  in  the  order  of  time.  As  such 
we  cannot  but  peruse  it  with  solemn  awe,  as  the  closing  testimony  of  one  who  has  himself  fought  the 
good  fight,  finished  his  course,  and  kept  the  faith  ;  and  who  here  instructs  all,  especially  all  preachers  of. 
the  gospel,  how  they  may  do  the  same. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Paul's  love  to  Timothy,  and  the  unfeigned  faith  which  was  in  TImotliy 
himself,  his  mother,  and  grandmolher.  G  He  is  exhorted  lo  stir  up 
the  gift  of  God  which  was  in  him,  8  to  be  steadfast,  and  patient  in 
persecution,  13  and  to  persist  in  the  form  and  truth  of  that  docrine 
which  he  had  learned  of  hitn.  1.')  Phygellus  and  Herniogenes,  and 
such  like,  are  noted,  and  Onesiphorus  is  highly  comtnended. 

13AUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  will  of 
God,  according  to  the  promise  of  life  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus," 

2  To  Timothy,  my  dearly  beloved  son:"  Grace, 
mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  the  Father  and  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

:j  i  tliank  God,  whom  I  serve  from  my  forefa- 
thers witli  pure  conscience,''  tliat  witiiout  ceasing 

»Eph.3:0.    blTim.l:2    c  AcU  23:1 ;  Hob.  I3.1«.    4ch. 4:0,21.   •  1  Tim. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  According  lo  the  promise  nf  life;  CiiUcrl  to  ho  an  apos- 
tle accorrlin^  to  tlio  protniBO  of  lite  ;  for  tlio  purpose, 
namely,  of  furtherinf;  the  knowledge  of  it. 

2.  Beloved  son;  Bi)iritually,  I'aul  liaviiif;  been  the  means 
of  hia  conversion. 

3.  From  my  forefathers;  as  I  have  received  from  them, 
both  by  example  and  precept,  the  duty  of  living  in  all  good 
conscience  before  lloil.     Acts  23:1. 

4.  Thy  tears;  when  they  parted.  Filled  with  joy;  in 
meeting  him  again. 

C.  Stir  up ;  as  one  does  a  BmouUlcring  fire,  that  it  may 
burn  brigliter.    This  was  to>  bo  done  by  the  vigorous  ex- 
1400 


I  have  remembrance  of  thee  in  my  prayers  a.  d.  m. 
night  and  day ; 

4  Greatly  desiring  to  see  thee,*  being  mindful  of 
thy  tears,  that  1  may  be  filleil  with  Joy  ; 

5  When  I  call  to  reinenibi-ancc  llio  unfeigned 
faith  that  is  in  thee,''  which  dwelt  first  in  thy 
grandmother  Lois,  and  thy  mother  Eunice;''  and 
I  am  persuaded  that  in  thee  also. 

6  Wherefore  I  put  thee  in  remembrance,  tliat 
thou  stir  up  the  gift  of  God,  which  is  in  thee  by 
the  putting  on  of  iny  hands." 

7  For  (!oil  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear;** 
but  of  power,'  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind. 

8  Ik'  not  thou   tliereibro  a.'^iiaiued  of  tiie  testi- 


4:11.    'AcUlO:!.    (lTim.4:i4.    ><  Rom.  8:la;  1  John  4:  IH.    >  Lulte  24:40. 


crcise  of  the  pifl  (f  God  that  Wiis  in  him  ;  the  HpiritM;il  Kiflf. 
namely,  tliat  had  lieen  imparted  to  liim  by  the  Holy  tiliost 
in  connection  with  the  liiyin>;  on  of  liandH.  Compare  I  Tim. 
•1:14,  and  1  Cor.  12,  where  ;imon};  BpiritM:il  gifts  are  niimcd 
"  the  word  of  wisdom,"  "  and  the  word  of  knowledge." 
Ver.  8. 

7.  Fear;  timidity  and  cowardice,  manilcKtod  in  slirinking 
from  arduous  and  daiifreroiis  Hervicos.  I'mi'er ;  energy  and 
coiirajre  in  meeting  and  overcoming  difficnlti<'«. 

H.  The  tritimonii  of  our  Lord;  llw  \vnrl<  of  fcHtifviiig  for 
Christ.  Partaker;  with  mo  and  all  the  faithful.  The  afflic- 
tions of  the  Kospcl;  tliose  which  they  were  (•ailed  to  snffer 
in  preaching  it.  Acrordinfr  to  the  pover  of  Gal;  as  mani- 
fested in  the  manner  described  in  the  following  verse,  and 


Fidelity  to  the  gospel, 


2  TIMOTHY  II. 


A. D.66.  mony  of  our  Lord,  nor  of  mo  his  prisoner: 
but  be  thou  partaker  of  tlie  afflictions  of  the  gos- 
pel according  to  the  power  of  God;'' 

9  Who  hath  saved  us,"  and  called  us  with  a  holy 
calling,'^  not  according  to  our  works,''  but  accord- 
ing to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,"  which  was 
given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began/ 

10  But  is  now  made  manifest  by  the  appearing 
of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,*^  who  hath  abolished 
death,"  and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to 
light  tlirongh  the  gospel:' 

11  Whereunto  I  am  appointed  a  preacher,  and 
an  apostle,  and  a  teacher  of  the  Gentiles. 

12  For  the  which  cause  I  also  suifer  these  things : 
nevertheless  I  am  not  ashamed ;'  for  I  know  whom 
I  have  believed,*  and  am  jiorsuaded  that  he  is  able 
to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him 
against  tliat  day.'' 

13  Hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words,'  which 
thou  hast  heard  of  me,  in  faith  and  love  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus. 

14  Tliat  good  thing  which  was  committed  unto 
thee,'"  keep  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  dwelleth  in 
us. 

15  This  thou  knowest,  that  all  they  which  are 
in  Asia"  be  turned  away  from  me;"  of  whom  are 
Phygellns  and  Hermogencs. 

16  The  Lord  give  mercy  unto  the  house  of  One- 
siphorus;''  for  he  oft  refreshed  me,  and  was  not 
iishamed  of  my  chain:'' 


«ColI:al.  t  Milt.  1:S1.  c  Eoin.  t-:-J--,  :iO.  dTitus.S:j.  eDeut.7:7, 
8;  Enh.  ItS,  II,  fEi)h.  1:4.  glPel.  1:-J0.  h  It'or.  15:54.  iJohnS:^!- 
29.  J  Rom.  1:16.  •  Or,  trusted,  k  I  Pet.  4:19.  1  Rom.  6:17;  1  Tim.  0:3; 
Rev.  2:2.5.     m  I  Tira.  6:20.      n  Acts  19:10.     o  ch    4:10,  16.      P  ch.  4:19. 


■which  manifestation  is  to  us  a  pledge  ttiat  he  will  always 
be  with  ns,  and  .support  us  in  our  trials. 

9.  Given  us — before  the  world  began;  given  us  in  God's 
eternal  purpose. 

10.  Abolished  death ;  put  an  end  to  its  dominion  over  be- 
lievers, and  will  finally  deliver  them  for  ever  from  its  power. 
Brought — to  li^lit ;  revealed  with  greater  clearness  an  im- 
mortal, i^lorious  life  for  all  believers. 

12.  For  the  ivhirh  cause ;  on  account  of  preaching  this 
gospel.  To  keep  tliiit ;  his  soul  and  all  its  concerns.  TItat 
(lay;  the  day  of  jmlgment. 

13.  The  form  of  sound  words;  the  doctrines  and  duties 
of  the  sospel,  as  iireached  by  Paul. 

It.  ThM  s;nod  thin^;  that  good  charge  or  trust,  namely, 
the  office  of  preaching  the  gos]iel  and  ])residing  over  the 
interests  of  the  church.     By  the  Holy  Ghost ;  by  his  aid. 

15.  All  they — ;(i  Asia;  Asia  in  the  narrower  sense,  the 
procousul:ir  province  of  Asia,  of  which  Ephesus  was  the 
capit;d.  The  word  "all"  is  to  be  understood  jiopularly  of 
a  general  defection,  for  ho  immediately  mentions  one  man 
of  Asia  who  liixd  remained  faithful. 

10.  Onesiphnrut;  a  Christian  of  Asia,  chap.  4:19.  Re- 
freshed me;  su|iplied  my  wants.  3Iy  clinia;  by  which  he 
was  bound  to  the  soldier  who  kept  him.  Compare  Acts 
28:16. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  blessings  which'come  upon  believers  are  accord- 
ing to  the  gracious  purpose  and  promise  of  God  in  Jeans 
Christ. 

2.  When  true  religion  leads  one  person  to  be  the  means 
of  converting  another,  it  forms  between  them  a  most  affec- 
tionate and  lasting  bond  of  >mion. 

3.  True  religion  is  in  all  ages  the  same.  Pious  ancestors 
had  the  same  spirit,  and  were  accepted  of  (ioil  in  the  same 
way,  with  tlieir  pious  postoritj-. 

(i.  The  faith  and  love  of  parents  and  grandparents  will 
not  save  their  children  or  grandchildren ;  they  also  must 


with  perscveranM, 

17  But,  when  he  was  in  Rome,  he  sougkt  me  out 
very  diligently,  and  found  me. 

18  The  Lord  grant  unto  him  that  he  may  find 
mercy  of  the  Lord  in  that  day  :"■  and  in  how  many 
things  he  ministered  unto  me  at  Ephesus,'*  thou 
knowest  very  well. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  is  exhorted  again  to  constancy  and  perseverance,  and  to  do  tlie 
duty  of  a  faithful  servant  of  the  Lord  in  dividing  the  word  aright,  and 
staying  profane  .and  vain  babblings.     17  Of  Hymeneus  and  Philetus. 

19  The  foundation  of  the  Lord  is  sure.  22  He  is  taught  ^vhtreof  to 
beware,  and  what  to  follow  after,  and  in  what  sort  the  servant  of  the 
Lord  ought  to  behave  himself. 

'"r'^HOU  therefore,  my  son,  be  strong  in  the  grace 
JL.    that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.' 

2  And  the  things  that  thou  hast  heard  of^  mo 
among  many  witnesses,  the  same  commit  thou  to 
faithful  men,"  who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others 
also.^ 

3  Thou  therefore  endure  hardness,''  as  a  good 
soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. 

4  No  man  that  warreth  entangleth  himself  with 
the  affairs  of  this  life;''  that  he  may  please  him 
who  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a  soldier. 

5  And  if  a  man  also  strive  for  masteries,  yet  is 
he  not  crowned,  except  he  strive  lawfully. 

6  The  husbandman  that  laboreth  must  be  first 
partaker*  of  the  fruits. 

7  Consider  what  I  say  ;^  and  the  Lord  give  thee 
understanding  in  all  things.'' 

q  Acts  28:20.  r  Matt.  25:34-40.  »  Heb.  6:10.  Josb.  1:7;  Ejih  6:10. 
tOt.by.  ulTim.l:18.  vTitasl:9  >v  ch.  4:5.  x  1  Cor.  9:25,  26.  t  Or, 
laboring  first,  must  be  partaker,     y  1  Tim.  4: 15.     z  Prov.  2:6. 

exercise  faith  and  love  themselves,  and  be  active  in  dis- 
charging their  appropriate  duties. 

8.  Those  who  delight  in  the  company  of  Christians  when 
they  are  in  prosiicrity,  are  in  danger  of  being  ashamed  of 
them  and  of  forsaking  them  when  in  adversity. 

10.  The  eternal  purpose  of  God  to  save  his  people  is 
manifested  by  the  gift  of  his  Son  to  make  atonement,  and 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  renew  their  hearts  and  lead  them  to 
devote  life  to  his  service. 

12.  The  reproaches  which  haters  of  God  and  his  cause 
sometimes  cast  on  his  peoide,  and  the  sufferings  thus 
caused,  only  increase  their  confidence  in  him,  and  their 
assurance  that,  as  they  are  here  called  to  sutler  for  him, 
they  shall  hereafter  reign  with  him. 

IS.  True  religion  gives  a  man  hearty,  steadfast  friends, 
who,  in  trials  when  others  turn  away,  will  stand  by  him, 
aympatiiize  with  him,  and  if  possible  render  him  any  aid 
which  he  needs. 

CHAPTER  II. 

2.  Tlie  thins:s  that  thnii  liast  heard — among  many  witnesses; 
the  solemn  charge  of  doctrine  and  practice  committed  by 
the  apostle  to  Timothy  in  the  presence  of  many  witnesses. 

3.  Endure  hardness';  such  hardsliips  as  he  wouki  meet 
with  in  preaching  the  gospel. 

4.  Warreth  ;  enlists  as  a  soldier.  Then  fairs  of  this  life; 
the  various  kinds  of  business  which  otln'r  men  pursue. 
Please  him  ;  his  commander,  by  devoting  himself  undivid- 
edly  to  his  service.  So  Tiniolby  must  devote  himself 
wholly  to  Clirist  in  the  work  of  the  gosiicl. 

."i.  Loicfnihj ;  acconling  to  the  laws  which,  in  the  (ireci.an 
games  to  which  the  apostle  alluded,  governed  those  who 
souglit  the  prize. 

0.  The  hnshandmnn;  must  first  labor,  according  to  tho 
laws  which  God  has  established,  before  he  can  be  jiartaker 
of  the  fruits.     So  with  ministers.     Ver.  4, .'). 

1.  Underslnndina:;  of  tho  instruction  which  what  ho  had 
said  was  suited  to  convey. 

1401 


The,  varioris  duties  of  a 


2  TIMOTHY  III. 


servant  of  the  Lord. 


8  Remember  tliat  Jesus  Christ,  of  tlie  seed  of 
David,  was  raised  from  the  dead  according  to  mj 
gospel:" 

9  Wherein  I  suffer  trouble,  as  an  evil-doer,  even 
unto  bonds;''  but  the  word  of  God  is  not  bound. 

10  Therefore  I  endure  all  thiuiis  for  the  elect's 
sake,''  that  they  may  also  obtain  the  salvation  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  with  eternal  u'lory. 

11  //  is  a  faithful  saying :  For  if  we  be  dead  with 
him,  we  shall  also  live  with  hi/n:'^ 

12  If  we  sutler,  wo  shall  also  reign  with  /lini:  if 
we  deny  him,  he  also  will  deny  us:'^ 

13  If  we  believe  not,  yd  he  abideth  faithful/  he 
cannot  deny  himself.''' 

l-l  Of  these  things  put  them  in  remembrance,'' 
charging  fhem  before  the  Lord  that  they  strive 
not  about  words  to  no  pi'ofit,'  but  to  the  subverting 
of  the  hearers. 

15  Study  to  show  thyself  approved  unto  God,J  a 
workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly 
dividing  the  word  of  truth.'' 

IG  But  shun  ])rofane  and  vain  babblings:  for 
they  will  increase  unto  more  ungodliness. 

17  And  their  word  will  eat  as  doth  a  canker:* 
of  whom  is  llymeneus  and  Philetus; 

18  Who  concerning  the  truth  have  erred,'  saying 
that  the  resurrection  is  past  already;"'  and  over- 
throw the  faith  of  some. 

I'J  Nevertheless,  the  foundation  of  God  standeth 
sure,*"  having  this  seal.  The  Lord  kuoweth  them 

»  Rom.  1:3,  4.  l>  Eph.  6:30.  '  3  Cor.  1 :6.  <1  Rom.  6:5,  8.  «  Matt.  lu'::B. 
'Rom.3:a.  e  Num.  *):  19.  h2Pct.l:13.  i  Titus  3:9,  10.  J2Pet.l:IO. 
k  .Mitt.  13:.5a.  •Or.eangrme.  llTim.6:al.  "11007.1.5:12.  t  Or,  sleac/y. 
1  Proy.  10:23.     o  Xih.  i  :7;  John  10:14,  27.     P  P«a.  97:10.     q  Rom.  9:21. 


S.  li'as  raised  from  the  dead  ;  so  that  you  serve  a  risen 
Saviour,  able  to  bestow  upon  you  a  glorious  reward. 

9.  WIverein;  in  tlie  preaching  of  wliieh  gospel.  Is  not 
bound;  opposera  eannot  prevent  its  progress. 

10.  TUc  elect's  sake;  those  wlioui  Goil  has  chosen  to  sal- 
vation. 

11.  If  we  be  dead  with  him;  with  Christ.  Sco  notes  to 
Rom.  G-.-i-n. 

12.  Suffer ;  suffer  with  him. 

13.  Faithful;  to  all  his  promises  and  threatcnings.  Denij 
himself;  bo  untrue  to  liis  own  character  and  declarations. 

14.  Subverting  of  the  hearers;  turning  them  away  from 
the  truth. 

15.  Dividing  the  word  of  truth ;  communicating  to  each 
the  portion  suited  to  liis  wants. 

IC.  Tiiey  will  increase ;  or  tliey,  that  is,  the  intMi  who  arc 
given  to  these  bablilings,  will  proceed  to  more  ungodli- 
ness,    ("omparc  chap.  ;J:  13. 

17.  TVieiV  M-orf/,- tlieir  pernicious  teachings.  Will  cat  as 
dotha  canker;  will  eat  into  the  S])iritnal  body  as  a  mortify- 
ing sore  spreads  through  the  natural  body.  The  words 
describe  both  the  malignant  nature  and  the  contagions 
character  of  false  teachings. 

18.  That  the  remrrcclioii  is  past  already;  perhaps  tlicy 
exijlaincd  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  figuratively  of 
the  regeneration  of  men's  souls  by  the  grace  of  the  gos- 
pel. 

19.  Vie  foundation ;  Jesus  Christ,  on  whom  arc  Ituilt  the 
church  of  fJorl  and  the  hopes  of  liis  people.  Isa.  28:  K,; 
1  Cor.  3:10-l;'i;  Ki)h.  2:19-22.  This  seal;  tliis  double  in- 
8cri))tion  written  upon  it.  Knnwcth — his;  and  will  keep 
them  from  the  seductifum  of  the  wicked.  This  gives  one 
mark  of  the  true  believer.  Depart  from  iniquitii ;  this  gives 
the  other  mark.  All  who  are  on  "the  foundation  of  Dod" 
exhiliit  both  these  marks. 

20.  A  great  house;  which  here  represents  the  visible 
church  oi  God.  Vessels  of  pold  and  nf  sdcer — of  wood  and 
of  earth  ;  a  figurative  way  of  saying  that  in  Christ's  visible 

1402 


that  are  his."    And,  Let  every  one  that  nam-  .v.  n.cc. 
eth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity.'' 

20  But  in  a  great  house  there  are  not  only  ves- 
sels of  gold  and  of  silver,  but  also  of  wood  and 
of  earth;  and  some  to  honor,  and  some  to  dis- 
honor.'' 

21  If  a  man  therefore  juirge  himself  from  these, 
he  shall  be  a  ves.scl  unto  Imnor,''  sanctitied,  and 
meet  for  the  master's  use.  and  prepared  unto  every 
good  work.^ 

22  Flee  also  youthful  lusts;'  but  follow  right- 
eousness, faith,  charity,  peace,"  with  them  that  call 
on  the  Lord  out  of  a  pure  heart. ^' 

23  But  foolish  and  unlearned  questions  avoid,"' 
knowing  that  they  do  gender  strifes. 

2-1  And  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not  strive; 
but  be  gentle  unto  all  r/ic?;,  apt  to  teach,  ])atient;* 

25  In  meekness  instructing  those  that  ojjpose 
themselves;''  if  God  peradventure  will  give  them 
repentance  to  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth  ;^' 

26  And  that  they  may  recover*  themselves  out 
of  the  snare  of  the  devil,^  who  are  taken  captive' 
by  him  at  his  will. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  adv'ertisetli  liirn  of  the  times  to  come,  6  tlescribeth  the  enemies  of 
the  truth.  10  propouiuleth  unto  hitn  his  own  example,  16  and  com- 
mendeth  tiie  holy  scriptures. 

''T'^HIS  know  also,  that  in  the  last  days  perilous 
X    times  shall  come." 


rjer.  15:19.  'ch.  3:17.  t  Bed.  11 :9,  10.  "Hob.  12:14.  vl  Cor.  1:2. 
w  vcr.  16.  I  Or,  forbearing.  "  Gal.  (i:l.  y  Acts  8:22;  Titus  1:1.  t  Gr. 
awake.  »lTim.3:7.  IGi. alive,  a  ITim.  4:1 ;  2  Pot.  3:3;  IJohn  2:lBi 
Judo  17,  18. 

church  there  will  be  found  the  ])recioii8  and  the  vile.  Com- 
pare the  jiarables  of  the  tares  in  the  field,  Matt.  K!:  24-30, 
3ti-4.'!,  :ind  of  the  net  east  into  the  sea,  verses  47-50. 

21.  Purge  himself  from  these;  these  vessels  of  dishonor, 
by  avoiiliiig  them  and  their  deiileinent. 

2G.  The  snare  of  the  devil;  set  to  ruin  them,  by  inducing 
them  to  embrace  error. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Ability  and  disposition  to  teach  the  tnUhs  of  the 
gosptd  from  love  to  (iod  and  to  men,  are  cssenliiil  rpialifi- 
cations  in  niiuislers  of  Christ;  and  none  who  do  not  pos- 
sess them,  should  be  inlrodneed  into  the  Kacre(l  ollice. 

7.  Consider;ition  and  divine  te:iching  are  both  needful 
in  oriler  to  a  right  uiiderslandiiig  of  truth  and  duly.  All 
should  therefore  e.\ercise  the  one  and  seek  the  other.  In 
so  doing,  they  will  find  that  there  is  no  inconsistency  be- 
tween human  agency  and  human  depeiidence^lhat  both 
are  true  and  operate  in  deliglilfnl  h;irmoiiy  together. 

13.  The  words  can  and  cannot,  like  niiuiy  oilier  words  in 
the  Bible,  are  used  in  ililTerent  senses;  and  if  we  would 
understand  them  correctly,  we  must  consider  the  subject 
about  which  they  are  spoken,  :ind  the  connection  in  which 
they  stand. 

22.  Men  must  not  only  V>elieve  on  Christ,  bnl  live  pure 
and  holy  lives,  in  order  to  be  saved. 

2.'>.  Instruction  is  a  great  nie;ins  nf  leading  lucii  to  re- 
pentance;  but  whilt'  it  is  their  duly  wilhoiil  delay  to 
rcjient,  they  are  so  wicked  that  without  the  grace  of  God 
they  never  will  do  it.  Jlcpentance  when  exorcised  is  there- 
fore the  gift  of  God. 

2fi.  Temptiitions  to  cinbraeo  error  are  snares  of  the  devil 
in  order  to  ruin  nun.  From  such  snares  all  wlio  have 
been  caught  are  bound,  by  believing  and  obeying  the 
truth,  to  recover  thcm.'ielves. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  In  the  last  days;  seo  uoto  to  1  Tim.  4:1. 


Tlie  latter  day  apnstasij. 


2  TIMOTHY  III. 


The  iTispired  Scriptures. 


A.  D.66.  2  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own 
selves,  covetous,  boasters,  proud,  blasphemers,  dis- 
obedient to  parents,"  unthankrul,  iinlioly, 

3  Without  natural  affection,  truce-breakers,  false 
accusers,*  incontinent,  fierce,  despisers  of  those 
that  are  good, 

4  Traitors,"  heady,  high-minded,"  lovers  of  pleas- 
ures more  than  lovers  of  God ; 

5  Having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the 
power  thereof  :'*  from  such  turn  away. 

6  For  of  this  sort  are  they  wlucli  creep  into 
houses,"  and  lead  captive  silly  women  laden  with 
sins,  led  away  with  divers  lusts ; 

7  Ever  learning,  and  never  able  to  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth. 

8  Now  as  Jannes  and  Jambres  withstood  Moses,'' 
so  do  these  also  resist  the  truth :  men  of  corrupt 
minds,"  reprobate*  concerning  the  faith. 

9  But  they  shall  proceed  no  further:  for  their  folly 
shall  be  manifest  unto  all  mm,  as  theirs  also  was. 

10  But  thou  hast  fully  known*  my  doctrine,  man- 


»  Rom.  1:29-31.  '  Or,  makebaus.  b  o  p^t.  2:10.  etc.  =  Thil.  3:19. 
■lTitusl:16.  cTitusI:U.  fExod.7:ll.  B  1  Tim.  6:5.  \  Ot, of  no  judg- 
ment.   I  OT^beeiiadUigenl  follower  of .     h  Acts  13:45,50.     i  Acts  14:5,  (3, 


3.  Truce-breakers ;  faithless  men,  who  break  treaties  and 
refuse  to  fuliil  their  engagements.  Incontinent ;  not  restrain- 
ing their  fleshly  lusts. 

4.  Heady;  rash,  reckless.  High-minded;  puffed  up  with 
a  high  opinion  of  themselves. 

5.  Having  a  form  of  godliness;  havnig  only  its  external 
form.  These  words  mark  the  men,  whose  character  the 
apostle  has  drawn  in  such  dark  colors,  as  only  outwardly 
mcmhers  of  the  church  of  Christ.  Denying  tlie  power;  show- 
ing by  their  lives  that  they  have  not  the  spirit  of  true 
religion,  and  have  not  experienced  its  renewing  and  sanc- 
tifying power.  Turn  away;  do  not  associate  with  or  ac- 
knowledge them  as  Christians,  and  do  nothing  to  counte- 
nance their  errors. 

6.  This  sort;  of  false  teachers.  Creep  into  lionises;  go  slyly 
into  families.  Lead  captive;  get  the  confldence,  and  thus  con- 
trol the  conscience  and  the  purse  of  weak  and  wicked  women. 

1.  Everlearning;  from  their  false  teachers  what  they  would 
have  them  believe  and  do.  Never  able ;  under  such  teachers, 
to  know  the  truths  of  the  gospel.     Compare  Matt.  1.5:14. 

8.  Jannes  and  Jambres;  traditional  names  of  two  of  the 
Egyptian  magicians.  Withstood  Moses ;  Exod.  7:11.  These; 
these  corrupt  teachers.  Resist  the  truth;  by  pretending  to 
be  Christ's,  and  yet  opposing  his  truth. 

9.  No  further ;  in  their  propagation  of  error  and  wicked- 
ness, than  God  sliall  suffer  them.  As  theirs  also  vvs;  the 
folly  of  Jannes  and  Jambres,  who  pretended  to  work  mira- 
cles when  they  did  not. 

U.  Antwch — Iconium — Lystra;  Acts  13:14,45,50;  11:2, 
5,  19. 

14.  Continue  thou;  to  believe,  preach,  and  practise  the 
truths  learned  from  the  Scriptures  and  from  the  preachins 
of  Paul. 

15.  Holy  Scriptures;  of  the  OM  Testament. 

Ifi.  Inspiration  of  God;  God  directed  tlie  men  who  wrote 
it  what  to  write,  and  how  to  write  it,  that  as  a  rule  of  faith 
and  practice  for  men  it  niiglit  be  perfect.  For  doctrine; 
the  communication  of  instruction.  For  reproof;  to  show 
men  their  sins.  For  correction;  to  reclaim  tliem.  For  in- 
struction; ill  what  is  right,  and  tlie  iircsentation  of  the 
highest  and  best  motives  to  induce  men  to  do  it. 

17.   The  man  of  God;   especially  the  religious  teacher. 
Perfect,  thoroughly  furnished ;  prepared  and  furnished  on  I 
all  sides.     i7;i?o  all  good  works;  pertaining  to  him  as  a  ! 
teacher.     These  include  his  life  as  well  as  liis  labors. 
INSTIIUCTIO.XS. 

5.  The  great  apostasy  from  the  fuitii  and  practice  of  llie  t 
gospel  which  has  been  ami  still  is  witnessed  in  the  world,  ' 
and  which  is  lULUiifcstod  by  its  leaders  exalting  themselves 


ner  of  life,  purpose,  faith,  long-suffering,  charity, 
patience, 

11  Persecutions,  afflictions,  which  came  unto  me 
at  Antioch,''  at  Iconium,'  at  Lystra;  what  perse- 
cutions I  endured :  but  out  of  them  all  the  Lord 
delivered  me.-* 

12  Yea,  and  all  that  will  live  godly  in  Christ 
Jesus  sliall  suffer  persecution. 

13  But  evil  men  and  seducers  shall  wax  worse 
and  worse,  deceiving,  and  being  deceived.'" 

1-t  But  continue  thou  in  the  tilings  wliich  thou 
hast  learned  and  hast  been  assured  of,'  knowing 
of  whom  thou  hast  learned  than  : 

15  And  that  from  a  child  thou  liast  known  tiie  holy 
scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto 
salvation  tlirough  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 

16  All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God," 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor- 
rection, for  instruction  in  righteousness:" 

17  That  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,''  thor- 
oughly furnished^  unto  all  good  works. 

19.     iPsa.  34:19.     112X11655.2:11.     ich.  1:13.    m  John  5:39.    u  2  Pet.  1:21. 
o  Rom.  16:4.    p  Psa.  119:93-100.    5  Or,  perfected. 


as  ecclesiastical  and  civil  rulers,  loving  and  amassing  large 
sums  of  money,  inducing  men  and  women  to  stifle  natural 
affection,  to  break  away  from  and  not  to  enter  into  family 
connections,  falsely  accusing  men  of  heresy,  and  putting 
them  to  death  for  reading  and  obeying  the  Bible,  living  in 
luxury  and  sinful  pleasures,  and  at  the  same  time  abound- 
ing in  forms  and  ceremonies  of  religion  and  bitterly  op- 
posing its  spirit — was  clearly  foretold  in  the  Bible.  This 
is  evidence  that  the  Bible  was  given  by  the  inspiration  of 
God ;  and  thus  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  is  an  illus- 
tration of  his  truth.     Uoni.  3:7. 

6.  Inducing  weak  and  silly  women  to  repose  such  con- 
fidence in  their  spiritual  guide  as  to  reveal  to  him  their 
secret  feelings  and  conduct,  and  answer  his  polluted  and 
polluting  questions,  is  one  of  the  most  eflectual  ways  of 
making  them  his  captives,  and  leading  them  unhesitating- 
ly into  the  most  abominable  transgressions. 

9.  In  opposing  what  is  good  and  in  promoting  what  ia 
evil,  men  will  proceed  no  further  than  God  shall  suffer 
them  ;  and  when  he  sees  best,  he  will  make  their  folly  and 
wickedness  manifest  to  all. 

13.  Men  who  knowingly  seduce  others  into  sin  become 
more  and  more  wicked,  and  in  deceiving  others  they  often 
deceive  themselves,  to  their  own  destruction. 

15.  All  who  have  the  Bible  may,  and  if  they  rightly  treat 
it  will,  become  wise  to  salvation  ;  and  if  they  do  not,  it  will 
be  their  own  fault. 

1(3.  As  all  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and 
like  its  author  is  perfect,  and  as  it  tends  to  make  perfect 
all  who  believe  and  obey  it,  it  should  with  the  least  possi- 
ble delay  be  put  into  the  hands  of  all  people. 

17.  As  the  Lord  said  to  dead  matter,  "  LPt  there  be 
light,"  and  there  was  light.  Gen.  1:3;  I'sa.  33: «  ;  Ileb.  1:2; 
so  he  speaks  in  Seriiiture  to  dark,  dead  souls,  and  they 
become  light  in  the  Lord.  He  who  breathed  into  man  the 
breath  of  life,  and  made  him  a  living  soul,  breathed  into 
Scripture  a  life-giving  power.  Hence  it  is  called  quick 
or  life-giving  and  jioweriiil,  Ileb.  4 :  12,  converting  the  soul. 
"The  words  that  I  sjieak  unto  you,  they  are  spirit,  and 
they  are  life."  John  iiUiX  Hence  too  the  reason  wliy  the 
man  of  sin,  whose  domain  is  like  the  valley  of  diy  bones 
in  Lzekiel's  vision,  K/.ek.  :!7:I-10,  is  op|iosed  to  giving 
Scripture  free  course  among  his  people.  If  he  should,  it 
would  cause  a  shaking  among  those  liones,  clotlio  them 
with  sinews  and  flesh,  and  the  Spirit  who.se  breath  it  is 
wiiulil  breathe  into  them  s])irilual  life, and  they  would  stand 
ii|i  for  (!od  an  exceeding  great  army.  Tlius  would  God 
consume  i)o]iery  with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  destroy 
it  with  the  brightness  of  his  comin?.     2  Thess.  2:8. 

1403 


PauVs  solemn  charge, 


2  TIMOTHY  IV. 


antidpitions,  and  request;:. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  He  exhorteth  him  to  do  his  duty  with  all  care  and  diligence,  6  certi- 
fieth  him  of  the  nearness  of  his  death,  9  willelh  him  to  come  speedily 
unto  him,  and  to  bring  Marcus  with  him,  and  certain  other  things 
which  he  wrote  for,  11  warneth  him  to  beware  of  Alexander  the  smith, 
16  informelh  him  what  had  befallen  him  at  his  first  answering,  19  and 
soon  after  he  concludeth. 

I  CHARGE  thee  therefore  before  God,  and  tlie 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,-'  who  shall  judge  the  quick 
and  the  dead  at  his  appearing  and  his  kingdom;'' 

2  Preach  the  word ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of 
season ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all  long-suf- 
fering and  doctrine.*^ 

3  For  the  time  will  come  when  they  will  not 
endure  sound  doctrine;  Ijut  after  their  own  lusts 
shall  they  heap  to  themselves  teachers,  having 
itching  ears; 

4  And  they  shall  turn  away  their  ears  from  the 
truth,  and  shall  be  turned  unto  fables.** 

5  But  watch  thou  in  all  things,''  endure  afflictions, 
do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  make  full  [)roof  of" 
thy  ministry ."^ 

G  For  I  am  now  ready  to  bo  olTered,  and  the 
time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand."^ 

7  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,''  1  have  finished  my 
course,'  I  have  kept  tiie  faith  :J 

8  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  mc  a  ci"0wn  of 
righteousness,'' which  the  Ijord,  the  righteous  judge, 
shall  give  mc  at  that  day :  and  not  to  me  only,  but 
unto  all  them  also  that  love  his  ap]iearing.' 

9  Do  thy  diligence  to  come  shortly  unto  me: 

10  For  Demas  hath  forsaken  mo,  having  loved 
this  present  world,'"  and  is  departed  unto  Thcssa- 
lonica ;  Crescens  to  Galatia,  Titus  unto  Dalmatia. 

1 1  Only  Luke  is  with  me.  Take  Mark,  and  bring 


"IT 

m. 

r,:il:  8t 

1.3.    b  Kev. 

■M: 

•J,  l:). 

c  Titus 

.). 

1.'..    0  I  Tim 

1:4. 

e  ch. 

2:3.    • 

Or 

fulfil. 

t  ITim.-t 

l>. 

r,.    B 

Phil.  1: 

>) 

a  Pet. 

:14 

h  1 

Tim 

6:ia. 

i  Act«  -'0:1! 

.     J  Prov, 

»:i- 

;  K^T 

.  3:10. 

k 

1  Cor   !) 

«: 

ll'ct 

5:4; 

Rpv.  2 

III. 

1  ICur 

2:9.     in  1  John 

2:1.5. 

n  Titu 

3 

l-.>.     0  I 

*Fa. 

>s:l. 

f  Or. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  Quick ;  living.  ./4n;)cor;n;»';  in  pjlory  to  judge  the  world. 
Kingihim ;  which  shall  then  ho  fully  consiimmatod. 

2.  In  season;  at  rt-f^ular  times  (if  jmlilic  wor.ship.  Oxit 
of  season ;  at  occasional  seasons,  when  it  can  be  done  to 
advantage. 

3.  Sound  doctrine;  Buch  as  is  revealed  in  the  word  of 
God,  and  adapted  to  promote  the  spiritual  good  of  men. 
Teachers;  who  will  not  condenni  their  favorite  sins.  Itch- 
ing ears;  wishing  for  new  teacliers  and  new  doctrines, 
and  multiplying  tliose  who  will  amuse  and  flatter  them. 

4.  Frnin  the  truth;  liecause  it  conilemns  them.  Fables; 
mystical  speculations  and  frivolous  storie.H. 

5.  Watch;  be  sober, earnest. and  vigilant, as  the  original 
word  implies.  Evanirclist ;  a  iinnister  of  Christ,  who  went 
from  i>lace  to  place  preaching  the  goK)>el,  gathering 
chnrehes.  and  assisting  in  establishing  the  instilnlioiiH  of 
t'hri.stiaiiily.  Make  full  proof  iif  Ihij  ministrij;  or.as  in  the 
margin,  fullil  thy  ministry;  discharge  its  duties  faithfully 
and  thoroughly. 

6.  Offered;  jioured  out  as  a  drink-offering.  My  blood 
is  about  to  be  poured  out  for  niy  attat'hment  to  Christ. 

7.  A  good  figlit ;  more  literally,  the  good  fight;  that, 
namely,  prescribed  to  me  by  my  Lord.  The  word  in  the 
original  is  one  used  of  the  firecian  games.  Compare  1  Cor. 
9:2(i;  1  Tim.  6:12.  Fimslied  mil  course;  the  Christian  race 
appointed  to  me.  This  is  another  allusion  to  the  Grecian 
games.     Compare  I'hil.  :t:  12-14. 

10.  Havinc  loved ;  this  life  and  its  enjoyments  so  much 
that  he  left  Home  to  avoid  the  danger  of  losing  them. 

11.  Lule;  the  writer  of  the  gospel.  Mark;  Acts  12:25; 
V,:5;  15:37;  Col.  4:10, 

1404 


him  with  thee:  for  he  is  profitable  to  me  a.  d  w. 
for  the  ministry. 

12  And  Tvchicus  have  I  sent  to  Ephesus." 

13  The  cloak  that  I  left  at  Troas  with  Carpus, 
when  thou  coinest,  bring  with  thee,  and  the  books, 
hut  especially  the  parchniciils. 

14  Alexander  the  coppersmith  did  me  much  evil : 
the  Lord  reward  him  according  to  his  works:" 

15  Of  whom  be  thou  ware  also;  for  he  hath 
greatly  withstood  our  words. + 

16  At  my  first  answer  no  man  stood  with  me,  but 
all  7nen  forsook  mc:''  I  pray  God  that  it  may  not 
be  laid  to  their  charge.'' 

17  Notwithstanding  the  Lord  stood  with  mc.  and 
strengthened  me ;''  that  by  me  the  ))rcachiiig  might 
be  fully  known,  and  that  all  the  Gentiles  might 
hoar :  and  I  was  delivered  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
lion." 

18  And  the  Lord  shall  deliver  me  from  every  evil 
work,  and  will  preserve  me  unto  his  heavenly  king- 
dom:'  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.    Aincu. 

19  Balute  Prisca  and  Aquila,  and  the  household 
of  Onesiphorus. 

20  Erastus  aliodc  at  Corinth:  but  Trophimus 
have  I  left  at  Milctum*  sick. 

21  Do  thy  diligence  to  come  before  winter.  Eu- 
bulus  grecleth  thee,  and  Pudens,  and  Linus,  and 
Claudia,  and  all  tlie  brethren. 

22  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he  Avitli  thy  spirit. 
Grace  he  with  you.     Amen. 

1[  The  second  (pistle  unto  Timothcus,  ordained 
the  first  liisho]i  of  the  church  of  the  Ephesiaiis, 
was  written  from  Rome,  when  Paul  was  brought 
before  Nero'  the  second  time. 


preachings.  Pch.  1:15.  q  Acts  7:00.  r  IMatt  10: 19;  Acts  23:11.  •  Psa. 
a'J:'21.  '  Psa.  J21:7.  1  Miletus;  Acts  20:15,  17.  (  Gr.  Cesar  Nero,  o!  ike 
emperor  Nero. 


13.  The parcliiiunt.i;  skins  preiiareii,  on  which  the  more 
costly  of  the  ancient  books  were  written.  Whether  the.so 
were  the  writings  of  the  aiiostle,  or  the  writings  of  others, 
or  merely  materiids  for  writing,  is  not  known. 

111.  My  first  amu'cr ;  his  first  hearing,  jiroliably  during  his 
present  imprisonment,  before  the  Konian  ciii]ieror  or  a 
court  coniMiiHsioned  bj'  him.  Tlie  words  refer  to  a  sub- 
sequent hearing  which  he  had  already  had  or  c.xiiected 
soon  to  have. 

17.  Out  of  the  mouth  of  the  lion ;  according  to  some,  liter- 
ally, by  being  saved  from  death  liy  wild  beasts.  Accord- 
ing to  others,  the  words  are  ligiiratively  spoken  of  iho 
lioinan  emperor  Nero. 

IS.  From  ivcrij  evil  work;  not  from  persecution  even  to 
death,  for  this  the  apostle  expected;  but  from  receiving 
any  s]iirilii;il  injury  Ihrough  the  evil  works  ol'  his  enemies. 
God  would  keep  liis  lailh  steadfast  :iiiiid  ;dl  his  triiils.aud 
grant  him  ;i  perfect  and  everlasting  victory  over  them. 

I'J.  The  household  of  Onesiphorus;  see  note  to  chaj).  1 :  16. 
IN'STIU'CTIGN.'^. 

5.  While  niinislers  of  Christ  have  ojiiiorlunity  they 
should  be  most  diligently  and  coiiHcientiinisly  employed 
In  preaching  the  gospel,  as  they  do  not  know  how  soon 
their  op]iortuiiities  will  cease. 

8.  To  the  faithful  minister,  the  close  is  the  most  joyful 
jieriod  of  life.  Kvils^natiirid  and  moral,  arc  behuiu,  and 
all  before  is  blesseilness  and  glory. 

15.  Ministers  of  the  gospel  are  ixiiind  to  be  wise  as  well 
as  harmless;  to  foresee  evils  and  avoid  them.  Although 
they  :ire  not  to  be  afraid  of  men,  they  are  to  beware  of 
the'm ;  and  so  to  act  as  not  necdlcHsly  to  put  themselves 
in  their  jiower. 

18.  Should  godly  ministers  or  private  Christians  in  tho 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  TITUS. 


From  the  notices  of  Titus  which  we  find  in  the  epistles  of  Paul  we  learn  that  he  was  of  gentile  origin, 
Gal.  2 : 3,  and  was,  like  Timothy,  an  attendant  upon  the  apostle,  employed  under  his  direction  in  the  min- 
istry of  the  word.  He  was  with  Paul  at  the  assembly  of  apostles  and  ciders  in  Jerusalem,  Acts  15  :1,  etc., 
compared  with  Gal.  2:3;  was  sent  by  Paul  to  Corinth  to  attend  to  the  collection  in  the  Corinthian  church 
for  the  poor  at  Jerusalem,  and  also  to  ascertain  the  state  of  things  there,  2  Cor.  chaps.  8,  9  ;  12:18;  and 
is  mentioned  in  2  Tim.  4  :  10,  as  having  gone  to  Dalmatia.  Of  tlie  founding  of  the  churches  in  Crete,  a 
large  island  of  the  Mediterranean  south  of  the  Jigean  sea,  we  have  no  information.  From  the  present 
epistle  we  learn  that  Paul  had  been  there  with  Titus — to  found  new  churches  or  to  strengthen  and  enlarge 
those  already  existing — and  had  been  compelled,  from  reasons  unknown  to  us,  to  leave  before  completing 
his  intended  arrangements.  Tire  epistle  seems  to  have  been  written  after  his  first  imprisonment,  in  near 
connection  with  those  to  Timothy,  that  is,  upon  the  supposition  that  both  of  these  were  written  after  his 
first  imprisonment.  See  the  introduction  to  the  first  epistle  to  Timothy.  The  place  from  which  he  wrote 
is  unknown.  In  chap.  3:12,  he  says,  "Be  diligent  to  come  unto  Nicopolis,  for  I  have  determined  there 
to  winter."  This  he  would  hardly  have  said  had  he  been  then  in  Nicopolis,  but  rather,  here  to  winter. 
There  was  a  Nicopolis  in  Epirus,  and  another  on  the  boundary  between  Thrace  and  Macedonia.  Which 
of  the  two  is  here  intended,  is  a  matter  about  which  learned  men  are  not  agreed. 


A  D.  65. 


CHAPTER  I. 


1  For  what  end  Titus  was  left  in  Crete.  6  How  they  that  are  to  be 
chosen  ministers  ought  to  be  qualifieJ.  11  Tiie  moutlis  of  evil  teach- 
ers to  be  stopped ;  12  and  what  manner  of  men  they  be. 

PAUL,  a  servant  of  God,  and  an  apostle  of 
Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  faith  of  God's 
elect,  and  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth  which 
is  after  godliness;" 

2  In*  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  God,  that  can- 
not lie,""  promised  before  the  world  began  ;*= 

3  But  hath  in  due  times  manifested  his  word 
through  preacliing,''  which  is  committed  unto  me 
according  to  the  commandment  of  God  our  Sav- 
iour; 

4  To  Titus,  mine  own  son  after  the  common 
faith:"  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  the 
Father  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 


»1  Tim.  fi:3;  2Ti'm.  2:25.    •  Or,  For.   !<  1  Sam.  15:29;  Hcb.  6:18.   c  Matt. 
2034.    ii  Rom.  10:14, 15:  2Tim.  1:10.    elTira.l:l,2.    \  Oi,  left  undone. 

hour  of  death  be  absent  from  earthly  friends,  they  will  not 
be  alone.  That  Friend  who  loves  them,  and  can  do  for 
them  infinitely  more  than  all  others,  will  bo  with  them ; 
and  when  flcsli  and  heart  fail,  he  will  be  the  strength  of 
tUtir  heart,  and  their  portion  for  ever.     Psa.  73:26. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  According:  to;  in  order  that  God's  elect  might  believe 
and  acknowledge  the  truth  which  is  according  to  godliness. 

2.  Promised;  in  his  eternal  purpose. 

3.  Hk  word ;  which  is  the  revelation  of  this  eternal  life. 
Tlirough  preaching,  which  is  committed  wnto  me;   that  is, 


5  For  tliis  cause  left  I  thee  in  Crete,  that  thou 
shouldest  set  in  order  the  things  that  are  want- 
ing,+  ''  and  ordain  elders  in  every  city,  as  I  had 
appointed  thee:'' 

6  If  any  be  blameless,  the  husband  of  one  wife, 
having  faithful  children  not  accused  of  riot  or 
unruly. 

7  For  a  bishop  must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward 
of  God :  not  self-willed,  not  soon  angry,  not  given 
to  wine,  no  striker,  not  given  to  filthy  lucre;'* 

8  But  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover  of  good 
men,*  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate ; 

9  Holdingfast  the  hxithful  word  as  he  hath  been 
taught,^'  that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine 
both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gainsayers. 

10  For  there  are  many  unruly  and  vain  talkers 
and  deceivers,^  especially  they  of  the  circumcision : 

f  ICor.  1I:.T1.     g  Acts  14:2');  2  Tim.  2:2.     h  1  Tim.  3:2,  etc.     1  Or,  (/linffJ. 
i  Or,  in  teaching,     i  2  Thess.  2:15.    JJas.  1:20. 


through  the  ministry  of  preaching  wherewith  I  am  en- 
trusted. These  words  aro  added  to  show  how  the  reve- 
lation of  eternal  life  contained  in  his  word  is  to  be  promul- 
gated. 

5.  Set  in  order ;  complete  arrangements  which  Paul  had 
liegun  for  the  establishment  of  churches  and  the  promo- 
tion of  religion  throughout  the  island. 

6.  Fiiilhf id  children;  trained  up  in  the  nurture  and  admo- 
nition of  the  Lord,  and  not  guilty  of  disobedieuce  to  their 
parents  or  ojienly  inuuoral. 

7-9.  A  bi.thop  miiM  be;  1  Tim.  3:2-7. 
10.  TIte  circumcision ;  Jews. 

1405 


Divers  pastoral  charges 


TITUS  II. 


of  Paul  to  Til II!:. 


11  Whose  mouths  must  be  stopped ;  vrho  subvert 
whole  houses,"  teachiug  things  -wliich  they  ought 
not,  for  filthy  lucre's  sake. 

12  One  of  themselves,''  evcji  a  prophet  of  their 
own,  said.  The  Cretiaus  are  always  liars,  evil 
beasts,  slow  Ijcllies. 

13  This  witness  is  true.  "Wherefore  rebuke  them 
sharplv,''  that  they  may  be  sound  in  the  faith ; 

14  Not  giving  lleed  to  Jewish  fables,''  and  com- 
mandments of  men,  that  turn  from  the  truth. 

15  Unto  the  pure  all  things  are  pure:"  but  unto 
them  tliat  are  defiled  and  unbelieving  z.s  notliing 
pure ;  but  even  their  mind  und  conscience  is  defiled. 

1()  They  profess  that  tlioy  know  God;''  but  in 
works  they  deny  him,  being  abominable,  and  dis- 
obedient, and  unto  every  good  work  reprobate." 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  Directions  given  unto  Titus  both  for  his  doctrine  and  life.     9  Of  the 
duty  of  servants,  and  in  gener.al  of  all  Christians. 

BUT  speak  thou  the  things  which  become  sound 
doctrine: 

2  That  the  aged  men  be  sober ,+  grave,  temperate, 
sound  iu  faith,  in  cliarity,  in  patience.^ 

3  The  aged  women  likewise,  that  they  be  in  be- 
havior as  beconioth  holiness,'  not  false  accusers,^ 
not  given  to  much  wine,  teachers  of  good  things; 

4  That  tlioy  may  teach  tiie  young  women  to  be 
sober,'  to  love  their  husbands,  to  love  their  cliil- 
drcn, 


•  Matt.  23:14.    bActsl7:3a.    c2Tim.4:2.    <llTim.l:4. 
2fl.    f  aTim.  ."JiS,  7.    '  Or,  void  of  judgment.    \  Or,  vigilant. 
1  Or,  Iwly  women,     i  Or,  makeba'les.     I  Or,  toise.     >>  I  Tim 
rreel 


'yv'omen.     i  UT.milKeoaies.     "  yjr.wt^ie.     "  i  ii 
ITim.  4;l-2.     J  ITim.  (i:3.     k  Eph.  0:5,  etc. 


e  Rom.  14:14, 

sProT.  16:31. 

14.     1  Or.  dis- 

Or,  gainsaying. 


5  To  he  discreet,  chaste,  keepers  at  home,  a.  d.c.. 
good,  obedient  to  their  own  husbands,  that  the 
word  of  God  lie  not  blaspliemed.'' 

6  Young  men  likewise  exliort  to  be  sober-mind- 
ed."' 

7  In  all  things  showing  tliysclf  a  jiattern  of  good 
works:'  in  doctrine  showing  uncorruptness,  grav- 
ity, sincerity, 

8  Sound  spccch,J  that  cannot  be  condemned;  that 
he  tliat  is  of  the  contrary  part  may  be  ashamed, 
having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you. 

9  Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient  unto  tlieir  own 
masters,''  and  to  please  thcin  Avell  in  all  /hings;  not 
answering  again  ;" 

10  Not  purloining,  but  showing  all  good  fidelity  ; 
that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Sav- 
iour in  all  things.' 

11  For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation 
hath  appeared  to  all  men,*"' 

12  Teaching  us  that,  denying  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,"  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously, 
and  godly,  in  this  present  world  ;" 

13  Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,''  and  the  glori- 
ous appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ;'' 

14  Who  gave  himself  for  us,'  that  he  might  re- 
deem us  from  all  iniquity,"  and  purify  unto  himself 
a  peciiiiar  people,'  zealous  of  good  works." 

15  These  things  speak,  and  exhort,  and  rebuke 
with  all  authority.     Let  no  man  despise  thee.'' 

I  Matt.  5:  Iti.  t  Or,  that  bringeth  salvation  to  all  men,  hath  appeared,  m  Rom. 
5:1.5.  n  Rom  8:1»:  1  Pet.  t!:ll.  oLukel:75.  I>  •,>  Pet.  3:12.  lRov.l:7. 
I-  Eph.  5:2.  ■  Psi.  130:S.  '  Deut.  7:li;  Heb.  0:14;  1  Pet.  2:0,  "  Eph. 
2:1U.     «  ITim.  4:12. 


11.  WAo.se  mouth  must  be  stopped;  not  by  inquisitions  or 
physical  force,  but  by  sound  ai-gnnicnt  and  conchisive 
reasoning — liy  tlie  power  of  truth.  Subvert;  turn  aside 
from  the  faitli  and  practice  of  the  gospel.  Forjilthij  lucre's 
sake;  for  base  Rain. 

12.  A  proplict  of  their  own;  Epimenides,  one  of  their 
poets,  i'lv/ ica-fis;  ferocious  and  malignant.  Slow  bellies; 
Blothful  gluttons. 

15.  Unto  the  pure  all  things  are  pure;  but  unto  them  that 
are  defleil — i.i  nolhinz  pure ;  there  is  an  allusion  here  to  the 
stress  laid  by  the  false  teachers  on  .Jewish  distinctions  of 
clean  and  unclean  meats,  washing  of  hands,  and  other 
ceremonial  purifications,  while  they  took  no  pains  to  keep 
their  hearts  and  lives  clean  from  tlie  defilement  of  sin. 
The  apostle  ex|)0He8  their  error  by  laying  iluwn  a  general 
l>rinei|ile  apjilirablc  to  all  llie  relations  of  life.  The  ])ure 
arc  those  wliosc  hearts  and  lives  are  controlled  by  the 
holy  prineiides  of  love,  faith,  and  obedience  towards  (Jod. 
To  them  all  (iod's  creatures  are  pure,  and  they  need  fear 
no  delilcmcnt  from  them  while  they  use  them  with  tlianks- 
giving  in  accordance  with  his  word.  Hom.  11:11-20; 
1  Tim.  4:4,  5.  All  their  daily  labors,  moreover,  secular 
as  well  as  religious,  are  pure,  being  all  performed  in  the 
spirit  of  love  towards  (Jod  and  man.  The  impure  are 
those  whose  hearts  and  lives  are  mider  the  control  of  self- 
ish and  base  jiassions.  To  them  nothing  is  pure ;  for 
their  iiiin<l  ami  conscience  being  defiled,  every  outward 
work  that  proceeds  from  them  is  unclean  also. 

IC.  In  works  theij  ticnij  him;  they  show  that  they  have 
no  such  kuowleilge.  Their  words  ami  works  disagree. 
Unto  ercry  good  work  reprobate ;  rejected  as  men  given  over 
to  inifiuity,  from  whom  no  good  work  is  to  be  expected. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
3.  God  sometimes  converts  men  who  have  been  distin- 
guished for  their  r>]iposition  to  him,  and  makes  them  emi- 
nently succesfrful  preachers  of  the  gospel. 

5.  Over  every  congregation  there  should  be  a  settled 
1406 


pastor,  to  preach  the  gosiiel,  administer  the  ordniancos  of 
the  New  Testament,  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper,  and 
set  before  the  peojile  an  example  of  habitual  anil  consist- 
ent piety. 

n.  A  "blameless  character,  soundness  in  the  faith,  anil 
ability  to  maintain  and  defend  it,  are  essential  retpiisites 
in  ministers  of  the  gospel ;  aiul  without  these  none  should 
be  introduced  into  the  sacred  ollice. 

15.  Tliose  who  love  and  practise  what  is  good  are  con- 
stantly growing  better,  and  those  who  love  and  practise 
evil  arc  constantly  growing  worse. 

10.  Not  the  professions  but  the  practices  of  men  are 
the  index  of  tlieir  true  character. 

CUAPTER  11. 

3.  False  accu-iers  ;  given  to  slander. 

5,  Not  blasphemed;  that  the  gosjiel  be  not  reproached  on 
account  of  the  inconsistency  of  its  profi^ssors, 

0.  In  all  things;  where  they  can  do  it  and  at  the  same 
time  jilease  (!oil,  Sut  answering  again;  not  contradicting 
or  finding  fault  with  their  masU'rs. 

10.  I'lirUiining;  taking  what  is  not  theirs. 

11.  That  bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men;  or, 
as  the  margin,  the  grace  of  (iod  thai  bringeth  salvation  to 
all  men,  h;ith  appeared,  I?y  the  gi:u:e  of  Cod  in  the  gos- 
pel salvation  is  ])rovided  for  and  olfered  to  all  iiien,;in<l  i( 
gives  actual  salvation  to  all  who  receive  it  in  faith,  Konj. 
1:10, 

13.  "Die  glorious  appearing ;  at  his  second  coming  in  glory 
to  judge  the  world. 

15.  Tliese  things ;  the  duties  he  had  mentioned,  ver.  1-14. 
Let  no  man  despise  thee;  conduct  in  such  a  maimer  as  to 
command  the  resjicct  of  all. 

INRTimCTTONS. 

5.  The  gospel  inculcates  n)>on  all  professing  Christians 
the  duties  jippropriate  to  their  age,  sex,  and  condition: 
and  rcriuires  the  performance  of  them,  for  the  purpose  of 


Divers  directions 


TITUS  III. 


and  salutations. 


A,D65.  CHAPTER  III. 

1  Titus  is  yet  further  directed  bv  Paul,  both  concerning  the  things  he 
should  teach,  and  not  teach.  He  is  willed  also  to  reject  obstinate  her- 
etics; 1'2,  which  done,  he  appointeth  him  both  time  and  place  wherein 
he  should  come  unto  him,  and  so  concludeth. 

PUT  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  principali- 
ties and  powers,"  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be 
ready  to  every  good  work, 

2  To  speak  evil  of  no  man,  to  be  no  brawlers, 
but  gentle,  showing  all  meekness  unto  all  men.'' 

3  For  we  ourselves  also  were  sometimes  foolish, 
disobedient,  deceived,  serving  divers  lusts  and 
pleasures,  living  in  malice  and  envy,  hateful,  and 
hating  one  another."^ 

4  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love"  of  God 
our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared, 

5  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have 
done,''  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by 
the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost ; 

6  Which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly^  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour; 

7  That  being  justified  by  his  grace,"  we  should 
be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

8  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  these  things  I 
will  that  thou  affirm  constantly,  that  they  which 


«Rnm.l3:l.  >'Eph.4:a.  =  1  Cor.  6:11 ;  1  Pet.  4:3.  -Or, pity,  d  Eph. 
2:4,8,9.    tOr,riMy.    e  Rom.  3:24.     f  ver.  1,  14.    6  2  Tim.  2:23.     h  Matt. 

honoring  God  and  preventing  the  reproach  which  they 
will  otherwise  bring  upon  his  cause. 

S.  One  of  the  most  convincing  proofs  of  the  truth  and 
excellence  of  the  Christian  religion  is  a  consistently  pious 
and  beneficent  life;  and  every  friend  of  God  should  strive 
so  to  conduct,  that  no  one  can  justly  say  any  evil  of  him. 

10.  Servants  who  conscientiously  discharge  their  appro- 
priate duties  from  regard  to  God,  are  a  great  ornament  to 
the  Cliristian  religion,  and  do  much  to  recommend  it.  They 
slioulJ  therefore  search  the  Scriptures,  hear  the  gospel, 
and  enjoy  the  means  of  grace,  that  their  minds  may  be 
enlightened,  their  hearts  purified,  and  all  their  powers  em- 
ployed most  profitably  to  themselves  and  their  fellow-men. 

14.  Our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself  a  ran- 
som for  us,  and  will  be  our  final  .Judge,  is  the  great  God. 
As  such  all  should  regard  him,  and  ever  be  governed  by 
his  revealed  will. 

1.5.  Supreme  love  to  Christ,  manifested  in  acts  of  good- 
will to  men,  cannot  be  despised,  but  must  be  respected 
even  by  tlie  wicked.  Tliough  they  may  hate  and  oppose 
it,  their  conscience  condemns  them,  and  thus  forewarns 
them  of  their  final  doom. 

CHAPTER  III, 

2.  Speak  evil  of  do  man;  fal.sely  or  unnecessarily. 

3.  We  ourselves  also;  as  well  as  the  unbelieving  world 
without  us  now  lying  in  wickedness.  From  the  regener- 
ating and  renewing  grace  of  God,  which  had  elevated 
liclievers  from  a  life  of  inward  unclcaiiness  and  outward 
vice  to  one  of  holiness  and  righteousness,  he  draws  an 
argument  for  consistency  in  a  godly  life. 

4.  Appeared;  in  the  gift  of  his  Son,  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  operations  of  the  Spirit. 

9.  Genealogies ;  see  note  to  1  Tim.  1 : 4. 

10.  A  heretic;  in  New  Testament  usage,  sectarist,  attach- 
ing himself  to  a  factious  party  that  rejected  sound  doctrine 
and  a  godly  life.  The  first  and  second  admonition;  Matt. 
1«:  15-17:  Rom.  10:17,18. 


have  believed  in  God  might  be  careful  to  maintain 
good  works.''  These  tilings  are  good  and  profit- 
able unto  men. 

9  But  avoid  foolish  questions,*^  and  genealogies, 
and  contentions,  and  strivings  about  the  law;  for 
they  are  unprofitable  and  vain. 

10  A  man  that  is  a  heretic,  after  the  first  and 
second  admonition,  reject ;** 

11  Knowing  that  he  that  is  such  is  subverted, 
and  sinneth,  being  condemned  of  himself. 

12  When  I  shall  send  Artemas  unto  thee,  or 
Tychicus,  be  diligent  to  come  unto  me  to  Nicopo- 
lis:  for  1  have  determined  there  to  winter. 

13  Bring  Zenas  the  lawyer  and  ApoUos  on  their 
journey  diligently,  that  notliing  be  wanting  unto 
them. 

14  And  let  ours  also  learn  to  maintain  good 
works*  for  necessary  uses,'  that  they  be  not  un- 
fruitful. 

15  All  that  are  with  nic  salute  thee.  Greet 
them  that  love  us  in  the  faith.  Grace  be  with 
you  all.     Amen. 

T  It  was  written  to  Titus,  ordained  the  first 
bishop  of  the  church  of  the  Cretians,  from 
Nicopolis  of  Macedonia. 


1S:17.    I  Or,  profess  Iwnest  trades. 


11.  Subverted;  turned  from  the  right  way.  Sinneth;  by 
embracing  the  side  of  error  and  sin.  Condemned  of  himself ; 
by  his  own  conduct  and  conscience. 

12.  Nicopolis;  see  the  introductory  remarks  to  this 
epistle. 

13.  Nothing;  needful  for  their  journey. 

14.  Ours ;  those  of  our  side,  those  who  profess  godli- 
ness. Maintain  good  works;  Vixo  godly  lives,  and  habitu- 
ally and  diligently  pursue  some  useful  business.  For  neces- 
sary uses ;  that  they  may  have  the  means  of  honorably  main- 
taining themselves  and  helping  others,  thus  being  not 
unfruitful  in  their  lives.  John  15:1C;  Eph.  4:28;  Phil. 
4:17;  Col.  1:10. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  True  religion  makes  good  subjects,  quiet  citizens, 
peaceful  neighbors,  and  renders  men  meek,  patient,  and 
forgiving  in  all  the  relation's  of  life. 

3.  AVhen  not  restrained  by  divine  grace,  men  naturally 
run  into  all  kinds  of  vicious,  hateful  excesses ;  and  noth- 
ing but  the  Holy  Spirit  will  prevent  their  growing  worso 
and  worse  for  ever. 

8.  To  the  gracious  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  Chris- 
tians are  indebted  for  the  dilTerence  between  them  ami  tho 
most  heinous  sinners.  This  they  should  feel,  and  should 
show  their  gratitude  in  doing  good  as  they  have  oppor- 
tunity, by  precept,  example,  and  every  proper  method,  to 
all  their  fellow-men. 

10.  Kind,  watchful,  and  efficient  discipline  should  ever 
be  maintained  in  Christian  churches.  Etibrts,  not  by  paiua 
and  penalties,  but  l>y  sound  argument  and  kind  persuasion, 
should  first  be  made  to  reclaim  oifemlers.  If  all  is  una- 
vailing, Christians  sliould  sejiarate  themselves  from  them, 
and  thus  bear  open  testimony  against  their  transgressions  ; 
but  they  should  never  feel  unkindly  towards  them,  or 
seek  to  injure  them.  Persecutions,  prisons,  impiisitions, 
fires,  and  tortures  are  measures  instigated  by  the  devil 
and  pursued  by  his  adherents,  not  by  the  friends  of  Jesus 
Christ. 


140- 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  PHILEMON. 


This  epistle  was  sent  from  Rome  to  Colosse  by  Onesimus  at  the  same  time  with  the  epistle  to  the  Co- 
lossiaus,  of  which  Tychicus  was  the  bearer,  Col.  4:9.  It  is  addressed  to  Philemon,  a  disting-uished  Chris- 
■tian  at  Colosse.  The  epistle  itself  plainly  indicates  its  object.  It  is  a  plea  for  Onesimus,  the  servant  of 
Philemon,  who  had  left  him,  and  apparently  defrauded  him,  ver.  18.  As  a  model  of  Christian  courtesy  and 
delicacy  it  has  been  the  admiration  of  all  ages. 


4  Paul  rejoiceth  to  hear  of  the  faith  and  love  of  Philemon,  9  whom  he 
desireth  to  forgive  his  servant  Onesimus.  and  lovingly  to  receive  him 
again. 

TD-^UL,  a  prisoner  of  Jesus  Christ,"  and  Timo- 
X  thy  our  brother,  unto  Philemon  our  dearly 
beloved,  and  fellow-laborer,'' 

2  And  to  our  beloved  Appliia,  and  Archippus  our 
fellow-soldier,"  and  to  the  church  in  thy  house.'^ 

3  Grace  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father 
and  tlie  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

4  I  thank  my  God,  making  mention  of  thee 
always  in  my  prayers,*^ 

5  Hearing  of  thy  love  and  faith,  which  thou  hast 
toward  tlie  Lord  Jesus,  and  toward  all  saints; 

6  Tliat  the  communication  of  thy  faith  may  be- 
come effectual'  by  the  acknowledging  of  every 
good  thing  whicli  is  in  you  in  Christ  Jesus.'' 


>Eph.3:l.    l>Pbil.2:a5.    cCol.4:17:    dRom.l6:S.    oEph.l:2.    f  Enh. 
l;l«.     (  Jas.  2:14,  17.     h  Phil.  1:9-11;  4:8;  2  Pet.  1:5-S.     1  2  Cor.  7:13; 


PHILEMON. 

1.  Fellow-laborer ;  in  Bprcadiiig  the  pospel. 

2.  Appliin;  a  Christian  woman  at  Colosse,  perhaps  the 
wife  ot  Philemon.  Archipptti;  a  minister  of  the  gospel  in 
that  city.  Col.  4:17.  TIte  church  in  thy  house;  worshipimig 
in  thy  house. 

6.  That  tlie  communication  of  thy  faith ;  by  some,  these 
words  are  connected  immediately  with  the  preceding  verso, 
thus:  ITearinf;  of  tliy  love  and  faith,  etc.,  love  and  faitli 
which  look  to  this  end,  that  the  communication  of  thy 
faith  may  bo  effectual,  etc.  But  wo  may,  perhaps,  bettrr 
connect  them  witli  ver.  4,  Making  mention  of  thee  always 
in  my  prayers — that  the  communication  of  thy  faith  may 
liccome  effectual,  etc.  Taking  the  word  "  communication  " 
in  the  sense  of  fellowship,  as  the  original  word  is  often 
elsewhere  rendered,  the  meaning  of  this  difficult  verso 
may  be  thus  given:  That  the  communication  of  thy  failh  ; 
with  the  saints,  in  other  words,  thy  fellowship  with  the 
saints  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  mny  hrcome  effectual;  may 
not  be  inoperative,  but  active  and  fruitful  l/y  the  acknow- 
Iclging ;  or,  more  literally,  in  the  acknowledging,  that  is, 
in  the  way  of  the  ever-increasing  knowledge  and  acknow- 
ledgment by  thee  and  the  saints  that  are  in  fellowship 
with  thee,  if  every  good  thine  which  is  iji  you  ;  or,  according 
to  another  reading,  in  us  ;  that  is,  of  every  good  thing  that 
is  wrought  by  God  in  us,  or  bestowed  upon  us,  through 
1408 


7  For  we  have  great  joy  and  consolation  a.  d.w. 
in  thy  love,  because  the  bowels  of  the  saints  arc 
refreshed  by  thee,'  brother. 

8  Wherefore  though  I  might  be  much  bold  in 
Christ  to  enjoin  thee  that  which  is  convenient,^ 

9  Yet  for  love's  sake  I  rather  boscccli  f/tee,  being 
such  a  one  as  Paul  the  aged,  and  now  also  a  pris- 
oner of  Jesus  Christ. 

10  I  beseech  thee  for  my  son  Onesimus,''  whom 
I  have  begotten  in  my  bonds:' 

11  Which  in  time  past  was  to  thee  unprofitable, 
but  now  profitable  to  tliee  and  to  me :'" 

12  Whom  I  have  sent  again:  thou  therefore 
receive  liiin,  that  is,  mine  own  bowels : 

13  Wliom  I  would  have  retained  with  me,  that 
in  thy  stead  he  might  have  ministered  unto  me  in 
the  bonds  of  the  gospel :" 

•JTim,  1:10.  JlThess.  2:8.  k  Col.  4:».  llCor.  4:15.  "IFet.  2:10. 
■>  1  Cor.  10:17;  Phil.  2:30. 

his  gospel:  all  which  is  to  be  in  Christ  Jcs-u.i ;  or,  more  lit- 
erally, unto  Christ  Jesus ;  that  is,  to  his  glory  and  the  fur- 
therance of  his  cause. 

7.  Thy  love;  towards  Christ  and  his  people.  Bowels; 
liearts. 

8.  I  might;  he  might,  as  an  inspired  apostle,  command 
Philemon  to  do  that  which  is  convenient;  that  is,  becoming; 
the  thing,  n;imely,  which  he  was  about  to  state,  and  which 
it  was  the  duty  of  Philemon  to  do. 

9.  For  love's  sake;  their  mutual  love  to  Christ  and  his 
cause,  and  to  one  another.  1  ralhrr  beseech ;  Paul  chose  to 
taki!  this  coiirsc  rather  than  to  comniiiiid  Philemon  to  do 
as  he  desired,  and  as  (!od  reiiuired  him  to  do. 

10.  My  son;  for  whom  he  felt  the  affection  of  a  spirit- 
ual f;ithiT.  Onesimus;  who  had  been  a  servant  to  Phile- 
mon, but  had  left  him  and  gone  to  Home.  Whom  1  have 
begotten;  wliom  Paul,  while  a  prisoner  at  Rome,  had  been 
the  means  of  converting. 

11.  Unprofitable ;  when  he  was  a  servant  to  Philemon. 
The  name  Onesimus  means  profitable.  Now;  since  ho  had 
become  a  Christian. 

12.  Receive  him;  as  one  on  whom  is  placed  the  heart  of 
Paul,  the  aged  and  imprisoned  sufferer  for  Christ.  Mine 
oiin  bowel  X ;  either  the  child  of  mine  own  bowels  in  a  spir- 
itual sense.  Gen.  1.0:4,  etc.,  or  one  dear  to  me  as  my  own 
heart. 

13.  /  would  have  retained;  that  ho  might  render  to  me,  in 


Onesimus  to  be  received 


PHILEMON. 


as  a  brother  in  Christ. 


A  D  ci  14  But  without  thy  mind  would  I  do  noth- 
ing ;  that  tliy  benefit  should  not  be  as  it  were  of 
necessity,  but  willingly.'' 

15  For  perhaps  he  thei-efore  departed  for  a  sea- 
son," that  thou  shouldest  receive  him  for  ever ; 

16  Not  now  as  a  servant,  but  above  a  servant, 
a  brother  beloved,'^  specially  to  nie,  but  liow 
much  more  unto  thee,  both  in  the  flesh,''  and  in  the 
Lord? 

17  If  thou  count  me  therefore  a  partner,"  receive 
him  as  myself. 

18  If  he  hath  wronged  thee,  or  oweth  thee  aught, 
put  tliat  on  mine  account ; 

19  I  Paul  have  written  it  with  mine  own  hand, 
I  will  repay  it:  albeit  I  do  not  say  to  thee  how 
thou  owest  unto  me  oven  thine  own  self  besides. 


a  2  Cor.  9:7.     b  Gen.  45:5-.'5.     "  Matt.  2.'3:S;  1  Tim.  0:2.     d  Col.  3:23. 
e  2  Cor.  8:23.     f  ver.  7.     g  2  Cor.  7.10.     h  2  Cor.  1:11;  I'hil.  2:24.     i  Col. 


my  imprisonment,  the  assistance  which  you,  were  you 
present,  would  gladly  bestow. 

14.  Would  I  do  nothing;  nothing  to  retain  Onesimus 
without  Philemon's  consent.  That  thy  benefit;  bestowed 
upon  me  ;  in  other  words,  that  the  good  whicli  Onesimus 
miglit  do  him  should  be  with  the  free  choice  of  Philemon. 

15.  Departed  for  a  season  ;  from  Philemon.  Receive  him  for 
ever ;  as  a  disciple  of  Christ,  one  whom  he  was  to  love,  and 
with  whom  he  would  hold  sweet  communion  to  eternity. 

Ifi.  Not  noxo ;  no  longer  to  be  viewed  or  treated  as  a  ser- 
vant, but  as  a  brother  in  Christ,  united  to  Him  by  faith  and 
beloved  for  His  sake.  In  the  flesh,  and  ni  the  Lord;  in  his 
relations  for  this  life  and  for  the  life  to  come. 

17.  A  partner ;  a  partaker  with  Philemon  of  the  gracious 
rights,  privileges,  and  blessings  of  the  salvation  which 
Christ  died  to  purchase.  As  myself;  with  great  kindness 
and  affection,  rejoicing  to  do  to  Onesimus  as,  under  a 
change  of  circumstances,  he  ought  to  wish  Paul  or  Onesi- 
mus to  do  to  him. 

18.  Oweth  thee ;  if  Onesimus  liad  in  any  way  become  in- 
debted to  Philemon, ;;»(  that  on  mine  account ;  charge  the 
debt  to  me.     I  hereby  pledge  my.self  to  repay  it. 

19.  Thou  oivest — Hie — thtne  own  self;  Philemon  was  in- 
debted to  Paul,  as  the  instrument  of  his  conversion  and 
salvation. 

20.  Brother;  not  merely  because  they  were  both  men  of 
one  c<unmon  human  family,  but  because  they  were  both 
united  to  Christ.     Refresh  my  bowels;  give  me  great  joy. 

21.  /;(  thy  obedience;  to  the  directions  which  Paul  had 
given  him.  Though  he  chose  to  put  them  in  the  form  of 
requests,  they  were  such  as  the  religion  which  Philemon 
professed  required  him  to  obey.  Knou'in<^  that  thou  wilt; 
do  more  and  better  for  Onesimus  than  Paul  requested. 

22.  A  lodging;  to  receive  him  as  a  guest  after  his  release 


20  Yea,  brother,  let  me  have  joy  of  thee  in  the 
Lord:  refresh  my  bowels  in  the  Lord.' 

21  Having  confidence  in  thy  obedience  I  wrote 
unto  thee,  knowing  that  thou  wilt  also  do  more 
than  I  say.*' 

22  But  withal  prepare  me  also  a  lodging :  for  I 
trust  that  through  your  prayers  I  shall  be  given 
unto  you."* 

23  There  salute  thee  Epaphras,'  my  fellow-pris- 
oner in  Christ  Jesus; 

24  Marcus,-"  Aristarchus,"  Demas,  Lucas,'  my  fel- 
low-laborers. 

25  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
your  spirit.™     Amen. 

T  Written  from  Rome  to  Philemon,  by  Onesimus 
a  servant. 


1:7.     i  Acts  12:12,  25.     tAotsl9:2!l.    12Tim.4:ll.     m  2  Tim.  4 :  22. 


from  confinement  at  Rome.  /  shall  be  given  unto  you  ;  he 
believed  that  in  answer  to  prayer  he  should  be  permitted 
again  to  visit  Philemon,  and  the  brethren  at  Colosse. 

23.  3Iy  fellow-prisoner ;  imprisoned  with  him  for  his  at- 
tachment to  Christ  and  labors  in  his  cause. 

25.  The  grace  of— Christ ;  2  Tim.  4:22. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  True  religion  leads  those  who  are  under  its  influence 
to  be  kind  and  courteous  ;  and  to  desire  for  others,  espec- 
ially for  their  friends,  the  richest  spiritual  blessings. 

7.  The  manifestation  of  real  goodness  in  the  habitual 
practice  of  good  works,  gives  great  joy  to  all  benevolent 
beholders  ;  and  that  love  to  Christ  which  leads  men  to  sup- 
ply the  wants  of  his  people  will  be  rewarded  by  him  as  if 
the  acts  of  kindness  were  done  to  himself. 

9.  Those  who  know  the  duty  of  others,  and  have  from 
God  a  right  to  command  them  tu  do  it,  will  often,  if  wise 
and  good,  choose  to  request,  and  sometimes  to  entreat  and 
even  beseech,  rather  than  to  command  ;  because  this  course 
will  accomplish  the  object  as  sm'ely  and  more  kindly  and 
usefully  than  the  other. 

10.  In  the  days  of  Paul,  when  a  servant  left  his  master 
and  went  to  a  distant  place,  it  was  the  duty  of  Christians 
to  whom  he  went,  diligently  to  instruct  him  in  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  and  if  possible  lead  him  to  embrace  the  Sav- 
iour. This  duty  Paul  performed,  and  for  its  effects  he  and 
Onesimus  will  bless  God  for  ever. 

12.  If  a  servant  who  has  left  a  Christian  master  and  gone 
to  a  distant  place,  has  himself  become  a  Christian,  and 
wishes  to  return,  it  is  right  for  other  (.Christians  to  assist 
him  by  reqviesting  his  former  master  to  receive  liim  in  a 
Cliristiau  manner  as  he  would  receive  one  of  them,  espec- 
ially when  thev  Imow  that  he  will  do  what  they  ask  of 
him.     Ver.  17, '21. 


89 


1409 


THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  THE  APOSTLE 


TO  THE  HEBREWS. 


To  each  of  the  thirteen  preceding  epistles  the  name  of  Paul  is  prefixed.     The  epistle  to  the  Hebrews  is 
without  a  name.     The  unanimous  belief  of  the  Eastern  church,  where  we  must  suppose  that  it  was  first 
received  and  whence  the  knowledge  of  it  must  have  been  spread  abroad,  ascribed  it  to  Paul  as  its  author ; 
though  some,  as  Origcn,  accounted  for  its  peculiar  diction  by  the  supposition  that  Paul  furnished  the  thoughts, 
while  they  were  reduced  to  form  by  the  pen  of  another.     In  the  Western  church  its  Pauline  authorship  was 
not  uniformly  received  till  the  fourth  century,  when  here  too  the  opinion  of  the  Eastern  church  was  adopted. 
This  uniformity  of  eastern  belief,  which  must  have  had  for  its  starting  point  the  Hebrews  to  whom  the 
epistle  was  sent,  cannot  be  accounted  for  except  on  the  supposition  that  it  did  originally  come  to  them 
under  the  certain  sanction  of  Paul's  name  and  authority,  whether  dictated  by  him  to  an  amanuensis,  as  were 
most  of  his  epistles,  or  written  under  his  direction  by  some  inspired  man  who,  like  the  apostle,  was  full  of 
faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  was  thoroughly  conversant  with  his  views  on  the  subjects  treated  of  in  the 
epistle.     Further  than  this  we  need  not  go  in  our  inquiries.     That  this  epistle  was  written  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  Jewish  Christians  all  admit.     The  salutations  and  personal  notices  at  the  end  seem  to  imply  that 
it  was  not  originally  addressed  to  the  Hebrews  generally,  but  to  some  particular  community  of  Hebrew 
Christians,  which  is  most  naturally  to  be  sought  in  Palestine,  or  some  one  of  the  adjacent  cities,  where  the 
Jews  greatly  abounded.    This  supposition  is  favored  by  the  firmness  with  which  the  eastern  churches  from 
the  beginning  maintained  the  authority  and  Pauline  origin  of  this  eiiistlc.    Its  argumentative  part  is  mainly 
occupied  with  an  exhibition  of  the  superiority  of  the  Christian  over  tlie  Mosaic  dispcnsatinu  considered  on 
the  side  of  its  divine  Mediator  and  High-priest.     In  no  other  book  of  the  New  Testament  is  the  priestly 
office  of  our  Lord  exhibited  with  such  fulness  and  rich  variety  of  illustration,  always  with  reference  to  tho 
Lcvitical  pric^sthood,  which  was  its  divinely  ajipointed  type.     Tliis  was  especially  needful  to  fortify  llic 
Hebrew  Christians,  who  had  been  educated  and  who  lived  under  the  constant  impression  of  the  sijlendid 
Mosaic  ritual  with  its  magnificent  temple,  against  the  danger  of  being  turned  from  the  simplicity  of  tho 
gospel  to  reliance  on  the  "carnal  ordinances"  of  Judaism,  which  woul<l  have  been  a  virtual  apostasy  from 
Christ.     To  the  argumentative  part  are  appended,  entirely  after  tiie  manner  of  the  apostle  I'aul,  exhortar 
lions  to  constancy  in  the  Christian  profession  drawn  from  the  awful  doom  which  awaits  apostates,  from 
the  examples  of  faith  which  ancient  worthies  have  furnished,  and  especially  from  the  example  of  Christ 
himself  and  from  the  glorious  heavenly  fellowshi))  to  which  his  gospel  introduces  us.     To  these  are  added 
some  admonitions  of  a  more  special  character.     Thus  the  present  epistle  performs  an  ofiSce  in  the  general 
system  of  revelation,  which  is  supplied  by  no  other  book  of  the  Old  or  New  Testament,  contiibuting,  in 
accordance  with  the  wise  providence  of  God,  its  share  to  the  perfection  of  that  whole  scriptinc?  which  is 
"given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness  ;  that  the  man  of  Ood  may  lie  perfect,  tlioroughly  funiishcd  tuito  all  good  -works."     The  sub- 
scription says,  "Written  to  the  Hebrews  from  Italy,  by  Timothy."     Tiiat  it  was  written  from  Italy  may 
be  inferred  from  chap.  13  :24.     That  Timothy  was  not  the  bearer  is  certain  from  the  preceding  verse,  in 
which  he  promises  conditionally  to  come  at  a  future  time  with  Timothy 
1410 


Christ,  revealing  the  Father, 


HEBREWS  I. 


is  God  mid  King  fo, 


CHAPTER  I, 


1  Christ  in  thesfi  last  times  coming  to  us  from  tlie  Father,4  is  preferred 
above  the  angels,  botli  in  person  and  otfice. 

(~^  OD,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  man- 
_X  ners  spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by 
the  prophets,'' 

2  Hatli  in  tliose  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his 
Son,"  whom  he  hatli  appointed  heir  of  all  things," 
by  whom  also  he  made  tlie  worlds;* 

3  Wiio  being  tlie  brightness  of  his  glory,"  and 
the  express  image  of  his  person,  and  upliolding  all 
tilings  by  tlie  word  of  his  power,  when  he  had  by 
himself  purged  our  sins,''  sat  down  on  the  right 
hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high  ;^ 

4  Being  made  so  mucli  better  than  the  angels,  as 
he  liath  by  inheritance  obtained  a  more  excellent 
name  than  they. 

5  For  unto  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at  any 
time,  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten 
thee?''  And  again,  I  will  be  to  him  a  Father,  and 
he  shall  be  to  me  a  Son?' 


1  Num.  12;G,8.    b  Deut.  l^i^S.     •;  Psa.  2:8.     d  John  1:3.     e  John  1:14; 
Col. 1:15-17.    fch.7:a7;  9:12-14.    E  Psa.  110:1 ;  Eph.  1  ;20,  21.    liPsa2:7. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Tlie  train  of  thought  in  this  opening  chapter  of  the 
epistle  is  the  following:  God,  who  in  past  ages  lias  given 
various  partial  revelations,  has  now  made  a  full  revelation 
of  himself  through  his  Son,  who  is  the  brightness  of  his 
glory,  the  maker  and  upholder  of  all  things,  and  exalted 
above  all  the  angels,  as  in  name,  so  also  in  nature  and  ottice. 

1.  At  sundry  times;  or,  in  sundry  parts.  This  marks  the 
incompleteness  of  the  past  revelations.  In  divers  manners ; 
as  by  dreams,  visions,  voices  from  heaven,  etc.  All  these 
are  contrasted  with  the  perfect  manner  of  the  present 
revelation,  through  God  manifest  in  the  flesh. 

2.  Heir  of  nil  thnif^s ;  Clirist  is  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
God,  in  the  high  and  incommunicable  sense  of  possessing 
equality  with  the  Father  in  nature.  See  introductory  note 
to  John,  chap.  5.  By  virtue  of  this  his  sonship,  God  has 
made  him  heir  of  all  that  he  possesses,  that  is,  of  the  uni- 
verse, and  constit\ited  Inm  the  sovereign  Lord  and  Ruler 
of  all  things.  Matt.  28:18;  .John  1G:15;  17:10;  Acts  2:3(3; 
10 : 3('> ;  Rev.  17:14;  III :  IG.  The  worlds ;  the  created  universe, 
ver.  10;  John  1:3;  ICor.  8:6;  Eph.  3:9;  Col.  1:1G,  17. 

3.  T/ie  brightness  of  his  glory;  in  him  the  glory  of  the 
Father  shines  forth,  so  that  in  and  through  him  the  Fa- 
ther's glory  is  seen.  John  1:14;  14:9;  2  Cor.  4:G.  The 
express  image  of  his  person ;  he  in  whom  the  very  being  of 
God  is  represented  to  us,  as  far  as  we  are  able  to  appre- 
hend it.  The  Greek  word  rendered  person,  means  rather 
substance,  reality  of  being,  as  opposed  to  mere  appear- 
ance. Compare  Matt.  11:27;  John  1:18;  Col.  1:15.  Up- 
hrJiling  aH  things ;  sustaining  the  universe  in  being.  Col. 
1 :  17.  By  the  uvrd  of  his  power ;  the  word  of  his  creative 
power.  The  same  almighty  word  of  his  which  called 
things  into  being,  now  sustains  them.  Compare  Gen.  1:3, 
etc.;  Psa.  .33:9;  148:5.  By  himself;  by  the  .sacrifice  of 
liimself.  Purged  our  sins;  made  expiation  for  them,  thus 
ojiening  the  wiiy  for  our  forgiveness  and  purification. 
Kom.8:3;  2Cor.5:21;  Gal.3:13;  Eph.  1:7;  lPcter2:24; 
1  .lohn  1:7;  He  v.  1:5.  Sat  down  on  the  right  fiand;  Psa. 
1111:1:  Mark  KhlG;  Acts  7:55. 

4.  Better ;  in  dignity  and  office.  By  inheritance  obtained; 
obtained  as  his  just  right.  See  note  to  ver.  2.  A  more 
excellent  name;  tfiat  of  tlie  Son  of  God.  Angels  and  men 
are  called  sons  of  God  ;  but  Christ  alone  is  "  the  Son  of 
God  "  in  a  high  and  peculiar  sense,  because,  as  Son,  he  has 
the  same  nature  with  the  Father. 

5.  TliOM  ail  my  Sini;  see  the  following  note  on  the  quo- 
tation from  2  Sam.  7:14.  This  day  have  I  begotten  thee; 
some  understand  these  words  of  Christ's  eternal  sonship, 
supposing  that  with  God,  to  wlnim  time  is  nothing,  "this 


G  And  again,  when  lie  bringeth  in"  tlie  first-be- 
gotten into  (lie  world,  he  saith.  And  let  all  the 
angels  of  God  worship  hiiii.^ 

7  And  of*  the  angels  he  saitii,  Wiio  maketh 
his  angels  spirits,  and  his  ministers  a  flame  of 
fire." 

8  But  unto  tlie  Son  he  saith.  Thy  throne,  0  God, 
is  for  ever  and  ever:  a  sceptre  of  righteousness* 
is  the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom. 

9  Tliou  liast  loved  righteousness,  and  hated  in- 
iquity; therefore  God,  eve?i  tliy  God,  hatli  anoint- 
ed thee  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above  tliy  fel- 
lows.' 

10  And,  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning  hast  laid 
tlie  foundation  of  the  earth ;  and  the  heavens  are 
the  works  of  thy  hands. 

11  They  shall  perish,  but  thou  remainest:  and 
they  all  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  garment; 

12  And  as  a  vesture  slialt  thou  fold  them  up,  and 
they  shall  be  changed :  but  thou  art  the  same,  and 
thy  years  shall  not  fail." 


i  2  Sara.  7:14.     •  Or.  ivhen  he  brin^etli  ngftin.     J  P^a.  97:7.    t  Gr.  unto. 
k  Psa. 101:4.    )  Gr.  Tightness,  or  siraiglilness.    1  Psa.  4:5:G,  7.    m  Psa. 102:25. 


day"  may  include  eternity.  But  they  are  more  commonly 
taken  in  a  declarative  sense  of  the  manifestation  which 
the  Father  made  of  Christ's  sonship  by  his  resurrection 
and  glorification.  So  the  apostle  Paul  seems  to  use  them, 
Acts  13:33.  Compare  Rom.  1:4;  Col.  1:18.  I  will  be  to 
him  a  Father,  and  he  shall  be  to  me  a  Son  ;  2  Sam.  7 :  14,  com- 
pared with  Psa.  89:2G,  27.  This  promise  was  made  not  to 
Solomon  as  an  individual,  but  to  David's  whole  ro3-al  line, 
at  the  head  of  which,  after  David,  Solomon  stood,  and 
which  led  to  and  terminated  in  Christ.  Luke  1:32,  33. 
God  took  David's  house  into  the  relation  of  sonship  to 
himself,  in  the  sense  of  making  his  seed  heirs  to  his  throne 
by  an  inalienable  title.  Psa.  89:28,  29,  33-37.  The  lower 
sonship  of  David  and  Solomon,  moreover,  foreshadowed 
the  higher  sonship  of  Christ,  in  whom  alone  the  promise 
here,  and  in  Psa.  2:7,  is  perfectly  fulfilled. 

6.  Bringeth  in  the  first-begotten  into  the  world;  by  his  in- 
carnation and  the  events  that  followed  it,  thus  establish- 
ing in  and  through  him  "  the  kingdom  of  heaven  "  among 
men.  It  is  of  this  kingdom  that  the  ninety-seventh  Psalm, 
from  which  the  apostle  immediately  proceeds  to  quote, 
speaks.  It  describes,  by  anticipation,  the  coming  of  God 
as  king  to  destroy  the  wicked  and  save  his  people,  verses 
.3-G.  His  reign  is  one  in  which  "  the  multitude  of  isles,'' 
the  wdiolc  gentile  world,  is  called  upon  to  rejoice,  ver.  1. 
The  ancient  Jews  rightly  understood  the  psalm  of  the 
Messiah,  in  whom  alone  it  is  fulfilled,  and  wdiose  kingdom 
it  describes  iu  its  whole  e.\tcnt  to  the  end  of  time.  Let  all 
the  angels  of  God  iivrship  him;  quoted  according  to  the 
Greek  version  from  Psa.  97:7,  where  the  word  "gods"  in 
the  original  Hebrew  means  the  heavenly  hosts. 

7.  And  of  the  angels  he  saith;  Psa.  104:4.  God  indicates 
the  nature  and  office  of  angels  by  calling  them  sp.r.t'^  and 
a  fame  of  fire.  The  quotation,  as  usual  in  tliis  einslle,  is 
made  from  the  Greek  version  of  the  Seventy.  See  note 
to  Psa.  104:4. 

8.  Thi/  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever;  taken  from 
Psa.  45:ii,  7,  wliere  the  Messiah  appears  in  tlie  character 
of  the  husliand  of  the  church.  See  the  introductory  note 
to  the  psalm. 

9.  Ahnve  thy  fellows;  in  power  and  office;  for  God  has 
made  him  "  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords,"  Rev.  17  :  14  ; 
19:1G;  exalting  him  not  only  above  all  human  kings,  but 
above  all  heavenly  principalities  and  powers.  Eph.  1:21; 
Phil.  2:9,  10;  Col.  1:18. 

10.  Thtni,  Lord,  in  the  beginning;  taken  from  Psalm 
102:25-27,  another  psalm  wdiich  prays  for  the  coming  (if 
(iod  in  glory  to  build  up  Ziou,  vi^r.  IG,  and  wdiicli,  like 
Psa.  97,  has  its  true  fulfihuent  in  Christ,  who  is  God  mani- 
fested iu  the  tlesh. 

I41I 


The  great  salvation. 


HEBREWS  II. 


Christ  is  madtjksh. 


13  But  to  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at  any 
time,  Sit  on  my  riglit  hand,  until  I  make  thine 
enemies  thy  footstool?" 

14  Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,*"  sent 
forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of 
salvation?"^ 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  We  ousrht  to  be  obedient  to  Christ  Jesus,  5  and  that  because  he  vouch- 
safed to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  II  as  it  was  necessary. 

THEREFORE  we  ought  to  give  the  more  ear- 
nest heed  to  the  things  which  we  have  heard, 
lest  at  any  time  we  should  let  them  slip.* 

2  For  if  the  word  spoken  by  angels  was  stead- 
fast,'' and  every  transgression  and  disobedience 
received  a  just  recompense  of  reward;" 

3  How  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great 
salvation;''  wiiich  at  the  first  began  to  be  spoken 
by  the  Lord,"  and  was  confirmed  unto  us  by  them 
that  heard  him; 

4  God  also  bearing  them  witness,''  both  with 
signs  and  wonders,  and  witli  divers  miracles,  and 
gifts*  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  according  to  his  own 
will? 

5  For  unto  the  angels  hatli  he  not  put  in  subjec- 
tion the  world  to  come,  whereof  we  speak. 


«  Psa.  110:1.  b  Psa.  103:ai  ;  Dan.  7:10.  c  Gen.  19:15,  Hi;  Psa.  .31:7; 
Rora.'^:17.  ^  Gt.  run  out  as  Imking  vessels.  dActs7:.5:}.  e  IVum.  15:31. 
'ch.  4:1,11.  ».Markl:l'l.  h  Acts  14:3.  t  Or,  dislri'jutioas.  i  Psa.  8:4, 
etc.    lOr,  a  Utile  while  inferior  to.    j  1  Cor.  IS:  SS3.    S  Or,  6j.    k  Phil.  2:8,  9. 


13.  Sit  on  my  rlfrJil  hand;  Psa.  110:1.  The  Saviour  iu- 
tcrprots  these  words  of  hiiiisolf.     l^fatt.  22:41-45. 

14.  Ministering  spirits  ;  Ueii.  19 : 1-23 ;  Tsa.  34 : 7  ;  103:21; 
Dan.  6  :  22  ;  7  :  10. 

IXSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  As  the  Scriptures  are  coiuiiuinications  from  God,  we 
should  receive  them  as  such,  dihgcutly  study,  heartily 
believe,  and  faithfully  obey  them. 

3.  As  tJesus  Christ  made  the  atonement,  it  is  perfect  and 
Bullicient  for  all  men,  should  be  preached  to  all,  and  accept- 
ed by  all ;  and  is  a  sure  foundation  of  eternal  life  to  all 
who  believe  on  him. 

C.  As  Christ  in  his  deepest  humiliation  received  the 
worship  of  angels  as  well  as  of  men,  and  as  he  is  now  re- 
ceivinj^  it  in  glory,  it  is  certain  that  he  is  God ;  and  that 
in  paying  him  divine  honors  they  and  we  are  not  break- 
inj;,  but  obcyiii};;  the  command,  Worship  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  bim  only  sbalt  thou  serve.  Matt.  4:10;  Rev. 
5:8-14. 

12.  As  Christ  made,  sustains,  and  governs  all  thinf;s, 
and  will  remain  iinchaMgeabh;  for  ever,  it  is  safe  to  trust 
in  him,  and  to  commit  all  our  interests  to  his  care  and 
disposal. 

14.  Christians  are  highly  honored  and  greatly  blessed ; 
their  attendants  are  more  exalted  than  those  of  any  eartJi- 
ly  kings,  ami  they  are  Ihemselves  to  be  kings  and  jiriests 
unto  God,  and  to  reign  with  him  for  ever  and  ever.  Koiii. 
5:17;  2  Tim.  2:12;  Rev.  5:9,  10;  22:5. 

CHAPTER  IT. 

1.  Therefore;  on  accoinit  of  the  dignity  and  glory  of  him 
who  speaks.  We  have  heard;  from  Christ  and  those  com- 
missioned (o  s|)eiik  in  bis  n;ime.  Let  lliern  slip;  forget  or 
neglect  them,  and  lose  tlie  benefit. 

2.  Spoken  hij  impels;  that  is.  l)y  the  ministration  of  angels. 
Act«  7::i8,  53;  Gal.  3:13.  Was  xleiidfnst ;  firm,  settled,  es- 
tablished, and  could  not  be  violated  with  impunity. 

6.  The  world  lo  come;  or,  the  coming  age.  This  was  a 
common  cxprcHsion  with  the  Jewish  Habbins  to  indicate 
the  e;;pected  reign  of  the  Messiah,  which  is  the  Christian 
dispensation  in  its  whole  course  to  the  end  of  time  and 
the  final  judgment. 

1412 


G  But  one  in  a  certain  place  testified,  ad  m 
sayiiig.Wliat  is  man,  tliat  thoii  art  mindful  of  him? 
or  the  son  of  man,  tliat  thou  visitest  him?' 

7  Tliou  madest  him  a  little  lower  than*  the 
angels;  thou  crownedst  him  with  glory  and  lionor, 
and  didst  set  him  over  tlie  works  of  thy  hands: 

S  Thou  liast  put  all  things  in  sulijcction  under 
his  feet.  For  in  that  he  put  all  in  sulijcction  under 
him,  he  left  nothing  that  is  not  jnit  under  him. 
But  now  we  see  not  yet  all  things  juit  under 
him.^ 

9  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a  little  lower 
than  the  angels  for*  the  sufl'ering  of  death,"  crowned 
with  glury  and  honor;'  that  he  by  the  grace  of 
God  sliouid  tiiste  death  for  every  man.™ 

10  For  it  became  him,"  for  whom  are  all  things, 
and  by  wlioin  arc  all  tilings."  in  bringing  many 
sons  unto  glory,  to  make  tiio  Captain  of  their  sal- 
vation perfect  througii  sufierings.'' 

1 1  For  both  he  that  sanctilietii  and  they  who  are 
sanctified  are  all  of  one :''  for  which  cause  he  is  not 
ashamed  to  call  them  brethren, 

12  Saying,  I  will  declare  lliy  name  unto  my 
brethren ;  in  the  midst  of  the  church  will  I  sing 
praise  unto  thee.'" 

1 3  And  again,  I  will  put  my  trust  in  him.'    And 

1  Acts 2:33.  m  John  3:16.  »  Luke  24:20,  40.  o  Rom.  11:30.  Pl«a.  55:4; 
Luke  13:32;  ch.  5:S,  9.  q  John  17:21.  r  Psa.  22:22.  »  Psa.  lB:2i  Isa. 
12:2. 


C.  One  in  a  certain  place;  Psa.  8:4-9. 

8.  For  in  thiit  lie  put  all  in  sulijection  under  him,  he  left  noth- 
ing— not  put  under  him ;  as  much  as  lo  say.  The  iisalmist 
explicitly  declares  that  all  things  are  jint  iiiuler  man.  We 
see  not  yet  all  things  put  under  luin;  that  is,  under  man, 
apart  from  Christ. 

9.  Bui  we  see  Jesns — crowned  with  glory  and  honor;  as 
much  as  to  say.  The  words  of  the  ps;ihMiKt  have  their 
complete  fulfilment  only  in  "  the  man  Christ  Jesus,"  in 
whose  person  human  nature  is  exalted  to  universal  do- 
minion and  crowned  with  glory  and  honor,  after  ho  has 
been  miuie  a  little  lotrer  than  the  angels;  in  the  nature  which 
be  took  upon  him  for  the  purjiose  of  suli'eriiig  death  to 
atone  for  sin. 

10.  It  became  him;  it  Wiis  suit:ilile  thai  Goil,  in  saving 
sinners,  should  elfect  it  through  the  siili'ering  and  death 
of  his  Son,  who  thus  lM:eame  llie  Authur  of  coiiiidete,  eter- 
nal salvation  to  all  who  trust  in  him.  I'erfict  through  suf- 
ferings; perfect  in  his  character  us  Meilialur  and  Redeem- 
er. It  was  through  the  sulVcring  of  death  fur  Ihe  salva- 
tion of  men  that  ho  was  to  be  exalted  to  th(^  mediatorial 
tlirone  and  have  ail  things  put  under  his  feet.  Compare 
Phil.  2:5-11,  which  may  serve  as  a  divine  cominenttiry  on 
the  present  verse. 

11.  lie  that  sanctificth;  Christ.  Tliry  who  are  mnctified; 
Christians.  All  of  one ;  either  simjily  of  one  nalure,  or 
of  one  Father,  as  jiartakers  of  the  same  nature  received 
from  God.  The  hitter  view  is  favored  by  the  words 
"many  sons,"  immediately  iirecediiig. 

12.  Sii/ing ;  in  Psa.  22:22,  a  iisalm  of  which  Christ  is  the 
sulyect. 

1 3.  /  will  put  my  trust  in  him ;  2  Sam.  22 : 3,  where  David 
in  his  conflict  and  victory  is  regarded  as  the  tyi>e  of  Christ. 
Some  sup|io8e  the  <piolalioM  lobe  from  ls;i.  8: 17,  whoro, 
in  Ihe  (iieek  version  of  Ihe  Siveiily,  llie  Siime  wnrds  occur. 
The  argument  is,  Ihat  triisl  in  (iod  is  an  atlribiilo  of  men. 
t'lirist,  by  exercising  it,  makes  himself  one  with  men. 
Ilchold  I  and  tlic  children  which  God  halh  given  me;  taken 
from  Isa.  8:18.  Some  nnderslaiiil  the  words  of  Isaiah  as 
sjioken  directly  and  rxclusively  of  the  .Messiah.  But  they 
may  lie  more  naliirally  iinderslood  of  the  jirophet  biinsi-lf, 
who  was,  by  God's  a]iiioinnMenl,a  type  or  symbol  of  Clirist 


The  faithful  High-priest. 


HEBREWS  III. 


Christ  Ihe.  Lord  of  his  house. 


A  D.  f.4   again,  Behold  I  and  the  children  which  God 
hath  given  me." 

14  Forastnuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers 
of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took 
part  of  tlie  same;"  that  tlirough  death  he  miglit 
destroy  him  that  liad  the  power  of  death,''  that  is, 
tiic  devil ; 

15  And  deliver  them  who  through  fear  of  death 
were  all  their  lifetime  subject  to  bondage.'' 

16  For  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of 
angels;  but  he  took  on  him  the  seed  of  Abra- 
ham.* 

17  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behooved  him  to  be 
made  like  unto  his  brethren,  that  he  might  be  a 
merciful  and  faithful  Higli-priest  in  things  y;f;-/!c!/«- 
ing  to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of 
the  people." 

IS  For  in  that  ho  himself  hath  suffered,  being 
tempted,  he  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempt- 
ed. 


a  lia.  8:18;  Jolm  17:G-ia.  bj„i,„l:lj.  c  j  Cor  15;.)4.  d  Luke  1:74. 
"  Gr.  he  takfth  Hot  holil  ofaHifc/s,  hut  of  the  seed  of  Abraham  Ite  taketh  hohl. 
«  ch.  4;!5,  16.     (ch.  4:14.     t  Gr.  »in</e.     e  Num.  12: 7.     h  Zech.  6: 13.  13. 


in  his  prophetical  office,  as  David  was  in  his  kingly  office. 
As  such,  the  prophet  and  his  children  were  "  for  signs  and 
for  wonders  iu  Israel  from  the  Lord  of  hosts  who  dwelleth 
in  mount  Zion,"  as  he  immediately  adds.  In  Christ  then, 
the  gre.at  antitype,  the  words  have  their  perfect  fulfil- 
ment. By  the  expression,  '•  I  and  the  children  which  God 
batli  given  me,"  he  declares  that  he  has  a  common  nature 
with  them,  which  is  the  point  to  be  proved. 

H.  Tkc  children;  in  allusion  to  the  words  just  quoted: 
"Behold  I  and  the  children  which  God  hath  given  me." 
Through  death — destroy;  for  it  was  through  death  that 
Jesus  conquered  and  spoiled  the  prince  of  death.  John 
12:31.  Hiin  that  had  the  power  of  death — the  devil ;  by  the 
agency  of  the  devil  sin  was  introduced  into  the  world,  and 
death  through  sin.  Rom.  5:12.  Over  aU  that  are  out  of 
Christ  he  reigns,  in  and  through  death,  as  a  cruel  tyrant 
and  tormentor.  But  Clirist,  by  redeeming  men  from  sin 
and  death,  takes  them  out  of  the  power  of  Satan. 

1.).  Through  fear  of  death — suljject  to  bondage;  the  sting 
of  death  is  sin  and  its  penalty.  It  is  this  that  makes  it  so 
terrible  to  men.  From  this  sting  Christ  delivers  all  who 
trust  in  him,  making  the  death  of  the  body  to  them  the 
gatew.ay  to  eternal  life. 

IG.  Took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels;  or,  as  the  mar- 
gin, taketh  not  hold  of  angels,  for  the  purpose  of  saving 
them ;  and  so  iu  tlie  following  clause.  The  way  in  which 
be  takes  hold  of  the  seed  of  Abraham  is  by  the  assump- 
tion of  their  nature,  that  ho  may  in  and  through  it  redeem 
them.  The  seed  of  Alu'aliam  includes  all  who  are  Abra- 
ham's children  in  a  spiritual  sense,  by  the  possession  of 
his  faith.     Rorn.  4:11;  Gal.  3:7,  16. 

17.  It  behooved  him  ;  it  was  proper  for  him.  His  brethren; 
of  the  human  race.  To  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins; 
more  exactly,  to  make  propitiation  for  the  sins,  which 
was  the  office  of  the  Jewish  high-priest.  But  ho  did  it 
typically,  by  the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats;  Christ  does  it 
efficaciously,  by  liis  own  blood.     Chap.  9: 12. 

IS.  lie  is  able;  Iiaving  endured  sufleriiigs  and  tempta- 
tioiis,  he  is  fitted  to  sympathize  with  and  deliver  others 
who  endure  them. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  character  of  the  Saviour  should  secure  for  his 
instructions  the  most  earnest  attention.  This  all  ought  to 
give,  from  regard  not  only  to  him,  but  to  their  own  benefit. 

3.  The  neglect  of  (.'hrisfs  salvation  is  ruinous  to  the  soul. 

1.').  Those  who  believe  in  Christ  need  not  fear  de.ith,  for 
it  will  put  an  end  to  all  their  sorrows,  and  introduce  tlicm 
to  endless  joys. 

18.  Jesus  Christ  being  both  God  and  man.  perfectly 
understiinds  and  rightly  regards  the  claims  of  God  and 
tJie  character  and  interests  of  men,  and  is  thus  prepared 


CHAPTER  III. 


W 


1  Christ  is  more  worthy  than  Moses ;  7  therefore  if  we  believe  not  in 
Iiim,  we  shall  be  more  worthy  punishment  than  hard-hearted  Israel. 

HEREFORE,  holy  bretliren,  partakers  of 
the  heavenly  calling,  consider  tlie  Ajiostle 
and  Higli-priest  of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus;'' 

2  Wiio  was  faithful  to  liim  tliat  appointed*  him, 
as  also  Moses  was  faithful  in  all  his  house."^ 

3  For  this  7nan  was  counted  worthy  of  more 
glory  than  Moses,  inasmuch  as  he  who  hath  build- 
ed  tlic  house  hath  more  honor  than  the  house.'' 

4  For  every  house  is  builded  by  some  man;  but 
he  that  built  all  things  is  God. 

5  And  Moses  verily  iras  faithful  in  all  his  house,' 
as  a  servant,^  for  a  testimony  of  those  things  which 
were  to  be  spoken  after ; '' 

6  But  Christ  as  a  son  over  his  own  house;' 
whose  house  aro  we,"  if  we  hold  fast  the  confi- 
dence and  the  rejoicing  of  the  hope  firm  unto  the 
end." 

i  Num.  12:7.    jjosh.  l:i.     k  Deut.  IS:  15-19.     1  Psa.  2:7,  la.     ml  Pet.  2:5. 
■■Matt.  10:22;  ch.  1C:3S,  39. 


to  bring  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  manifest  most 
effectively  good  will  to  men. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  Wherefore;  on  account  of  the  character  and  work  of 
Christ  as  exhibited  in  the  previous  chapter.  Hcavenli/ 
calling;  by  which  God  caUed  and  inohned  them  to  pre- 
pare for  heaven. 

2.  Him  that  appointed  him;  God  the  Father,  who  appoint- 
ed his  Son  to  be  the  author  and  introducer  of  the  Christiaii 
dispensation.  Faithful  in  all  his  house;  in  all  God's  house, 
the  Jewish  economy,  with  the  household  of  God's  cove- 
nant people  contained  in  it.  The  reference  is  to  Num. 
12:7,  where  God  says,  "ily  servant  Moses — is  faithful  in 
all  my  house." 

3.  This  man;  Christ,  as  the  builder  of  God's  house  under 
the  Christian  economy.  Hath  builded  the  house;  or,  prepared 
the  house,  for  the  words  include  not  only  the  building  of 
the  house  itself,  birt  also  the  ordering  of  the  household 
belonging  to  it.  Hath  more  honor  than  the  house;  than  the 
structure  itself,  or  any  of  the  household  pertaining  to  it; 
consequently,  more  honor  than  iloscs,  who  was  not  the 
builder  of  the  liouse  in  which  he  served,  but  himself  con- 
stituted a  part  of  it,  as  being  one  of  its  household. 

4.  Every  house  is  builded  by  some  man;  or.  by  some  one ; 
added  to  unfold  still  furtlier  tlie  contrast  between  the  house 
and  its  builder.  But  he  that  built  all  things  is  God;  that  is, 
but  God  is  he  that  built  all  things.  These  words  are 
.added  to  refer  the  house,  of  wliich  Christ  is  the  builder 
and  owner,  to  God  ns  its  ultimate  author :  as  much  as  to 
say,  Christ  is  indeed  the  builder  and  Lord  of  the  Christian 
dispensation  with  its  household  of  faith  ;  but  he  has  built 
it  as  the  Son  under  the  appoinlment  of  the  Father,  from 
whom  all  things  originally  proceed.  Compare,  for  the  same 
idea,  chap.  1:2,  "By  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds." 

5.  Faithful  in  all  his  house;  in  all  God's  house.  See  note 
to  ver.  2.  As  a  servant ;  and  therefore  a  part  of  the  house 
itself.  Sec  note  to  ver.  3.  For  a  testimony  of  those  things 
which  were  to  be  spoken  after;  or,  more  exactly,  for  a  testi- 
mony of  the  things  that  should  be  spoken,  the  word 
"  after  "  not  belonging  to  the  original.  The  meaning  is,  that 
lie,  as  God's  faithful  servant,  might  testify  to  the  people 
the  things  that  should  bo  spoken  through  him  to  them. 

(!.  As  a  son ;  he  was  faithful  over  the  household  or  spir- 
itual family  of  wliich  he  was  the  rightful  owner.  Whose 
house  are  ire;  to  which  family  we — Christians — V)elong. 
The  confidence;  in  the  sense  of  boldness  or  assurance,  such 
as  a  well-grounded  f;iitli  in  Christ  gives.  The  rejoicing  oj 
the  hope;  or,  the  glorying  of  the  hope;  that  glorying  in 
Christ  and  liis  salvation  which  the  hope  of  our  future 
inheritance  in  heaven  gives. 

1413 


Tht  ^nalty  of  unbelief. 


HEBREWS  ly 


The  results  of  faith. 


7  Wlierefore,  as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith,  Today  if 
ye  will  hear  his  voice, 

8  Harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in  the  provocatiou, 
in  tlie  day  of  temptation  in  the  wilderness: 

9  When  your  fathers  tempted  me,  proved  mo, 
and  saw  my  works  forty  years. 

10  Wherefore  I  was  grieved  with  tliat  genera- 
tion, and  said.  They  do  always  err  in  their  heart; 
and  they  have  not  known  my  ways. 

11  So  I  svvare  in  my  wrath,  They  sliall  not  enter* 
into  my  rest." 

12  Take  heed,  brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any  of 
you  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,"  in  departing  from 
the  living  God." 

1:3  But  e.\hort  one  another  daily,''  while  it  is 
called  To-day ;  lest  any  of  you  be  hardened  through 
the  deceitfulncss  of  sin. 

14  For  we  are  made  partakers  of  Christ,  if  we 
hold  the  beginning  of  our  confidence  steadfast 
unto  the  end;'' 

15  Wliile  it  is  said.  To-day  if  yc  will  hoar  Ids 
voice,  harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in  tlie  provoca- 
tion.'' 

16  For  some,  when  they  had  heard,  did  pro- 
voke:'' howbeit,  not  all  that  came  out  of  Egypt  by 
Moses. 

17  But  with  whom  was  he  grieved  forty  years? 


•  Gt.  If  thty  shall  enter.  aPsa.95:7.  b  Mark  7:21-23.  tjer.2:13.  il  ch. 
10:21.     e  ver.  6.     f  ver.  7.     ?  Num.  14:2,  etc     h  Num.  20:G4,  65;  Judc  5. 

7.  IVIierefore ;  since  wc  are  the  household  of  Christ,  who 
is  so  mvich  (ireater  than  Moses.  The  Holy  Ghost  saith ;  Psa. 
!!.'):  7-10.  To-day  if  yc  will  hear  his  voice;  the  command  of 
liod  is  always  to-day;  for  he  always  demands  present 
citicdience. 

11.  Sn  I sware  in  mil  wrath;  Num.  14:23.  Myrest;  the 
rest  of  Canaan,  so  called  in  Deut.  12 : 9,  10,  and  which  is  a 
type  of  the  rest  of  heaven. 

1:5.  Exhort  one  another;  to  be  steadfast  in  the  belief  and 
practice  of  the  gospel. 

14.  Partakers  of  Christ ;  united  to  hiifl  by  faith,  and  enti- 
tled to  his  favor,  and  the  enjoyment  of  the  rest  provided 
by  him  for  his  peojile. 

1.5.  Harden  not  your  hearts;  by  refusing  to  hearken  to 
''hrist.  In  the  provocation;  when  the  Israelites  provoked 
(;od.     Num.  14:2-11. 

Ifi.  Provoke ;  displease  God  by  disobedience. 

17.   Whnse  carcasset  fell ;  Num.  26:64,  65. 

15.  Sware  he;  Num.  14:12-;!7. 

19.  Could  not  enter  in;  to  the  rest  of  Canaan,  typifying 
the  rest  of  heaven. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Habitual  contemplation  of  the  character,  work,  teach- 
ing, examidc,  death,  resurrection,  intercession, government, 
and  glory  of  Christ,  is  a  ])owerful  means  of  increasing  the 
holiiicsH  of  his  people,  and  securing  their  perseverance  in 
his  service. 

3.  The  greatest  and  beat  of  men  arc  as  much  inferior  to 
Clirist  as  the  thing  made  is  inferior  to  Iiim  wiio  niaile  it. 

4.  Christ  made  all  things,  .lohn  l::j;  Col.  1:1C,  17;  lleb. 
1:10,  11,  12;  tlierefore  Clirist  iaOod,  Jolin  1:1;  Rom.9:15; 
1  Tim.  :i:l(;;  Ileb.  1:8;  1  .lolin  5:20. 

II.  Perseverance  in  faith  and  obedience  is  essential  to 
a  well-grounded  hope  of  salvation  ;  and  should  any  cease 
to  believe  and  olicy  ('hrist,  they  would  harden  their  he:irt8, 
grieve  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  be  in  danger  of  destruction. 

15.  Great  watchfulness  is  nccdf\il  to  the  people  of  God, 
and  the  diligent  use  of  ajipropriate  means,  in  order  to  se- 
cure their  perseverance  in  holiness  and  to  prevent  their 
final  apostasy  and  ruin. 

19.  Tlie  great  and  destructive  sin  which  cuts  off  the  hope 
of  heaven  and  makes  perdition  certain,  is  unbelief. 
1414 


ivas  it  not  with  them  that  had  sinned,  whose  ^  r>  m. 
carcasses  fell  in  the  wihlcrness?'' 

18  And  to  whom  sware  he  that  they  should  not 
enter  into  his  rest,'  but  to  tliom  that  believed  not? 

19  So  we  see  that  they  could  not  cuter  in  be- 
cause of  unbelief.J 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  The  rest  of  Christians  is  attained  by  faith.  12  Tlie  power  of  God's 
word.  14  By  our  high-priest  Jesus  the  Son  of  G-od,  subject  to  iuhrin- 
ities,  but  not  sin,  10  we  must  and  may  go  boldly  to  tlie  throne  of  grace. 

LET  us  therefore  fear,''  lest,  a  promise  being 
left  us  of  entering  into  liis  rest,  any  of  you 
should  seem  to  come  short  of  it. 

2  For  unto  us  was  the  gospel  prcaclied,  as  well 
as  unto  them:  but  the  word  ]ireaclie(P  did  not 
profit  them,  not  being  mixed  witli  faitii  iir  them 
that  heard  it. 

3  For  we  which  have  believed  do  enter  into  rest, 
as  he  said.  As  I  have  sworn  in  my  wrath,  if  they 
sliall  enter  into  my  rest:'  altiiough  the  Avorks 
were  finished  from  the  foundation  of  llie  world. 

4  For  ho  spiikc  in  a  certain  phice  of  the  seventh 
day  on  tliis  wise.  And  God  did  rest  the  seventh 
day  from  all  liis  works.™ 

5  And  in  this  place  again.  If  they  shall  enter 
into  my  rest. 


i  Deut.  1:3-1,  3.5      Jch.4:n.     kch.  12:1.5.     i  Gi.  of  htarin^. 
tluij  were  not  united  by  faith  to,    1  P.-^a.  95:11.    m'Gen.  2:2. 


t  Or,  berause 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  course  of  argument  in  this  chapter,  to  ver.  11,  is  as 
follows  :  There  is  a  rest  promised  to  us,  whicli  we  should 
be  carcftd  not  to  lose  by  our  unbelief  and  disoliedioncc, 
after  the  example  of  the  ancient  Israelites  in  llie  wilder- 
ness. This  cannot  be  the  rest  upon  which  God  entered 
after  he  had  finished  the  works  of  creation,  nor  the  rest 
which  Joshua  gave  to  Israel  in  Canaiui,  since  long  after 
both  of  these  tlie  Holy  Ghost  still  sjKMks  <if  a  rest  which 
he  warns  us,  as  he  did  the  covenant  people  in  David's 
day,  not  to  lose. 

1.  His  rest;  God's  rest  provided  for  his  people.  Should 
seem  to  come  short  of  it ;  regarded  by  some  as  simply  a  soft- 
ened way  of  saying,  Should  come  short  of  it.  Others  ren- 
der, Should  appear — that  is,  at  the  last  day — to  have  come 
short  of  it. 

2.  Tiic  gospel ;  good  news  of  a  future  rest.  Unto  them; 
the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness.  The  word  preached;  the 
ofier  lo  them  of  ;i  future  rest.  Did  nut  vnfit  Ihcm  ;  because 
they  did  not,  by  believing  God,  comply  with  its  instruc- 
tions. 

3.  Do  enter  into  rest ;  literally,  into  the  rest;  that,  namely, 
which  the  Holy  Ghost,  through  David,  warns  us  not  to 
lose.  There  is  a  rest  promised  to  believers  now  as  really 
as  there  was  to  believers  in  the  days  of  Moses;  and  true 
Christians  have  a  foretaste  of  it.  It  is  a  sjiiritn:!),  holy 
rest,  like  the  rest  of  God  on  tlie  .Sabbath  after  he  li:nl  lin- 
ished  the  work  of  creation;  and  of  which  the  right  keep- 
ing of  the  Sabbath  is  to  believers  an  emblem.  Ashe  said; 
Psa.  95:11.  If  they  shall  cuter;  a  Hebrew  form  of  expres- 
sion, the  same  as  in  chap.  3:11,  meaning,  they  shall  not 
enter.  See  also  ver.  5.  Allhiiii'j:h  the  works  were  fimshrd ; 
as  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  the  inoulli  of  David,  said  this  nearly 
three  thousand  years  aflir  (iod  on  the  Sabliath  rested  from 
his  work  of  creation,  it  is  jilain  that  this  was  not  the  rest 
referred  to. 

4.  In  a  certain  place;  Gen.  2:1-3,  showing  that  there  is  a 
rest  upon  which  God  entered  when  he  had  finished  the 
works  of  creation. 

5.  And  in  this  place  again;  showing  that  God  has  still 
another  rest  into  which  ne  invites  us  to  enter. 


Rest  in  heaven  for  Mievcrs. 


HEBREWS  V. 


Tuc  lugJir'priestkood  of  Christ. 


A.  D.  64.  6  Seeing  therefore  it  remaineth  that  pome 
must  enter  therein,  and  tliey  to  whom  it*  was  first 
preached  entered  not  in  because  of  unbelief  r' 

7  Again,  he  limiteth  a  certain  day,  saying  in 
David,  To-daj',  after  so  long  a  time ;  as  it  is  said, 
To-day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your 
hearts." 

8  For  if  Jcsus^  had  given  them  rest,  then  would 
he  not  afterward  have  spoken  of  another  day. 

9  There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest*  to  the  people 
of  God. 

10  For  he  that  is  entered  into  his  rest,  he  also  hath 
ceased  from  his  own  works,  as  God  did  from  his. 

11  Let  us  labor  therefore  to  enter  into  that  rest," 
lest  any  man  fall  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief.^ 

12  For  the  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,'' 
and  sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword,"  piercing 
even  to  the  dividing  asunder  of  soul  and  spirit, 
and  of  tlie  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  disceruer 
of  the  thouglits  and  intents  of  the  heart.'' 

13  Neither  is  there  any  creature  that  is  not 
manifest  in  his  sight:  but  all  things  are  naked  and 
opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him  with  whom  we  have 
to  do.s 

14  Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great  high-priest. 


•  Or,  the  gospel.  »ch.3:19.  bPsa.9.5:7.  t  That  is,  Jos/ma.  1  Or,  i«;)- 
ing  of  a  saljbatli.  c  2  Pet,  1:10.  §  Or,  disobedience,  d  Isa.  49:2.  e  Rev. 
1:16.     f  Psa.  139:3;  Jer.  17:10;  Rev.  2:23.     e  Prov.  1.5:11.     h  ch.  9:12,  24. 


6,  7.  Seeing  therefore — harden  not  your  hearts ;  some  con- 
nect verse  6  immediately  witli  verse  11,  making  tlie  inter- 
vening verses  a  parenthesis.  But  tlie  passage  is  plainer  if 
taken  without  any  parenthesis,  thus  :  "Seeing  therefore" — • 
as  has  been  shown  by  the  jireceding  argument — "  it  re- 
mainetli" — long  after  God  has  entered  upon  his  rest  of 
the  Sabbath — "  that  some  must  enter  therein  ;"  in  other 
words,  that  it  is  a  rest  yet  reserved  for  some,  namely,  for 
all  those  who  accept  it  as  it  is  offered  ;  "  and  [seeing]  they 
to  whom  it  was  first  preached" — namely,  the  Israelites  in 
the  wilderness — "  entered  not  in  because  of  unbelief ;  again, 
he  limiteth  a  certain  day  " — that  is,  ho  therefore  again  sets 
a  certain  da}' — "saying  in  David,  To-day" — saying  by  the 
mouth  of  David,  To-day ;  thus  showing  that  to-day  an  olfer 
is  made  to  men  of  God's  rest — "after  so  long  a  time" — 
so  long  a  time  after  the  rest  of  Canaan  had  been  entered 
upon — "as  it  is  said" — nitlier,  as  it  has  been  said  before, 
in  the  quotation  alre;idy  made  from  Psa.  9o:7 — "To-thiy  if 
ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts."  Of  course, 
when  David  spoke  of  a  thuo  when  men  by  believing  might 
obtain  rest,  it  was  not  the  rest  of  Canaan,  for  that  they 
had,  verso  8;  nor  was  it  the  rest  of  the  Sabbath,  for  that 
they  had,  verses  3,  4;  but  it  was  the  rest  of  wliich  these 
were  emblems,  the  glorious,  etern;il  rest  of  heaven. 

8.  Jcsiis;  Joshua;  Jesus  being  the  same  in  Greek  as 
Joshua  in  Hebrew,  meaning  Saviour.  Afterward;  in  the 
days  of  David.  Another  day;  or  time  when  the  rest  spoken 
of  could,  by  believing,  be  obtained. 

9.  Therefore ;  as  the  certain  conclusion  from  the  above- 
mentioned  facts,  the  rest  spoken  of  by  God  is  one  which  is 
spiritual  and  future ;  the  keeping  of  an  eternal  Sabbath,  a 
holy,  blessed  rest  in  heaven. 

10.  His  rest ;  in  heaven.  Hath  ceased;  from  his  work  on 
eartli.  As  God;  ceased  from  his  work  of  creation  on  the 
first  Sabbath. 

11.  Therefore ;  as  there  is  such  a  glorious,  heavenly  rest, 
and  many  through  unbelief  have  lost  it,  let  us  give  all 
diligence  by  faith  and  obedience  to  secure  it,  lest  through 
unbelief  we  also  lose  it. 

12.  Tfie  word  of  God;  all  his  declarations,  whether  of 
law  or  grace,  whether  of  promise  or  threatening.  God, 
who  is  its  author,  imparts  to  it  his  own  divine  energy.  It 
lays  open  every  heart,  and  detects  all  hyjiocrisy  and  unbe- 
Ikf.   Quick;  living,  and  powerful  in  its  effects.  'JohnG:G3f 


that  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of 
God,''  let  us  hold  fast  our  jjrofession.' 

15  For  we  have  not  a  higli-priost  which  cannot 
be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  y  but 
was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  with- 
out sin.'' 

16  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne 
of  grace,'  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 


CHAPTER  V. 

1  The  autliority  and  tionor  of  our  Saviour's  priestliood.     11  Negligence 

in  tlie  knowledge  thereof  is  reproved. 

FOR  every  high-priest  taken  from  among  men 
is  ordained  for  men  in  things  pertaining  to 
God,"'  that  he  may  offer  both  gifts  and  sacrifices 
for  sins: 

2  Who  can  have  compassion  on'  the  ignorant, 
and  on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way;  for  that  he 
himself  also  is  compassed  with  infirmity." 

3  And  by  reason  hereof  he  ought,  as  for  the 
people,  so  also  for  himself  to  oS"er  for  sins." 

4  And  no  man  taketli  this  honor  unto  himself,' 
but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron.'' 

i  ch.  10:23.  J  Hos.  11:S.  k  1  Pet.  2:22;  1  John  3:i.  1  Eph.  3:12;  oh. 
10:19-22.  m  ch.  8:3.  *  Or,  reasonably  bear  with.  ""  ch.  7:28.  o  Lev.  9:7. 
P2Chr.  20:18.     qExod.  28:1;  Num.  16:40. 

2  Cor.  10:4.  Two-edged  sword;  Eph.  6:17;  Rev.  1:16; 
19 :  15.  Discerner  of  the  thoughts ;  lays  open  the  secrets  of 
the  heart,  and  shows  a  man  to  himself.  Rom.  7:7.  Our 
faith,  therefore,  must  be  hearty,  active,  and  persevering, 
or  we  shall  fail  of  obtaining  the  promised  rest. 

13.  1)1  Ins  sight;  the  sight  of  (iod  the  author  of  this  word. 

14.  Profession  ;  of  faith  in  Christ. 

16.  The  throne  nf  grace;  God  on  his  gracious  throne  dis- 
pensing mercy  to  sinners. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

9.  The  rest  promised  to  the  faithful  and  obedient  in  the 
Old  Testament,  was  not  merely  a  temporary  rest  on  the 
Sabbath,  or  in  Canaan,  but  a  spiritual,  eternal  rest  in 
heaven;  of  which  the  rest  of  the  Sabbatli  and  the  rest  of 
Canaan  were  emblems. 

10.  God's  method  of  salvation  was  not  designed,  and  is 
not  adapted  to  encourage  idleness,  but  great  and  perse- 
vering diligence  in  the  discharge  of  duty. 

13.  In  order  to  be  saved,  men  must  be  Christians  in- 
reality  as  well  as  in  appearance.  God  sees  men  as  they 
are,  and  will  ti'eat  them  according  to  their  works. 

16.  In  God  is  help  for  men;  and  it  is  their  duty  to  come 
unto  him  in  the  name  of  Christ,  that  for  his  sake  they  may 
receive  it. 

CHAPTER  V. 

Having  several  times  spoken  of  Christ  as  our  ITigh- 
priest,  chap.  2:17;  3:1;  4:14,  1:');  he  now  proceeds  to  un- 
fold at  large  the  idea  of  his  priestliood,  chap.  5 : 1  to  10.:  18 ; 
introducing,  however,  a  digression,  chap.  .'5:11  to  6:19,  by 
way  of  warning  and  exhortation.  He  begins  by  consider- 
ing the  qualifications  ;uid  office  of  the  earthly  high-priest. 
He  must  be  taken  from  among  his  brethren,  that  he  may 
be  able  to  sympathize  with  tliein,  being  himself  a  sharer 
of  their  infirmities;  and  he  must  be  called  of  God.  His 
office,  moreover,  is  to  offer  gifts  and  sacrifices  for  sins. 
With  this  earthly  ]u-ii'sthood  the  higher  priesthood  of 
Christ  is  then  coni)iarcd. 

1.  For  men  ;  for  the  benefit  of  men  in  their  spiritual  con- 
cerns. 

3.  By  reason  hereof;  of  infirmity,  which,  in  tlie  case  of  the 
earthly  high-priest,  is  connected  willi  sin.     See  Lev.  9:7. 

4.  Tliis  honor;  of  being  a  priest  under  the  law  of  Moses,, 
and  oll'ering  sacrifices. 

1415 


Mddiisedec  a  type  of  Christ. 


HEBREWS  VI. 


Apostasy  to  ht  feared. 


5  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  himself  to  be  made 
a  high-priest ;"  but  he  tliat  said  unto  him,  Thou 
art  my  Son,  to-day  have  I  begotten  thee." 

6  As  he  saith  also  in  anotlier  place,  Thou  art  a 
priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Mclchisedec."= 

7  Who  in  tlie  days  of  liis  flesh,  -(vhcn  he  had 
offered  up  prayers  and  supplications  with  strong 
crying  and  tears  unto  liiiii  that  was  able  to  save 
hiin  from  death,''  and  was  heard  in  that  he  feared;*'' 

8  Thougii  lie  were  a  Son,  yet  learned  he  obedi- 
ence by  the  things  which  ho  suffered  / 

9  And  being  made  perfect,''  he  became  the  author 
of  eternal  salvation  unto  all  them  that  obey  him; 

10  Called  of  God  a  high-priest  after  tlie  order 
of  Melchisedec." 

11  Of  whom  we  have  many  things  to  say,  and 
hard  to  be  uttered,  seeing  ye  are  dull  of  hearing. 

12  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers, 
ye  have  need  that  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the 
firstprinciplesof  theoraclesofGod ;  andarebecome 
such  as  have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of  strong  meat.' 

13  For  every  one  that  useth  milk  m  unskilful*  in 
the  word  of  righteousness:  for  he  is  a  babe. 

1-1  But  strong  meat  belongeth  to  them  that  are  of 
full  age,*  even  those  who  by  reason  of  usc'  have  their 
senses  exercised  to  discern  both  good  and  evil. 


a  John  S:54.  b  Psa.  -i-.l.  '  Psi.  110:4.  <1  Matt.  2G:53.  •  Or,  for  Ids 
pitlij.  e  Milt.  aO::i!l-14.  f  Phil.  2:8.  e  ch.  2:IU.  1>  ver.  6.  i  1  Cor.  3: 1-3. 
\  Gt.  halh  no  experitnre.  I  Or,  perfect,  i  Or.  a  haiit,  or  perft:rtfon.  D  Or, 
llru-nriloflhebegmmngi>fCliril.t.    )  Phil.  3: 12-14.    k"ch.U:14.     lch.ll:6. 


5.  He  lluit  said;  God  the  Father,  wlio  appointed  his  Son 
JcHUS  Christ  to  be  our  IIi;^li-pricst.  Thou  art  mij  Son  ;  I'sa. 
2 : 7.  The  sonship  of  Christ  is  here  considered  as  including 
liis  priesthood.     Chap.  1:5. 

li.  Aiwlher place ;  I'sa.  110:4. 

7.  Offered  up  prayers;  Matt.  2G:39-5G.  In  that  he  feared; 
because  he  was  reverently  obedient  and  submissive  to 
God,  God  heanl  his  prayer  and  answered  it,  in  bestowing 
ui)Oii  him  all  tliat  ho  needed  to  prepare  him  for  what  was 
before  liim.     Luke  22:39-4li. 

8.  A  Sou;  tlie  tlivine  Son  of  God.  Yet  learned  he  obedi- 
ence;  lie  learned  by  experience  what  it  is  to  obey  God  in 
the  luidst  of  manifold  sufferings.  Thus  he  was  qualified 
to  succor  those  who  are  in  like  circumstances  of  sufl'ering. 
Chap.  2:18;  4:15. 

9.  Being  matte  perfect ;  having  triumphantly  gone  through 
with  the  course  of  suflering  appoiiiteil  for  liini,  and  thus 
become  perfect  as  our  Saviour. 

10.  Culled  of  God;  verse  0. 

11.  Ilndtobe  uttered;  dillicult  to  be  so  explained  that  you 
will  understand  them.  Sceinii  ye  are  dull  of  hearing;  slow 
of  aiii)rehcnsion,  through  your  sluggishness  in  respect  to 
divine  truth. 

1.'.  77k  time;  the  length  of  time  since  they  were  con- 
verted.    Mdk;  the  simjili^st  truths. 

13.  Unskilful  in  tlie  uvird  (f  righleousnesf);  incx])crienccd, 
having  comparatively  little  knowledge  of  the  character 
aii'l  work  of  Christ,  and  the  way  of  salvation  through  him 
as  revealed  in  the  Scriptures. 

11.  Strong  meat;  the  more  dilTicnU  jiarts  of  divine  truth. 
Of  fidl  age;  of  greater  experience  and  knowledge  of  divine 
things.  To  discern ;  to  distinguish  between  truth  and  error, 
good  and  evil. 

IXSTRUCTION'S. 

2.  A  kind,  compassionate,  and  forgiving  spirit  is  of  great 
importance  to  all  in  the  sacred  office ;  and  the  considera- 
tion of  their  own  unworthiness  and  of  the  grace  of  God 
tow:irds  them,  is  well  suited  to  increase  in  them  this 
heavenly  temper. 

C.  The  Old  Testament  is  so  constructed  that  the  fulness 
of  its  meaning  is  seen  only  in  the  light  of  the  New ;  and 
both  must  bo  taken  together  in  order  to  have  the  fullest 
understanding  of  the  revealed  will  of  God. 
1416 


CHAPTER  VI. 


A.  D.  64. 


1  He  exhorteth  not  to  fall  back  from  tin-  faith.  11  but  to  be  steadfast.  12 
dilif^eiit,  and  patient  to  wait  upon  Uod,  l-J  because  Crod  is  most  sure 
in  his  promisL-. 

THEREFORE  leaving  the  principles  of  the 
doctrine  of  Ciirist,'  let  us  go  on  unto  perfec- 
tion ;^  not  laying  again  the  foundation  of  rejient- 
ance  from  dead  works,''  and  of  faith  toward 
God,' 

2  Of  tlie  doctrine  of  baptisms,"'  and  of  laying  on 
of  hands,"  and  of  resurrection  of  the  dead,"  and  of 
eternal  judgment. 

3  And  tliis  will  we  do,  if  God  permit.'' 

4  For  it  is  impossible  for  those  who  were  once 
enlightened,  and  have  tasted  of  the  heavenly  gift, 
and  were  made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Gliost, 

5  And  liave  tasted  tiie  good  word  of  God,  and 
the  powers  of  the  world  to  come,'' 

6  If  they  shall  fall  away,  to  renew  them  again 
unto  repentance;''  seeing  they  crucify  to  them- 
selves the  Son  of  God  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an 
open  shame. 

7  For  tiic  cartli  which  drinketh  in  the  rain  tiiat 
coinetli  oft  upon  it,  and  briiigctli  forth  herbs  meet 
for  thorn  by"  wiiom  it  is  dressed,  receivcth  bless- 
ing from  God:' 

m  Acts  19:4,  5.  nActsP:17.  o  Acts  17:31 ;  20:8.  P  Jas.  4:15.  q  Matt. 
5:13;  12:31,32;  John  l.'):0;  ch.  10:25;  2  Pet.  2:20,21;  IJohn  5:16.  r  Isa. 
1:28.     1IOr,/or.     'Pea.  05:10. 


9.  Though  Christ  has  opened  a  way  of  salvation  and 
commands  us  to  make  it  known  to  all,  yet  every  man  for 
himself  must  enter  and  continue  to  walk  in  it,  or  he  can- 
not be  saved. 

14.  Even  Christians  at  first,  and  often  for  a  long  time, 
are  ignorant  of  many  things  clearly  revealed  in  the  word 
of  God,  known  by  those  who  have  made  greater  advances 
in  the  divine  life,  and  which,  where  God  gives  opiiortu- 
nity,  ought  to  be  known  by  all. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  Principles;  elements  or  first  rudiments  of  religion. 
Unto  perfection;  maturity  in  the  knowledge  and  obedience 
of  the  go.spel.  The  reference  is  especially  to  those  deep 
doctrines  concerning  the  priesthood  of  Christ  which  he  is 
preparing  to  unfold.  The  foundatnm  if  repentance;  the 
foundation  consisting  in  the  doctrine  of  repentance,  and 
what  follows.  Upon  this  foundation  we  must  ahva^'S 
build,  but  we  ought  not  to  be  always  laying  it.  Dead 
works;  outward  forms  without  spiritual  life. 

2.  Eternal  judgment;  judgment  eternal  in  its  conse- 
quences, having  for  its  result  the  endless  retributions  of 
eternity. 

.S.  This  will  we  do;  wc  will  go  on  unto  perfection,  as  he 
proceeds  to  do  in  the  seventh  and  following  ehajiters. 

4.  Enlightened;  in  the  knowledge  of  (he  gospel.  The 
heavenly  gift ;  that  which  (jod  bestows  upon  men  in  the 
go.spel.  Of  the  Holy  Ghost;  of  the  gifts  which  he  bestows. 
1  Cor.  12:4-11. 

5.  Have  tasted  the  gnod  word  of  God ;  have  had  experience 
of  its  excellency  and  ])ower.  And  the  powers  of  the  world 
to  come;  the  world  to  come  is  [irobably  here,  as  in  chap. 
2:5,  the  gospel  dispensation,  and  its  ))ower8  are  those 
specified  in  chap.  2:1. 

e.  Full  awaij;  renounce  Christianity,  turn  against  Christ, 
and  openly  apostiitize  from  his  religion.  If  they  do  this 
they  will  jierish,  because  lliey  rencjimce  the  <iiily  way  of 
salvation,  and  treat  Christ  as  an  imiiostor,  deserving  of 
crucifixion. 

7.  liicciveth  blessing  from  God;  ho  rewards  its  fruit  ful- 
ness with  his  blessing,  making  it  slill  further  fruitful. 
Comjiare  the  Savioin's  words,  "  lie  that  hath,  to  him  shall 
be  given,"  Mark  4:25. 


Faith  inherits  the  promise. 


HEBREWS  VII. 


Ho]pe  the  anchor  of  the  soul. 


A.D.64.  8  But  that  which  bcareth  thorns  and  bri- 
ers is  rejected,"  and  w  nigh  nnto  cursing;  whose 
end  is  to  be  burned. 

9  But,  beloved,  we  arc  persuaded  better  tilings 
of  you,  and  things  that  accompany  salvation,  though 
we  thus  speak. 

10  For  God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your 
work  and  laljor  of  love,  which  ye  have  showed 
toward  his  name,  in  that  ye  have  ministered  to 
the  saints,  and  do  minister.'' 

11  And  we  desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show 
the  same  diligence  to  the  full  assurance  of  hope 
unto  the  end:"^ 

12  That  ye  be  not  slothful,''  but  followers  of 
them  wlio  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the 
promises. 

13  For  when  God  made  promise  to  Abraham, 
because  he  could  swear  by  no  greater,  he  sware 
by  himself, 

14  Saying,  Surely  blessing  I  will  IjIcss  thee,  and 
multiplying  I  will  multiply  thee." 

15  And  so,  after  he  had  patiently  endured,  he 
obtained  the  promise. 

i  Isa,  S-.n.  b  Matt.  25:40.  '  ch.  3:6,  14.  i  Prov.  15:19;  '2  Pet.  1:10. 
e  Gen.  23:16,  17.     'Exod.  22:11.     S  Rom.  S:  17;  ch.  11:9.     h  Rom.  11:29. 

8.  Thorns  and  briers ,•  only.  Rejected;  asv^onthless.  Nigh 
unto  cursinf:; ;  being  given  up  to  perpetual  barrenness  ;  bear- 
ing that  which  is  fit  only  to  be  burned.  So  those  who  re- 
nounce Christ,  go  back  to  the  world,  and  continue  in  sin,  the 
Holy  Ghost  will  leave  to  perpetual  barrenness  and  death. 

9.  Per.-oiaded  better  thini^s;  he  was  persuaded,  from  what 
he  had  known  of  them,  that  in  view  of  the  destruction 
which  awaited  them  should  they  apostatize,  they  would, 
througli  the  grace  of  God  and  the  use  of  proper  means, 
persevere  in  holiness  to  the  end,  and  so  obtain  eternal  life. 

10.  God  is  not  unrighteous;  he  would  not  fail  to  reward 
the  acts  of  love  which  for  his  sake  they  had  done  to  his 
people.     Matt.  10:41,42. 

11.  The  same  diligence ;  in  the  discharge  of  duty  and  the 
manifestiition  of  love  to  Christ  and  his  people  to  the  end 
of  life.  To  the  full  assurance  of  hope;  these  words  express 
the  object  whicli  our  Christian  diligence  has  in  view  and 
which  it  secures. 

12.  Of  them;  Heb.  11: 32-40. 

13.  Made  promise  to  Abraham;  Gen.  22:10-18. 

15.  Ulitmned  the  promise  ;iicn.l2:l-^;  15:5-21;  l':l-U; 
18:10;  21:1,  2. 

IC.  For  ronfirmation;  to  confirm  treaties  and  agreements  ; 
the  oath  gives  confidence  and  puts  an  end  to  contention. 

17.  Wherein;  in  respect  to  which  matter,  Uiunel}',  the 
ending  of  all  doubt  and  dispute  by  an  oath.  Heirs  of  prom- 
ise; true  believers,  to  whom  God  has  promised  eternal  life. 
John  10:27-30. 

18.  Two  immutable  things ;  his  Vi-or(\ -MvX  oath.  Impossi- 
ble; for  want  not  of  natural  power,  but  of  disposition  ;  on 
account  of  his  unchangeable  faithfulness,  trutli,  and  holi- 
ness. Fled  for  refuge;  to  Jesus  Ciirist,  by  believing  on 
him.     The  hope;  of  heaven  set  before  us  in  the  gospel. 

19.  Whicli  entereth ;  it  is  immaterial  whctlicr  we  under- 
stand the  hope  or  the  anchor  as  entering,  since  the  one  is  a 
symbol  of  theother.  Intothat  within  the  veil ;  into  the  heav- 
enly holy  of  liolies  within  the  veil,  th;it  is,  into  heaven  itself 
For  here,  as  elsewhere  in  this  epistle,  the  o;irtlily  tabernii- 
cle — in  whose  inner  sani-tu;iry  (Jod  liad  liis  visible  dwclling- 
idace  between  the  cher\ibim  that  overshadowed  tiie  ark, 
Exod.  25 :  22 ;  Num.  7 :  89  ;  Psa.  80 : 1 ;  99 : 1 — is  considered  as 
a  type  of  the  true  heavenly  tabernacle  where  God  resides. 
Compare  chap.  8:2;  9:11,  12;  and  especially  chap.  9:24. 

20.  Tiie  forerunner  in  for  us  entered ;  he  lias  entered  into 
heaven  itself  as  our  higli-priost,  to  present  his  own  blood 
before  the  throne  as  the  expiation  for  our  sins;  and  lie 
has  entered  as  our  forerunner  also,  who  will  in  due  time 


16  For  men  verily  swear  by  the  greater:  and  an 
oath  for  confirmation  is  to  them  an  end  of  all  strife/ 

17  Wherein  God,  willing  more  abundantly  to 
show  unto  the  heirs  of  promise^  the  immutability 
of  his  counsel,''  confirmed  it'  by  an  oath: 

18  That  by  two  immutable  things,  in  which  it 
was  impossible  for  God  to  lie,'  we  might  have  a 
strong  consolation,  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay 
hold  upon  the  hope  set  before  us :' 

19  Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul, 
both  sure  and  steadfast,  and  which  entereth  into 
that  witliin  tlic  veil ;" 

20  Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  us  entered,  even 
Jesus,'  made  a  high-priest  for  ever  after  the  order 
of  Melchisedec.'" 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Christ  Jesus  is  a  priest  after  the  order  of  Melcliiseden,  11  and  so,  far 
more  e.xeellent  than  the  priests  of  Aaron's  order. 

FOR  this  Melchisedec,  king  of  Salem,  priest  of 
the  most  high  God,  wiio  met  Abraham  re- 
turning from  the  slaughter  of  the  kings,  and  blessed 
him;" 


*  Gr.  interposed  himself.     »  Titus  1 :2. 
4:14.    in  ch,  7:17.     »  Gen.  14: Id,  etc. 


jl  Tim.  0:12.     k  Lev.  16:15.     1  ch. 


bring  us  into  his  Father's  presence,  and  present  us  faults 
less  before  his  throne.  Made  a  high-priest — after  the  order 
of  Melchisedec ;  thus  the  writer  returns  to  the  theme  which 
he  had  proposed,  chap.  5:11. 

INSTrxUCTIONS. 

I.  Divine  grace  in  the  hearts  of  God's  people  is  progres- 
sive. It  leads  them  to  increase  in  knowledge  antl  piety, 
till  they  at  last  become  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus. 

II.  As  those  who  apostatize,  and  continue  to  renounce 
Christ,  will  perish  with  an  awfully  aggravated  destruction, 
Christians  should  carefully  guard  against  all  apjiroaches 
towards  this  sin. 

12.  As  a  knowledge  of  the  destruction  which  awaits 
men  who  renounce  tlie  Paviour  and  continue  in  sin.  is  one 
of  the  means  of  preventing  Christians  from  so  doing,  they 
should  be  thankful  to  him  for  communicating  this  know- 
ledge, antl  for  rendering  it,  with  other  means,  efficacious 
in  leading  them  to  avoid  tliis  destruction,  and  iiersever- 
iiigly  to  imitate  those  who  through  faith  and  patience  and 
much  triliulation  are  now  inheriting  the  promises. 

19.  Hope  has  great  influence  in  the  salv.ation  of  Cln-is- 
tians,  and  the  gospel  is  suited  to  in.spire  it.  But  in  order 
to  this,  tlie  gospel  must  be  believed.  And  tliat  hope  which 
arises  from  true  taith  tends  powerfully  to  m;ike  men  holj-, 
iind  lead  them,  notwithstanding  all  trials,  to  persevere  in 
holiness  to  the  end.     Prov.  10:28;  11:7;  1  John  3:3. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  argument  in  (ho  present  chapter  rests  on  the  cer- 
tain truth,  that  God  ajipointed  Melchisedec  to  be  a  type  of 
Christ  in  his  priestly  office,  and  ordered  every  thing  con- 
cerning his  history  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  the  type  as 
perfect  as  it  could  bo  in  the  case  of  a  mere  earthly  jiriest. 
By  his  wise  providence  it  came  to  pass,  first,  that  both 
his  name  and  that  of  the  place  where  ho  reigned  should  he 
typical  of  ("iirist's  character  and  oHice,  verse  2;  secondly, 
th;xt  the  insiiired  recoril  sliould  give  his  priesthood  with- 
out any  such  liinit;itioiis  in  respect  to  descent  as  belonged 
to  tlie  [jevi(ic;il  priesthood,  and  also  without  any  notice  of 
either  the  liegiiining  or  end  of  his  life  and  priesthood, 
verses  3,  (1,  8 ;  thirdl>-.  tliat  he  should  bless  Abraham,  the 
fatlier  of  all  the  faithful,  and  receive  titlics  from  him.  in 
both  which  things  was  made  manifest  Melcliiscdec's  offi- 
ci:il  superiority  over  him,  and  consequently  t)ver  all  his 
children,  none  of  whom  could  pretend  to  be  in  dignity 
above  him,  verses  4,  fi,  7. 

1.  Melchisedec — met  Abraham;  (icn.  14:18,  19. 

un 


The  dignity  of  the 


HEBREWS  VII. 


priesthcod  cf  Christ. 


2  To  whom  also  Abraham  sravo  a  tenth  part  of 
all;  first  being  by  interpretation  King  of  right- 
eousness, and  after  that  also  King  of  Salem,  which 
is,  King  of  peace; 

3  Witliout  fatlier.  without  mother,  without  de- 
scent,' having  neither  beginning  of  days,  nor  end 
of  life ;  but  made  like  unto  tlie  Son  of  God ;  abid- 
etli  a  priest  continually. 

4  Now  consider  how  great  tliis  man  u-as,  unto 
wlioni  even  the  patriarch  Abraham  gave  the  tenth 
of  the  spoils. 

5  And  verily  they  that  are  of  the  sons  of  Levi, 
who  receive  the  office  of  the  priesthood,  have  a 
commandment  to  take  tithes  of  the  people  accord- 
ing to  the  law,"  that  is,  of  their  bretliren,  though 
they  come  out  of  the  loins  of  Abraiiani: 

0  But  he  whoso  descent^  is  not  counted  from 
them  received  tithes  of  Abraham,''  and  blessed  him 
that  liad  the  promises.*^ 

7  And  without  all  contradiction  the  less  is  blessed 
of  the  better. 

8  Andheremen  that  die  receive  titlies;  but  there 
lie  rraiveth  them  of  whom  it  is  witnessed  that  he 
livetli.'' 

9  And  as  I  may  so  say,  Levi  also,  who  receivctli 
titlics,  paid  tithes  in  Abraham. 

10  For  he  was  yet  in  the  loins  of  his  father,  when 
Jlelchisedec  met  him. 

•  Gr.prrligree.  »  Num.  18:21-20.  1  Gr.  pedigrer.  b  Gen.  14:20.  c  Rom. 
9:1.     a  ch.  S:6|  Rev.  1:18.     e  Gal.  2:21 ;  ver.  IS,  19;  cli.  t:T.     'Isa.  11:1; 

2.  King  of  righteousness ;  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  He- 
brew word  Melchisedec.  Satem  ;  that  is.  iicuce  ;  ^[elchise- 
dec  was  therefore  in  liis  own  name  and  that  of  liis  city  a 
lit  tvi)e  of  the  righteous  Prince  of  peace,  Isa.  9:0;  11:4,5; 
3>:\. 

:i.  Without  father — end  of  life ;  the  inspired  record  takes 
no  notice  of  any  of  those  tilings;  and  this  was  designed 
hy  tlio  Holy  Ghost,  that  his  priestliood  might  thus  typify 
tlic  jiriesthood  of  Christ  in  a  donble  way:  first,  as  to  our 
bonis  liinnan  nature,  as  being  a  priest  of  another  order 
than  the  Levitical  priests,  who  must  al w;iy s  be  able  to  show 
their  descent  from  Aaron,  verses  l;i,  l),com]iarcd  with  Num. 
3:10;  Ezra2:C2;  secondly,  as  to  liis  divine  nature,  as  being 
in  tlie  liighest  sense  witliout  any  of  these  limitations.  The 
reader  sliould  carefully  notice  that  the  apostle  describes 
Alelchisedec,  the  type,  in  terms  which,  in  the  full  mean- 
ing, hold  good  only  of  Christ  the  great  antitype. 

•1.  How  great  this  man  was;  see  verses  C,  7,  and  notes. 

."j.  Iliive  a  commandment  to  take  tithes;  Num.  18:21-.'?2. 
Tliotigh  they  come;  though  their  brethren  of  whom  they 
take  tithes,  come  out  of  the  loins  of  Abraham.  Thus  the 
Levitical  priests  arc  raised  above  their  brethren  in  official 
dignity. 

().  But  he;  Melchisedec.  Received  tithes  of  Ahrahiim,  and 
blessed  him  that  had  the  promises ;  being  thus  exalted,  not  as 
the  Levitical  priests  were,  above  the  rest  of  their  breth- 
ren, Imt  above  Abraham  himself,  and  thus,  as  the  epistle 
goes  on  to  show,  above  the  Levitical  priesthood  also. 

7.  The  less;  in  olBcial  dignity. 

8.  Men  llmt  die — he  livetk;  lie  passes  to  another  point  in 
which  .Melchiscdec's  priesthood  was  typically  superior  to 
that  of  the  Levitical  priests:  it  had  no  limitation;  all  the 
testimony  we  have  of  him  is  as  a  living  jiriest  and  king, 
no  mention  being  made  of  his  di^atli  or  the  end  of  his 
priesthood.  The  writer  dcsigneilly  ajiplies  to  Melchise- 
dec terms  which  have  their  full  application  to  Christ  alone. 
See  note  to  vcr.  3. 

9.  Levi  also;  and  in  him  the  Ixivitical  priests  of  whom 
he  was  the  father.  Pai'l  It'ic^  in  Ahrnhnm ;  paid  tithes  to 
Melchisedec,  and  thus  acknowlcilged  his  superiority. 

11-19.  A  new  argument  is  now  introduced.     Since  the 
1418 


11  If  therefore  perfection  were  by  the  Le-  a.  n.ei. 
vitical  priesthood,''  (for  under  it  the  jieople  re- 
ceived the  law,)  what  furtiicr  need  icas  there  tliat 
another  priest  sliould  rise  after  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedec, and  not  be  called  after  the  order  of 
Aaron  ? 

VI  For  the  priesthood  liciiig  cliangcd,  there  is 
made  of  necessity  a  change  also  of  the  law. 

13  For  he  of  whom  tliese  things  are  spoken  per- 
tainetli  to  another  tribe,  of  which  no  man  gave 
attendance  at  the  altar. 

14  For  it  is  evident  that  our  Lord  sprang  out  of 
Juda;''  of  wliicli  tribe  Moses  spake  nothing  con- 
cerning jjriestliood. 

15  And  it  is  yet  far  more  evident :  for  tliat  after 
tlie  similitude  of  Melchisedec  there  arisetli  another 
priest, 

IG  Who  is  made,  not  after  the  law  of  a  carnal 
commandment,  but  after  the  power  of  an  endless 
life. 

17  For  he  testifieth.  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever 
after  the  order  of  Melchisedec.''' 

18  For  there  is  verily  a  disannulling  of  the  com- 
mandment going  before  for  the  weakness  and  un- 
profitableness thereof.'' 

19  For  the  law  made  nothing  perfect,'  but*  tiie 
bringing  in  of  a  better  hope  did;  liy  the  which  wc 
draw  nigh  unto  God.' 


Matt.  1:3;  Rev.  .5:5.  5  Psa.  110:4.  I>  Acts  13:39.  ■  Rom.  3:20.  1  Or,  »M( 
it  was.     J  Rom.  5:2. 

Levitical  priesthood  and  the  law  were  given  together,  as 
jiarts  of  one  whole,  so  that  the  aimuUing  of  the  one  is  the 
aiimilling  of  the  other,  why  should  (lod  h;ive  promised 
another  i)rie.stliood,  and  with  it  another  economy,  except 
because  tlic  former  priesthood  with  its  economy  was  un- 
able to  give  ]>orfcctioii? 

11.  Pcrfcrtioa;  see  note  to  vcr.  19.  Under  it  the  people 
received  tiic  low;  it  ivas  the  basis  of  the  Mosaic  law  in  such 
a  way  that  when  the  law  should  be  changed,  that  must  be 
changed  also,  ver.  12. 

13.  He;  Christ,  spoken  of  in  Ps:i.  110:-1.  To  another  tribe; 
not  that  of  Levi,  from  whom  the  priests  under  the  law 
were  to  descend. 

15.  Is  yet  far  more  evident ;  that  there  is  a  change  of  the 
priesthood,  aiitl  with  it,  of  the  economy. 

K;.  Wlioismade;  constituted  a  priest.  Not  after  the  law 
of  a  carnal  commandment ;  not  with  a  temporary  and  ineffi- 
cacious j)riestliooil,  corresponiliiig  with  the  carnal  ordi- 
nances of  the  law  under  which  he  ministers.  Compare, 
for  the  meaning  of  these  wor(ls,  chap.  il:9,  10;  10:4.  After 
the  power  cf  an  enilless  life;  with  an  efficacious  jiriesthood, 
such  as  belongs  to  one  who  has  endless  life  and  is  a  priest 
for  ever,  verses  17,  25. 

18.  A  disannulling ;  setting  aside  and  bringing  to  a  close 
the  ceremonial  law  and  its  priesthood.  Wvalcncss  and  un- 
profitableness; as  to  the  work  of  making  a  true  exiiiation 
for  sin,  and  thus  opening  a  true  way  for  salvation.  See 
the  following  note,  ver.  19. 

19.  The  law  made  nothing  perfect ;  the  ccremoni;d  l;iw  was 
not  ilcsigned  for  that.  It  answered  the  local  :ind  tcnipo- 
r;iry  purpose  for  which  it  was  intendeil,  but  its  sacrilices 
could  not,  like  the  sacrilice  of  Christ,  purge  the  conscitnco 
from  dead  works  to  serve  tlie  living  (iod,  cleanse  from 
sill,  justify  and  sanctify  the  soul,  give  it  aci'css  to  (iod, 
and  ins|)ire  that  hojie  which  jiurilies  it  as  Clirist  is  pure. 
Jliil  the  bringing  in  of  a  belter  hope  ;  the  gospel  througli  the 
atonement,  righttoiiMiicss,  and  intercession  of  Christ,  does 
:dl  this.  Of  course  the  gospel  must  be  imiiieasuralily  su- 
l>erior  in  its  bcnelils  to  the  ceremonial  law.  Verses  IH,  19 
may  he  more  plainly  and  simply  rendered  thus:  "For 
there  is  verily  a  disannulling  of  the  commandment  going 


The  priesthood  of  Aaron 


HEBREAVS  VIII. 


abolished  by  Christ. 


AD.  64.     20  And  inasmuch  as  not  without  an  oath 
he  icas  made  priest  : 

21  (For  those  priests  were  made  without  an 
oath;*  but  this  witli  au  oatli  )iy  him  that  said 
unto  him,  The  Lord  swarc,  and  will  not  repent, 
Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedcc:") 

22  By  so  much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety  of  a 
better  testament.'' 

23  And  they  trtily  were  many  priests,  because 
they  were  not  suffered  to  continue  by  reason  of 
death : 

24  But  this  7nan,  because  lie  continueth  ever, 
hath  an  uncliangeable*  priesthood." 

2.5  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost*  that  come  unto  God  by  him,*  seeing  he 
ever  livetli  to  make  intercession  for  them." 

26  For  such  a  liigh-priest  became  us,  who  is  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  separate 'from  sinners,''  and 
made  higher  than  the  heavens , 

27  Who  ucedeth  not  daily,  as  those  high-priests, 
to  offer  up  sacrifice,  iirst  for  his  own  sins,  and  then 
for  the  people's:''  for  this  he  did  once,  when  he 
offered  up  himself. 

28  For  the  law  maketh  men  high-priests  which 
have  infirmity ;  but  the  word  of  the  oath,  which 
was  since  the  law,  maketh  the  Son,  who  is  conse- 
crated^ for  evermore. 


*  Or,  swearing  of  nn  onth.  aPsa.  llf);4,  b  cli.  8:6,  i  Or,  ichich  pn.sselh 
not  from  one  to  another.  <=  I  Sam. 'i:.35.  t  Ot^  evermore,  d  Jude  *24.  e  Rom. 
B:34;  IJohn  'J;!,     f  ch.  4:15;  1  Pet.  2:-".      e  Lev.  9:7.     S  Or,  perfected. 


before,  for  the  weakness  and  unjirotitableness  thereof — 
for  the  law  made  nothing  perfect — and  there  is  the  bring- 
ing in  of  a  better  liopo,"  etc. 

20-22.  Still  another  argument  to  show  the  superiority 
of  Christ's  priesthood  to  that  of  Aaron  and  his  sons:  lie 
was  made  priest  with  an  oath  they  without  an  oath.  The 
added  solemnity  of  the  oath  shows  the  superior  dignity 
of  the  priesthood. 

22.  A  surety;  one  who  becomes  responsible  for  the 
fulHlment  of  a  covenant.  A  belter  testament ;  or,  a  better 
covenant.  The  same  Greek  work  is  rendered  now  cove- 
nant, as  in  chap.  8:6,  etc.,  and  now  testament,  as  in  chap. 
9 :  15,  etc.  The  latter  is  the  appropriate  rendering  where 
there  is  a  reference  to  the  death  of  him  who  mediates  the 
covenant,  as  in  the  latter  of  the  above  i)assages. 

23,  24.  The  last  argument  for  the  superiority  of  Christ's 
priesthood  over  that  of  the  Lcvitical  priests,  after  which 
there  is  a  summing  up  of  the  perfections  of  our  great 
High-priest,  Christ  Jesus,  verses  25-28. 

25.  By  him;  as  their  high-priest,  not  venturing  before 
God  in  their  own  name. 

2G.  Became  us ;  was  needed  by  us.  il/orfe  liiglier  than  the 
heaveits;  where  he  ministers  before  God.  See  chap.  8:1, 
2,  4;  9:24. 

27.  77/  is  he  (lid  once  ;  made  a  full  and  complete  atonement, 
so  that  no  further  sacrilice  for  sin  wouM  ever  be  needed. 

28.  Comecrated;  or  perfected  as  a  lligh-priest.  Compare 
chap.  2:10;  5:9. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Clirist  an  a  priest  making  a  real  and  perfect  atone- 
ment for  sin,  stands  alone  in  divine  majesty,  grandeur,  and 
glory.  All  other  priests  were  only  types,  emblems,  and 
shadows  of  him,  wliicli  when  he  appeared  vanished  away. 

8.  However  much  one  man  may  be  elevated  above  an- 
other, or  however  sacred  the  employment  to  which  he  may 
be  called,  he  is  a  sinner;  he  must  die,  and  with  his  fel- 
low-sinners stand  at  the  b.ar  of  (;in-ist,,give  account  of  the 
things  done  in  the  body,  and  be  treated  for  eternity  ac- 
cording to  his  works. 

16.  As  Christ  lias  made  a  full  and  jierfect  atonement, 
and  ever  lives  to  make  intercession,  all   should  forsake 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  By  the  eternal  priesttiood  of  Ctirist  the  Levitical  priesthood  of  Aaron 
is  abolished.  7  And  the  temporal  covenant  with  the  fathers,  by  the 
eternal  covenant  of  the  gospel. 

^TOW  of  the  things  wliich  we  have  sjiokcn,  this 
J_\  w  the  sum:  We  have  such  a  liigh-priest,  who 
is  set  on  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  the  Maj- 
esty in  the  heavens;'' 

2  A  minister  of  the  sanctuary,'  and  of  the  true 
tabernacle,'  which  the  Lord  pitched,  and  not 
man. 

3  For  every  high-priest  is  ordained  to  offer  gifts 
and  sacrifices :  wlierefore  it  is  of  necessity  that  this 
man  have  somewhat  also  to  offer .J 

4  For  if  he  were  on  earth,  he  should  not  be  a 
priest,  seeing  that  there'  are  priests  that  offer 
gifts  according  to  the  law : 

5  Who  serve  unto  the  example  and  shadow  of 
hcavcnl}'  things,''  as  Moses  was  admonislied  of 
God  when  he  was  about  to  make  the  taberna- 
cle: for,  See,  saith  he,  that  thou  make  all  things 
according  to  the  pattern  showed  to  thee  in  the 
mount.' 

6  But  now  hath  he  obtained  a  more  excellent 
ministry,"  by  how  much  also  he  is  the  mediator  of 
a  better  covenant,*  which  was  established  upon 
better  promises. 

7  For  if  that  first  covenant  had  been  faultless," 


!■  Eph.  1:20.  1  Or,  holy  tilings,  i  ch.  9:8,  12,24.  J  Eph.  5:2;  ch.  0:14. 
1  Or,  tliey.  k  Col.  2:17;  oh.  10:1.  1  Exod.  25:40;  26:30.  m  2  Cor.  3 : fi-y j 
ch.  7:22.     *  Or,  testament.     nch.7:ll. 


their  sins,  trust  in  him,  and  come  to  him  for  grace  to  help 
in  all  times  of  need. 

22.  The  covenant  which  was  ratified  by  the  blood  of 
Jesus  secures  for  ever  the  highest  and  best  of  blessings  to 
all  who  trust  in  him  and  devote  their  life  to  his  service. 

28.  Christ  is  in  all  respects  such  a  Deliverer  as  sinners 
need.  None  perish  for  want  of  an  all-sufficient  and  will- 
ing Saviour,  nor  because  a  way  of  salvation  is  not  o)-)cned. 
nor  because  God  does  not  desire  their  salvation;  but  if 
any  who  know  the  gospel  perish,  it  is  because  they  wil- 
fully and  perseveringly  refuse  to  accept  its  gracious  ofiers. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

2.  Of  the  sanctuary,  and  of  the  true  tabernacle ;  of  the  true 
heavenly  sanctuary  and  tabernacle,  of  which  the  earthly 
is  only  a  type,  ver.  5. 

3.  That  tins  man;  Christ,  if  he  would  perform  the  olfice 
of  a  priest. 

4.  Not  be  a  priest;  he  could  not  on  earth  officiate  as  a 
priest  according  to  the  Jewish  law,  because  he  did  not  be- 
long to  the  tribe  from  which  alone  priests  could  be  taken, 
lie  therefore,  after  having  offered  himself  a  sacrifice,  as- 
cended for  the  further  discharge  of  his  priestly  ollice  to 
heaven,  of  which  the  holy  of  holies  was  a  type.  Chap.  9:12. 

5.  Who  serve  unto  the  e.raniplc  and  sliadoir  ofhcareiily  Ihiiitrs ; 
that  is,  who  minister  to  the  earthly  tabernacle,  which  is  but 
a  type  and  shadowof  the  true  tabernacle  above  wliere  Clirist 
ministers.  As  Moses  was  admonislied ;  Kxod.25:40.  Accord- 
inn;  fo  the  pattern  showed  to  thee  in  the  tnount  ;  api);irently  a 
re])resent;ition  made  to  Moses  in  vision  of  aglorious  struc- 
ture after  which  he  was  to  model  the  eartlily  s;inelu;iiy 
with  its  furniture,  the  t;ibernaele  seen  in  vision  being  it- 
self a  type  of  the  true  s|iiritual  realities  of  In'aven.  Cciiu- 
jiare  Kzekiel's  vision  of  a  city  and  temple,  chajiters  lO-IS, 
and  John's  vision  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  in  Kevelation, 
chapters  21,  22. 

(i.  ]le ;  Christ.  A  more  excellent  ministn/ ;  than  the  .lew- 
isli  priests.  Better  covenant ;  than  that  fonueil  with  Israel 
at  Sinai.     Better  promises;  securing  greater  blessings. 

7.  First  covenaid ;  that  at  Sinai.  The  second ;  that  of  the 
gospel. 

1419 


The  new  covenant. 


HEBREWS  IX. 


The  ancient  ritual. 


then  should  no  place  have  been  sought  for  the 
second. 

8  For  finding  fault  with  them,  he  saith,  Behold, 
the  days  come,  ?aith  the  Lord,  when  I  will  make 
a  new  covenant  with  the  house  of  Israel  and  with 
the  house  of  Judah:'' 

9  Not  according  to  the  covenant  that  I  made 
with  tiieir  fathers  in  the  day  wlicn  I  took  them 
by  the  iiand  to  lead  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt; 
because  they  continued  not  in  my  covenant,  and  I 
regarded  tliem  not,  saitli  tiie  Lord. 

10  For  this  is  tlie  covenant  that  I  will  make 
witli  the  liouse  of  Israel  after  tliose  days,  saith  tiie 
Lord;  I  will  put'  my  laws  into  their  mind,  and 
write  them  in'  their  hearts;  and  I  will  be  to  them 
a  God,  and  they  shall  be  to  me  a  people r*" 

11  And  they  shall  not  teach  every  man  his 
neighbor,  and  every  man  his  brother,  saying, 
Know  the  Lord :  for  all  shall  know  me,  from  the 
least  to  the  greatest.'' 

12  For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteous- 
ness, and  their  sins  and  tiieir  iniquities  will  I  re- 
member no  more. 

13  In  that  he  saith,  A  new  covenant,^  he  hath 
made  the  first  old.  Now  that  which  decayeth 
and  waxeth  old  is  ready  to  vanish  away. 

>Jer.  31:31-34.  •  Gl.  sivt.  t  Or.  upon,  b  Hos.  2:41;  Zech.  8:S.  c  Isa. 
51:13.  d  2  Cor.  .5:17.  1  Or,  ccrfmoniM.  e  Kxod.  a):"-',  f  Kxml.  3G:I,  3.i. 
jExod.  40:J.     hExotl.  20:30.     J  Or, /lo/y.    i  Exod.  20:31,  .13.    J  Lev.  113:12. 


8.  With  them;  according  to  some,  with  the  provisions  of 
the  covenant  at  Sinai,  as  not  ailaptoil  to  give  perfection, 
chap.  7:11,  18,  19.  But  we  may  more  iiatnrally  refer  tlie 
words  to  those  who  lived  under  tlio  covenant.  It  was  in 
connection  with  severe  reVml^es  that  this  promise  was 
given  of  a  new  covenant  whicli  sliould  accom|ilisli  wliat 
the  old  had  failed  to  do.  He  saith;  Jer.  31:31-31.  New 
covenant;  the  gospel  dispensation,  which  is  spiritual  in 
its  nature. 

10.  Put  my  laws  into  their  minil.  and — hearts;  deeply  ^nd 
permanently  impress  them  on  their  minds,  and  incline 
their  liearts  to  obey  them.  Aixd  I  will  he  tiieir  God,  and 
they  shall  he  my  peojde. 

11.  All  shall  know  me;  he  would  by  his  word  and  Spirit 
impart  to  them  such  knowledge  of  himself  as  should  in- 
cline them  to  walk  in  his  ways. 

12.  Merciful  to  their  unrighteousness ;  pardon  their  sins, 
and  not  so  rcmemher  as  to  jmnish  them. 

13.  Made  the  first  old;  declared  it  to  lie  old,  .and  as  such 
approaching  its  end,  as  the  writer  immediately  proceeds 
to  show. 

IXSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  As  Jesus  Ciirist  is  a  High-i)rie8t  and  Mediator  in  all 
respects  such  as  we  need,  it  is  wrong  to  trust  in  or  ac- 
knowledge any  other. 

fi.  As  the  gospel  dispensation  is  the  last  that  God  will 
ever  grant  to  men,  those  who  live  under  it  and  yet  arc  not 
by  it  led  to  repentance  and  salvation,  will  perish  with  an 
everlasting  destruction. 

10.  In  the  gospel  covenant,  God  not  only  makes  known 
to  his  peo]de  his  will,  but  secures  their  oliedience  to  it. 
To  liis  grace  they  arc  inilelitcd  for  their  disposition  to 
choose  him  as  tlicir  portion,  and  for  all  the  blessings 
which  come  from  his  being  their  God  and  their  being  his 
people. 

1.3.  Afomcntoiis  truth  is  often  conveyed  in  the  Bible  by 
a  single  word,  a  change  of  whicli  would  greatly  alter  the 
sense,  and  give  a  dillcrcMt  meaning  to  what  is  revealed. 
Ilence  the  Holy  Ghost  directed  the  writers  of  the  Bible 
not  only  what  to  write,  but  how  to  write  it  in  order  to 
convey  exactly  his  meaning ;  and  they  spoke  and  wrote 
not  in  words  which  man's  wisdom  taught  them,  but  which 
the  Holy  Ghost  taught  them.  1  Cor.  2:13. 
1420 


CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Tlie  description  of  the  rites  .anil  bloody  sacrifices  of  tlie  law,  1 1  far 
inferior  to  tne  dignity  and  perfection  of  tlie  blood  and  sa<;riiiceof  Christ. 

THEN  verily  the  first  covenant  had  also  ordi- 
nances*  of  divine   service,  and  a  worldly 
sanctuary.'' 

"2  For  there  was  a  tabernacle  made;''  the  first, 
wherein  was  the  candlestick,  and  the  table,'-'  and 
the  show-bread;''  which  is  calh^d  the  sanctuary.* 

3  And  after  the  second  veil,'  the  tabernacle 
which  is  called  tlie  Holiest  of  all ; 

4  Which  had  the  golden  censer,'  and  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  overlaid  round  about  with  gold," 
wherein  was  the  golden  ]iot  tiiat  liad  manna,'  and 
Aaron's  rod  that  budded,'"  and  llie  tables  of  tiic 
covenant;" 

5  And  over  it  the  cherubim  of  glory  shadowing 
the  mercy-seat;"  of, which  we  cannot  now  speak 
jiarticiilarly. 

Ci  Now  when  these  things  were  thus  ordained, 
the  priests  went  always  into  the  first  tabernacle,'' 
acconi]ilisliing  the  service  of  God. 

7  But  into  tlie  second  w'f?i<  the  high-priest  alone 
once  every  year,"  not  without  blood,  which  he  of- 
fered for  himself,  andyor  the  errors  of  the  peojile :' 

8  The  Holy  Gliost  this  signifying,  that  the  way 


k  Exnd.  2.5:1(1,  etc.  1  Exod.  10:33.  m  Num.  17:10.  o  Exod.  34:29;  10:20; 
Deut.  10:2,  5.  o  Exod.  25:1S,  22.  P  Num.  28:3.  q  Exod.  3U:10:  Lev. 
16:2,  etc.    rch.  5:3. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A  comparison  is  now  introduced  between  the  priestly 
services  of  llio  fir.st  covenant,  and  the  perfect  priesthood 
of  Christ,  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covciumt. 

2.  A  tabernacle;  the  reference  is  to  the  movable  taber- 
nacle built  by  God's  direction  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai, 
which  had  two  divisions  separated  from  each  other  by  a 
curtain — the  holy  place  and  tlic  most  holy.  See  E.xodns, 
chap.  26. 

3.  The  second  veil;  the  first,  or  outer  veil,  answered  for 
a  door  to  the  tabernacle.  E.Kod.  26:.3fi,  37.  The  second 
separated  the  holy  from  the  most  holy  place.  E.\od. 
20:31-33. 

4.  Golden  censer;  in  which  the  high-priest  burned  in- 
cense within  the  veil  on  the  great  day  of  atonement  Lev. 
1(j:12.  It  seems  to  have  been  kejit  in  the  holy  of  holies; 
but  however  this  may  have  been,  it  belonged  to  its  furni- 
ture, and  Is  projierly  reckoned  to  it.  Lev.  1():12.  The 
(ir/t,- Kxod.  2o:10-lr;.  Golden  pot;  Exod.  Hi: 33,  .31.  Aaron's 
rod;  Num.  17:5,  8,  10.  Tahles  of  the  covenant;  tlie  two  ta- 
bles of  stone  containing  the  ten  comiiKindnieiits.  Exod. 
2.5:21;  40:20.  When  Solcmioii  removed  the  ark  into  the 
temiile  which  lie  had  Imilt,  tliere  was  nothing  in  il  but 
these  two  tables.  1  Kings  S:!);  2  Cliron.  .'"):10.  Hut  it 
would  seem  that  it  originally  contained  the  pot  of  manna 
and  Aaron's  rod. 

:>.  Chcrulmn  ;  Exod.  2.'>:1S,  22. 

C.  Always;  daily,  habitually.  First  tabernacle;  the  first 
apartment,  called  the  holy  place. 

7.  The  second;  second  apartment,  called  the  most  holy. 
Once;  that  is,  on  one  day.  lie  entered  the  most  holy  jilaco 
on  that  day  several  times.  Lev.  1(!:12,  15.  liloud;  that 
of  the  victims  ofl'ered  in  sacrifice.     Lev.  1();2-1!),  34. 

8.  7)1^0  the  holiest  of  all ;  that  is,  into  God's  presence.  It 
was  ill  the  most  holy  place  between  the  cheriibini  that  ho 
had  his  eartlily  dwelling-place  under  the  Mosaic  economy. 
See  note  to  chap.  fi:l!).  It  was  not  J'ot  revealed  how  men 
could  a]iproach  God  with  acceptance.  As  a  sign  of  Ihis, 
his  e;irlli!y  abode  was  concealed  by  a  veil,  and  could  bo 
appr(i;ie|ii"d  only  once  a  year  by  Wu;  higli-priest,  and  that 
not  without  blood.  But  when  Christ  died  the  veil  was 
rent.  Matt.  27:61,  and  thenceforward  all  his  disciples  bo- 


The  great  sacrifice 


HEBREWS  IX. 


in  the  blood  of  Christ. 


A. DM.  into  tlie  holiest  of  all  was  not  yet  made 
manifest,"  wliile  as  the  first  tabcniacle  was  yet 
staniling: 

9  Which  teas  a  figure  for  the  time  then  present, 
in  which  were  offered  both  gifts  and  sacrifices, 
that  could  not  make  him  that  did  the  service  per- 
fect,'' as  pertaining  to  the  conscience;'^ 

10  Which  stood  only  in  meats  and  drinks,"*  and 
divers  washings,"  and  carnal  ordinances,*'  imposed 
on  them  until  the  time  of  reformation. 

11  But  Christ  being  come  a  high-priesf-'  of  good 
things  to  come,''  by  a  greater  and  more  perfect 
tabernacle,"  not  made  with  hands,  that  is  to  say, 
not  of  this  building ; 

12  Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,^ 
but  by  his  own  blood''  he  entered  in  once  into  the 
holy  place,'  having  obtained  eternal  redemption 
for  us. 

13  For  if  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats,  and 
the  ashes  of  a  heifer  sprinkling  the  unclean,™  sane- 
tifieth  to  the  purifying  of  tiie  flesli ; 

14  How  much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ, 
who  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himself 
without  spot*  to  God,"  purge  your  conscience 
from  dead  works  to  serve  tlie  living  God?" 

15  And  for  tliis  cause  he  is  the  mediator  of  the 
new  testament,  that  by  means  of  death,  for  the 
redemption  of  the  transgressions  that  were  under 
the  first  testament,  they  which  are  called  might 
receive  the  promise  of  eternal  inlieritance. 

16  For  where  a  testament  is,  there  must  also  of 
necessity  be*  the  death  of  the  testator. 


i.Iohnll;6;  ch.  Ill;  19,  30.  b  Psx.  40: 0,  7;  Gal.  3:21;  ch.  10:1,11.  c  Psa. 
51:H)-19.  d  Lev.  11:'2,  etc.  e  Num.  19:7.  etc.  "  Oi.  rites,  or  cereTilonies. 
f  EpV  2:15.  sch.3:l.  hch.  1U:1.  i  ch.  8:','.  J  oh.  1(1:4.  k  Acts  20:2.'^ ; 
IPet:  1:1S,  19;  ReT.  1:5.     1  ch.  10:19.      "n  Num.  19:i-17.     t  Or, /and. 


came  "a  royal  priesthood,"  having  admission,  through  his 
blooil,  into  the  true  lioly  of  holies.  The  first  tabernacle; 
that  is,  as  in  verses  2,  6,  tlie  outer  tabernacle,  which  repre- 
sents the  whole  Mosaic  disjiensation.  Was  standing ;  that 
is,  standing  as  a  valid  ordinance  of  God's  appointment,  and 
thus  barring  the  way  to  the  holy  of  holies.  This  contin- 
ued till  the  rending  of  the  veil  at  Christ's  death. 

9.  A  figure;  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come  under  the 
Christian  dispensation.  Perfect,  as  pertaining  to  the  con- 
science; it  could  remove  uncleanncss  and  guilt  only  in  a 
typical  way.  It  had  no  power  to  quiet  the  oonscieuoo  by 
removing  its  sense  of  guilt. 

10.  Stooil — in;  consisted  of.  Reformation ;  the  new  and 
better  order  of  things  under  the  Christian  dispensation. 

11.  Of  good  things  to  come;  of  the  substance  of  those 
good  things  of  which  the  rites  of  the  Mosaic  economy 
were  only  tlie  shadow.  Compare  chap.  10:1.  Jii/a  greater 
and  more  perfect  tiibcrnacle';  to  be  connectetl  immediately 
with  the  words,  "  he  entered  in  once,"  ver.  12.  The  mean- 
ing is,  that  just  as  the  Jewish  high-priest  entered  by  the 
way  of  the  earthly  tabernacle  into  the  earthly  holy  of 
holies,  so  Christ.our  great  High-priost,lias  entered  through 
the  tabernacle  of  the  heavens  not  made  with  hands,  into 
the  true  holy  of  holies  above,  there  to  present  before  God 
iiot  the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats,  but  his  own  blood,  as  an 
expiation  for  the  sins  of  his  people. 

13.  T/ie  ashes  of  a  liefer;  Numbers  ]!).  To  the  purifij- 
ing  oflhefies'i;  to  the  removal  of  outward  and  ceremonial 
delili'Mient ;  the  flesh  here  reiu'esenting  that  which  is  out- 
waril  in  man,  as  distinguished  from  that  which  is  inward 
and  sjiiritual. 

14.  The  eternal  Spirit ;  the  Holy  Spirit,  given  him  with- 
out measure,  and  under  whose  iiiHuence  lie  ottered  him- 
Belf  a  saeritice  for  the  sin  of  men.  Purge  i/niir  conscience; 
cleanse  your  consciences  from  the  guilt  and  pollution  of 


.  17  For  a  testament  is  of  force  after  men  are 
dead:  otherwise  it  is  of  no  strength  at  all  while 
the  testator  liveth. 

18  Whereupon  neitlier  the  first  testament  was 
dedicated^  without  blood. 

19  For  when  Moses  had  spoken  every  precept 
to  all  the  people  according  to  the  law,  he  took 
the  blood  of  calves  and  of  goats,  with  water,  and 
scarlet'  wool,  and  hyssop,  and  sprinkled  both  the 
book  and  all  the  people, 

20  Saying,  This  is  the  blood  of  the  testament" 
which  God  hath  enjoined  unto  you.'' 

21  Aloreover,  he  sprinkled  with  blood  both  the 
tabernacle,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the  ministry.'' 

22  xVnd  almost  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged 
with  blood ;  and  without  shedding  of  blood  is  no 
remission.^ 

23  It  was  therefore  necessary  that  the  patterns 
of  things  in  the  heavens  should  be  purified  with 
these;  but  the  heavenly  things  themselves  with 
better  sacrifices  than  these. 

24  For  Christ  is  not  entered  into  the  holy  [ilaces 
made  with  hands,  iMch  are  the  figures  of  the  true ; 
but  into  heaven  itself,  now  to  appear  in  the  pres- 
ence of  God  for  us:' 

25  Nor  yet  that  he  should  offer  himself  often,  as 
the  high-priest  entereth  into  the  holy  place  every 
year  witii  blood  of  others ; 

26  For  then  must  he  often  have  suflcred  since 
the  foundation  of  the  world :  but  now  once  in  the 
end  of  the  world  hath  he  ajipeared  to  put  away 
sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 


Dl  Pet.  .3:13.  o  ch.  10:22;  1  Pet.  4:2.  \  Or,  be  brought  in.  i  Or,  piiHfied. 
II  Or.  pitrplf.  P  Matt.  20:23.  q  Exod.  24:0,  etc. ;  Lev.  ch.  14,  10.  '  Exod. 
29:12,36.     sLev.  17:11.     '  Rom.  S:31. 


sin;  make  you  spiritually  alive,  and  enable  you  to  offer 
the  spiritual  living  sacrifice  of  holy  obedience  to  God. 

15.  For  this  cause;  in  view  of  what  has  just  been  said  of 
the  superior  etficacy  of  his  priesthood.  Tlie  new  testa- 
ment;  the  words  "covenant  "  and  "  testament"  are,  in  the 
original,  the  same.  The  new  covenant,  of  which  Christ  is 
the  Mediator,  is  also  a  testament  when  considered  as  rati- 
fied and  made  valid  by  his  expiatory  death  on  the  cross. 
For  the  redemption  of  the  transgressions ;  for  their  forgive- 
ness through  the  payment  of  a  ransom.  The  power  of 
Christ's  expiatory  sacrifice  extends  backward  to  the  be- 
ginning of  tlie  world,  as  it  does  forward  to  its  end.  Theij 
which  are  called;  the  called  of  God  of  all  ages,  before  and 
after  Christ's  advent. 

18.  Whereupon;  for  which  reason.  The  first  testament;  or 
covenant;  God's  arrangement  with  his  people  at  Sinai. 
Dedicated  without  blood;  it  was  ratified  by  the  blbod  of  tho 
sacrifice,  which  typitied  Christ,  who  ratified  the  second 
covenant  with  his  own  blood. 

19.  When  Moses  had  spoken;  Exod.  24:4-11. 

20.  Testament;  covenant.     See  note  to  ver.  15. 

21.  He  sprinkled— all  the  vessels;  Kxod.  29:12,  20,  3G. 

22.  Purged;  purified.     Lev.  4:20,  2G,  35;  17:11. 

2:!.  Patterns  of  things  in  the  heavens;  the  tabernacle  and 
its  furnilurc,  typical  of  the  true  heavenly  tabernacle.  See 
note  to  ver.  11."  Better  sacrifices ;  the  blood  of  Christ,  which 
cleanses  the  conscience  of  all  who  believe  from  sin,  and 
thus  ])repares  them  to  enter  with  Christ  their  forerunner 
into  heaven,  the  true  holy  of  holies. 

2(i.  In  the  end  of  the  world ;  in  the  end  of  the  ages;  in 
those  "  last  days  "  by  which  the  Hebrew  prophets  rejue- 
sented  the  then  distant  future  of  the  Christian  dispensa- 
tion. See  note  to  1  Cor.  10:11.  To  p'lt  nwaijstn;  to  ex- 
|)iate  it,  and  thus  open  the  way  for  deliverance  from  its 
punishment,  pollution,  and  power. 

1421 


The  law  sacrifices  weak. 


HEBREWS  X. 


Christ's  sacrifice  perfect. 


27  And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die," 
but  after  this  the  judgment:'' 

28  So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of 
maiiy;'=  and  unto  tliem  that  look  for  hiin"^  shall  he 
appear  the  second  time''  without  sin  unto  salvation.' 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  The  weakness  of  the  law  sacriBces.  10  The  sacrifice  of  Christ's  boJy 
once  offered,  14  f^r  ever  hath  taken  away  sins.  19  An  exhortation  to 
hold  fast  the  faith,  with  patience  and  thanksgivinj;. 

I^OR  the  law  having  a  shadow  of  good  things 
lo  come,"  and  not  the  very  image  of  tlio 
tilings,  can  never  with  those  sacrifices  which  they 
offered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the  comers 
thereunto  perfect. 

2  For  then  would  they  not  have*  ceased  to  be 
offered?  because  that  the  worshippers  once  purged 
should  have  had  no  more  conscience  of  sins. 

3  But  in  those  sacrijices  there  is  a  remembrance 
again  made  of  sins  every  year.*" 

■i  For  it  is  not  possible  that  the  blood  of  bulls 
and  of  goats  should  take  away  sins.' 

5  Wlierefore,  when  ho  cometh  into  the  world,  he 
saith.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  wouldcst  not,  but 
a  body  hast  thou  ])repared^  me: 

G  lu  burnt-offerings  and  sacrijices  for  sin  thou 
hast  had  no  jiloasure. 

7  Tiieu  sail]  I,  Lo,  I  come  (in  the  volume  of  the 

•  Gen.  3:19.  b  Eccl.  12:14.  c  Isa.  53:12;  Matt.  28:23;  1  Pet. 'a:4»;  3:18; 
]Jf.hn3:5.  d  Titus  2:13;  2  Pet.  3:12.  «  Acls  I  :H  ;  Rev.  T  :7.  t  Isl.  25:9. 
t  Col.  2:17.    •  Or,  (*«y  would  have,    h  Lev.  10:34.    i  Mic.  6:6-8.    t  Or, 


27.  A^  it  is  appointed  unto  men ;  lio  points  out  in  tliPRC 
wonls  the  agreement  between  the  one  death  of  men  who 
are  to  be  redeemed,  and  the  cue  death  of  their  Redeemer, 
the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

2S.  To  bear  the  sins  of  many;  to  die  on  account  of  tliom, 
in  the  room  and  stead  of  sinners  ;  the  just  for  tlic  unjust. 
2  Cor.  5:21;  1  Peter  3:18.  Tliem  tlint  hole  for  him;  liis 
))eo]ilf,  who  e.\pect  his  coming  to  jiidj^ment.  Jfatt.  25:31- 
40.  Without  sin  ;  not  as  before  to  siiflor  for  sin,  but  to  give 
his  people  free,  full,  and  everlasting^  salvation. 
IN'STRCCTIONS. 

8.  The  Jewish  ritual  was  full  of  meaning.  God  design- 
ed by  it  to  teach  men  their  jiollution  by  sin,  tlieir  need  of 
spiritual  cleansing,  and  the  way  in  which  this  would  be 
obtiiined,  througli  the  Rheddiiig  of  the  blr)()d  of  Christ  and 
the  renewing  influences  of  his  S|iirit.  .Many  were  Icil  by 
it  to  depend  on  Clirist  and  olitaiu  salvation  through  Idni. 
Chap.  n:i:i-lC. 

M.  Though  the  Jcwisli  ritiud  lias  ceased  as  a  mode  of 
worsliip.yet  its  usefulness  will  continue  to  the  end  of  time. 
It  shows  the  evil  n;iture  of  sin,  the  w:iy  of  salvation  liom 
it  through  faith  in  Jesus  ("hrist,  the  object  of  his  death  as 
an  atoning  sacrifice  for  sin,  and  the  safety  and  blessed- 
ness of  all  who  trust  in  him. 

22.  .\s  there  can  be  no  remission  of  sin  except  through 
the  shedding  of  the  blood  of  Christ  and  the  atonement  he 
has  made,  those  wlio  continue  to  reject  liim  must  remain 
under  the  guilt  of  unpardotieil  sin  for  ever. 

28.  As  Clirist  lias  borne  the  sins  of  his  people,  and  is 
coming  for  tlieir  deliverance  from  all  evil  and  their  intro- 
duction to  the  eternal  enjoyment  of  all  good,  tliey  ought 
to  be  ever  rejoicing;  giving  thanks  to  fiod  through  Jesus 
Christ,  and  adoring  him  who,  though  In'  wiis  rich,  for  their 
Bakes  became  poor,  th;it  they  through  his  poverty  might 
be  for  ever  rich. 

CHAPTER  X. 
1.  The  law;  the  cereiiioni;d  law,  or  Jewish  economy.    A 
shnilnw;  an  emblem  of  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  Imt  not 
the   blessings  themselves,  or  even  an  exact  likeness  of 
14-22 


book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy  will,  0  a  n  n. 
God.J 

8  Above,  when  he  said,  Sacrifice  and  offering 
and  burnt-offerings  and  offering  fov  sin  thou  would- 
cst not,  neither  liadst  pleasure  therein  ;  which  are 
offered  by  the  law; 

9  Then  said  he,  Lo,  I  come  to  do  thy  will,  0 
God.  He  taketh  away  the  first,  that  he  may  es- 
tablish the  second. 

10  By  the  which  will  we  are  sanctified''  through 
the  offering  of  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ  onccyoro//.' 

11  And  every  priest  standeth  daily  ministering 
and  offering  oftentimes  the  same  sacrifices,™  which 
can  never  take  away  sins:" 

12  But  this  man,  after  he  had  offered  one  sacrifice 
for sinsfor  ever,satdownon  the  riglit liandof  God;° 

13  From  henceforth  expecting  till  his  enemies 
be  made  his  footstool.'' 

14  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for 
ever  tiicni  that  arc  sanctified.'' 

15  Whereof  ihc  Holy  Ghost  also  is  a  witness  to 
us:  for  after  that  he  had  said  before, 

16  Tills  is  the  covenant  that  1  will  make  with 
them  after  those  days,  saith  the  Lord ;  I  will  put 
my  laws  into  their  hearts,  and  iu  their  minds  will 
I  write  them ; 

17  And  their*  sins  and  iniquities  will  I  remem- 
ber no  more.'' 


thou  hast  fittal.  J  Psa.  40:6-S.  k  John  17:19.  'ch.  9:12.  m  Num.  28:3. 
n  Psa.  50:^'-13;  Tsa.  1:11.  o  Col.  3:1.  pPsa.  110:1.  qver.  1.  1  Some  cop- 
ies have.  Then  he  said,  AtuI  their,  etc.    ••  Jer.  31 :33,  31. 


them.  The  comers  thereunto;  to  the  service  prescribeil  by 
the  law.  Perfect ;  that  is,  as  elsewhere  expressed,  "per- 
fect as  pertaining  to  the  conscience,"  chap.  9:9.  See  also 
below,  verses  2,  22.  It  could  not  cleanse  the  consciences 
of  the  worshipjiers  from  a  sense  of  guilt. 

3.  A  ren>eml>rancc  a;iuiii  made  of  sins  every  year ;  showing 
that  it  has  not  yet  received  a  true  expiation. 

4.  Should  take  iivii y  sins  ;  by  making  iin  ex]iiation  for  them. 
The  sincere  olVcrcrs  of  these  victims  uinlcr  the  law  did 
indeed  receive  forgiveness;  but  it  was  by  virtue  of  the 
atonement  of  Christ,  which  the  Jewish  siicrifices  prefigured. 

5.  lie;  Christ.  Sacrifice  and  offcrinix;  such  ;is  were  Jire- 
seiitcd  under  the  law  (!od  no  longer  desired,  I'sa.  40:6-8; 
a  psalm  which  had  its  fullihueiit  in  David  only  in  a  lower 
iind  typical  Wiiy,  but  was  perfectly  fulfilled  in  Christ  tlio 
great  antitype.  lint  a  liodij  linst  thou  prepared  vie;  the  quo- 
tation is  niiide  from  the  (Jreek  version  of  the  Seventy. 
The  Hebrew  is,  ".Mine  ears  hast  thou  opened,"  that  is.  to 
hear  anil  do  thy  will.  Ilow  the  diffiTence  has  arisen  is  not 
known.  Kut  in  both  the  essential  idea  is,  that  the  -Messiah 
niiikes  a  perfect  devotion  of  himself  to  the  Father  to  do 
his  will. 

7.  The  volume  of  Ihc  hook;  the  Scriptures,  which  forclold 
the  coming  of  Christ. 

8.  Ahore,  irhrn  he  .laid;  that  is,  after  he  had  first  said, 
"Sacrifice  and  offering,"  etc. — "then  Siiid  he,"  etc.,  ver.  9. 

!•.  The  fust ;  the  siicrifice  of  thi'  law.  The  second ;  Christ, 
doing  the  will  of  (lod  in  his  obedience,  sacrifice,  and  death. 

10.  llii  the  vhich  u-ill ;  of  (iod  as  done  by  Christ,  espec- 
ially in  his  suffering  anil  death,  believers  are  justified  and 
siiiictified. 

11.  Oftentimes;  morning  and  evening  ilaily. 

12.  This  man;  Christ.  On  tlw  ri<;hl  hand  of  God ;  in  an 
cx;ilted  state  of  glory,  which  is  evidence  that  his  atonc- 
mrnt  once  for  all  is  aicepted,  and  is  cflicacious  in  securing 
the  s;dv;ilion  of  all  wIki  believe. 

1.1.  The  Holy  f-'ho.tl  —  1^  n  witness;  to  the  above-mentioned 
trnllis,  by  wliiil  he  h;is  s;ud  in  Jer.  31 : 3.3-34. 

17.  Aiid  their  sins;  sujiply  before  these  words,  then 
said  he. 


Perseverance  in 


HEBREWS  X. 


faitk  and  patl'nce. 


A.D.64.     18  Now  where  remission  of  these  is,  there 
is  no  more  offering  for  sin. 

19  Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness*  to  en- 
ter into  the  holiest  by  tlie  blood  of  Jesus," 

20  By  a  new  and  living  way,*"  which  he  hath 
consecrated^  for  us,  through  tlie  veil,  that  is  to 
say,  liis  flesh ; 

21  And  having  a  high-priest  over  the  house  of 
God;'= 

22  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  lioart  in  full 
assurance  of  faith,'*  having  our  hearts  sprinkled 
from  an  evil  conscience,"  and  our  bodies  washed 
with  pure  water. 

23  Let  us  hold  fast  the  professionofowr  faith  with- 
out wavering;  for  he  is  faithful  that  promised;'' 

24  And  let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke 
unto  love  and  to  good  works : 

25  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves 
togetlier,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;  but  exhorting 
one  another:  and  so  much  the  more,  as  ye  see  the 
day  approaching.^' 

26  For  if  we  sin  wilfully  after  that  we  have 
received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  there  rcmaiu- 
eth  no  more  sacrifice  for  sins,'' 

27  But  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment 
and  fiery  indignation,'  whicli  shall  devour  the 
adversaries. 

28  He  that  despised  Moses'  law  died  without 
mercy  under  two  or  three  witnesses :' 

29  Of  Jiow  much  sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye, 
shall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden 


•  Or,  liberty.     >  cli.  0:8,  13 


I*  John  14:G.     t  Or,  nftomaiU.     c  ch.  4;U- 

■     ~  "     ■         ~         '  ~  "       h  Num. 

I  Matt. 


ur,  noerly.  a  cli.  i':^,  la.  u  jonn  n:u.  t  ur,  new  mane.  '^ 
M\.  dEph.  3:12.  c  Ezek.  30:2.5.  f  1  Thess.  5:24.  sEnm.  13:11. 
1.5:30;  ch.  0:1,  etc.    i  Zeph.  1  :ls ;  3:3.    J  Deut.  17:2-13.    "011.2:3 


18.  No  more  offering;  no  need  of  any  further  atonement. 

19.  Into  the  holiest ;  into  tlie  true  holy  of  holies ;  that  is, 
into  God's  presence  in  heaven.  By  tlic  blood  of  Jesiui; 
which  has  already  been  presented  there  in  our  behalf. 

20.  Living  way ;  of  which  life  is  the  attribute — which 
conducts  those  who  are  spiritually  alive  to  life  eternal ; 
in  contrast  with  the  way  of  dead  works,  in  which  those 
who  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  walk  onward  to  eter- 
nal death.  Con.':ecr«ted  for  us ;  initiated  and  dedicated  as 
a  new  w.ay  in  our  behalf  Through  the  veil,  tlmt  is  to  say, 
his  flesh;  as  the  eartlily  holy  of  holies  was  entered  through 
the  veil,  so  we  have  access  to  the  heavenly  holy  of  holies, 
that  is,  to  Ood's  presence  in  heaven  itself,  through  the 
flesh  of  Christ  offered  as  our  jiropitiatory  sacrifice  for  sin. 

21.  Honse  of  God;  his  spiritual  household,  the  church. 

22.  Draii'  near;  to  (iod  on  his  throne  of  grace.  Hearts 
sprinkled — bodies  washed ;  the  reference  is  to  the  consecra- 
tion of  the  Lovitical  priests  by  the  sprinkling  of  blood  and 
the  washing  of  water.  Lev.  8:  G,  23,  24.  30,  which  shadowed 
fortli  the  true  consecration  of  believers  to  their  spiritual 
jjriesthood  V)y  the  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  and 
the  washing  of  regeneration  and  renewing  of  the  Uoly 
Ghost.     Titus  3:5;  1  Peter  1:2;  2:5. 

23.  Uiild  fa.it ;  by  continuing  steadfast  in  the  belief  of 
the  truths  of  the  gospel  and  in  the  practice  of  its  duties. 

24.  Provoke;  e.xeite  each  other  to  abound  more  and  more 
in  love  and  good  works. 

2').  The  asscmhliiig ;  for  public  and  soci.al  worship.  Ex- 
liorting  one  another;  to  continue  in  steadfast  adlierenco  to 
truth  and  (bity.  The  day  approacliing;  when  Christ  will 
save  his  friends  and  destroy  his  foes. 

2(i.  Sm  wilfully;  l)y  renouncing  Christ  after  having  em- 
braced him,  and  rejecting  his  gos])el  after  having  known 
and  acknowledged  it  to  be  his.  Chap.  G:4-8.  No  other 
atonr-ment  will  ever  be  made,  and  if  we  reject  this  after 
having  known  its  efficacy,  and  wilfully  turn  away,  refus- 
ing to  trust  ill  it  for  salvation,  we  shall  perish. 


under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  tlie 
blood  of  the  covenant,  wherewith  he  was  sancti- 
fied, an  unholy  thing,''  and  hath  done  despite  unto 
the  Spirit  of  grace?' 

30  For  we  know  him  that  hath  said.  Vengeance  be- 
lonsrcth  unto  me,  I  will  recompense,  .saith  the  Lord."" 
And  again.  The  Lord  shall  judge  his  people." 

31  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hauds  of 
the  living  God. 

32  But  call  to  remembrance  the  former  days,  in 
which,  after  ye  were  illuminated,  ye  endured  a 
great  fight  of  afflictions ; 

33  Partly,  while  ye  were  made  a  gazing-stock  both 
by  reproaches  and  afflictions ;  and  partly,  while  ye 
became  companions  of  them  that  were  so  used." 

34  For  ye  had  compassion  of  me  in  my  bonds, 
and  took  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  your  goods, 
knowing  in  yourselves  that  ye  have*  in  heaven  a 
better  and  an  enduring  substance.'' 

35  Cast  not  away  therefore  your  confidence, 
which  hath  great  recompense  of  reward.'' 

36  For  ye  have  need  of  patience,"'  that,  after  ye 
have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye  might  receive  the 
promise. 

37  For  yet  a  little  while,  and  ho  that  shall  come 
will  come,  and  will  not  tarry.'' 

38  Now  the  just  shall  live  by  faith  :  but  if  ««y  man 
draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in  liim. 

39  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto 
perdition ;'  but  of  them  that  believe  to  the  saving 
of  the  soul. 


12:31,32.  m  Deut.  32:35,  3li.  n  Psa.  1.35:14  o  1  Thess.  2:14.  t  Or,  tliit  i/e 
have  in  yourselves,  or  for  yourseli:es.  P  Luke  12:33.  q  Matt.  5:12.  r  Luke 
21:19.     'Hab.  2:3.  4.  '  >  ver.  20. 


28.  Died  without  mercy;  Deut.  13:0-10. 

29.  He  be  thought  worthy;  who  has  been  set  apart  to  the 
service  of  Clirist,  and  yet  treats  him  as  a  vile  malefactor, 
and  despitefully  spurns  the  blessed  influences  of  his  Spirit. 

30.  That  hath  .mid;  Dent.  32:35,  36. 

31.  To  fall;  especially  after  such  aggravated  transgres- 
sions. Of  the  living  God;  as  a  just,  almighty,  and  eternally 
avenging  Ciod. 

32.'  Call  to  remembrance ;  remember  the  grace  of  Christ, 
whicli  sustained  you  in  your  former  trials. 

34.  I'e  Aaue;  for  yourselves,  in  heaven.  Substance;  i)os- 
session. 

35.  Confidence;  in  the  ability  and  willingness  of  Christ 
to  support,  deliver,  and  save.  Givd — reward;  in  peace  of 
mind  here  and  endless  glory  hereafter. 

30.  Patience ;  in  suffering  as  well  as  in  doing  the  will  of 
God.     Tlic  promise;  of  eternal  life. 

37.  He  that  shall  come  wilt  come;  an  application  to  the 
coming  of  Christ  of  the  promise  made  in  Ilab.  2:3,  where 
the  coming  is  also  one  that  has  in  view  the  destruction  of 
the  opjiressors  of  Go<rs  iicople,  and  their  salvation. 

38.  Vie  just  shall  live  by  faith— no  pleasure  in  him ;  (pioted 
for  substance  from  the  li'reek  version  of  Ilab.  2:4.  Draw 
hack ;  give  up  confidence  in  Christ,  deny  him,  and  renounce 
his  cause  to  escape  suffering,  or  ibr  any  other  reason.  No 
pleiviure;  God  will  abhor  him. 

39.  We;  true  Chrislians.  To  the  saving  of  the  soul ;  Job 
17:9;  John  4:13,  14;  10:28,29;  1  Peter  1:2-9. 

IN'STKUCTIONS. 

4.  The  sacrifices  under  the  Old  Testament  were  not  an 
atoueraent  for  sin,  but  typical  of  the  atonement  which  was 
to  be  made,  and  pointed  the  believing  ofl'erer  to  the  sac- 
rifice of  Christ. 

10.  Christ  crucified  as  an  atonement  for  sin  is  the  great 
subject  of  the  Old  Testament  scrii)ture8.  Their  principles 
and  precepts,  their  rites  and  ceremonies,  their  sacrilicea 
and  olTerings,  their  predictions,  declarations,  and  promises 

U23 


Th&  nature  of  faith. 


HEBREWS  XI. 


Illustrious  examples. 


CHAPTER  XI, 


1  What  faitli  is.     6  Without  faith  we  cannot  please  God.     7  The  wor- 
thy fruits  thereof  in  the  fathers  of  old  time. 

"V^OW  faith  is  the  substance*  of  things  hoped 
_L\    for,  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen." 

2  For  by  it  the  ciders  obtained  a  good  report. 

3  Tlirougli  faith  we  uuder.-^tand  that  tlie  workls 
were  framed  by  tlie  word  of  God,''  so  tliat  thiniis 
whicli  are  seen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do 
appear. 

4  By  faith  Abel  oflcred  unto  God  a  more  excel- 
lent sacrifice  than  Cain,'^  by  which  he  obtained  wit- 
ness that  he  was  rigiiteous,  God  testifying  of  his 
gifts:  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet  speaketh.* 

5  By  faith  Enoch  was  translated,''  that  he  should 
not  see  death;  and  was  not  found,  because  God 
had  translated  him:  for  before  his  translation  he 
had  this  testimony,  that  he  pleased  God. 

G  But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him, :" 
for  he  that  comcth  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is, 
and  Ihdl  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently 
seek  him. 

7  By  faitli  Xoah,  being  warned  of  God  of  things 
not  seen  as  yet,  moved  with  fear,'  piei)arcd  an  ark 
to  the  saving  of  his  house ;''  by  the  which  he  con- 
demned the  world,  and  became  heir  of  the  right- 
eousness which  is  by  faith. 


•  Or.  ground,  or  coiifidenee.  a  Rom.  8:'J1,  25.  b  Gen.  1:1;  Psa.  33:6. 
<:  Gen.  4:4,  5.  t  0:.  is  yd  spoken  of .  i  Gen.  5:23,24.  e  I'sa.  10l):21,  22. 
t  Oi^iieing  weary.     (  Gen.  (i:  ll-W.     S  Gen.  12:1,  4,  etc.     h  Gen.  1:1:3,  1«; 


have  reference  to  him ;  and  one  wlio  doe.s  not  sec  them  in 
tliis  li;?lit  will  never  a]>i>rehend  the  fulness,  or  duly  ap- 
jireciate  the  perfection  of  their  meaning. 

l.T.  The  testimony  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment is  in  accordance  with  hi.s  testimony  in  the  New.  It 
is  equally  a  part  of  God's  revelation  to  men,  and  without 
understandinj;  it,  men  caimot  be  skilful  in  the  wordof  ri):;ht- 
cousness,  or  well  titled  to  communicate  a  knowledge  of  it. 

21.  Ill  approaching  God,  t'hristians  sliould  discard  ami 
reject  all  mediators  except  .Jesus  Christ.  They  need  no 
other ;  and  to  trust  in  another  is  to  reject  him. 

25.  Assemliling  for  soci;il  worship  is  essential  to  the 
promotion  of  the  divine  ^loiWi  to  the  frreatest  progress  in 
lioline.sg,  and  to  the  highest  nsutulness  among  men. 

31.  The  knowledge  of  that  certain  and  awful  destruction 
which  awaits  believers  if  they  renounce  Christ,  is  a  power- 
ful means  of  preventing  it,  and  one  which  (jod  blesses  in 
keeping  them  by  his  mighty  power  tlirougli  faith  unto  sal- 
vation. 

3'J.  The  assurance  God  lias  given  that  ho  will  koo])  his 
peojde  in  the  ficjods  of  tribulation,  however  high  they  may 
rise,  and  in  the  tires  of  altlietion,  however  fiercely  they  may 
burn,  is  suited  to  inspire  strong  and  living  confidence  in  him, 
and  liriu,  energetic,  persevering  devotion  to  his  service. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

At  the  close  of  the  preceding  chapter,  mention  was 
made  of  "  them  that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul." 
Now  follijws  a  description  of  faitli  and  an  illiiHtnition  of 
its  power  from  the  example  of  the  ancient  worthies. 

1.  Saljitlance;  the  Greek  word  has  two  distinct  meanings  : 
first,  as  rendereil  by  our  version,  substance;  the  moan- 
ing will  then  be,  that  faith  is  that  which  gives  to  things 
hoped  for  suli.sistoneo  in  the  views  and  feelings  of  tlie 
soul,  and  leads  it  to  regard  and  treat  them  as  real;  sec- 
omlly,  coiiiidonee,  as  in  2  Cor.  11:17.  According  to  this, 
failli  is  the  firm  persu.ision  of  things  hoped  for.  The  cui- 
(tenrf  nflhinf;t  tint  lecn ;  their  demonstration,  that  which  sets 
before  the  mind  nnscon  ro;ditioH  as  if  they  were  seen. 

2.  .i  <^nnd  report ;  coinniendalion  from  God  ;ind  good  men. 

3.  We  nnderitand;  through  (Jod's  testimony.  Wvrlilt ; 
heaven  and  earth.     Tilings  whicli  are  seen  ;  the  whole  visi- 

1424 


8  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  called  a.  d.  ci. 
to  go  out  into  a  ]ilace  which  he  should  after  re- 
ceive for  an  inheritance,  obeyed  ;*•'  and  he  went  out, 
not  knowing  whither  he  went. 

9  By  faith  he  sojourned  in  the  land  of  promise, 
as  in  a  strange  country,  dwelling  in  tabernacles 
with  Isaac  and  Jacob,''  the  heirs  with  him  of  the 
same  ]iroiuise : 

It)  For  he  looked  for  a  city  which  hath  founda- 
tions,' whose  builder  and  maker  is  God.-" 

11  Through  faith  also  Sarah  herself  received 
strength  to  conceive  seed,  and  was  delivered  of  a 
child  when  she  was  past  age,''  because  she  judged 
him  faithful  who  had  promised.' 

12  Therefore  sprang  there  even  of  one,  and  him 
as  good  as  dead,  40  many  as  the  stars  of  the  sky 
in  multitude,  and  as  the  sand  which  is  by  the  sea- 
shore innumerable.'" 

13  Thescalldiediu^  faith,  not  having  received  the 
liromises, but  having  seen  them  afar  off,  and  were  per- 
suaded of  them,  and  embraced  them,  and  confes.sed 
that  they  were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth." 

1-1  For  they  that  say  such  things  declare  plainly 
that  they  seek  a  country. 

15  And  truly,  if  they  had  been  mindful  of  that 
country  from  whence  they  came  out,  they  might 
have  had  opportunity  to  have  returned. 

18:1,9.  i  eh.  12:22-,  13:14.  J  Rev.  21:2,  10.  k  Gen.  21:1,  2.  I  oh.  10:23. 
m  Genesis  22:17;  Romans  4:17.  5  Gr.  accordmg  to.  n  1  Chr.  29:15;  1  Peter 
2:11. 


ble  universe.  Things  which  do  iippcnr;  things  visible  to 
sense.  The  matter  itself  of  which  heaven  and  earth  are 
made  wms  called  into  being  by  God's  power,  ami  after- 
wards reiluced  to  order  and  beauty. 

4.  l^lore excellent  sacrifice;  bec;iuse  offered  in  a  more  excel- 
lent s]iirit.  There  is  probably  a  reference  also  to  the  kind 
of  oflering.  It  was  not  merely  a  tliank-offeriiig.  like  that 
of  Cain,  but  a  propitiatory  sacrifice.  Teslifi/ing  of  his  gifts; 
expressing  in  some  visible  form  his  approbation  of  them. 
Gen.  4:4-7.     Yet  spcakcth ;  by  his  exam|ile  and  its  elfects. 

5.  He  pleased  God ;  I13' walking  with  him.  Gen..'i:24.  He 
liad  conlidonce  in  him,  lived  incommnnion  with  him. opened 
his  heart  to  him,  an<i  consulted  him  as  his  bosom-friend. 

7.  Bloccd  ifith.  fear ;  because  he  believed  God's  word 
that  the  Hood  would  certainly  come.  (jeii.  6:11-22.  By 
the  which;  by  which  faith  of  his,  with  its  accomiianying 
fruits.  lie  condemned  the  leoild ;  his  ex;iinl>le  of  laitli  con- 
ilcmned  their  unbelief.  The  righleimsness  which  is  hi/  faith  ; 
the  righteousness  which  God  gives  through  faitli.  See 
note  to  Hom.  1 :  17. 

8.  Not  Icnowiiig  whither  lie  went;  (iod's  words  were, 
"L'nto  a  lanil  that  I  will  show  thee,"  (icn.  12:1 ;  and  such 
was  his  conliihnec  in  God  that  ho  was  willing  to  go  any- 
where, as  t!od  should  direct. 

!).  As  in  a  strange  country;  lie  bought  no  land  except 
what  he  wanted  for  a  biiiying-gronnd,  but  lived  as  a 
stranger  in  tents,  expecting  his  )ierniiiiient  abode  and  pos- 
sessions in  heaven.     Gen.  i;!::i,  IS;  18:1,9. 

10.  yl  citi/  which  hot h  foundations;  which  hath  everl.ast- 
ing  foundations;  that  iKsivenly  city  which  (iod  himself 
hits  built  for  those  who  love  him.     ('Iia]i.  12:22;   U:14. 

11.  12.  Sarah;  Gen.  21:1.2;  22:17. 

i:i.  The  promises;  the  things  which  (iod  h:id  promised. 
Embraced  them;  looked  forw;trd  to  the  fiiUilmeiit  nf  the 
]>romises  with  earnest  desin-  and  confid<nt  exiiectation. 
Cimfesscd.  that  lliei/  were  strangers  and  pilarims;  m-r  (ien. 
2;):'l,  where  the  literal  ]iilgriinage  of  Alirah:im  shadows 
forth  this  life  as  a  )iilgrim:ig<' ;  and  so  it  is  H)ioken  nl  by 
Jacob,  Gen.  47:9,  and  still  more  fully  afterwards  by  David, 
1  Chron.  29:15. 

14.  A  country;  which  they  had  not  found  and  could  not 
find  in  this  world. 


Wonders  wrought 


HEBREWS  XL 


through  faith. 


AD.  64.  16  But  now  they  desire  a  better  country, 
that  is,  a  heavenly :  wherefore  God  is  not  ashamed 
to  be  called  their  God:"  for  lie  hath  prepared  for 
them  a  city.'' 

17  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  tried,  offered 
up  Isaac  :*=  aud  he  that  had  received  the  promises 
offered  up  liis  only  begotten  son, 

18  Of*  whom  it  was  said.  That  ia  Isaac  shall  thy 
seed  be  called:'' 

19  Accounting  that  God  ivas  able  to  raise  him 
up,  even  from  the  dead ;  from  whence  also  he  re- 
ceived him  in  a  figui-e. 

20  By  faitli  Isaac  blessed  Jacob  and  Esau  con- 
cerning things  to  come.'' 

21  By  faith  Jacob,  when  he  was  a  dying,  blessed 
both  the  sons  of  Joseph  ;''  and  worshipped,  leaning 
upon  the  top  of  his  staff.^ 

22  By  faith  Joseph,  when  he  died,  made  mention 
of*  tlie  departing  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  and 
gave  commandment  concerning  his  bones.'" 

23  By  faith  Moses,  when  ho  was  born,  was  hid 
three  montlis  of  his  parents,'  because  they  saw  he 
was  a  proper  child  ;  and  they  were  not  afraid  of 
the  king's  commandment.^ 

2-1  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  re- 
fused to  be  called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter ;'' 

25  Choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the 
people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 
for  a  season;' 

26  Esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ  greater 
riches  than  the  treasures  in  Egypt :  ™  for  he  had 
respect  unto  the  recompense  of  the  reward." 

27  By  faith  he  forsook  Egypt,  not  fearing  the 
wrath  of  the  king :°  for  he  endured, 'as  seeing  him 
who  is  invisible." 

28  Through  faith  he  kept  the  passover,  and  the 

a  Exoa.  3:0,15.  b  ver.  lU.  c  (ien.  2-2;l,  etc. ;  Jas. 'J;-.'!.  •  Or,  To.  d  Gen. 
21:12.  e  Gen.  27:27-40.  f  Gen.  4.h:5-30.  f  Gen.  47:^1.  \  Oi,  remembered. 
li  Gen.  50:24,  25.  i  Exod.  2:2.  i  Exod.  1:16.  22.  k  Exod.  2:10,  11.  1  Psa. 
84:10.  I  Or,  for.  m  ch.  13:13.  ■>  oh.  10:33.  o  Exod.  10:23,  29;  12:31. 
p  ITim.  1:17.     <I  Exod.  12:21,  etc.     r  Exod.  14:22,  29.     »  Josh.  6:12-20. 

16.  God  is  not  Wihamed;  because  they  place  sucli  confi- 
dence in  him  and  desire  such  pure  and  elevated  joys,  he 
has  prepared  for  them  a  permanent  abode  and  unending 
bhss  in  heaven. 

19.  In  a  figure;  when  raised  alive  from  the  altar  where 
he  exi)ccted  him  to  die. 

20.  T/un'r.f  to  come;  which  God  had  promised,  and  which 
Isaac  confidently  expected.     Gen.  27:27-40. 

21.  Blessed  both  llie  sons;  Gen.  48:5-20.  Upon  the  top  of 
his  stuff;  Gen.  47:31 ;  the  quotation  is  from  tlie  Greek  ver- 
sion of  the  Seventy.  The  same  Hebrew  letters,  according 
as  they  are  differently  pronounced,  may  signify  bed  or 
staff.  Taken  either  way,  the  sense  of  the  passage  is  sub- 
stantially tlie  same. 

22.  TTie  departing  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  out  of  Egypt, 
because  God  had  promised  it.     Gen.  50:24,  25. 

23.  Proper;  beautiful.  A^o/ a/caH/,- to  disobey  the  king's 
command,  becaime  they  trusted  in  God  to  protect  them. 

25.  Affliction  with  the  people  of  God ;  because  he  expected 
in  so  doing  to  roceivfe  the  blessings  which  God  had  prom- 
ised them. 

26.  The  reproach  of  Chri.it;  licre,  and  in  chap.  13: 13,  the 
reproach  which  Christ  in  all  ages  bears  in  the  person  of 
his  covenant  people,  as  he  once  bore  it  in  his  own  person ; 
for  what  is  done  to  his  people  is  done  to  liim.  Compare 
Matt.  10:40;  18:5,6;  Luke  9: 48;  10: 16;andesiiccially  Matt. 
25:34-15.  Of  this  reproach  each  disciple  must  for  Christ's 
Bake  bear  his  share,  before  he  can  share  with  Christ  in  his 
glory.    2  Tim.  2: 12.     The  reward;  to  be  given  liiin  by  God. 

27.  Forsook  Egypt;  Exod.  12:31-51.     As  seeing  him  who 

90 


sprinkling  of  blood,  lest  he  that  destroyed  the  first- 
born should  touch  them.'' 

29  By  faith  they  passed  through  the  Red  sea  as 
by  dry  laiid:''  which  the  Egyptians  essaying  to  do 
were  drowned. 

30  By  faith  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell  down,  after 
they  were  compassed  about  seven  days." 

31  By  faith  the  harlot  Rahab  perished  not  with 
them  that  believed  not,^'  when  she  had  received  the 
spies  with  peace." 

32  And  what  shall  I  more  say?  for  the  time  would 
fail  me  to  tell  of  Gedeon,"  and  of  Barak,™  aud  of 
Samson,"  and  of  Jephthae  f  of  David  also,^  and 
Samuel,"  and  of  the  prophets: 

33  Who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms,wrought 
righteousness,  obtained  promises,"  stopped  the 
mouths  of  lions,'' 

3-1  Quenched  the  violence  of  fire,"  escaped  the 
edge  of  the  sword,''  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  to  flight  the 
armies  of  the  aliens. 

35  Womeurcceived  their  dead  raised  tolifeagain:' 
and  others  were  tortured,  not  accepting  deliver- 
ance;' that  they  might  obtain  a  better  resurrection: 

36  jVnd  others  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings  and 
scourgings,  yea,  moreover,  of  bonds  and  imprison- 
ment : " 

37  They  were  stoned,'  they  were  sawn  asunder, 
were  tempted,  were  slain  with  the  sword:  they 
wandered  about  in  sheep-skins  and  goat-skins; 
being  destitute,  afflicted,  tormented; 

38  Of  wliom  the  world  was  not  worthy :  they 
wandered  in  deserts,  and  in  mountains,  aud  in  dens 
and  caves  of  the  earth. 

39  And  these  all,  having  obtained  a  good  report 
through  faith,  received  not  the  promise  : 


S  Or,  were  (iisobetlieiit.  t  Josh.  G:23;  Jas.  2:25.  u  Josh.  2:4,  etc.  v  Judg. 
oh.C,  7.  «■  Judg.  4:0,  etc.  i  Judj.  ch.  15,  10.  )' Judg.  11:32,  etc.  i  1  Sam. 
17:4.5,  etc.  »  1  Sam.  7:9,  etc.  b  Gal.  3:10.  i=  Dan.  6:22.  il  Dan.  3:25. 
s  1  Kmgs  19:3;  2Kmgs  6:10.  f  1  Kings  17:22;  2  Kings  4:35,  30.  s  Acts 
4:19.     h  Gen.  .39:20;  Jer.  20:2.     ■  Acts  7:59. 


is  invisible;  as  seeing  by  faith  the  unseen  God — a  beauti- 
ful illustration  of  what  is  said,  ver.  1,  of  faith. 

28.  The  passover,  and  the  sprinkling  of  blood;  Moses  ob- 
served them  as  God  directed,  expecting,  according  to  His 
promise,  that  in  so  doing  he  and  the  Israelites  would  be 
safe.     Exod.  12:21-30. 

29.  They  passed  through  the  Red  sea;  trusting  in  God  to 
preserve  them.     Exod.  14:22-29. 

30.  Comjyasscd  about;  with  confidence  that  God  would  cause 
the  walls  of  the  city  to  fall  as  he  had  said.     Josh.  6: 1.5-20. 

31.  liahab ;  believed  that  what  God  had  spoken  concern- 
ing Israel  would  be  accomplished,  and  she  acted  accord- 
ingly.    Josh.  2:1-21;  6:23. 

32.  Gedeon;  Judg.  chap.  6-8.  Barak;  Jndg.  chap.  4,  5. 
Sam-son;  Judg.  chap.  13-16.  Jephthae;  Judg.  chap.  11,  12. 
David;  1  Sam.  16:1-13.  Samuel;  1  Sam.  1:20.  The  proph- 
ets; Matt.  5:12. 

33.  .34.  For  examples,  see  the  references. 

35.  Women  received  their  dead ;  1  Kings  17:17-23;  2  Kings 
4:32-37.  Olhets  were  tortured;  from  this  jioint  onward 
examples  are  included  of  those  who  lived  afler  the  reiord 
of  the  Olil  Testament  was  closed,  some  of  whose  snlfer- 
ings  for  the  truth's  sake  are  recorded  in  tlie  books  of 
Maccabees,  and  in  .losi'iihus'  account  of  the  same  times. 
A  better  resurrection ;  to  a  life  of  everlasting  glory. 

39.  A  good  report ;  they  are  in  Scripture  commended  as 
good  men,  and  their  faith  by  which  they  iierscvered  in 
duty  held  up  as  worthy  of  imitation  to  all  succeeding 
ages.  The  promi.ic;  the  great  tiling  promised,  namely,  the 
Messiah  and  the  blessings  of  the  gospel. 

1426 


HEBREWS  XII. 


An  exhortation  to 

40  God  having  provided"  some  better  thing  for 
us,  tliat  they  without  us  should  not  be  made  per- 
fect." 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  An  exhortation  to  constant  faith,  patience,  and  godliness.    22  A  com- 
mendation of  the  new  testament  above  the  old. 

WHEREFORE  seeing  we  also  are  compassed 
about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses, 
let  us  lay  a.-:ide  every  weight,"  and  the  sin  which 
doth  so  easily  beset  xis,  and  let  us  run  with  patience 
the  race  that  is  set  before  us, 

2  Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author*  and  finisher 
of  our  faith  ;  who  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before 
him  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and 
is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of 
God.'= 

3  For  consider  him  that  endured  such  contradic- 
tion of  sinners  against  himself,  lest  ye  be  wearied 
and  faint  in  your  minds. 

Or,  foreseen.     »  Rev.  0:11.     I)  2  Cor.  7:1.    1  Or.  beginner,    c  I.uke  24:2li. 
rov.3:ll,l2.     eRev.3:19.     (Prov.l3:al.     e  .S'um.  10:22;  27:16.     :  Or, 


failh  and  ^patience. 


i  Prov 


40.  Some  better  thing;  the  fulfilment  of  God's  promises 
in  the  coming  of  Christ  and  the  lilessings  which  he  con- 
ferred. Not  be  made  perfect ;  without  the  fulfilment  of  these 
promises,  which  we  witness,  ami  in  the  faith  of  which 
they  lived,  and  died,  and  went  to  glory. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Faith  is  a  glorious  reality  and  mightily  efficacious. 
It  works  powerfully,  and  produces  efl'ects  which  nothing 
else  can.  It  is  in  the  highest  and  best  sense  rational,  and 
is  as  essential  with  regard  to  things  unseen,  as  the  eye  is 
to  things  seen. 

3.  Faith  quickens,  purifies,  elevates,  and  ennobles  the 
human  soul.  It  raises  it  to  higher  spheres,  gives  it 
keener  vision  and  a  purer  atmosi)here,  enables  it  to  look 
backward  and  forward,  above,  beneath,  and  around,  and 
avail  itself  to  an  untold  extent  of  the  length  and  the 
breadth,  the  height  an<l  the  depth  of  the  vision  and  know- 
ledge, the  wisdom,  grace,  and  joy  of  liod. 

4.  Two  jicrsons  may  engage  in  tlie  same  external  wor- 
ship and  yet  their  service  be  totally  different  in  the  sight 
of  God.  Whatever  is  done,  in  order  to  be  accepted  of  him, 
must  be  done  with  faith,  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

7.  Fear  is  a  ])Owerful  means  of  the  salvation  of  men. 
God  designs  to  awaken  it,  and  it  is  right  that  it  should 
liave  infiuence.  There  is  great  reason  for  it,  and  he  who 
attemiits  to  show  that  there  is  not,  acts  against  God  and 
against  the  best  interests  of  mankind. 

8.  It  is  not  necessary  for  us  to  know  all  that  God  will  do 
with  us,  in  order  to  trust  in  and  obey  him ;  or  to  be  able 
to  sec  the  reasons  of  his  declarations,  in  order  to  believe 
them;  or  to  underst;uiil  the  inamier  in  which  bis  |promises 
can  be  accomplished,  in  order  to  expect  their  fullilment. 

10.  Old  Testiimeiit  saints  had  knowledge  of  a  future 
state,  and  expected  tlieir  rewani  in  anotber  world. 

12.  Great  events  for  this  world  as  well  as  tlje  future, 
depend  on  the  exercise  of  faitli  in  God ;  and  things  wliich 
affect  vast  multitudes  for  time  and  eternity,  are  accom- 
plished through  its  influence,  which  would  otlierwiso  be 
impossible. 

Ifi.  God  is  ashamed  of  those  who  have  no  confidence  in 
him,  and  prepares  for  them  no  habitation  in  heaven,  lie 
will  not  acknowledge  them  as  his  people,  .Mark  8:38,  or 
bring  them  to  liis  Idest  aliodc.  • 

19.  Tliere  are  no  difficulties  in  believing  God's  declara- 
.  tions  and  obeying  his  conimauds,  over  which  faith  cannot 
triumph. 

21.  Faith  lives  and  worships  God  in  death. 

23.  There  are  cases  in   which  to  obey  civil  rulers  is 
wrong.    In  such  cascg,  faith  will  keep  even  a  woman  {rom 
obeying  the  most  despotic  king. 
U26 


4  Ye  have  not  yet  resisted  unto  blood,  a.  d.m. 
striving  against  sin. 

5  And  ye  have  forgotten  the  exhortation  which 
spcaketii  unto  you  as  unto  children,  My  son,  de- 
spise not  tiiou  the  chastening  of  the  Lord,  nor  faint 
when  tliou  art  rebuked  of  iiiiii ;'' 

G  For  whom  the  Lord  lovcth  he  chastenetii,  and 
scourgcth  every  son  whom  he  rcceiveth." 

7  If  ye  endure  chastening,  God  dealeth  with  you 
as  with  sons ;  for  what  sou  is  he  whom  the  father 
chasteneth  not?'' 

8  But  if  ye  be  without  chastisement,  whereof  all 
are  jiartakers,  then  are  ye  bastards,  and  not  sons. 

9  Furthermore,  wc  liave  had  fathers  of  our  ilesh 
whicli  corrected  us,  and  we  gave  t/icm  reverence: 
sliall  we  not  much  ratiier  be  in  sulijcction  unto  the 
Fatlier  of  spirits,"  and  live'? 

10  For  they  verily  for  a  few  days  chastened  us 
after  their  own  pleasure;*  but  he  for  our  profit, 
that  ve  niiglit  be  partakers  of  his  holiness. 

11  Now  no  chastening  for  tlie  present  seemeth  to 


as  seemed  good,  or  meet  to  them. 


2U.  No  earthly  sacrifices  are  too  great  for  faith  to  make 
in  order  to  obey  God,  and  no  loss  is  encountered  in  such 
a  cause  which  faith  does  not  esteem  unspeakable  gain. 

27.  Faith  has  eyes  to  see  invisible  things,  and  a  heart 
to  feel  their  ]iowcr.  It  has  a  head  to  jilan,  a  tongue  to 
speak,  and  a  liand  to  work  for  God. 

28.  Failh  regards  the  blood  of  Clirist  as  the  foundation 
of  human  hope,  and  looks  to  it  as  the  only  safeguard  from 
the  destroyer. 

33-40.  No  victories  ever  won  compare  with  those  of 
faith.  Its  triuinphs  no  earthly  tongue  can  sjieak  or  pen 
describe.  They  are  written  in  the  book  of  life,  will  bo 
told  with  immortal  tongues.  Iiy  multitudes  which  no  man 
can  number,  in  strains  of  glory  rising  higher  and  higher, 
and  growing  sweeter  and  sweeter  to  endless  ages. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1.  CompnsKed  about — cloud  of  wit iic.'ises ;  the  reference  is 
to  the  (irecian  games,  in  which  the  racers  were  surrounded 
by  a  vast  mullitude  of  B]>ectators.  Here  the  witnesses  are 
those  who  have  themselves  run  the  heavenly  race  and  ob- 
tained the  reward  of  faith.  Everii  weight;  every  thing 
which  can  hinder  our  progress  in  the  way  to  heaven,  just 
as  the  earthly  racers  lay  aside  every  ineninbrancc,  espec- 
ially the  sin  to  which  wc  arc  most  ex))osed. 

2.  Looking  unio  Jesut;  not  merely  as  an  examjile,  but 
also  as  the  author  and  finisher  of  faith  and  of  all  which 
was  needed  for  perseverance  in  iluty,  even  to  eternal  life. 
The  joy;  of  redeeming  multitudes  wliicli  no  man  can  num- 
ber from  eternal  sinning  and  suflering,  and  raising  them 
to  eternal  holiness  aiicl  bliss.  Despising  tlie  sliame;  the 
shame  of  being  crueilied. 

3.  Consider  him ;  meditate  mueli  <in  the  character  and 
work  of  Christ,  esiiceially  his  patience  under  sulVerings, 
that  you  may  be  strengthened  and  encouraged  in  lollowing 
his  examjilc. 

4.  Ye  have  not  yet ;  been  called  as  Christ  was  to  suffer 
death  for  resisting  sin. 

5.  The  exhortation  ;  Prov.  3:11,  12;  Rev.  3:19. 

7.  Chtistenmg;  trials  designed  to  correct  your  faults  and 
make  you  better. 

8.  All;  the  children  of  God.  Are  yc  bnstardu ;  treated  as 
such  ;  your  faults  are  not  corrected,  but  you  are  left  to  go 
nnrefoiniiMl  to  ruin. 

9.  Falhcrs  of  our  fesh ;  earthly  parents.  Father  of  spirits ; 
God. 

10.  After  their  own  pleasure;  as  they  chose  or  thought 
best,     lie  partakers ;  become  holy  like  him. 

11.  The  peaceable  fruit  of  righleoiLincss;  the  chastisement 
yields,  like  a  good  tree,  the  good  fruit  of  righteousness, 


Follow  after  holiness. 


HEBREWS  XIL 


Glory  of  the  new  covenant. 


A.  D.64.  be  jo_vous,  but  grievous :  nevertheless,  after- 
ward it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteous- 
ness unto  them  which  are  exercised  thereby." 

12  Wherefore  lift  up  the  hands  which  hang  down,*" 
and  the  feeble  knees ; 

13  And  make  straight"  paths  for  your  feet,''  lest 
that  which  is  lame  be  turned  out  of  the  way;  but 
let  it  rather  be  healed.* 

H  Follow  peace  with  all  m(n,'^a\\A  holiness,  with- 
out which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord:*^ 

15  Looking  diligently  lest  any  man  fail  of  the 
grace  of  God  ;^  lest  any  root  of  bitterness  spring- 
ing up  trouble  you^  and  thereby  many  be  defiled ; 

IG  Lest  there  be  any  fornicator,'  or  profane  per- 
son, as  Esau,  who  for  one  morsel  of  meat  sold  his 
birthright.-' 

17  For  ye  know  how  that  afterward,  when  he 
would  have  inherited  the  blessing,  he  was  reject- 
ed :''  for  he  found  no  place  of  repentance,*  though 
he  sought  it  carefully  with  tears. 

18  For  ye  are  not  come  unto  the  mount  that  might 
be  touched,  and  that  liurncd  with  fire,'  nor  unto 
blackness,  and  darkness,  and  tempest, 

19  And  the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  and  the  voice 


•  Isa.  32:17;  Jas.  3:18.  b  Isi.  35:3.  •  Or.  even,  c  Prov.  4:2G,  27.  d  Gal. 
6:1.  e  Psa..14:U.  t  Mitt.  5;8-,  Eph.  .5:5.  1  Or,  fall  from.  s2Pet.l:lU. 
b  Deut.  29:18.  >  1  Cor.  6:13,  18.  i  Gen.  25:33.  t  ijen.  27:3J-J3.  t  Or, 
imii  to  e/tange  his  mind.     1  Exod.  19:12-19.     "  Exod.  20:18,  19.     n  Exod. 


which  alwaj's  has  for  its  companion  "the  peace  of  God 
which  pa.s.seth  all  understanding."     Phil.  4:7. 

12.  Lift  up;  encourage  and  animate  the  desponding.  Isa. 
35:3,  4. 

13.  Malce  straight  paths  for  your  feet;  walk  in  the  plain 
way  of  duty,  and  that  not  merely  for  j'our  own  sake,  but 
for  the  sake  of  the  feeble  and  halting  among  your  breth- 
ren ;  that  they,  by  your  good  example,  may  be  kept  in  the 
right  way,  and  healed  of  their  spiritual  infirmities. 

14.  Folloio  peace  with  all;  so  far  as  duty  will  permit.  See 
the  Lord ;  dwell  with  or  enjoy  him. 

15.  Any  man ;  that  is,  as  the  connection  shows,  any  man 
who  belongs  to  your  Christian  community.  Fail  of  the 
grace  of  God;  of  his  grace  which  bestows  eternal  life,  by 
being  found  at  last  unholy  and  unprepared  for  heaven. 
Root  of  bitterness;  any  doctrine  or  practice  adapted  to  lead 
men  to  apostatize  from  Clirist  and  perish.  The  words 
quoted  from  Deut.  29:18,  were  originally  applied  to  such 
a  root  of  bitterness,  consisting  in  apostasy  from  Jehovah 
to  idolatry. 

1().  Fornicator — profane  person ;  examples  of  the  "root  of 
bitterness  "  just  referred  to.  A  profane  person  is  here  one 
who,  like  Esau,  despises  sacred  things  and  gives  up  spir- 
itual blessings  for  sensual  enjoyments.  One  morsel  cf  meat ; 
Gen.  25 :  29-34.  Birthright ;  right  by  birth  to  high  temporal 
and  spiritual  blessings. 

17.  No  place  of  repentance;  whether  we  refer  the  word 
repentance  to  Esau,  as  some  do,  or  with  others,  to  Isaac, 
the  sense  remains  substantially  the  same.  In  the  former 
case  the  meaning  will  be  that  Esau  could  not  make  his  own 
repent.ance  avail  to  change  his  father's  mind  ;  in  the  latter, 
that  he  could  not  induce  Isaac  to  repent  by  taking  the 
l)lessing  of  the  birthright  from  Jacob,  and  giving  it  to  him. 
He  had  sold  it  for  a  mess  of  pottage,  ami  it  was  gone  for 
ever.  Gen.  27:34-40.  So  would  be  the  blessings  of  fol- 
lowing Christ,  if  they  8lio\ild  renounce  him  to  escape  suf- 
fering or  to  enjoy  worldly  good. 

lS-29.  Now  follows  an  exliortation  which  contains,  first, 
an  encouragement  drawn  from  the  gracious  character  of 
the  Christian  dispensation,  as  contrasted  with  tlie  severity 
of  the  Mosaic  law;  secondly,  a  warning  against  apostasy 
under  such  a  glorious  dispensation,  in  view  of  its  greater 
guilt  and  severer  imnlshment. 

18.  Tlie  mount;  Sinai  and  the  terrors  which  surrounded 
it  at  the  giving  of  the  law.   Exod.  19:9-25;  20:1-22.   Here, 


of  words;  which  voice  they  that  heard  entreated 
that  the  word  should  not  be  spoken  to  them  any 
more :"' 

20  For  they  could  not  endure  that  which  was 
commanded.  And  if  so  much  as  a  beast  touch  the 
moimtain,  it  shall  be  stoned,  or  thrust  through  with 
a  dart:" 

21  And  so  terrible  was  the  sight,  that  Moses  said, 
I  exceedingly  fear  and  quake : 

22  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount  Zion,  and  unto 
the  city  of  the  living  God,"  the  heavenly  Jeru- 
salem, and  to  an  innumerable  company  of  an- 
gels ;p 

23  To  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the 
first-born,i  which  are  written^  in  heaven,''  and  to 
God  the  Judge  of  all,'  and  to  the  spirits  of  just 
men  made  perfect,' 

2-4  And  to  Jesus  the  mediator  of  the  new  cove- 
nant,'" and  to  the  blood  of  sprinkling,''  that  speak- 
eth  better  things  than  that  o/Abel."" 

25  Seethat  ye  refuse  not  him  that  speaketh.  For 
if  they  escaped  not  who  refused  him  that  spake  on 
earth,  much  more  shaUnot  we  escape,\i\iQ  turn  away 
from  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven : 


19:13,16.  o  Rev.  3:12.  pPsa.  68:17.  q  Rev.  14:4.  i  Or,  enrolled,  r  Luke 
111:20.  sGen. 18:25.  t  1  Cor.  15:49,  51.  iOi,  testament.  i'ch.8:6.  v  Exod. 
21:8.     w  Gen.  4:10. 


as  in  Gal.  4:24,  25,  Sinai  represents  the  whole  Mosaic 
economy.  That  might  be  touched;  the  reference  is  not 
merely  to  its  material  nature,  but  to  the  peril  of  touching 
it.    Ver.  20. 

20.  If  so  much  as  a  beast  touch  the  mountain ;  much  more  a 
man.  Exod.  19:12,  13,  21-24.  This  prohibition  shadowed 
forth  the  distance  from  himself  at  which  the  holy  God,  under 
the  Mosaic  economy,  kept  sinful  men.   Compare  chap.  9:8. 

22.  Unto  mount  Zion — the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  hcavenlfi 
Jerusalem;  to  the  true  spiritual  Zion  and  Jerusalem,  of 
which  the  earthly  Zion  with  its  city  was  an  emblem ;  that 
is,  to  the  jirivileges,  hopes,  and  blessings  of  the  Chris- 
tian dispensation  and  the  holy  family  of  God  under  it. 
Compare  the  words  of  the  apostle.  Gal.  4:26:  "Jerusalem 
which  is  above  is  free,  which  is  the  mother  of  us  all."  An 
innumerable  company  of  angels;  who  make  a  part  of  God's 
universal  family,  of  which  Christ  is  the  head.  Eph.  1:10; 
Col.  1:20. 

23.  The  general  assembli/  and  church;  here  distinguished 
from  "the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect;"  probably 
meaning  therefore  the  church  on  earth,  so  far  as  it  con- 
sists of  true  believers.  The  first-born ;  the  word  in  the 
original  is  plural.  It  describes  either  all  God's  true  chil- 
dren, as  each  admitted,  in  and  throngh  Christ,  to  the  priv- 
ileges of  first-born  sons,  that  is,  to  a  pre'cmincnt  place  in 
God's  fiivor ;  or,  as  some  think,  the  more  eminent  among 
them,  as  patriarchs,  prophets,  and  ajiostles.  Which  are 
written  in  heaven;  enrolled  there  in  the  Lamb's  book  of 
life.  The  spirits  cf  just  men;  who  await  in  (!od's  presence 
the  resurrection  of  the  just.  Made  perfect ;  they  have  gone 
through  the  conliict  with  sin  and  suft'ering,  obtained  the 
victory,  and  been  made  jierfect  in  holiness  and  blessed- 
ness ;  not  in  the  sense  of  having  reached  the  consumma- 
tion of  their  bliss — which  is  reserved  for  the  final  resur- 
rection— but  in  the  sense  of  being  for  ever  freed  from  sin 
and  suflTering. 

24.  The  hlnod  of  sprinkling;  which  cleanses  our  con- 
sciences fniin  the  guilt  ancl  defilement  of  sin,  and  thus 
speaks  peace  to  them.  Cliaj).  9:14;  10:22;  1  Pet.  1:2.  That 
cf  Abel;  whl<:h  called  to  (loil  for  vengeance.     Gen.  4:10. 

25.  llim  that  speaketh ;  in  the  revelations,  the  promises, 
and  the  threatenlngs  of  the  gospel.  Refused  him  that  snnhe 
oil  earth;  apostatized  from  the  Jewish  religion  revealed  Iiy 
Moses.  Deut.  13:6-10.  Ilim  that  speaketh  from  heaven;  God, 
by  Jesus  Christ.    Chap.  1 : 2. 

1421 


Divers  admonitions 


HEBREWS  XIII. 


and  cxhorlations. 


26  "Whose  voice  then  shook  the  earth :  but  now 
he  hath  promised,  saying,  Yet  once  more  I  shake 
not  the  earth  only,  but  also  heaven." 

27  And  this  icord.  Yet  once  more,  signiiieth  the 
removing  of  those  tilings  that  are*  shaken,  as  of 
things  that  are  made,  that  those  things  which  can- 
not be  shaken  may  remain. 

28  Wherefore,  we  receiving  a  kingdom  whicli 
cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have*  grace,  whereby  we 
may  serve  God  acceptably  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear: 

29  For  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire.'' 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Divers  admonitions,  as  to  charity,  4  to  honest  life,  5  to  avoid  covet- 
ousness,  7  to  regard  (jod's  preachers,  9  to  take  heed  of  strange  doc- 
trines, 10  to  confess  Christ,  16  to  give  alms,  17  to  obey  governors,  18 
to  pray  for  the  apostle.     20  The  conclusion. 

LET  brotherly  love  continue." 
2  Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  strangers:  for 
thereby  some  have  entertained  angels  unawares.'' 
3  Remember  them  that  are  in  bonds,"  as  bound 

aHag.  2:6.  •OT,mai/be.  \  Gt.  holrl  fast.  1>  Doiit. -^a^.  =1  Pet.  1:22; 
IJolinJ:?,  20.    d  Gen,  IS::!;  19:2.    e  Malt.  25:30.    f  Prov.  5:1.5-23.    6  1  Cor. 

26.  Then ;  when  he  gave  tlie  law  at  mount  Sinai.  Exod. 
19 :  18.  Not  the  earth  only,  hut  also  licavcn ;  Hag.  2 :  C,  7, 
■where  the  words  are,  "I  will  .shake  tlio  heavens,  and  the 
eartli,  and  the  sea,  and  the  tiry  land  ;  and  I  will  shake  all 
nations,  and  tlie  Desire  of  all  nations  shall  come."  It  is  a 
shaking  and  removal  of  every  thing  that  is  in  its  nature 
transitory  and  perishable,  not  merely  the  old  Mosaic  dis- 
pensation, but  also  every  human  power  opposed  to  the 
kingdom  of  Christ.  Compare,  for  the  figure,  Isa.  13:13, 
Joel  3:1(),  .Matt.  24:29,  and  the  notes  on  those  passages. 

27.  77i(iigs-  that  are  shaken;  that  is, as  the  margin,  things 
that  can  be  shaken.  See  the  note  to  the  ]ireceding  verse. 
Things  that  are  made;  nearly  erpiivalcnt  to  things  "made 
with  hands,"  and  therefore  transitory.  Chap.  9:11.  Which 
cannot  be  shaken;  the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  the  eternal 
spiritual  blessings  connected  with  it.  Tliis  shaking  is  the 
thrice  repeated  overturning  of  Kzek.  21 :  27.  It  covers  the 
whole  history  of  Christ's  kingdom  from  its  beginning  to 
its  perfect  establishment. 

28.  Let  us  liave  grace;  though  the  grace  by  which  alone 
we  can  render  acceptable  service  to  God  is  his  gift,  yet 
wo  are  responsible  for  jiossessing  it,  since  it  is  freely 
offered  to  all, and  all  will  have  it  who  do  not  repel  and  reject 
it  by  a  disobedient  spirit.  Serve  God;  perseveringly,  to 
whatever  troubles  it  may  expose  us.  Godly  fear;  hav- 
ing respect  to  all  Uod's  commandments.  Psa.  119:6;  Jer. 
32:40. 

29.  A  consuming  fire ;  Dent.  4:24.  He  is  such  to  all  re- 
jecters of  our  Fjoril  .lesus  Christ,  OH])eeially  those  who  have 
apostatized  from  him.  Hence  all  who  have  set  out  in  the 
way  to  lieaven  should  persevere,  whatever  trials  may  assail 
them,  till  faith  is  swallowed  up  in  vision,  and  hope  in  end- 
less joy. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  It  is  right  to  regard  our  own  happiness,  to  be  influ- 
enced by  the  hope  of  future  reward,  ami  for  the  sake  of 
obtaining  it  to  perform  labors,  make  sacrifices,  suffer  triiils, 
and  endure,  when  called  to  it,  even  death  itself,  that  we 
may  follow  Christ  and  be  partjikers  of  his  joy. 

10.  God  never  sends  trials  because  ho  has  any  pleasure 
in  afflicting  his  people,  but  to  m;ike  thiin  more  useful  and 
hai)py  than  tiny  would  be  without  Ihein.  Hence  a  cheer- 
ful anil  hearty  submission  is  required  not  only  by  the  glory 
of  God,  but  by  our  own  highest  good. 

17.  Great  care,  watchfulness,  and  prayer,  arc  needful  even 

in  Christians,  lest  they  should  fail  of  heaven;  and  great 

effort  is  needful  in  sinners,  however  high  their  privileges 

and  however  enlightened  or  closely  connected  with  Cbris- 

1428 


with  thom ;  and  them  which  suffer  adver-  a.  d.  m. 
sity,  as  Vicing  yourselves  also  in  the  body. 

4  Marriage  is  honorable  in  all,*^  and  the  bed  un- 
defilcd:  but  whoremongers  and  adulterers  God 
will  judge."^ 

5  IaI  your  conversation  be  Avithout  covotousness ; 
and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have : ''  for  he 
hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee.' 

6  So  that  we  may  boldly  say, The  Lord  is  my  help- 
er, and  I  will  uot  fear  what  man  shall  do  unto  mcJ 

7  Remember  them  which  have  the  rule*  over  you, 
who  have  spoken  unto  you  the  word  of  God :  whose 
faith  follow,''  considering  the  end  of  their  conver- 
sation : 

8  Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  for  ever.' 

9  Be  not  carried  about  with  divers  and  strange 
doctrines.'"  For  if  is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be 
established  with  grace ;  not  with  meats,  which  have 
not  profited  them  that  have  been  occupied  therein. 

10  We  have  an  altar,  whereof  they  have  no  right 
to  cat  which  serve  the  tabernacle. 


8:9;  Rev.  22 
2S;20.   jl'si. 


15.     h  Matt.  0:25,  .14.     ■  Gen.  2>-:15;  neut.  31:0.  9;  1  Chr. 
J7:l.   X  Ot,  are  the  guides.    kch.C:ia.   lRev.l:4.    nilJohn4:l. 


tians  they  may  be,  in  order  to  enter  and  pursue  the  way 
that  leads  to  life. 

2.5.  The  responsibilities  of  men  are  in  proportion  to  their 
blessings ;  and  if  they  abuse  or  neglect  them,  they  will 
projiortionably  enhance  their  condemnation. 

29.  All  good  reasons  are  on  the  side  of  perseverance  in 
obeying  God,  trusting  in  Christ  for  what  is  needed  to  do 
this  and  to  be  accepted  in  il.  Tlie  contrarj'  course  is  most 
unreasonable  and  wicked,  will  be  condemned  by  God  and 
all  good  beings,  and  will  fill  those  who  pursue  it  with 
consuming  terrors  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

2.  Entertained  angels;  Gen.  18:2-19;  19:1-3. 

3.  Remember ;  symjiathi/.e  with,  pray  for,  and  be  ready, 
as  you  have  opportunity,  to  assist  them  that  arc  in  bonds; 
whatever  be  the  kind  of  bondage,  especially  those  who 
are  bound  or  imprisoned  on  account  of  their  religion.  IWr- 
selvcs — in  the  body;  and  of  course  liable  to  similar  trials. 

4.  Honorable  ;  right,  proper,  and  for  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel as  well  as  others. 

5.  Conversation;  manner  of  life.  Covctnusncs.i ;  inordinate 
regard  for  money  or  such  things  as  money  will  procure. 
/  will  never  leave  tlice,  nor  forsake  thee;  the  words  occur  iu 
Deut.  31:6,  as  a  promise  to  all  Israel,  and  again  in  1  Chron. 
28:20,  as  a  promise  to  Solomon.  The  apostle  has  simply 
put  them  in  the  first  person. 

7.  Than  which  have  the  ndc ;  your  leaders  and  guides; 
those  who  have  )iroelainicd  to  you  the  will  of  God.  The 
end;  of  their  earthly  course  ;  their  peaceful,  liajijiy,  joyful 
death.  Acts  7:.')9,  (";0;  riiil.I:2:}.  These  words  should  not 
be  connected  with  the  following  verse,  as  is  plain  from  the 
construction  of  the  original. 

8.  Jesus  Christ— for  ever ;  rather,  .lesus  Christ  is  the  same, 
etc.  Of  course  he  can  sustain,  coiidort,  and  bless  you,  as 
he  did  them. 

9.  He  not  carried  about ;  from  one  o])inion  to  another;  or, 
according  to  another  reading,  carried  away,  namely,  from 
the  right  |iath.  .\dhere  slradfiistly  to  your  steadfast  Sav- 
iour, and  the  truth  colic-erning  him  as  ye  have  received  it, 
Notvitli  meals;  the  .lewish  distincticuis  of  meats,  and  tlio 
whole  ceremonial  law  connected  with  them.  The  words 
intimate  that  it  is  the:  grace  of  Christ  alone,  iif)t  these  car- 
nal orilinances,  that  have  power  to  establish  the  heart. 

10.  We;  Christians.  Iluve  an  altar:  a  spiritual  altar. 
We  are  sjiiritual  jiricsts,  and  jiarlake  by  faith  of  Christ's 
body  sacrificed  fijr  us  ;  from  which  they  are  excluded  who 
still  depend  on  Jewish  sacrifices. 


Charity  and  obedience. 


HEBREWS  XIII. 


Concluding  prayers. 


A.  D.61.  11  For  the  bodies  of  those  beasts,  whose 
blood  is  bi-ought  into  the  sanctuary  by  the  high- 
priest  for  sin,  are  burned  without  the  camp." 

12  Wherefore  Jesus  also,  that  he  miglit  sanctify 
the  people  with  his  own  blood,  suflered  without 
the  gate."" 

13  Let  us  go  forth  therefore  unto  him  without 
the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach." 

14  For  here  have  we  no  continuing  city,''  but  we 
seek  one  to  come. 

15  By  him  therefore  lot  us  oft'er  the  sacrifice  of 
praise  to  God  continually  ."^^  that  is,  the  fruit  of  our 
lips,'  giving  thanks*  to  his  name. 

IG  But  to  do  good  and  to  communicate  forget 
not:"  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well-pleas- 
ed.^' 

17  Obey  them  tliat  liave  the  rule  over*  you,  and 
submit  yourselves  : '  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,' 
as  they  that  must  give  account,  that  they  may  do 
it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief:  for  that  is  unprofit- 
able for  you. 


>  Lev.  10:27.  b  John  10:17,  13.  c  Acts  5:41.  d  Mio.  2:10.  e  Eph.  5:20. 
(  Hos.  11:2.  •  Gr.  confessing,  e  Rom.  12:13.  hl'hil.4:I8.  1  Or,  guitie. 
ilThess.  5:12,  13.     JEzek.3;17.     kActs24:16.     I  1  Thess,  5:23.     m  1  Pet. 


11.  Whose  blood  is  brought  into  the  sanctuary;  the  ref- 
erence is  to  the  bullock  and  goat  that  were  oifered  as 
sin-ofterings  in  the  great  day  of  atonement,  and  whose 
blood  was  carried  by  the  high-priest  into  the  holy  of 
holies,  Lev.  16:27.  In  being  thus  burned  without  the 
camp  they  typified  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus,  who  suffered 
without  the  gate  of  Jerusalem,  which  city  corresponded 
to  the  camp  in  the  wilderness. 

12.  With  his  oivn  blood;  carrying  it  as  their  great  High- 
priest  into  the  true  holy  of  holies,  that  is,  into  God's  presence 
in  heaven.   Chap.  9:12,24.    I['((/(Oi((M(;n-n(c;  John  19:17, 18. 

13.  Let  us  go  forth — wilhout  the  camp;  some,  taking  the 
Israelitish  camp  as  a  symbol  of  the  Mosaic  economy,  sup- 
pose the  meaning  to  be,  Let  us  forsake  Judaism,  cleave  to 
Christ,  and  suffer  with  him.  But  the  more  natural  mean- 
ing of  this  verse  is.  Let  us  follow  Jesus  in  his  shame  and 
suffering.  Bearing  his  reproach;  bearing  it  with  him,  as 
members  of  his  body.     See  note  to  chap.  11:26. 

14.  No  continuing  city;  oui;  stay  on  earth  will  be  short. 
This  is  a  reason  wliy  we  should  cheerfully  bear  reproach 
with  Jesus,  that  we  may  share  with  him  the  glory  of  the 
heavenly  city  that  is  to  come. 

Ij.  By  him;  as  our  great  High-priest,  not  by  Jewish 
priests  on  Jewish  altars.  Tlie  sacrifice  of  praise;  the  spir- 
itual thank-offering  of  praise,  which  the  Mosaic  thank- 
offerings  shadowed  forth.  Tlie  fruit  of  our  lips ;  quoted 
after  the  Greek  version  from  Rosea  14:2,  where  the  He- 
brew has,  "The  calves  of  our  lips;"  that  is,  sacrifices  of 
praise.     Eph.  5:19,  20  ;  1  Thess.  5:16,  18. 

16.  To  communicate ;  impart  blessings  as  you  have  op- 
portunity to  the  needy. 

17.  Them  llmt  have  the  ride;  who  guide  you,  by  making 
known  to  you  the  will  of  God.  Subtnit  yourselves;  to  be 
governed  Ijy  his  will,  whicli  they  declare.  Watch  for  your 
souh;  their  object  is  to  promote  your  salvation,  by  obey- 
ing (!od  to  whom  they  are  accountable.  With  joy;  in  hav- 
ing been  instrumentul  of  saving  j'ou.  Unpnfiiable  for  you  ; 
if  you  refuse  to  follow  their  guidance  when  they  point  out 
the  jiath  of  duty,  you  not  only  grieve  them,  but  injure  your- 
selves and  incur  the  wrath  of  (iod. 

18.  Honestly;  uprightly,  in  a  manner  suitable  to  a  min- 
ister of  the  gospel  and  an  inspired  apostle. 

19.  Restored  to  ipn  the  sooner;  bo  sooner  able  to  visit  you. 

20.  Through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant ;  these 
words  are  best  connected  with  the  preceding  part  of  the 
verse.  It  was  by  virtue  of  tlie  e.vpiatory  blood  of  Christ, 
by  which  he  ratified  the  everlasting  covenant  of  grace,  that 
(Jod  raiseil  him  from  tlie  dead  and  exalted  him  to  univer- 
sal dominion.   The  question  here  is  not  one  of  mere  power. 


18  Pray  for  us:  for  we  trust  we  have  a  good 
conscience,''  in  all  things  willing  to  live  honestly. 

11)  But  I  beseecii  you  the  rather  to  do  this,  that 
I  may  be  restored  to  you  the  sooner. 

20  Now  the  God  of  peace,'  that  brought  again 
from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,'"  that  great  Shep- 
herd of  the  sheep,"  through  the  blood  of  the  ever- 
lasting covenant,*" 

21  Make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do 
his  will,''  working^  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleas- 
ing in  his  sightj'i  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom 
be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

22  And  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  suffer  the  word 
of  exhortation  :  for  I  have  written  a  letter  unto 
you  in  few  words. 

23  Know  ye  that  our  brother  Timothy  is  set  at  lib- 
erty ;  with  whom,  if  ho  come  shortly,  I  will  see  you. 

24  Salute  all  them  tliat  have  the  rule  over  you, 
and  all  the  saints.     They  of  Italy  salute  you. 

25  Grace  be  with  you  all.    Aincn. 

IT  Written  to  the  Hebrews  from  Italy  by  Timothy. 

1:21.  n  Ezek.  .'54:23.  t  Or,  testament.  oZech.9:ll.  PlPet.5:lU.  S  Or, 
doing,     q  Phil.  2:13. 

but  of  fitness.  It  was  meet  that,  in  view  of  his  propitiation 
for  the  sins  of  the  world  through  the  bloody  death  of  the 
cross,  God  should  exalt  him,  as  he  did  by  his  resurrection 
and  ascension  to  heaven.     Compare  Phil.  2:9-11. 

23.  If  he  come  shortly ;  to  me  ;  for  though  set  at  liberty 
ho  was  yet  absent  from  the  writer. 

24.  All — and  all  the  saints;  the  ministers  and  brethren  of 
the  churches.  They;  the  Christians  in  Italy,  whence  this 
epistle  was  written,  the  great  object  of  which  was  to  ena- 
ble the  Jewish  Christians  rightly  to  understand  the  Old 
Testament,  especially  its  rites  and  ceremonies,  and  to  per- 
suade them  to  persevere  iu  then'  attachment  and  obedi- 
ence to  Jesus  Christ. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
1.  Love  to  Christians  on  account  of  their  likeness  to 
Christ  is  a  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  and  an  evidence  of  being 
born  of  God.  It  is  also  a  means  of  promoting  our  love  to 
Christ  and  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence.  God  is  love; 
and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in 
him.  1  John  4:16.  This  is  a  reason  whj'  Satan  hates 
Christian  love,  and  so  often  employs  such  as  speak  lies 
and  sow  discord  among  brethren  to  prevent  it;  and  also  a 
reason  why  such  persons  are  mentioned  in  the  Bible  as 
children  of  the  devil,  and  as  one  of  the  seven  abominations 
which  the  Lord  abhors.     John  8:44;  Prov.  6:19. 

3.  Love  to  Christians  for  Christ's  sake  will  lead  all  who 
possess  it  deeply  to  sympathize  with  such  as  are  in  bonds, 
to  pray  for  them,  and  in  all  suitable  ways  endeavor  to  ben- 
efit them. 

4.  As  marriage  is  God's  institution  for  the  happiness 
of  man  and  the  prevention  of  fornication  and  (jther  abomi- 
nable vices,  he  who  forbids  or  discourages  it  increases  the 
temptations  to  these  crimes,  and  exposes  himself  to  the 
just  indignation  of  God. 

5.  Christians,  in  principle,  precept,  and  practice,  should 
show  their  abhorrence  of  covetousness,  should  be  con- 
tented with  the  allotments  of  Providence,  be  grateful  for 
mercies,  and  never  fear  the  want  of  any  needful  good,  for 
the  Lord  has  engagcil  to  sui)ply  them.     Psa.  34:4-10. 

9.  To  treat  external  rites  and  ceremonies  as  the  chief 
thing  does  much  evil  and  exposes  men  to  (he  loss  of  tlieir 
souls,  because  it  tends  to  jirevent  their  reliance  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

13.  Christians  should  not  fear  any  reproach  or  shame 
which  they  are  called  of  God  to  suffer  fcu'  his  sake,  but 
like  Christ  should  cheerfully  endure  any  cross,  despising 
the  shame,  that  they  may  with  him  sit  down  on  the  right 
hand  of  tho  majesty  on  high  ;  remembering  that  their 
shame  will  bo  short,  and  their  honors  eternal. 

1429 


THE  GENERAL  EPISTLE  OF 


JAMES. 


That  "James  tbe  Lord's  brother,"  whom  Paul  names  as  one  of  the  apostles,  Gal.  1 :19,  and  who  is 
admitted  to  be  identical  with  the  James  mentioned  by  Luke  in  Acts  12:17;  15:13;  21:18,  was  the 
author  of  the  present  epistle,  is  generally  agreed.  That  he  was,  moreover,  the  James  who  is  named  with 
Joses,  Simon,  and  Judas,  as  one  of  our  Lord's  "brethren,"  Matt.  13:55,  Mark  6:3,  must  be  received  as 
certain.  But  whether  he  was  identical  with  James  the  son  of  Alphcus,  who  was  one  of  the  twelve,  Matt. 
10:3;  Mark  3:18;  Luke  6:15;  Acts  1:13,  is  a  question  that  has  been  much  discussed.  From  Matt. 
27  :  56  ;  Mark  15  :  40,  compared  with  John  19  :  25,  it  appears  that  Mary  the  mother  of  our  Lord  had  a  sister 
Mary,  the  wife  of  Cleopluis — or  rather,  as  the  margin  has  it,  Clopas — and  motlier  of  James  the  Less  and 
Joses.  Clopas  and  Alpheus  may  very  well  be  two  different  ways  of  representing  in  Greek  the  same 
Hebrew  word.  According  to  this,  which  seems  to  be  the  most  natural  supposition,  our  Lord's  "brethren" 
and  "sisters"  were  his  cousins,  the  children  of  Mary  the  wife  of  Clopas  or  Alpheus,  who  lived  in  Naza- 
retii  with  Mary  the  mother  of  Jesus,  perhaps  under  the  same  roof,  and  James  the  Lord's  brother  is  the 
same  as  James  the  son  of  Alpheus.  The  objections  to  this  view,  which  cannot  here  be  considered  at 
length,  arc  less  than  those  connected  with  the  opposite  view.  If,  however,  any  one  doubts  the  identity  of 
James  "the  Lord's  brother,"  who  wrote  this  epistle,  with  James  the  son  of  Alplieus,  who  was  one  of  the 
twelve,  this  cannot  affect  its  canonical  authority.  Even  upon  the  very  improbable  supposition  that  the 
man  who  held  so  conspicuous  a  place  in  the  assembly  of  apostles  and  elders  at  Jerusalem,  Acts  15  :13- 
21;  who  is  reckoned  by  Paul  among  the  apostles.  Gal.  1:19;  is  classed  by  him  with  Peter  and  John, 
among  those  "who  seemed  to  be  pillars,"  being  named  first  of  the  three,  Gal.  2:9;  and  is  further  spoken 
of  in  accordance  with  tlie  unif(;rm  testimony  of  the  primitive  church  in  such  a  way  as  leads  us  to  infer 
that  he  was  the  chief  man  in  the  church  at  Jerusalem,  Acts  21  :  18  ;  Gal.  2:12 — even  \ipon  the  very  im- 
probable supposition  that  this  man  did  not  belong  to  the  nund)er  of  the  twelve,  his  writings  must  yet  have 
to  us  the  full  weight  of  apostolic  authority. 

With  regard  to  the  date  of  this  epistle  different  opinions  have  been  lield.  Simie  have  plucod  it  early 
in  the  history  of  the  church,  before  the  origin  of  the  controversy  respecting  circumcision  and  the  Mosaic 
law,  recorded  in  Acts  15  ;  others  quite  late,  not  long  before  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Hoiiians. 
The  latter,  whicii  is  tiie  more  cmnmon  view,  best  agrees  with  the  contents  of  the  epistle.  The  doctrine  of 
justification  by  faitli,  for  wliich  Paul  had  contended,  would  naturally  be  abused  in  precisely  the  way  here 
indicated,  by  the  substitution  of  a  barren  speeulative  faith  fir  th(!  true  faith  that  works  by  love  and  i)uri- 
(ies  the  life  from  sin.  The  ago  preceding  the  deKtruction  of  Jerusalem  was  one  of  aljounding  wickedness, 
especially  in  the  form  of  strife  and  faction,  ll  1i:h1  been  predicted  by  our  Lord,  that  the  effect  of  this  would 
be  to  chill  the  love  of  many  of  his  visible  followers,  and  withdraw  them  from  his  service.  In  truth,  the 
descriptions  of  these  unworthy  members  of  the  Jewi.sli  Christian  conununily  wliieh  we  find  in  this  ejiistle, 
and  in  the  second  of  Peter,  and  that  of  Judc,  are  but  the  realization  of  the  state  of  things  foretold  by  the 
Saviour  in  the  following  remarkable  words:  "And  then  shall  many  be  offended,  and  shall  betray  one 
another,  and  shall  hate  one  another.  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,  and  shall  deceive  many.  And 
because  iniquity  shall  abound,  the  love  of  many  shall  wax  cold.  Hut  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the  end, 
the  same  shall  be  saved."     Matt.  24  :  10-13. 

The  place  of  writing  was  manifestly  Jerusalem,  whore  James  always  resided  ;  and  the  persons  addressed 

are  the  Jewish  Cliristians  scattered  abroad  in  and  out  of  Palestine,  chap.  1  : 1,  Jerusalem  being  regarded 

as  the  centre  of  the  nation. 
1430 


Tlie.  eniwrance,  of  trials. 


JAMES  I. 


No  man  is  lemplcd  of  God. 


CHAPTER  I. 


1  We  are  to  rejoice  under  the  cross,  5  to  ask  patience  of  God,  13  and 
in  our  trials  not  to  impute  our  wealcness,  or  sins,  unto  liim,  19  but 
rather  to  hearken  to  the  word,  to  meditate  in  it,  and  to  do  thereafter. 
26  Otherwise  men  may  seem,  but  never  be  truly  religious. 

JAMES,  a  servant  of  God  and  of  tlie  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  to  tlie  twelve  tribes  which  are  scatter- 
ed abroad,''  greeting. 

2  ^[y  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into 
divers  temptations;'^ 

3  Knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of  your  faith 
workoth  patience.'' 

4  But  let  patience  have  Aer  perfect  work,"^  that  ye 
may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting  nothing. 

5  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God, 
that  giveth  to  all  men  libcrally,'^  and  upbraideth 
not;  and  it  shall  be  given  him.*' 

6  But  let  him  ask  in  faith,''  nothing  wavering. 
For  lie  that  wavcreth  is  like  a  wave  of  the  sea 
driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed. 

7  For  let  not  tliat  man  think  that  he  shall  receive 
any  thing  of  the  Lord. 

8  A  double-minded  man  is  unstable  inall  his  ways. 

9  Let  the  brotlier  of  low  degree  rejoice*  in  that 
he  is  exalted : 

»  Jude  1.  b  ActsS:!;  2{i:7.  c  Matt.  5:  li;  I  Pet  .1:13-16.  <i  Rom.  5:3. 
e  Luke  6:15;  ai:19.  f  Prov.  2:3-6.  e  Jer.  a9:l-3.  liMarkll:04.  'Or, 
glory.     1  Isa.  4U:6.     j  2  Tim.  4:8;  Rev.  2: 10.     k  Isa.  154:4.     t  Or,  «•*. 


16.  It  is  not  enough  for  men  to  be  pious,  devotional,  and 
grateful.  They  must  also  be  beneficent,  disposed  to  com- 
municate of  their  blessings  to  others.  This  they  are  prone 
to  for^;et,  and  they  need  often  to  be  reminded  that  it  is 
with  such  things  God  is  well  pleased.  They  would  thus 
give  evidence  that  their  natural  selfishness,  which  if  con- 
tinued will  ruin  them,  is  in  a  way  of  being  subdued. 

18.  Enlightened  ministers  of  Christ  often  express  a  de- 
sire for  the  prayers  of  Christians  on  earth,  but  never  ask 
or  desire  others  to  ask  for  them  the  prayers  of  Peter,  Paul, 
Mar}',  or  any  of  the  saints  in  heaven. 

19.  Prayer  is  efficacious  not  only  with  regard  to  spirit- 
ual, but  temporal  tilings.  It  often  enables  persons  to  do 
what  they  otherwise  could  not  do,  and  to  confer  and  re- 
ceive blessings  of  which  they  and  others  without  prayer 
would  fail.  But  in  order  to  receive  the  full  benefits  of  tlie 
prayers  of  others,  men  must  pray  tliemselves  ;  and  not  only 
for  themselves,  but  also  for  tlieir  fellow-men ;  and  must  be 
disposed  in  this  way  to  confer  the  blessings  on  others 
which  they  wish  to  receive  from  them. 

21.  Every  thing  tlionght,  felt,  or  done  bj'  men  which  is 
holy  and  acceptable  to  God,  is  the  fruit  of  his  working  in 
tliem  both  to  will  and  to  do.  It  comes  to  them  in  conse- 
quence of  the  death  of  Christ  as  a  propitiation  for  their 
sins  and  the  sins  of  the  world  ;  and  to  him  all  wlio  feel  and 
act  rightly  will  give  glory  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  L 

2.  Temptations ;  trials  suiteil  to  develop  their  character, 
and  if  rightly  borne,  to  make  them  better. 

3.  The  tryinfr  of  your  f nit li ;  that  is,  when  the  trial  is 
rightly  endured.  Patience;  in  its  usual  scriptural  sense  of 
steadfast  endurance. 

4.  Have  her  perfect  work;  produce  its  full  and  appropriate 
eflects,  tlirongh  your  enduring  to  the  end  all  the  h'ials 
which  (jod  aiipoiiits  to  you.  Matt.  24:1.'!.  Perfect  and 
entire;  complete  in  all  parts  of  the  Christian  character. 

5.  Lack  wisdom ;  (o  feel  and  act  right  under  all  circum- 
Bfcinccs,  especially  in  trials.  To  all;  who  ask  according 
to  God's  directions. 

6.  In  faith  ;  ill  confidence  that  God  will  do  as  he  has 
declared,  and  give  to  tliose  who  thus  ask  bini  the  wisdom 
which  they  need.     Nclhing  wavering;  not  doubting  tlio 


10  But  the  rich,  in  that  he  is  made  low :  because 
as  the  (lower  of  the  grass  lie  sliall  pass  away.' 

11  For  the  sun  is  no  sooner  risen  with  a  burn- 
ing heat,  but  it  withereth  the  grass,  and  the  flower 
tlicreof  falleth,  and  the  grace  of  tlie  fasliion  of  it 
perishcth :  so  also  shall  the  rich  man  fade  away 
in  his  ways. 

12  Blessed  w  the  man  thatendureth  temptation: 
for  when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of 
life,^  which  the  Lord  hath  promised  to  them  that 
love  him.'' 

13  Let  no  man  say  when  he  is  tcmptedj  I  am 
tempted  of  God:  for  God  cannot  be  tempted  with 
evil,*  neither  teinpteth  he  any  man: 

14  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn 
away  of  his  own  lust,'  and  enticed. 

15  Then  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth 
forth  sin;"  and  sin,  when  it  is  finished,  bringeth 
forth  death." 

Ifi  Do  not  err,  my  beloved  brethren. 

17  Every  good  gift  and  every  ]icrfect  gift  is  from 
above,"  and  conieth  down  from  the  Father  of  lights, 
with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of 
turning.'' 

18  Of  his  own  will  bcijat  ho  us  with  the  word  of 


1   Hos.  13:0,      HI  Job  15:35. 
p  1  Sam.  15:29;  Mai.  3:6. 


o  Rom.  6:21-23.     »  John  3:27;  1  Cor.  4:7 


truth  of  his  declarations.    Like  a  wave;  not  fixed  or  settled 
in  purposes,  plans,  or  eflforts. 

8.  Doiibled-mindcd;  one  who  halts  between  faith  and 
unbelief. 

9.  Of  low  degree;  afflicted  and  depressed  in  his  worldly 
circumstances.  Exalted;  spiritually,  by  being  made  a  par- 
taker of  the  heavenly  inheritance. 

10.  Tlie  rich;  in  worldly  possessions.  Made  low;  spirit- 
ually, by  being  brought  into  a  lowly  and  humble  state  of 
mind.  The  apostle  exhibits,  in  this  and  the  preceding 
verse,  the  two  sides  of  Christian  character  which  are  ap- 
propriate to  the  two  conditions  of  rich  and  poor. 

11.  Fade  away;  earthly  glory  is  transient;  and  a  man 
may  well  rejoice  in  what  leads  him  to  feel  this,  and  secure 
the  glory  which  is  abiding.  Thus  will  the  poor  be  kept 
from  envying  the  rich,  anil  the  rich  from  glorying  in  their 
wealth  and  despising  the  poor. 

12.  Endurcth  temptation;  bears  his  trials  with  a  right 
spirit. 

13.  When  he  is  tempted ;  to  commit  sin.  Neither  tempteth 
he  any  man;  to  commit  sin:  that  is  not  CJod's  design  in 
sending  trials,  or  in  any  thing  he  docs:  what  he  does  is 
designed  to  promote  holiness  and  lia]ipiness.  If  men  com- 
mit sin,  or  grow  worse  under  any  of  his  dealings,  they 
pervert  and  abuse  them  ;  the  fault  is  theirs,  not  his. 

14.  Of  his  own  lust ;  his  desire  to  obtain  something  whicli 
he  cannot  without  doing  wrong. 

1.").  ills/,-  the  inward  desire  of  the  soul  after  forbidden 
objects,  here  considered  as  the  iiarent  of  sinful  deeds. 
Sin;  in  the  life.  Is  finished;  in  its  conseipiences.  Death; 
eternal  tleath,  which  is,  to  all  wlio  coutiuuo  iu  shi,  its 
proper  result. 

16.  Do  not  err;  in  the  matter  now  under  consideration, 
by  thinliing  of  God  as  if  he  could  tempt  to  sin. 

17.  Every  f^ood  gift — is  from  above ;  God  is  the  aulhor  of 
every  thing  in  men  whicli  is  good,  and  they  are  tlie  au- 
thors of  every  thing  in  them  which  is  evil. 

15.  Begat  he  i«,-  by  the  regeneration  of  our  souls,  and 
thus  made  us  his  spiritual  children,  liythe  word  of  truth; 
which  is  the  instrument  of  his  Spirit.  A  kindof  firsl-fniits; 
the  gos]iel  was  first  preached  to  tlie  Jews,  and  the  jiriiui- 
tive  Ijelicvers  were,  like  the  first  slieaf  offered  at  the  sanc- 
tuary, the  earnest  of  the  ingathering  of  all  nations  to  Christ. 
Sec  Lev.  23:9-14. 

U31 


Doing  th,  will  of  God. 


JAMES  II. 


Respect  of  persons. 


truth,"  that  we  should  be  a  kind  of  first-fruits  of  his 
creatures.'' 

19  Wherefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  let  every 
man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,''  slow  to  wrath :  "^ 

20  For  tlie  wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the  riglit- 
eousness  of  God. 

21  Wlierefore  lay  apart  all  filthiness  and  super- 
fluity of  naug-htinei?s.''  and  receive  with  meekness 
the  engrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save  your 
souls. 

22  But  be  ye  doors  of  the  word,''  and  not  hear- 
ers only,  deceiving  your  own  selves. 

23  For  if  any  be  a  hearer  of  tlie  word,  and  not 
a  doer,  he  is  like  unto  a  man  beholding  his  natu- 
ral face  in  a  glass : 

2-1  For  he  bclioldeth  himself,  and  goeth  his  way, 
and  straightway  forgetteth  what  manner  of  man 
he  was. 

25  But  whoso  lookcth  into  the  perfect  law  of 
liberty,^  and  continueth  therein,  he  being  not  a  for- 
getful hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this  man 
shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed.*" 

26  If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  Ije  religious, 
and  bridleth  not  his  tongue,'  but  deceiveth  his  own 
heart,  this  man's  religion  is  vain. 

27  Pure  religion  and  umlcliled  before  God  and 
tlie  Father  is  tliis.  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  wid- 
ows in  their  affliction,' a/irf  to  keep  himself  unspot- 
ted from  the  world." 


•John  X-.a.  b  Jer  2;3;  Eph.  1:1-2;  Rev.  14:4.  ■:  Eccl.  5:2.  d  Prov. 
16:32.  e  Col.  3:5-9;  Heb.  12:1;  1  Pet.  2.1,2.  'Matt, 7:21.  «  Psa.  1 19:45; 
2Cor.3:lS.     'Or, doing.     Ii  Luke  0:47,  4S.     iPsi.  34:13.    ilsi.  1:16,17; 


19.  Wlierefore;  in  cunsisteiicy  with  your  new  cliaracter 
as  God's  cliildreii.  Hwift  to  hear;  tlie  instructions  wliich 
God  gives  liiin.  Sloxv  to  speak;  eitlier  by  way  of  usurping 
the  office  of  a  teacher,  cliap.  3: 1,  or  of  censure,  chap.  'A:'J, 
10.  Both  these  faults  |)roceed  from  pride,  and  are  allied 
to  sinful  ani^er,  wliich  the  apostle  next  forbids. 

21.  All filtliniess ;  of  llesh  and  spirit,  2  Cor.  7:1.  Super- 
fluity of  naughtiness ;  malice  in  the  heart  flowing  out  in  the 
life.  T/ie  engrafted  word;  the  word  of  divine  truth  en- 
grafted— or,  as  some  render,  implanted — ^into  your  hearts, 
as  a  heavenly  stock  which  is  to  bear  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness. It  is  not  engrafted  in  such  a  w;iy  that  our  freedom 
and  responsibility  in  admitting  or  rejecting  it  are  set  aside : 
hence  we  are  exhorted  to  receive  it  with  meekness. 

24.  He  hehoUleth;  the  gospel  shows  a  man  liimself.  For- 
getteth ;  if  a  man  does  not  obey  the  gospel,  its  impressions 
on  him  will  be  short. 

25.  Lookcth  into;  looketh  closely  into.  The  apostle  means 
a  practical  looking,  that  is,  connected  with  obedience.  T/ic 
perfect  law  of  lihertij ;  the  gospel,  which  gives  true  freedom 
ti>  the  soul,  and  is  a  perfect  rule  of  action.  That  it  deliv- 
ers the  soul  from  the  bondage  of  the  .Mosaic  law  is  also 
true,  but  that  is  a  view  not  discussed  in  the  present  eiiis- 
tlu. 

2n.  Jiridleth  Hot  his  tongue;  docs  not  regulate  it  by  the 
revealed  will  of  Go<l.  Deceiveth  his  own  heart ;  by  thinking 
that  he  is  pious,  when  he  continues  to  cherish  and  indulge 
a  slamierous  spirit. 

27.  Pure  religion;  he  describes  religion  by  ita  fruits, 
and  that  on  two  sides:  first,  that  of  love  and  mercy;  sec- 
ondly, that  of  purity  from  worldly  defilements.  Fatherless 
and  widirwi;  these  represent  all  objects  of  Christian  com- 
passion and  kindness.  From  the  world;  from  all  the  entice- 
ments to  sin  which  the  world  offers. 

IX?TI!(TTION'.S. 
2.  God  does  not  afiliet  or  exjiose  his  children  to  tempta- 
tion because  he  lakes  i)leasur(!  in  their  distresses  or  ex- 
posures, but  for  their  benefit,  that  they  m;iy  be  made  wiser 
and  better;  and  although  no  trials  or  exposures  in  them- 
1432 


CHAPTER  II. 


1  It  is  not  a^ee.^ble  to  Christian  profes.sioii  to  reg.ard  the  rioli.  and  to 
despise  the  poor  brethren;  13  rather  we  are  to  be  loving,  and  merci. 
ful ;  14  and  not  to  boast  of  faith  where  no  deeds  are,  17  which  is  but 
a  dead  faith,  19  the  faith  of  devils,  21  not  of  Abraham,  25  and  Rahab. 

"j\  FY  brethren,  have  not  the  faith  of  our  Lord 
lyJL  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord  of  glory,  with  respect 
of  persons.' 

2  For  if  there  come  unto  your  assembly^  a  man 
with  a  gold  ring,  in  goodly  apparel,  and  there  come 
in  also  a  poor  man  in  vile  raiment; 

3  And  ye  have  respect  to  him  that  wcarcth  the 
gay  clothing,  and  say  unto  him.  Sit  tliou  here  in 
a  good  place;*  and  say  to  the  poor.  Stand  tliou 
tiiere,  or  sit  hero  under  my  footstool : 

4  Are  ye  not  tlicn  jiartial  in  yourselves,  and  are 
become  judges  of  evil  thoughts? 

5  Hearken,  my  beloved  brethren,  Hath  not  God 
chosen  the  poor  of  this  world  rich  in  faith,'"  and 
lieirs  of  the''  kingdom  whicli  he  liath  promised  to 
them  that  love  him?" 

6  But  ye  have  despised  the  poor.  Do  not  rich 
men  oppress  you,  and  draw  you  before  the  judg- 
ment-seats? 

7  Do  not  they  blaspheme  that  worthy  name  by 
the  which  ye  are  called?" 

8  If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to  the 
scripture.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thy- 
self,'' ye  do  well : 


58:C,  7.  k  Horn.  12:2.  1  Prov.  28:21;  Jude  16.  t  Gr.  synagogue.  I  Or, 
well,  or  sremti/.  m  Rev.  2:9.  S  Or,  (»a(.  n  Matt  5.3:  Luke  12:32;  22:29; 
1  Cor.  1:20-28.     o  Psa.  111:9.     P  Lev.  19.18. 


selves  are  joyous,  but  grievous,  yet  as  they  are  the  means 
when  rightly  ini]irove(l  of  increasing  holiness  and  useful- 
ness, they  slioulil  be  received  not  only  with  submission, 
but  with  gratitude. 

6.  All  who  have  the  liible  may  be  made  wise  to  s:dva- 
tion,  and  bo  guided  ;iriglit  in  all  their  concerns.  If  they 
are  not,  it  is  because  the}'  do  not  aright  seek  wisdom  from 
the  Lord,  or  knowing  his  will,  do  not  obey  it. 

13.  There  is  that  in  men  which  m;iy  account  for  the  evil 
they  commit,  wilhout  ;iscribing  it  to  God  ;  ami  as  he  never 
tempts  any  one  to  commit  sin,  no  one,  when  so  tempted, 
should  eonijily  with  the  templatioii.  or  if  he  does  comply 
with  it,  attemjit  to  ciist  any  of  the  bhimo  on  (Jod. 

18.  As  every  tiling  good  in  men  comes  from  God,  and 
every  thing  evil  from  themselves,  tliey  should  renounce 
self-dependence,  and  give  God  the  glory  of  whatever  good 
they  enjoy. 

21.  liivine  truth  received  in  love  and  obeyed  is  effica- 
cious in  the  s;dvation  of  men. 

27.  That  religion  which  does  not  govern  the  tongue  and 
make  men  beneficent  ;inil  holy,  is  not  the  religion  of  Christ, 
and  will  not  secure  salvation. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  I  fore  not ;  hold  not.  Tlie  faith  of  our  Lord  Jes^ts  Christi 
his  gospel  considered  as  adilressed  to  our  faith.  Comparo 
Acts  0:7.  With  respect  of  persons;  let  not  the  outwiud  con- 
dition of  persons  regulate  your  judgment  of  their  charac- 
ter, or  your  tre:ilinent  of  them. 

4.  .Judges  of  evil  tlwughts;  under  the  influence  of  evil 
thoughts. 

5.  Chosen  tlie  poor;  to  bo  his  disciples  more  often  than 
the  rich. 

C.  Do  not  rich  men  oppress  yrrn;  unbelieving  rich  men: 
as  much  iis  to  say.  Why  show  such  partiality  to  the  rich? 
Are  not  they  your  chief  persecutors? 

7.  That  tforlhij  ntiinr;  the  name  of  Christ. 

8.  Rnijal  law;  {\u:  law  of  love,  r;illed  royal  byway  of 
preeminence.    Compare  Matt.  22:37-40. 


Faith  without  works 


JAMES  III. 


of  love  is  detid. 


A.D.60.  9  But  if  ye  have  respect  to  persons,"  ye 
commit  sin,  and  arc  convinced  of  the  law  as  trans- 
gressors. 

10  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and 
yet  ofl'ciul  in  one  poi/it,  he  is  guilty  of  all." 

11  For  ho  that  said,'  Do  not  commit  adultery, 
said  also.  Do  not  kill.'^  Now  if  thou  commit  no 
adultery,  yet  if  thou  kill,  thou  art  become  a  trans- 
gressor of  the  law. 

12  So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  they  that  shall  be 
judged  by  the  "law  of  liberty.'' 

13  For  lie  shall  have  judgment  without  mercy, 
that  hath  showed  no  mercy  ;"•'  and  mercy  rcjoiceth* 
against  judgment.'' 

14:  What  do(h  it  profit,  my  brethren,  though  a 
man  say  he  hath  faith,  and  have  not  works?^  can 
faith  save  him? 

15  If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute 
of  daily  food, 

16  And  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  Depart  in 
peace,  be  ye  warmed  and  filled ;  notwithstanding 
ye  give  them  not  those  things  which  are  needful 
to  the  body ;  what  doth  it  profit  ?  " 

17  Even  so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is  dead, 
being  alone.* 

18  Yea,  a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I 
have  works :  show  me  thy  faith  without^  thy  works, 
and  I  will  show  thee  my  faith  by  my  works.' 

a  Ver.  1.  b  Dent.  27:28.  *  Or,  t/mt  law  ivhicli  said.  '  Exod.  20:13,  14. 
<lch. 1:2-5.  eProvr.  21:  i;l;  Matt,  6:15;  7:1,2.  1  Or,  glarirtli.  f  Tsa  S5:10. 
e  Matt.  7:26.  hi  John  3:18.  >  Gr.  by  itself.  5  Some  copies  read,  6y.  '  ch. 
3:13.     J  Mark  1:24;  5:7.     fe  Gen.  22:U,  12.     I  Or,  Thou  sees!.     Uleb.  11:17. 

9.  Convinced  of  the  law;  shown  by  it  to  be  transgress- 
ors. 

10.  He  i.s  f;uiltij ;  he  as  really  violates  the  law,  if  he 
allows  himself  in  one  transgression,  as  if  ho  committed 
many ;  and  if  he  continues  in  it,  he  will  as  certainly  be 
condemned. 

12.  The  law  of  liberty;  see  note  to  chap.  1:25. 

13.  He — that  hath  shou'ed  no  mercy;  to  others  in  distress, 
will  have  no  mercy  shown  to  him.  Mercy  rcjoiceth ;  cxnlts 
in  the  consciousness  of  its  security  against  judgment ;  the 
judgment,  namely,  of  the  last  day;  for  then  the  merciful 
man  will  not  be  condemned.     Matt.  5:7. 

14.  Can,  faith  .save  hnn?  that  kind  of  faith  which  is  inac- 
tive, de:id,  and  never  does  good?     No. 

1().  He  ye  warmed;  to  give  words  only,  when  deeds  are 
due  and  in  our  power,  is  to  offend  God  and  wound  our 
needy  brother. 

17.  U  dead;  it  is  not  the  kind  of  faith  which  justifies  the 
Boul:  th;i,t  is,  a  living,  opcnitive  faith,  which  works  by 
love,  purifies  the  heart,  overcomes  the  world,  and  produces 
good  works. 

19.  T/iou  doest  well;  in  believing  that  there  is  one  God, 
thou  believest  the  truth  ;  but  it  will  do  you  no  good,  any 
more  than  it  does  devils,  who  believe  the  same,  unless  it 
lead  you  to  obey  him. 

21).  luiil/i  witlinut  works;  is  not  the  kind  which  Abraham 
had,  and  by  which  ho  was  justified.  His  faith  led  him  to 
obey  God,  even  His  most  difiicult  and  trying  commands. 
Gen.  22:9,  12. 

22.  l\laile  perfert ;  showni  to  be  complete,  of  the  right 
kind,  by  producing  its  appropriate  fruit. 

23.  The  scrij)tare  wasfuffiltcd ;  liy  the  works  which  Abra- 
ham dill.  Ills  W(n-ks  showed  that  he  believed  God  in 
reality,  as  the  Scriptures  declared,  with  a  living,  and  not 
merely  a  dead  faith. 

24.  Not  by  faith  only;  not  by  that  faith  which  is  alone, 
and  never  produces  good  works ;  but  by  gooil  works  a 
man  is  shown  to  have  living  faith,  and  to  be  in  a  justified 
state. 

25.  By  works;  they  proved  that  she  had  faith. 


19  Thou  believest  that  there  is  one  God:  thou 
doest  well :  the  devils  also  believe,  and  tremble.^ 

20  But  wilt  thou  know,  0  vain  man,  that  faith 
without  works  is  dead? 

21  Was  not  Abraham  our  father  justified  by 
works,  when  he  had  oflercd  Isaac  his  son  upon 
the  altar?" 

22  Sccst  thou'  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,'  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect? 

23  And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled  which  saith, 
Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was  imjiutcd  unto 
him  for  rio'hteousness:™  and  he  was  called  the 
Friend  of  God." 

24  Ye  sec  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is 
justified,  and  not  by  faith  only." 

25  Likewise  also  was  not  Rahab  the  harlot  justi- 
fied by  works,  when  she  had  received  the  messen- 
gers, and  had  sent  them  out  another  way?" 

26  For  as  the  body  without  the  spirit"  is  dead, 
so  faith  without  works  is  dead  also. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  We  are  not  rashly  or  .arrogantly  to  reprove  others;  5  but  rather  to 
bridle  the  tongue,  a  little  member,  but  a  powerful  instrument  of  much 
good,  and  great  iiarm.  13  Tliey  -who  be  truly  wise  are  mild,  and  peace- 
able, without  envying,  and  strife. 

^  VY  brethren,  be  not  many  masters,'  knowing 
i_>X  that  we  shall  receive  the  greater  condemna- 
tion.* 


m  Gen.  1S:6.  n  2  Chr.  20:7;  Isa.  41:8.  "  Rev.  S0:12.  V  Josh.  2:1,  etc.; 
Matt.  21:31;  Heb.  11:31.  10r,breath.  q  Matt.  23:8,  14;  1  Pet.  5:3.  •Or, 
judgment. 


Between  the  teaching  of  James  in  this  chapter  and  that 
of  Paul  tliere  is  perfect  agreement.  When  the  question 
is.  What  is  the  ground  of  justification  before  God  ?  Paul 
answers.  Faith,  and  not  tlie  works  of  the  law.  But  when 
the  inquiry  is  as  here,  \Vhat  kind  of  faith  is  acceptable  to 
God?  both  answer.  Not  a  dead  faith,  but  "faith  wdiich 
worketh  by  love ;"  in  other  words,  operates  to  produce 
good  fruits  through  love,  which  is  "  the  fulfilling  of  the 
law."     Gal.  5:G;  Rom.  13:10. 

INSl'RUCTIONS. 

1.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  fountain  of  honor  as 
well  as  blessedness ;  and  those  are  the  most  honorable 
and  happy  who  most  resemble  him,  and  are  most  faithful 
in  his  service. 

4.  It  is  wrong  to  judge  of  persons  by  outward  appear- 
ances merely;  and  the  manifestation  of  such  a  spirit  does 
evil  both  to  those  who  are  guilty  of  it,  and  to  others. 

8.  Real  .and  ardent  love  is  tlio  best  guide  to  a  proper 
treatment  of  our  fellow-men. 

12.  Obedience,  if  sincere,  will  be  universal;  and  real 
love  to  God,  or  living  faith  in  liim,  will  lead  men  to  have 
respect  to  all  his  commandments.     Psa.  119:(j. 

20.  Justifying  faith  produces  good  works;  anil  if  a  man 
does  not  love  to  obey  (!od  and  do  good,  he  may  conclude 
that  he  is  not  in  a  justified  state. 

2().  Tlicre  is  no  eontradiction  between  the  meaning  of 
the  aiKistles  James  and  P;iul,  with  rcg.ard  to  justification. 
The  ease  of  Abraham  exemplifies  the  doctrine  of  both. 
Paul  treats  of  faith  as  justifying  us  before  God:  James 
treats  of  the  fruit,  or  effects  of  faith. 

CHAPTER   III. 

1.  Be  not  many  maxters;  let  not  many  aspire  to  be  teach- 
ers or  guides  in  religion;  a  sin  which  always  almunda 
where  men  have  the  idea  that  an  empty  fiiit.h  without  tho 
fruits  of  obedience  is  all  that  is  necessary  to  salvation. 
ll'c ;  who  exercise  tho  oftiee  of  teachers.  The  greater  ron- 
drmnation;  or,  as  in  the  margin,  the  greater  judgment.  We 
shall  be  subjected  to  a  severer  trial;  and  if  found  want- 
ing, to  a  greater  punishment. 

1433 


The.  tongue  powerful, 


JAMES  IV. 


for  evil  or  for  good. 


2  For  in  many  tbinjrs  ve  offend  all."  If  anj' 
man  offend  not  in  word,''  the  same  is  a  perfect 
man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 

3  Behold,  we  put  bits  in  the  horses'  mouths,'' 
that  tiicy  may  obey  us;  and  we  turn  about  their 
■whole  body. 

4  Beliold  also  the  sliip*,  which  tliough  they  he  so 
great,  and  arc  driven  of  iieree  winds,  yet  are  tliey 
turned  about  with  a  very  small  helm,  whitherso- 
ever the  governor  listeth. 

5  Even  so  the  tongue  is  a  little  member,''  and 
boasteth  great  tilings."  Behold,  how  great  a  mat- 
ter* a  little  fire  kindleth! 

6  And  the  tongue  is  a  fire,''  a  world  of  iniquity: 
80  is  the  tongue  among  our  members,  that  it  defd- 
eth  the  whole  body,'''  and  scttctli  on  fire  the  course' 
of  nature;  and  it  is  set  on  fire  of  hell. 

7  For  every  kind'  of  beasts,  and  of  birds,  and  of 
serpents,  and  of  things  in  tlie  sea,  is  tamed,  and 
hath  been  tamed  of  mankind:^ 

8  But  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame ;  it  is  an  r.ii- 
ruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison.*" 

9  Therewith  bless  we  God,  even  the  Father: 
and  therewith  curse  wo  men,  which  arc  made 
after  tlie  similitude  of  God. 

10  Out  of  tlie  same  moutli  proceedeth  blessing  and 
cursing.  My  brethren,  tliese  things  ought  not  so 
to  be. 


•  IK 

nE«8:46 

;  Prov 

sn- 

J;  l.Tohn  l:S.    1) 

Prov.  13:).    c 

Psa. 

J2:9.    d 

Prov. 

12:  IS. 

e  Psa.  : 

S-3. 

•Or 

uwatl. 

r  Prov. 

18:a7. 

r  Matt 

.  15 

11 -an. 

t  Gr. 

wheel. 

I  Or.  nature. 

5G 

.  nature  of  man 

hPsa 

140:3; 

Rom.  3:13. 

lOr, 

hole. 

Matt.  7 

10.    J 

Psa 

1U7:4:). 

k  Phil 

1:27. 

1  ICot 

3:3 

lOt, 

natU' 

2.  Offcnil  all ;  we  all  offoml  in  many  things  ;  of  course, 
in  tlie  office  of  teaching;  also,  where  there  is  especial  dun- 
gerof  our  offending  in  wonl.  This  ought  to  deter  us  from 
forwardness  in  arrogating  to  ourselves  tliis  work.  Offend 
not  i»  word;  as  much  as  to  say,  Sins  of  word  are  so  difficidt 
to  avoid  that  he  who  can  keep  himself  from  fault  in  this  re- 
Bpect  is  a  perfect  man  ;  one  who  has  his  a]ipetites,  jiassions, 
and  all  propensities  of  body  and  spirit,  under  wise  control. 

4.  Lislctk ;  chooseth. 

C.  Is  a  fire;  setting  society  in  a  hlaze,  like  fire  in  dry 
matter.  Defdeth  the  whole  Imilii;  when  used  in  Bi)reailing 
moral  iiollution.  The  course  of  nnlure;  produces  universal 
destruction,  like  a  general  conflagration.  It  is  set  on  fire 
of  hell;  instigated  in  its  destructive  courses  by  infernal 
spirits. 

9.  Ble.is  we  God;  tlius  professing  oiir  love  for  him. 
Curse  we  men;  thus  showing  that  our  profession  of  love 
towards  (!od  is  emply  and  in.sinceie.  ('om|jare  1  John 
4:20.  Mitde  after  the  simihludc  of  God;  bear  his  image  as 
rational  ami  immortal  beings,  and  ought  therefore  to  be 
the  objects  of  our  love. 

11,  12.  Tlie  stream  must  answer  to  the /oi/n/nm,  the  fruit 
to  the  tree.  The  heart  that  sends  forth  the  bitter  water  of 
curses  towards  men,  cannot  have  the  good  water  of  love 
towards  Ood.  Its  professions  of  love  and  praise  must  bo 
empty  and  worthless. 

13.  Who  is  a  wise  man;  would  any  man  show  his  wis- 
dom? Let  him  do  it  not  by  eagerly  assuming  the  office 
of  a  teacher,  and  occupying  his  tongue  with  words  ofrcjn- 
tciition  and  bitterness,  but  by  showing  out  of  a  gooil  life 
his  good  works  villi  mf'tcness  of  wisdom;  with  that  nuiK- 
ncss  anil  gentleness  whicli  always  belong  to  true  wisdom. 

14.  Glorif  not,  and  lie  not  against  the  truth;  by  falsely 
boasting  of  these  as  the  fruits  of  true  wisdom,  which  is 
to  slander  God's  truth. 

l.i.  This  wisdom;  that  which  is  envious,  quarrelsome, 
and  leads  to  contention. 

17.  Pure;  in  its  nature,  and  in  its  effects  on  the  person 
himself  and  on  others. 

in.  Tlie  fruit  of  rishlenitsness;  that  spirit  wliich  right- 
U34 


11  Doth  a  fountain  send  forth  at  the  same  a.  d.oo. 
place'  sweet  water  and  bitter? 

12  Can  the  fig-tree,  my  bretlircn,  bear  olive  ber- 
ries? cither  a  vine,  figs?'  so  ca7i  no  fountain  both 
yield  salt  water  and  fresh. 

13  Who  is  a  wise  man  and  endued  witli  know- 
ledge among  you?J  let  iiim  show  out  of  a  good 
conversation  his  works  witii  nieekiiess  of  wisdom.'' 

14  But  if  ye  have  bitter  envying  and  strife  in  your 
hearts,  glory  not,  and  lie  not  against  the  truth. 

15  This  wisdom  descendeth  not  from  above,'  but 
is  earthly,  sensual,'  devilish. 

16  For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  there  is  con- 
fusion' and  every  evil  work. 

17  But  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is  first 
pure,'"  Ihon  ]ioacealjle,"  gentle,"  and  easy  to  be 
entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits,  without 
partiality,*  and  without  hyjiocrisy.'' 

18  And  the  fruit  of  rigliteotisness  is  sown  in 
peace  of  them  that  make  peace.'' 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  We  :ire  to  strive  against  covetousness.  4  intemperance,  5  pride.  11  de- 
traction, and  rash  judgment  of  others;  13  and  not  to  be  contident  in  the 
good  success  of  worldly  business,  but  iniiidfii!  ever  of  the  uncertainty 
of  this  life,  to  commit  ourselves  and  all  our  ailUirs  to  God's  providence. 

Ij^ROM  whence  coj7ie  wars  and  fightings*  among 
you?  come  they  not  hence,  even  of  your  lusts* 
tiiat  war  in  yonr  members?'' 


ral.  '  Gr.  tumult,  munquietness.  m  I'liil. -rs.  n  Heh.  1:2:14.  0  011.5:23. 
t  Or,  Tcranjr/iw.ff.  P  1  Cor.  2:0,  7.  qlleb.  12:11.  i  Or,  brawlings.  »  Or, 
pleasures,    fl  Pet.  2:11. 


cousncss  produces,  leads  peaceable  men  in  a  peaceable 
way  to  disseminate  such  views  as  tend  to  promote  peace 
with  (jJoil  and  jieace  with  one  another ;  thus  bringing  glory 
to  find  in  tlie  highest,  and  proclaiming  peace  on  earth, 
good-will  to  men. 

INSTP.rCTTOXS. 

1.  Right  views  of  the  respoiisiliility  of  religions  teach- 
ers and  guides,  of  the  difficulties  of  their  work,  the  strict 
account  which  they  must  render  to  (!od,  and  the  awful 
ruin  wliich  will  come  on  those  who  are  unfaithful,  tend 
etfectnally  to  prevent  improper  aspirations  for  power  in 
the  church. 

5.  As  everlasting  consequences  depend  upon  the  use  of 
the  tongue,  all,  and  especially  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
should  earnestly  juity  that  they  ni;iy  always  so  spe;ik  as 
shall  tend  most  lo  honor  (Jod  and  ln'iielit  (heir  fellow-men. 

fi.  The  devil  rni]iliiys  sonic  men  more  than  they  are 
aware  of;  and  things  whicli  they  woidd  start  at,  sliould 
they  hear  him  ntler  them,  they  at  his  suggestion  utter  for 
him,  and  thus  do  his  work  and  rijieii  to  be  companions 
with  him  and  his  angels. 

Ki.  Knowledge  and  wisdom,  discretion  and  meekness,  a 
good  understanding  of  the  Scriptures,  and  a  life  conformed 
to  their  ]irecepts,  are  essential  reipiisites  in  ministers  of 
the  gospel  ami  guides  of  the  churcli. 

17.  All  who  arc  guided  liy  heavenly  wisdom  will  mani- 
fest a  heavenly  spirit  ;  and  none  liavt!  reason  lo  expect 
acceptance  with  Christ  any  I'mlher  llian  they  h:ive  evi- 
dence of  likeness  to  him  in  Ihcir  Icmper  and  conduct. 

CIIAI'TKR  IV. 

A  large  part  of  this  and  the  following  chapter  is  ad. 
diesscd  to  that  portion  of  the  .lewish  Christian  commu- 
nity wild  had  deiiarled  from  "  the  doctrine  that  is  accortl- 
ing  to  godliness,"  and  become  conformed,  in  their  spirit 
and  conduct,  to  the  exceedingly  corrupt  ami  turbulent 
mass  of  unbelieving  .lews  among  whom  they  lived.  Heo 
on  this  point  the  introductory  remarks  to  the  epistle. 

1.  Wtir.i  iin'l  fi^ldin'.'i;  contentions  iiiid  quarrels,  from 
those  of  individuals  and  neighborhoods,  to  those  of  prov- 


Goveining  the  desires. 


JAxAIES  IV. 


Uncertainty  of  life. 


ADM.  2  Ye  lust,  and  have  not:  ye  kill,*  and 
desire  to  have,  and  cannot  obtain:  ye  Gglit  and 
war,  yet  ye  have  not,  because  ye  ask  not. 

3  Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because  ye  ask  amiss, 
that  ye  may  consume  it  upon  your  Iusts.+ 

4  Ye  adulterers  and  adulteresses,  know  ye  not 
tliat  tlie  friendsliip  of  the  world  is  enmity  with 
God?"  whosoever  therefore  will  be  a  friend  of 
the  world  is  the  enemy  of  God. 

5  Do  ye  tiiink  that  tlie  scripture  saith  in  vain. 
The  spirit  that  dwellcth  in  us  lustetli  to  envy?*'' 

6  But  he  givcth  more  grace.  Wherefore  he 
saith,  God  rosisteth  the  proud,  but  giveth  grace 
unto  the  Immble.*^ 

7  Submit  yourselves  therefore  to  God.  Resist 
the  devil,*  and  he  will  flee  from  you. 

8  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to 
you.""  Cleanse  your  hands,  ye  sinners;'  and  purify 
your  liearts,  ye  double-minded. 

9  Be  afflicted,  and  mourn,  and  weep:  let  your 
lauglitcr  be  turned  to  mourning,  and  your  joy  to 
heaviness. 

*  Or.  envy,  i  Ot.  pleasures,  a  1  John  2:15,  i  Ov.  enviously.  bEccl.  4:4. 
c  Prov.  2y:U:).     J  1  Pet.  6:9.     e  2  Chr.  lori.     t  ha.  l:l(i.     S  Matt.  23:12. 

inces  and  states.  The  age  in  wliich  the  apostle  wrote 
was  one  of  the  most  turbulent  and  seditious  on  record ; 
and  the  unworthy  members  of  the  Christian  community 
here  addressed  did  not  escape  its  defilements.  T/iat  war 
in  your  members ;  have  their  seat  in  your  members,  and 
impel  you  to  fight  and  war  for  their  gratification.  Com- 
pare lli>in.  7:23. 

2.  Have  not;  real  satisfying  enjoyment,  because  you  do 
not  seek  it  in  the  right  things  or  in  the  right  way. 

3.  Receive  not;  because  you  do  not  ask  of  God  with  a 
right  spirit,  or  for  the  right  end.  You  seek  to  gratify 
yourselves  ;  whereas  you  should  seek  to  glorify  God  and 
do  good  to  men. 

4.  Ye  adulterem  and  adulteresses;  the  sin  of  adultery 
stands  here  as  the  embodiment  of  all  the  fleshly  lusts  in 
which  tliese  unworthy  professors  of  Christianity  indulged. 
The  same  sin  is  charged  by  the  apostles  Peter  and  Judo 
upon  the  false  teachers  and  their  followers,  2  Pet.  2:10,  14, 
18;  Jude  4,  7,  8.  The  world;  the  men  of  tlie  world,  with 
all  the  worldly  objects  to  which  they  devote  themselves, 
"the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the 
pride  of  life."     Compare  1  John  2:15,  IG. 

5.  In  vnin;  without  any  urgent  necessity  of  warning  us. 
The  spirit  that  dwdleth  in  us;  the  buinan  spirit  that  belongs 
to  us  as  a  fallen  sinful  race.  Ludelh  to  envy;  to  the  excit- 
ing of  envious  desires.  It  is  the  constant  doctrine  of  the 
Old  Testament,  that  men  naturally  desire  what  others  have, 
and  that  this  spirit  in  the  form  of  envy,  jealousy,  and  cov- 
etousness,  produces  immense  evil.  Eccl.  4:4;  Job  5:2; 
Prov.  14:30;  27:4;  Gen.  26:14;  30:1;  37:11;  Psa.  73:3; 
ion :  in.  The  conduct  of  men  in  all  ages  has  shown  this 
doctrine  to  bo  true.  You  therefore  ought  to  take  warning, 
and  earnestly  strive  against  its  power. 

Some  prefer  to  read  this  passage  as  two  questions,  thus  : 
"  Do  ye  think  that  the  scripture  speaketh  in  vain  ?  Doth  the 
Spirit  that  bath  dwelt  in  us" — the  Holy  Spirit  whom  God 
has  given  to  dwell  in  our  hearts — "lust  to  cnvyY' — excite 
lusts  that  lead  to  envy  ? 

(!.  lie;  (iod;  or,  according  to  the  second  of  the  above 
interpriitations,  the  Holy  Spirit.  Girclh  more  grace ;  to 
those  who  humbly  seek  him,  to  overcoilie  this  evil  jiropcn- 
sity.  liesisteth  the  proud ;  rejiels  those  who  come  in  pride 
and  self-sulliciency,  trusting  in  tbcmselves  and  despising 
others. 

7.  Submit — to  God;  be  resigned  to  bis  will,  be  content 
with  the  allotments  of  his  providence,  and  lay  aside  all 
envious  desires.  Rest.'tt  the  devil ;  by  refusing  to  do  wrong, 
for  the  accomplishment  of  any  object. 


10  Humble  yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,^ 
and  lie  shall  lift  you  up. 

11  Speak  not  evil  one  of  another,''  brethren.  He 
that  speaketh  evil  of  his  brother,  and  judgeth  his 
brother,  speaketh  evil  of  the  law,  and  judgeth  the 
law :  but  if  tiiou  judge  the  law,  thou  art  not  a  doer 
of  the  law,  but  a  judge. 

12  Tliere  is  one  lawgiver,  who  is  able  to  save  and 
to  destroy:'  wlio  art  thou  that  judgest  another? 

13  Go  to  now,  ye  that  say,  To-day  or  to-morrow 
we  will  go  into  such  a  city,  and  continue  there  a 
year,  and  buy  and  sell,  and  get  gain  : 

14:  Whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the 
morrow.  For  what  is  your  life?  It  is^  even  a 
vapor,J  that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and  then 
vanislieth  awaj'. 

15  For  that  ye  ought  to  say.  If  the  Lord  will,  we 
shall  live,  and  do  tliis,  or  tliat. 

16  But  now  ye  rejoice  in  your  boastings:  all 
such  rejoicing  is  evil. 

17  Therefore  to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good 
and  docth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin.'' 

liEph.  4:31;  1  Pet.  2:1.    >  Matt.  10:28.    !  Or,  For  i7  is.    JJob7:7.    t  Luke 
12:47. 

8.  Draw  nigh  to  God ;  in  prayer  for  all  needed  wisdom 
and  strength  to  resist  temptation  and  to  persevere,  what- 
ever be  the  consequences,  in  doing  right.  He  will  draw 
nigh  to  you;  to  sustain,  comfort,  and  provide  for  you. 
Cleanse  your  hands — purify  your  hearts;  be  outwardly  and 
inwardly  pure.  Double-minded;  those  who  are  drawn  dif- 
ferent ways  by  conscience  and  passion,  and  are  halting 
between  two  opinions. 

9.  Be  afflicted ;  in  view  of  your  sins,  and  the  judgments 
of  God  that  are  hanging  over  you.    See  note  to  chap.  5:1. 

10.  Humble  yimrsclvcs;  instead  of  fighting  and  warring 
for  worldly  emoluments,  honor,  and  jileasure,  commit  your- 
selves quietly  to  God,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up  to  true  honor 
iu  his  own  time  and  way. 

11.  Judgeth  the  law;  be  practically  condemns  it.  It  is 
the  royal  law  of  love  which  the  apostle  has  specially  iu 
mind,  which  forbids  slander,  and  every  thing  else  that  can 
injure  our  neighbor. 

12.  Ofic /(ncWi'cr,- Jesus  Christ,  and  only  one.  All  there- 
fore are  bound  to  yield  cheerful,  prompt,  unwavering  obe- 
dience to  him.  Who  art  thou ;  frail,  sinful,  dying  man,  that 
thou  usurpest  the  place  of  Christ,  and  pronounccst  sen- 
tence of  condemnation  on  his  servants,  when  thou  must 
thyself  soon  stand  before  him  in  judgment  and  be  treated 
for  eternity  according  to  thy  works? 

13, 14.  A  year — the  morrow;  all  our  plans  should  bo  made 
in  view  of  the  uncertainty  of  human  life. 

15.  Ye  ought;  to  feel  your  dependence  on  God  for  the 
continuance  of  life  and  for  every  bleesing,  and  to  act  ac- 
cordingly. 

16.  In  your  boastings;  of  what  great  things  you  will  do, 
as  if  you  were  able  of  yourselves  to  accomplish  your  pl;iiis. 
h  evil ;  because  it  is  treating  God  and  yourselves  contrary 
to  truth. 

17.  /;  is  sin ;  because  it  is  neglect  of  Imown  duty. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Wars  are  Ibo  fruit  of  human  wickedness.  Let  all  men 
be  at  peace  with  tjod,  and  obey  the  command,  "  Whatso- 
ever ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so 
to  tbeni,"  and  wars  will  cease. 

7.  The  devil  is  a  living  and  busy  agent,  exciting  and 
increasing  human  wickedness,  tenii>ting  men  to  envy,  vio- 
lence, and  fraud.  But  he  may  be,  and  he  ought  to  bo 
eflectually  resisted,  by  refusing  to  comply  with  Ins  temp- 
tations. 

12.  Christ  is  the  only  rightful  Lord  and  Lawgiver  of  bis 
ehui'ch.    llis  disciples  are  all  brethren ;  and  when  any  one 

I  rib 


Thz  wiclied  rich  warned. 


JAMES  V. 


Efficacy  of  prayer. 


CHAPTER  V. 


1  Wicked  rich  men  are  to  fear  God's  vengeance.  7  We  ought  to  be 
patient  in  afflictions,  after  the  example  of  the  prophets,  and  Job;  r.2 
to  forbear  swearing.  13  to  pray  in  adversity,  to  sing  in  prosperity;  IG 
to  acknowlfdge  mutually  our  several  faults,  to  pray  one  for  another, 
19  and  to  reduce  a  straying  brother  to  the  truth. 

GO  to  now,  ye  i-icli  men,"  weep  and  liowl  for 
your  miseries  tiiat  shall  come  upon  you. 

2  Your  riches  arc  corrupted,''  and  your  garments 
are  moth-eaten." 

3  Your  gold  and  silver  is  cankered;  and  the  rust 
of  them  shall  bo  a  witness  against  you,  and  sliall 
oat  your  flesh  as  it  were  fire.  Ye  have  heaped 
treasure  together  for  the  last  days.'' 

4  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  laborers  who  have 
reaped  down  your  fields,  \yhich  is  of  you  kept 
back  by  fraud,  crieth:'=  and  the  cries  of  them 
which  have  reaped  are  entered  into  the  ears  of 
the  Lord  of  sabaoth.'' 

5  Ye  have  lived  in  pleasure  on  the  earth,^  and 
boon  wanton ;  ye  have  nourished  your  hearts,  as 
in  a  day  of  slaughter. 

6  Ye  have  condemned  and  killed  the  just;  and 
he  doth  not  resist  you."^ 

7  Be  patient'  therefore,  brethren,  unto  the  com- 
ing of  the  Lord.  Beliold,  the  husbandman  wait- 
eth  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the  earth,  and  hath 
long  patience  for  it,  until  he  receive  the  early  and 
latter  rain.' 

8  Be  ye  also  jjationt;  stablish  your  hearts;  for 
the  coming  of  the  Lord  draweth  nigh.-' 


undertakes  to  lord  it  over  others,  lie  rebels  against  Christ, 
and  expo.se8  himself  to  be  destroyed. 

1.5.  In  forming  i)Ians  for  the  future,  we  should  never 
forget  our  dependence  on  God,  or  neglect  to  seek  his 
guidance  and  blessing. 

17.  Knowledge  of  (hity  increases  obligation  to  perform 
it ;  and  t)ic  neglect  of  known  duty  is  sin. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Yc  rich  men;  for  the  class  of  persons  addressed,  see 
introductory  note  to  cliap.  i.  Thai  sliall  come  Hpim  ynn; 
on  accoinit  of  your  sins,  especially  tlic  wicked  manner  in 
wliich  you  have  ol)tained  anil  used  riches.  There  is  a 
reference  here  anil  in  vor.  3,  !>,  to  tlie  awfid  calamity  tliat 
was  about  to  come  upon  tlie  .Icwisli  ))eo]iIe,  and  in  wliii  li 
these  rich  men  would  be  involved  in  common  with  tin- 
rest  of  their  countrymen.  ]!ut  this  is  not  the  full  meaning 
of  the  words.  That  judgment  sliadoweil  forth  the  more 
dreailfid  retributions  that  shall  overtake  all  sinners  at  the 
last  day.  Compare  the  introductory  remarks  to  Matthew, 
chap.  24. 

2.  Are  corrupted;  riches  in  those  days  consisted  mueli  in 
large  (piantities  of  grain  and  clothing,  which  were  liable 
to  become  worthless  t)y  decay. 

3.  Cankered;  from  having  been  hoarded  np,  instead  of 
being  used.  Enl  ijnnr flesh  ;  the  same  rust  tliat  bears  Avit- 
ness  against  them  shall  consume  them  as  fire ;  that  is, 
shall  bring  upon  them  the  consuming  judgments  of  Go<l. 
Treasure;  of  ill-gotten  wealth.  For  the  last  days;  more 
literally,  in  the  last  days ;  when  tlic  vengeance  of  God  is 
ready  to  fall  upon  you.    .See  note  to  ver.  1. 

4.  Cncth;  to  God  for  vengeance.  Of  sabaoth;  of  hosts; 
the  Almighty. 

5.  Sourished  your  hearts;  made  them  fat  by  luxuriant 
living.  Fat  is  said  to  have  no  feeding,  and  the  luxurious 
have  few  sympathies.     As  in  a  day  of  slaughter ;  he  com- 

1436 


9  Grudge  not*  one  against  another,  brctli-  .4.  nw. 
ren,  lest  ye  be  condemned :  behold,  the  Judge 
standeth  before  the  door." 

10  Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have 
spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an  examj)le 
of  suffering  afHiction,  and  of  patience.' 

11  Behold,  wc  count  them  hajjiiy  which  endure.'" 
Ye  have  heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,"  and  have 
seen  the  end  of  the  Lord;"  that  the  Lord  is  very 
pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy. 

12  But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not, 
neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither  by 
any  other  oath:  but  let  your  yea,  be  yea;  and 
your  nay,  nay ;  lest  ye  fall  into  ccnideinnatiou.'' 

13  Is  any  among  you  afflicted?  let  him  pray.' 
Is  any  merry?  let  him  sing  psalms. ■■ 

14  Is  any  sick  among  you?  let  him  call  for  the 
elders  of  the  church  ;*  and  let  them  pray  over  him, 
anointing  him  with  oil  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

15  And  the  ]U'aycr  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick, 
and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him  up;  and  if  he  have 
committed  sins,  (hey  shall  be  forgiven  him.' 

IG  Confess  your  faults  one  to  audtiier,"  and  pr.ay 
one  for  another,  that  3-e  may  be  healed.  The  etVect- 
ual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availcth 
niuch.^ 

17  Elias  was  a  man  subject  to  like  passions  as 
we  are,  and  he  prayed  earnestly*  that  it  might 
not  rain:™  and  it  rained  not  on  the  earth  by  the 
space  of  three  years  and  six  months. 


Mitt.5:10.  n  Job  1:21,  etc.  o  Job  42: 10.  etc.  p  Matt.  5:34,  etc.  q  2  Chr. 
.Ti:  12;  Jonah -ara,  etc.  rBph.  .'5:19.  •  Mark  10:18.  I  Isa.  33:24.  "Acts 
19:1».     V  Psa.  115:11).     X  Or,  in  pmyer .    w  I  Kings  17:1. 


pares  them  to  beasts  that  feed  to  excess  on  the  very  day 
of  slaughter.     See  note  to  ver.  1. 

G.  lie  ihith  not  resist  you;  after  the  example  of  his  Lord, 
he  connnits  his  cause  to  {!od.  knowing  that  lie  will  execute 
judgiiKiit  in  his  behalf.  Compare  1  Pet.  2:2:!.  With  ihcse 
wonls  the  apostle  p;isscs  from  the  lalse  professors  of  Cliris- 
lianity,  whose  sins  he  has  been  rebuking,  to  the  truly  hum- 
ble and  godly,  whom  he  exhorts  to  patience  under  tho 
trials  that  they  are  enduring. 

8.  Slahlisli  your  hearts;  in  the  f:iith  and  ])r;ii-ti(:o  of  tho 
gospel.  The  coming  of  the  Lord;  for  the  deliverance  of 
his  friends  iind  the  destruction  of  his  enemies. 

9.  Grudf^e  not  one  against  another;  Ihe  apostle  here  re- 
bukes that  murmuring  an<l  comidaining  spirit  between 
brethren  which  has  its  root  in  worldly  lust  and  envy. 
The  Jiulge;  who  will  punish  all  sin,  and  render  to  all  their 

just  rew;iril. 

11.  The  patience  of  Job ;  his  endurance  of  trials.  The  end 
of  the  Lord;  the  hap])y  end  to  which  he  brought  Job's 
litifTerings.    .lob  42:11),  12. 

12.  Suriirnot;  in  ordinary  conversation.  Let  your  yea, be 
i/ea;  and  i/our  naij,  nay;  let  your  yea  ;ind  n:iy  be  steadfast 
;ind  reliable,  so  that  they  shidl  neeil  no  oath  to  support 
them. 

14.  Elders  of  the  diurch  ;  who  in  the  days  of  Ihe  apostles 
were  often  enilued  with  miniculous  ]iowers.  Anointing 
hiin  With  oil;  as  was  custcjiiiiiry  among  the  Jews.  Mark 
O:!.'!.     In  the  name  of  the  Lord;  Acts  :i:fi,  Ifi. 

l.").  Forgiven  him;  on  his  being  penitent,  and  exercising 
faith  in  Christ. 

Hi.  One  to  another;  where  you  have  injured  one  another. 
lie  healed;  tliiit  the  calamities  which  your  sins  have  occa- 
sioned m;iy  be  removecl.  Effectual;  sincere,  earnest,  be- 
lieving. Arndelh  much;  has  great  inllnence  in  procuring 
blessings  from  (!od. 

17.  Elia.s;  Elijah.  I  Kings  17:1;  18:42-1.';.  Suhjirl  to 
like  jxissioiis  as  we  are;  as  njuch  as  to  tiy,  Uo  not  think  of 


Tlie  wa'nderer 


JAMES  V. 


to  he  reclamed. 


A.D.  60.      18  And  lie  prayed  again,  and  the  heaven 
gave  rain,  and  the  earth  brought  forth  her  fruit." 
19  Brethren,  if  any  of  you  do  err  from  the  truth, 
and  one  convert  liim ;'' 

»  I  Kings  18:42,  45.     b  Matt.  18:15.     <:  Rom,  11:14;  1  Cor.  9:22;  1  Tim. 

Elias  as  some  superhuman  being,  whose  prevalent  inter- 
cession with  God  you  are  forbidden  to  imitate.  He  was  a 
fellow-man  with  you,  and  a  sharer  with  you  of  all  the 
infirmities  of  human  nature. 

19.  Err  from  the  truth;  depart  from  the  faith  and  jirac- 
tice  of  the  gospel.  Convert  Itim  ;  turn  him  from  his  error 
to  the  belief  and  practice  of  truth  and  duty. 

20.  Hide  a  multitude  of  sins;  cover  them,  by  leading  the 
person  who  has  committed  them  to  obtain,  through  re- 
pentance and  faith  in  Christ,  forgiveness  of  them.  Com- 
pare Psa.  32 : 1  :  "  Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression  is 
forgiven,  whose  ein  is  covered." 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Riches  bring  with  them  great  responsibilities ;  and  to 
hoard  them,  instead  of  using  them  in  doing  good,  is  a  great 
sin,  and  one  which  draws  down  ujion  their  i^ossessor  the 
judgments  of  heaven. 

4.  Persons  who  work  for  others  have  a  righteous  claim 
to  full  compensation ;  and  the  withholding  of  it  from  them 
is  fraud,  which  will  be  visited  with  divine  indignation. 

8.  The  giving  of  directions  by  God  to  his  people,  as  to 
the  manifestation  of  a  Christian  spirit  under  wrongs,  was 
not  designed  to  justify  or  excuse  those  who  wronged  them, 
but  to  show  the  excellence  of  the  Christian  religion,  and 
to  increase  the  graces  and  promote  the  happiness  of  be- 
lievers. 

12.  Profaneness   is  a  great  sin,  every  form  of  which 


20  Let  him  know,  that  he  wliich  converteth 
the  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  way  shall  save  a 
soul  from  death,"  and  shall  hide  a  multitude  of 


sins. 


4:10.     d  Prov.  10:12;  1  Pet.  4:t?. 


should  be  carefully  avoided  by  all,  and  especially  by  pro- 
fessors of  religion. 

14.  The  appeal  of  popish  priests  to  the  directions  here 
given  for  the  healing  of  the  sick,  to  justify  them  in  anoint- 
ing with  oil  those  who  are  expected  to  die,  or  administer- 
ing what  they  call  extreme  unction,  is  a  gross  perversion ; 
and  it  is  only  by  perverting  the  scriptures,  that  they  can 
gain  even  a  seeming  support  for  their  practice. 

16.  Interpreting  this  verse  as  if  it  said.  Confess  your  sins 
to  the  priest,  is  another  gross  perversion  of  scripture, 
which,  when  the  Bible  shall  be  read  by  all,  will  be  seen. 
It  is  not  strange,  therefore,  that  the  pope  warns  his  people 
against  reading  it  and  judging  of  its  meaning ;  because 
when  they  do,  they  will  see  that  it  condemns  him. 

18.  Prayer,  humble,  believing,  earnest,  and  persevering, 
has  great  intiuence  with  God,  and  is  the  means  of  procur- 
ing unspeakable  blessings  for  men.  All  should  therefore 
pray  for  whatever  they  need,  in  the  name  of  Christ  the 
one  only  Mediator ;  confessing  their  sins,  not  to  the  priest, 
but  to  God,  who  alone  has  power  to  forgive  them,  and 
thanking  him  for  his  mercies. 

19.  Brethren  in  Christ  who  turn  aside  from  the  path  of 
truth  and  duty,  must  be  brought  into  it  again,  or  they  will 
perish ;  and  he  who,  from  love  to  Christ  and  to  them,  is 
instrumental  in  doing  this,  and  thus  saving  their  souls 
from  death  and  hiding  a  multitude  of  sins,  will  be  hailed 
by  them  as  an  everlasting  benefactor,  and  with  them  bless 
God  for  ever  and  ever. 


1437 


THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  GEIERAL  OF 

PETEE. 


The  present  epistle  is  addressed  to  the  "elect  sojourners  of  the  dispersion  of  Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappado- 
cia,  Asia,  and  Bithynia,"  all  provinces  of  Asia  Minor.  The  words  "  sojourners" —  or  "  strann^ors,"  as  rendered 
in  Qur  English  version — and  "dispersion"  are  both  the  appropriate  terms  for  the  Jews  liviny;  in  dispersion. 
That  the  apostle,  in  an  introduction  of  this  kind,  would  use  the  word  "sojourners"  in  a  wholly  figurative 
sense,  to  describe  Christians  as  "strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth,"  is  very  improbable.  AVe  must 
rather  understand  him  as  recognizing  in  the  Christian  churches  scattered  throughout  the  world  the  true 
"Israel  of  God,"  having  for  its  framework  the  believing  portion  of  the  covenant  people,  into  which  the 
Gentiles  had  been  engrafted  by  faitli,  and  thus  made  the  children  of  Abraham.  Hence  it  comes  to  pass 
that,  while  he  addresses  them  as  God's  ancient  people,  he  yet  includes  in  his  exhortations  the  gentile 
Christians,  as  is  manifest  from  various  passages,  especially  from  chap.  4  : 3. 

The  immediate  occasion  of  the  epistle  seems  to  have  been  a  "fiery  trial"  of  persecution  that  was  com- 
ing upon  the  Christians  of  the  provinces  named  in  the  introductory  address.  Chap.  1:6,  7  ;  2:12,  19,  20  ; 
3:14,  16,  17;  4:1,  12-19;  5:9,  10.  But  the  exact  date  and  character  of  this  persecution  cannot  be 
determined.  Tlie  majority  of  commentators  assign  it  to  the  latter  yiiars  of  Nero's  reign,  which  terminated 
A.  D.  68.  With  regard  to  the  place  of  writing,  see  note  to  chap.  5  :  13.  The  fervent  spirit  of  the  great 
apostle  of  the  circumcision  shines  forth  conspicuously  in  this  and  the  following  epistle.  The  two,  taken 
together,  contain  a  rich  body  of  instruction,  warning,  and  consolation,  which  has  in  all  ages  nurtured  the 
piety  of  the  Christian  church,  and  guarded  it  against  "the  error  of  the  wicked." 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  He  blesseth  God  for  his  manifold  spiritiual  graces;  10  showing  that 
the  salvation  in  Christ  is  no  nt'ws,  hut  a  thing  prophesied  of  old;  13 
and  pxhorteth  them  accordmsly  to  a  s^^dlv  conversation,  forasmuch  as 
they  are  now  born  anew  by  tiie  word  of  Lrod. 

PETER,  an  apostle  of  Josus  Christ,  to  the  stran- 
gers scattered  throughout  Pontus,  Galatia, 
Cappadocia,  Asia,  and  Bithynia," 

2  Eh'ct  according  to  the  fort^knowlcdge  of  God 
the  Father,''  tiirougli  sanctilicatiou  of  tiic  Spirit," 
unto  olxMlience''  aud  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ :''  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace,  be  mul- 
tiplied.' 

3  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jc- 


•  AcU  S:4.     <>  Rom.  8;«;  Eph.  1:4.     «  2  Thew.  2:13.     <l  Rom.  10:20. 
•  Heb.  12:24.     (  Judo  2.     «2Cor.  1:3.     •  Gr.  miifA.     Ii  Eph.  2:1.     I  John 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Strangers;  Jewifih  ChriHtiariH,  Rcaftprctl  throughout 
Pontus,  Galatia,  etc.,  i)roviii(f'H  of  AHi;i  Minor. 

2.  Accorilinfr  totlieforckiKmlcdfre— through sanclificnlion — 
unto  oheilience and  sprinkling ;  the  apo.stle  states  three  jiar- 
ticulars  concerninf;  their  election:  first,  it  is  in  acconl- 
ancc  with  God's  foreknowledge ;  in  other  words,  it  is  the 
carrying  out  in  action  of  his  eternal  foreknowKdj^e,  whicli 
inchifles  his  purpo.se ;  secondly,  it  is  thronjcli  the  sanclifi- 
cation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  the  agent ;  tliirdly,  it  is  unto 
obedience  and  the  sprinkling  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  end. 
All  who  are  elected,  then,  are  elected  to  bo  brought  into 
a  state  of  obedience  and  purification  from  sin,  through  the 

1438 


sus  Christ,^  which  according  to  his  abundant*  a.  d.  eo. 
mercy''  liath  begotten  us  again'  unto  a  lively  hope 
by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  tlie  (h'ad,^ 

4  'J'oiin  iiilieritance  iiicorniptiijle,'' anil  iiniiefiled, 
and  that  fadetli  not  away,'  reserved  in  heaven  for 
you,*"' 

5  Who  are  kept  by  tlic  power  of  God  througli 
faith"  unto  salvation"  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the 
last  time. 

6  Wherein  yc  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a 
season,  if  iK-cd  be,  ye  are  in  heaviness  througli 
manifold  tcniiitatioiis:'' 

7  That  the  trial  of  your  faith,''  being  imich  more 


:):3.  5.    I  1  Cor.  tr,.iO. 
"Eph.  2:8.    ojudcl.a). 


;   Heb.  9:15.     I  ch.  SA 
Plli'b.  12:7-11.     qJas  1 


t  Or,  113. 
:3,  12. 


I"  Col.  1:S. 


power  of  (iod's  Spirit,  and  the  efficacy  of  fhrist's  blood, 
caUcd  tli(!  lilood  of  sprinkling,  liecause  it  cleanses  the  con- 
science from  tlie  guilt  iiinl  di-lilcineni  of  sin.    lleb.  9: 18-23. 

3.  Alirrli/hnpc;  more  lilirnlly.  a  living  hope.  The  Chris- 
tian'b  hope  is  allying  principli',  ami  sustains  his  sjiiritual 
life.  Ill/  the  rcsurrerliiin  of  Jistix  Vhrial  from  tlie  (lend  ■  this 
lies  at  the  founilation  of  the  regenerating  i)owrr  of  the 
Spirit,  with  the  living  liojic  that  accompanies  it;  for  the 
Spirit  works  through  llu'  truth,  ver.  22;  .l:is.  1:1H. 

.'j.  In  the  last  time;  at  the  end  of  the  world. 

C.  If  need  he;  if  it  seem  good  to  God  that  it  bo  80  for 
your  spiritual  jirofit.     ('om]iare  Ileli.  12:(i-ll. 

7.  The  trial  of  ijnnr  fmlh  ;  that  is,  the  result  of  its  being 
tried;  or,  which  amouuts  to  the  same  tLltig,  yoiu'  faith 


The  new  life  of  the 


1  PETER  I. 


children  of  God. 


A.  D.60.  precious  than  of  srold  that  perisheth,  though 
it  be  tried  with  fire,"  might  be  found  unto  praise 
and  honor  and  glory"  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus 
Ciirist:  = 

8  Whom  having  not  seen*  ye  love;  in  whom, 
tliough  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  re- 
joice with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  gloiy:" 

9  Receiving  the  end  of  your  faith,  even  the  sal- 
vation of  your  souls. 

10  Of  whicli  salvation  the  propliets  have  inquired 
and  searclied  diligently,""  wlio  prophesied  of  the 
grace  that  should  come  unto  you : 

11  Searching  what,  or  what  manner  of  time  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  whicli  was  in  tiiem  did  signify,*'' 
Tviien  it  testilied  beforeliand  the  sutl'eringg  of 
Clirist,  and  the  glory  that  siiould  follow. 

12  Unto  whom  it  was  revealed,  that  not  unto 
themselves,''  but  unto  us  they  did  minister  the 
things,  which  are  now  reported  unto  you  by  them 
that  have  preached  the  gospel  unto  you  with  the 
Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven;'  which 
things  tlie  angels  desire  to  look  into.^ 

13  Wherefore  gird  up  the  loins  of  your  mind,'' 
be  sober,'  and  hope  to  the  end*  for  the  grace  that 
is  to  be  brought  unto  you  at  the  revelation  of 
Jesus  Clirist;"' 

14  As  obedient  children,  not  fashioning  your- 
selves according  to  the  former  lusts  in  your  igno- 
rance:" 

15  But  as  he  which  hath  called  you  is  holy,  so 
be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation ; 


»  1  Cor.  3 

13. 

b  Rom 

.  2:7, 

10.     ■:  Rev.  1 

:7 

tl 

[John  4:20 

.    e 

John 

16:22, 

t  Din. 

o-.-j. 

S 

2  Pet. 

1:21. 

h  Heb.   11: 

i'J, 

4(1 

1  Ads  2 

4; 

2  Uor 

1:22. 

j  Ei)h. 
n  Kom 

:f;IO 

k 

Luke  12:3.1. 

1  Luke  21:3 

. 

•  0 

r.  perfectly 

m 

Heb. 

10:35. 

l-J: 

■i 

o  Lev. 

11:44 

P  I'liil.  2: 

12. 

q 

John   1:20, 

■M 

Rev 

7:14. 

itself  after  it  has  been  so  tried  ;  for  it  is  not  the  trial  that 
is  precious,  but  its  product.  T/ian  of  gold ;  more  literally, 
than  gold.  Though  it  be  tried  with  fire;  judged  worth  such 
a  trial,  notwithstanding  its  perishable  nature,  while  your 
faith  is  imperishable. 

9.  Receiving — the  salvation  of  your  souls ;  eternal  life  be- 
gins in  the  soul  with  the  beginning  of  faith  in  Christ, 
■which  has  this  for  its  end ;  though  the  full  possession  of 
it  is  reserved  for  the  life  to  come. 

10.  The  prophetshave  inquired;  theysonghtto  knowmore 
fully  the  meaning  of  the  prophecies  whicli  they  uttered  con- 
cerning Christ,  and  the  blessings  he  would  bestow  on  his 
people. 

1 1.  What ;  what  time  in  respect  to  its  distance  from 
them.  What  manner  of  time ;  in  respect  to  the  character 
of  the  events  belonging  to  it. 

12.  That  not  unto  themselves;  not  unto  themselves  chiefly. 
Their  revelations  related  to  our  times,  and  were  given 
mainly  for  our  benefit.  Did  minister ;  minister  by  way  of 
prophetic  annunciation,  the  things  wliich  are  now  an- 
nounced to  you  as  facts.  Which  things;  foretold  by  the 
prophets,  and  revealed  in  the  gospel.  Angels — look;  the 
church  on  earth  and  its  salvation  are  objects  of  study  and 
admiration  in  heaven. 

l.'i.  Wherefore;  as  the  things  revealed  had  engaged  the 
attention  of  prophets,  apostles,  and  angels.  Gird  vp  the 
loinf!  nf  your  mind ;  be  awake,  attentive,  and  steadfast  in 
the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gospel.  The  grace;  their  sal- 
vation at  the  (lay  of  judgment. 

14.  Ignorance;  their  unconverted  state. 

LI.  He;  God. 

17.  If  ye  call  nntlie  Father;  or,  if  ye  call  upon  him  as  Father. 
In  fear;  that  fear  of  God  which  would  le:id  tliim  to  obey 
him,  and  that  fear  of  sin  which  would  lead  them  to  avoid  it. 

18.  Vain  conversation;  vain  life;  their  vain  reliance  on 
the  ceremonies  of  the  law  and  the  traditions  of  the  fathers. 


16  Because  it  is  written,  Be  ye  holy;  for  I  am 
holy." 

17  Arid  if  ye  call  on  the  Father,  who  without 
respect  of  persons  judgeth  according  to  every 
man's  work,  pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning  here 
in  fear:'' 

18  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  re- 
deemed with  corruptible  things,  os  silver  and  gold, 
from  your  vain  conversation  received  by  tradition 
from  your  fathers ; 

19  But  with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of 
a  lamb  wnthout  blemish  and  without  spot:'' 

20  Who  verily  was  foreordained  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,""  but  was  manifest  in 
these  last  times  for  you, 

21  Who  by  him  do  believe  in  God,  that  raised 
him  up  from  the  dead,  and  gave  him  glory;'  that 
your  faith  and  hope  might  be  in  God. 

22  Seeing  ye  have  purilicd  your  souls  in  obeying 
the  truth'  through  the  Spirit  unto  unfeigned  love 
of  the  brethren,"  see  that  ye  love  one  another  with 
a  pure  heart  fervently: 

23  Being  born  again,  not  of  corruptible  seed,  but 
of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God,""  which  liv- 
eth  and  abidoth  for  ever. 

24  For*  all  flesli  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  glory  of 
man  as  the  flower  of  grass.  The  grass  withcreth, 
and  the  flower  thereof  falleth  away : 

25  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  cver."^ 
And  this  is  the  word  which  by  the  gospel  is 
preached  unto  you.'' 

'  Rev.  13:8.  >  Matt.  'Zi-A^;  riiil.  2:0,  <  .loim  17:17,  19.  u  1  .Fohn  3:14, 
18.  V  John  1:13;  Jas.  1: IS.  1  Or.  For  l/iat.  w  Isa.  40;0-S,  «J(>hnl:l, 
14;  2  Pet.  1:19. 

20.  Foreordained;  as  a  Saviour. 

21.  By  him;  it  is  through  Clirist  alone  that  we  come  to 
God  as  our  heavenly  Father,  and  exercise  true  faith  in 
him.  John  14 :C.  Might  bem  God;  rest  on  what  God,  not 
man,  has  done. 

22.  Unto  unfeigned  love ;  having  this  for  its  proper  result. 

23.  Not  of  corruptible  seed;  not  as  at  first,  of  mortal  par- 
ents, born  to  die.  The  word  of  God,  which  livelh  and  abid- 
eth  for  ever;  and  therefore  communicates  and  nourishes  life 
which  will  be  eternal. 

24.  For  all  flesh  is  as  grass;  a  contrast  between  the  weak- 
ness and  transitoriness  of  man  and  the  power  and  eternal 
duration  of  God's  word,  taken  from  Isa.  40:G-8. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  people  of  God  are  scattered  throughout  various 
countries  that  they  may  show  the  nature  of  true  religion, 
and  thus  lead  others  to  embrace  it  and  receive  its  benefits. 

5.  Those  who  believe  on  Christ  must  persevere  in  holi- 
ness in  order  to  be  saved ;  and  the  maimer  in  which  (iod 
keeps  them  affords  the  greatest  encouragement  to  do  this. 

9.  God  never  sends  trials  on  his  peoi)le,  or  allows  snares 
to  beset  them,  except  when  their  good  requires  it.  Their 
faith  often  needs  to  be  tried,  to  show  whether  it  is  genu- 
ine ;  and  when  these  tests  prove  that  it  is,  and  that  its  end 
will  be  salvation,  this  greatl)'  increases  their  joy. 

13.  Tlie  fact  that  Christ  and  his  salvation  are  the  great 
subjects  of  Scripture,  and  have  been  regarded  with  Iho 
most  intense  interest  b}'  good  men  in  all  ages, and  even  by 
the  angels  in  heaven,  should  lead  all  on  earth  to  give  them 
their  earnest,  devout,  active,  and  persevering  devotion. 

18.  It  may  be  the  duty  of  persons  to  change  their  re- 
ligion although  it  has  come  down  to  them  from  their 
ancestors,  and  is  su])ported  by  ancient  traditions;  and  in 
many  cases,  unless  they  do  change  it,  they  will  lose  their 
souls. 

23.  Truth  is  the  means  of  regeneration  and  sanctifica- 

1439 


Peter  reoommendelh 


1  PETER  II. 


a  godly  conversation. 


CHATTER  II. 

1  He  dissuade ih  them  from  the  breach  of  ch;irity;  i  showing  that  Christ 
is  the  foundation  whereupon  tliey  are  built.  U  He  beseecheth  them 
ako  to  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts,  13  to  be  obedient  to  magistrates,  IS 
and  teacheth  servants  how  t«  obey  their  masters,  20  patiently  suffer- 
ing for  well-doing,  after  the  example  of  Christ. 

TT^^HEREFORE  liiyinsr  aside  all  malice."  and 
VV     all  guile,  aud  liypocrisies,  aud  euvies,  and 
all  evil-speakings, 

2  As  new-born  babes,''  desire  tlic  sincere  milk  of 
the  word,'^  that  ye  may  grow  thereby : 

3  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gra- 
cious.'' 

4  To  whom  coming,  as  nnfo  a  living  stone,''  dis- 
allowed indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of  God,  a7id 
precious, 

5  Ye  also,  as  lively  stones,  are*  built  up  a  spir- 
itual house,''  a  hoiy  priesthood,'-'  to  offer  up 
spiritual  sacrifices,"  acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

6  Wherefore  also  it  is  contained  in  the  scripture, 
Behold,  I  lay  in  Zion  a  chief  corner-stone,  elect, 
precious :  and  he  that  believeth  ou  him  shall  not 
be  confounded.' 

7  Unto  you  therefore  which  believe  he  is  pre- 
cious:* but  unto  them  whicli  be  disobedient,  the 
stone  which  the  builders  disallowed,  the  same  is 
made  the  head  of  tlie  corner.^ 

8  And  a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  a  rock  of  offence, 
even  to  them  wiiicli  stumlilc  at  the  word,  being  dis- 
obedient: whercunto  al.~o  they  were  appointed.'' 

9  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal  priest- 


»Eph.  4:'>>.  31.  b  Matt.  18:3.  cl  Cor.  3:3.  <iPsa.  34:8.  e  Psa.  n8:23. 
•Or.Ltjt.  'Heb.3:0.  K  Isa.  Gl  ;6j  llev.  1:6.  hMal.l:!!.  iIsa.K:10. 
»  Or,  oil  Aoiior.  J  Malt.  21:42.  k  Jude  4.  I  Or,  purchased.  1  Deut.  4:20. 
<  Or,  tiirliKt.    inActa20:18.    oRom.9:25.    oPsa.ll9:19.    p  Gal.  5:10-21. 


tion ;  and  men  by  bolicvinK  and  obeying  it  are  instru- 
mental of  their  own  eternal  Hfe. 

25.  As  the  gcspel  is  the  appointed  means  of  saving 
tlie  soul,  all  should  be  taught  to  read  it.  It  should  also 
be  preached  to  all,  aud  they  should  be  allowed  and  dis- 
posed to  hear  it,  especially  on  the  Sabbath;  and  for  this 
purpose  to  rest  from  worldly  business,  travelling,  and 
amusement,  and  meet  together  unitedly  to  seek  the  bless- 
ings of  grace. 

CHAPTER  II. 

2.  TIte  sincere  milk  of  the  wird;  the  pure  spiritual  truths 
of  the  gospel.  Grow  llicrcbi/;  many  of  the  best  copies 
read,  "grow  thereby  unto  salvation;"  that  is,  grow  up, 
through  the  spiritual  nourishment  of  the  truth,  into  a 
state  of  salvation. 

3.  Tabled ;  learned  liy  your  own  blessed  experience.  Psa. 
31:8.     TIte  I^rd;  the  Lord  Jesus. 

4.  A  living stime ;  Christ,  the  foundationof  the  chureliand 
of  the  hopes  of  his  people.     Psa.  118:22;  Isa.  28:lij;53:5. 

6.  Lively;  living.  A  spiritual  home;  the  church  of  fiod. 
which  is  a  spiritual  temjde  consisting  of  living  slones, 
built  upon  Jesus  Christ,  the  living  corner-stone.  1  Cor. 
3:10;  Ei)h.  2:20-22.  A  lioltj  priesthood;  why  they  are 
calle<l  a  priesthood  he  immediately  cxjilains.  It  is  be- 
cause tlicy  ofTer  to  God,  through  Jesus  Christ,  not  the  out- 
ward sacrifices  of  the  Levitical  iiricsthood,  but  the  spiril- 
xud  s<icrifi'.cf  of  a  broken  iicart  and  a  contrite  spirit,  mingled 
with  the  incense  of  thanksgiving  and  praise.  I'sa.  51:17; 
IIos.  14:2;  lieb.  13:15;  Rev.  1:C;  5:10. 

C.  In  tlte  scripture ;  Isa.  28:10. 

7.  r/if  «ton«;  Christ.  TAf  4ui/<krs;  Jewish  rulers.  Matt, 
21:42;  Acts  4:11. 

8.  Stumble  at  the  word;  are  ofTcnded  at  the  gospel  and 
reject  it.  Appointed;  by  Cod,  who  will  bring  upon  them 
the  punishmeut  they  deserve. 

1440 


hood,  a  holy  nation,  a  peculiar*  people;'  a. d.oj. 
that  ye  sliould  show  forth  the  praises^  of  him  who 
hath  called  you  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvel- 
lous light:"" 

10  Which  in  time  past  were  not  a  people,"  but  are 
now  the  peojile  of  God :  wliich  had  not  obtained 
mercy,  but  now  have  obtained  mercy. 

1 1  Dcitrly  beloved,  I  beseech  you  as  strangers 
and  pilgrims,"  abstiiin  from  fleshly  lusts,''  which 
war  against  the  soul ;'' 

12  Having  your  conversation  honest  among  the 
Gentiles:  that,  whereas'  they  speak  against  you 
as  evil-doers,  they  may  by  your  good  works,"' 
whicli  they  shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day 
of  visitation. 

13  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man 
for  the  Lord's  sake:'  whether  it  be  to  the  kiug, 
as  suiirenie; 

1-4  Or  unto  governors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent 
by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil-doers,  aud  for 
the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 

15  For  so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  well- 
doing yo  may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  fool- 
ish men : ' 

16  As  free,'"  and  not  using^  your  lilierty  for  a 
cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants  of  God. 

17  Honor*  all  men/  Love  the  brotherhood.^" 
Fear  God."     Honor  the  king.*' 

18  Servants,  be  subject  to  your  masters  with  all 
fcar;^  not  only  to  the  good  and  gentle,  but  also 
to  the  froward. 


q  Rom.  S;13;  Jas.  4:1.  I  Or.  wherein.  'Matt.  5:10.  •  Matt.  22:21  ;  Kom. 
13  1-7.  1  Titus  2:8.  "Gal.  5:1,  13.  l  Gr. /mivnff.  '  Or,  Efteem.  'Kom. 
I2:1U;  Phil.  2:3.  w  John  13:35.  i  Psa.  111:10.  y  Prov.  24:21.  «  Eph. 
0:5,  etc. 

9.  B«(  yc  are  a  chosen — priesthood — show  forth  the  praises; 
these  expressions  are  a  cornliination  of  Exod.  11): 5,  0,  and 
Isa.  43:20,21, according  to  the  Greek  version.  The  idea  is, 
that  what  God  said  of  the  literal  Israel  under  the  old 
economy,  holds  good  of  "  the  Israel  of  God  "  under  the 
new,  embracing  all  of  every  nation  who  believe  in  Christ. 
The  praises;  rather,  as  in  the  margin,  the  virtues;  mean- 
ing the  glorious  attribtitcs  of  God. 

10.  Not  a  people — obtained  mercy;  quoted  from  Uosea  1:9, 
10;  2:1,  upon  the  same  principle  as  above. 

11.  As  strangers  and  pilgrims ;  there  seems  to  be  a  double 
allusion  here:  first,  to  Iheir  literal  disjiersion  in  foreign 
hinds,  chap.  1:1;  secondly,  to  Iheir  being  pilgrims  and 
strangers  njion  e:irlh,  wliich  their  literal  sojourn  among 
foreigners  well  shadowecl  forth.  1  Chron.  29:15;  Ileb. 
11:9,  10,  compared  with  verses  13-10. 

12.  Conversation;  depurtment,  manner  of  life.  T'/ic  day 
of  visitation;  the  time  when  the  gosjicl  is  accompanied  by 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

13.  Every  ordinance  of  man;  idl  Iminan  laws  which  are 
not  in  opposition  to  the  law  of  (iod.  For  the  Lord's  sake; 
for  the  ))urpoHe  of  lumoring  him. 

M.  The  praise  of  them  tliat  do  well;  their  protection,  se- 
curity, and  comfort. 

15.'  Put  to  silence;  a  good  life  best  confounds  slanderers. 

10.  As  free;  free  fr(un  the  service  of  iSatan,  ;ind  from 
slavish  bondage  to  human  onlinances.  Comiiare  (ial.5: 13. 
For  a  cloak  of  maliaousnrss ;  n(jt  abusing  your  liberty  by 
making  it  ;i  cover  for  doing  wrong  to  man. 

17.  Honor  all  men;  by  showing  them  jiroper  respect. 
The  lirothcrhood ;  Christians,  who  are  all  e(|u;illy  children 
of  God.  Fear  God;  in  such  a  manner  as  shall  lead  you  (o 
obey  him.  The  king;  the  one  who  is  at  the  head  of  civil 
govcrimient. 

18.  All  fear;  all  proper  respect  The  froward;  wicked, 
peevish,  morose. 


The.  meekness  of  Christ. 


1  PETER  III. 


Duties  of  wives  and  /msbands. 


A.  D  (».  19  For  this  is  tliank-worthy,*  if  a  man  for 
conscience  toward  God  endure  grief,  suffering 
wrongfully. 

20  For  what  glory  w  it,  if,  wlien  ye  be  buffeted 
for  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it  patiently?  but  if, 
"when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer /b/-  if,  ye  take  it  pa- 
tiently, this  is  acceptable*  with  God.-' 

21  For  even  hereunto  were  ye  called  :''  because 
Christ  also  suffered  for  us,*  leaving  us  an  example, 
that  ye  should  follow  his  steps:'' 

22  Wiio  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in 
his  moutli:'' 

23  Wlio,  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again ; 
when  he  suffered,  he  threatened  not ;  but  commit- 
ted /limse/f-'  to  him  that  judgetli  righteously*" 

24  Wlio  his  own  self  bare  our  sins  in  his  own 
body  on"  the  tree,'  that  we,  being  dead  to  sins, 
should  live  unto  righteousness  :"•'  by  whose  stripes 
ye  were  healed." 

25  For  ye  were  as  sheep  going  astray;'  but  are 
now  returned  unto  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of 
your  souls.^ 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  teacheth  the  duty  of  wives  and  husbands  to  each  other,  8  exhort- 
ing all  men  to  unity  and  love,  14  and  to  suffer  persecution.  19  He 
declareth  also  the  benefits  of  t'hrist  toward  the  old  world. 

IIKEWISE,  ye  wives,  be  in  subjection  to  your 
J  own  husbands;''  that,  if  any  obey  not  the 
word,  they  also  may  without  the  word  be  won  by 
the  conversation  of  the  wives ; 


•  Or 

,  tliank; 

Luke 

6:3-2.     t  Ot,  thank 

a  Matt.  5 

:10- 

12.     b 

Matt 

16:24; 

IThes 

s.  3:3,  4. 

I  Some  read,  for  you. 

0  1  John  3 

16; 

Rev. 

2:11. 

d  Is.l. 

53:9. 

i  Or,  his 

cause 

.     e  Luke  23:46. 

I  Or,  10.     t 

ha 

.'53:4, 

etc. 

e  Rom. 

G:ll. 

h  Isi.  53 

5,0. 

iPsa.  119:176.    J  I 

zek.  31:23; 

John  10:11-16. 

kEph. 

21.  Hereunto  were  ye  called;  to  exercise  a  kind  and  for- 
giving spirit  when  injured,  and  tlius  honor  Clirist,  wlio, 
when  injured,  manifested  such  a  spirit.  Isa.  53: 7-9 ;  Acts 
8:32. 

23.  To  him ;  God,  who,  although  he  commands  his  peo- 
ple to  manifest  a  Cliristian  spirit  towards  all,  will  never- 
theless condemn  and  punish  those  who  oppress  or  injure 
them.     Matt.  2.5:40-46. 

24.  Bare  our  sins;  expiated  them  by  suffering  in  his  o^vn 
person  the  curse  of  them,  and  thus  delivering  us  from  it. 
John  1:29;  Gal.  3:13.  Tlie  tree;  the  cross.  Dead  to  sins; 
freed  from  their  guilt  and  power.  Bi/  whose  stripes;  in  con- 
sequence of  whose  sufferings.  Isa.  53:5.  Ye  were  healed; 
delivered  from  sin  in  its  condemnation  and  pollution. 

25.  The  Shepherd  and  Bishop ;  Jesus  Christ,  the  overseer 
and  watchman  of  our  souls.     Isa.  40: 11. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

I.  Men  must  cease  to  do  evil  if  they  would  rightly  un- 
derstand and  appreciate  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  or  be 
savingly  benefited  in  receiving  them. 

6.  The  Scriptures  show  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only 
foundation  of  hope,  and  that  those  who  build  on  any  other 
foundation  will  in  the  end  be  disappointed. 

9.  The  priests  of  the  New  Testament  dispensation,  spok- 
fii  of  in  the  Bible,  are  Christians  ;  and  the  sacrifices  which 
they  otfer  are  the  sacrifices  of  love  and  devotion.  These 
are  acceptable  to  (Jod  through  Jesus  Clirist,  who  by  one 
offering  of  himself  obtained  eternal  life  for  all  who  put 
tlioir  trust  in  him. 

II.  From  all  gratifications  which  injure  the  soul,  or  tend 
to  hhider  its  salvation,  the  gospel  reiiuircs  total  absti- 
nence. 

12.  Honesty,  uprightness,  and  a  kind  anil  courteous  de- 
meanor sliould  be  conscientiously  observed  by  the  follow- 
ers of  (Jhrist,  that  they  may  manifest  the  excellence  of 
religion,  and  a-*  far  as  possible  lead  all  racu  to  embrace  it. 
91 


2  While  they  behold  your  chaste  conversation 
coupled  with  fear. 

3  Whose  adorning,  let  it  not  be  that  outward 
adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and  of  wearing  of 
gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel;' 

4  But  kt  it  be  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart,'"  in 
that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even  the  ornament  of 
a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,"  which  is  in  the  sight  of 
God  of  great  price. 

5  For  after  this  manner  in  the  old  time  the  holy 
women  also,  who  trusted  in  God,  adorned  them- 
selves, being  in  subjection  unto  their  own  hus- 
bands : 

6  Even  as  Sarah  obeyed  Abraham,  calling  him 
lord:"  whose  daughters"'  ye  are,  as  long  as  ye  do 
well,  and  are  not  afraid  with  any  amazement. 

7  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with  them  accord- 
ing to  knowledge,  giving  honor  unto  the  wife,''  as 
unto  the  weaker  vessel,  and  as  being  heirs  together 
of  the  grace  of  life ;  that  your  prayers  be  not  hin- 
dered. 

8  Finally,  be  ye  all  of  one  mind,''  having  compas- 
sion one  of  another;  love  as"  brethren,  6e  pitiful, 
be  courteous  :"■ 

9  Not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for  rail- 
ing: but  contrariwise,  blessing;"  knowing  that  ye 
arc  thereunto  called,  that  ye  should  inherit  a  bless- 
ing. 

10  For  he  that  will  love  life,  and  see  good  days, 
let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil,  and  his  lips 
that  they  speak  no  guile :' 


A-li; 

Titus 

2:4,  5. 

1 

IT 

m. 

2:9, 

10. 

m 

Psa.  4.5 

:13; 

Rom. 

2:29. 

n  Psa. 

•«■()■ 

149:4 

.Matt. 

'5:5 

,      0 

Ger 

.  IS 

12. 

T  Gr.  children. 

P  Col. 

3:19. 

q  Rom. 

12:16 

•  Or 

loving 

to 

Me. 

r 

1  John  3:18. 

'  Matt. 

5:44;  Epl 

.4:32 

'  Psa. 

34:12 

etc. 

17.  True  religion  teaches  ns  to  conduct  with  propriety 
in  all  conditions  and  relations  of  life,  and  to  exercise  those 
feelings  towards  others  which  we  ought  to  wish  others  to 
exercise  towai-ds  us. 

23.  The  commands  of  God  to  exercise  right  feelings 
when  suffering  under  wrongs,  were  not  designed  to  excuse 
the  authors  of  those  wrongs ;  and  to  quote  these  commands 
for  such  a  purpose  is  a  gross  perversion  of  Scripture. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  Be  in  subjection  to  your  own  husbands;  treat  them  as 
the  rightful  head  of  the  family.  The  word;  the  Scriptures 
and  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  Be  won;  led  to  embrace 
the  gospel. 

2.  Chaste  conversation;  pure  deportment.  Fear;  a  rever- 
ential demeanor,  such  as  becomes  the  wife.  Compare 
verses  5,  6. 

4.  Let  it  be  the  hidden  man  of  tlie  heart;  instead  of  outward 
adornments  visible  to  man,  let  it  consist  in  the  inward 
spiritual  state  of  the  heart,  invisible  to  sense,  which  alone 
tiod  regards.  1  Sam.  16:7.  In;  consisting  or  lying  in. 
That  which  is  not  corruptible — quiet  spirit ;  or.  the  incorrupt- 
ible ornament  of  a  meek  and  ([uiet  spirit,  like  that  which 
Jesus  manifested,  and  which  those  possess  who  imitate 
him.     Matt.  11:29. 

6.  Calling  him  lord;  thus  acknowledging  her  subjection 
to  him  as  her  rightful  head.  Gen.  1S:12;  1  Cor.  11:3. 
Amazement;  such  ;ipprchcnsion  of  danger  as  would  pre- 
vent tlu'iri  from  doing  their  duty. 

7.  According  to  knowledge;  knowledge  of  the  nature  and 
duties  of  the  marriage  relation.  Giving  honor;  due  re- 
spect, kind  attention,  and  afl'ectionate  assistance;  such  as 
love  guided  by  wisdom  dictates.  Hens  iogcllicr;  mutual 
partakers  of  divine  grace,  equally  entitled  to  the  blessings 
of  the  gospel. 

10-12.  Quoted  from  Tsa.  .34:12-16. 

H41 


Christian  duties. 


1  PETER  IV. 


Sufferings  of  Christ. 


11  Let  him  eschew  evil,  and  do  good;  lot  him 
seek  peace,  and  ensue  it. 

12  For  the  eyes  of  tiie  Lord  are  over  the  right- 
eous, and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  prayers:  but 
the  face  of  the  Lord  is  against'  them  that  do  evil. 

1:5  And  who  is  he  tliat  will  harm  you,  if  yc  be 
followers  of  that  which  is  good  ?" 

14r  But  and  if  ye  suffer  for  righteousness'  sake, 
happy  are  ye:  and  be  not  afraid  of  their  terror, 
neither  be  troubled ;" 

15  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your  hearts: 
and  be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to  every 
man  that  asketli  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is 
in  you,''  with  meekness  and  fear:* 

1()  Having  a  good  conscience;  that  whereas  tliey 
speak  evil  of  you,  as  of  evil-doers,  they  may  be 
ashamed  that  falsely  accuse  your  good  conversa- 
tion in  Christ. 

IT  For  it  is  better,  if  the  will  of  God  be  so,  that 
ye  suffer  for  well-doing,  than  for  evil-doing. 

18  For  Christ  also  hath  once  suflored  for  sins,'' 
the  just  for  the  unjust,''  that  he  might  bring  ns  to 
God,  being  put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  but  ipiickened 
by  the  Spirit:'' 


•  Or.  upon.     »  ProT.   16:7;  Rom.  8:2:*.     b  Isa.  8:12.  13;  .')1:12.     »  l's,a. 
119:46.    t  Or,  reKr<n«.     <l  ch.  2:21.     c  2  Cor.  .0:2!.     f  Rom.  4:25.     E  Isa. 


11.  Eschew;  avoid.     Ensiie;  follow,  practise. 

12.  Over  the  righteou.i ;  for  their  protection  and  benefit. 
Against  them ;  he  disapproves  ;iiul  will  pmiisli  tliem. 

13.  Wilt  harm  you ;  the  general  effect  of  a  righteons  life 
is  to  deter  men  from  harming  us.  Even  should  wicked 
men  persecute  us  for  righteousness'  sake,  God  will  over- 
rule this  for  our  good,  as  I'etcr  immediately  shows, 

11.  Happy;  Matt.  5:10.  Of  their  terror;  of  any  evil 
which  they  threaten.  This,  and  the  first  clause  of  the 
next  verse,  are  taken  from  Isa.  8:12,  13. 

15.  Sanctify  the  Lord  God;  treat  him  as  God,  trust  in  fiim 
to  protect  you  and  do  for  you  what  you  nee<l.  To  give  nn 
answer;  state  the  rca-sons  wliy  you  believe  the  gospel,  and 
hope  to  be  saved  by  it. 

16.  A  good  conscience;  one  that  is  enlightened,  whose 
dictates  you  follow,  and  whose  approbation  you  enjoy. 
They;  the  wicked,     (iood  conversation ;  consistent  life. 

18.  In  Ihejle.'ih;  in  liis  human  nature.  Quickened;  made 
alive  again;  raised  from  the  dead.  Bijllie  Spirit;  liis  own 
divine  Spirit.     .John  10:17,  18, 

19.  By  which;  divine  .Si>irit.  lie  vent  and  preaclied ;  by 
Noah.  Unto  lite  .spirits;  which,  when  Peter  wrote,  were 
confined  in  torment  as  in  a  prison.     Malt.  5:25,  26. 

20.  Which  sometime  were  disobedient ;  when  they  were 
alive  on  the  earth,  and  ('hrist,  by  No;di,  preached  to  them 
during  the  building  of  the  ark.  Wlicrcin;  in  the  ark. 
Eight  souls;  Noah  and  his  wifi',  his  three  koiis  and  their 
wives,  (len.  7:7.  Were  saved;  through  believing  and 
ol)oying  God,  preparing  an  ark  and  entering  into  it,  liij 
water;  by  tlie  instrumentality  of  water.  The  w;iler  wliicii 
destroyed  tlie  wicked  bore  up  tlie  ark  and  lloated  it  in 
safety. 

21.  Tlie  tike  figure  vhereunin,  even  baptism;  or,  l)a|)tism, 
the  antitype  of  which ;  that  is,  baptism  which  was  in  a 
certain  way  foreshadowed  in  the  Balv;ition  of  Xo;di  and 
his  family  l>y  water.  Not  the  putting  away  nf  the fillh  <f  the 
flesh  ;  it  is  not  the  use  of  wjiter  merely,  or  the  jmrifying  of 
the  body  tliat  saves  us ;  Itul  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience 
toward  God;  llie  literal  rendering  is,  the  iiirpiiry  of  a  good 
conscience  towards  God.  Some,  as  our  English  version, 
nnderstand  tlie  woni  ini|uirv  of  the  whole  iirociss  of  ipies- 
tioning  and  answering  in  connection  with  the  baiilism  of 
a  convert.  The  meaning  will  then  be,  the  belief  and  sin- 
cere profession  of  the  gospel,  in  whiili  obedience  to  its 
commands  is  necessarily  included.  Others  explain  the 
words  as  meaning,  the  seeking  of  a  good  conscience  after 

1442 


19  By  which  also  he  went  and  preached  a. p.m. 
unto  the  spirits  in  prison;* 

20  Which  sometime  were  disobedient,  when  once 
the  long-suffering  of  God  waited  in  the  days  of 
Noah,''  while  the  ai-k  was  a  preparing,  wherein 
few,  that  is,  eight  souls,  were  saved  by  water. 

21  The  like  figure  whcrcunto,  ri-cn  baptism,'  doth 
also  now  save  us,  (not  tiie  ]nifting  away  of  the 
filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good  con- 
science toward  God,0  bv  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ: 

22  Who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and  is  on  the  right 
hand  of  God;  angels  and  authorities  and  powers 
being  made  subject  unto  him." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  cxhorteth  them  to  cease  from  sin  by  the  example  of  Christ,  and 
t!ic  cotisiiieration  of  the  gencni,!  end  tiiat  now  approacLeth;  12  and 
coinroituth  them  against  persecution. 


T70RASMUCH  then  as  Christ  hath  suffered  for 
X  us  in  the  flesh,  arm  yourselves  likewise  with 
the  same  mind:'  for  lie  that  liatli  suffered  in  the 
flesli  hath  ceased  from  sin;"" 

42:7.  tGen.ch.fl.  iEph.3:2«.  J  Acts  8:37;  Rom.  10:10.  »Eph.J:ai. 
1  Phil.  2:5.     i»Rom.  0:2,  7. 

God.  Taken  cither  way,  the  idea  is  for  substance  the  same. 
By  the  resurrection  of — Christ;  whicli  was  the  proof  that 
his  atonement  was  accepted  as  a  propitiation  for  the  sins 
of  men.     1  John  2:2. 

22.  Gotw  into  heaven ;  as  the  forerunner  and  inlcrccasor 
of  his  people,  and  head  over  all  tilings  to  his  churcll. 
Hcb.  0:20;  7:25;  Matt.  28:18. 

INSTIU^CTIONS. 
2.  The  salvation  of  relatives  should  be  earnestly  sought, 
and  a  uniformly  Christian  deportment  is  one  of  the  most 
powerful  means  of  promoting  it. 

6.  The  most  excellent,  lovely,  and  enduring  ornaments 
of  women  are  not  those  which  are  external,  but  those 
whicli  are  internal — purity  of  lieart,  meekness,  content- 
ment, ;ind  dcliglit  in  doing  good. 

7.  Daily  family  jirayer  is  one  of  the  most  powerful 
means  of  grace ;  and  husb;inds  and  wives  should  so  live 
that  uniting  in  it  will  be  delightful,  and  a  means  of  fitting 
them  for  the  joys  of  earth  ;uid  the  bliss  of  heaven, 

16,  So  great  is  bnnniii  wickedness  that  men  will  often 
1)0  called  to  sulVer  for  doing  right;  but  instead  of  being 
discouraged,  they  should,  with  greater  steadlastness  and 
fidelity,  go  forward  in  duty,  trusting  in  (lod  to  en;djle  them 
80  to  live  as  never  to  be  called  to  sufler  for  any  other 
cause. 

20,  The  idea  that  the  apostle  Peter,  or  any  other  writer 
of  the  holy  Scriptures,  leaches  that  there  is  such  a  place 
or  state  as  imrgatory,  is  false  and  pernicious. 

21.  I'';iith  and  obedience  in  this  life,  in  those  wlio  know 
the  will  of  (jod,  have  ever  been  essential  to  salvation; 
;tnd  both  his  ])rovidence8  and  his  ordinances  have  been 
suited  to  impress  this  on  their  ndnds. 

CHAl'THIl  IV. 

1.  Christ  hath  suffered  for  iis  in  tlie  flesh  ;  referring  to  what 
has  been  said  before,  cliaj).  3:  |.^.  U'ith  the  same  mind;  the 
same  readiness  to  snlTer  in  the  (lesh  th;it  Christ  nianilestod. 
Ilalh  suffered  in  the  flesh;  after  the  example  of  Christ  and 
from  love  towards  him  ;  for  it  is  sulVering  for  Christ's  sake 
that  the  apostle  has  in  view.  Compare  (•h;ip.  1:0,  7: 
2:l:i-21;  3:11-17.  Ilclji  cnisrd frnni  siii;  hath  di<'d  to  sin 
spiritually  in  union  with  Christ,  as  the  effect  of  his  suffer- 
ing. Compare  the  words  of  I'aiil,  "Our  old  man  is  cruci- 
fied with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might-  bo  destroyed, 
tliat  hciicefortli  we  should  not  serve  sin."    Rom.  0:6. 


The  end  approachelh. 


1  PETER  V. 


How  to  suffer  for  Christ. 


A.  D  CO.  2  Tliat  lie  no  longer  rshould  live  the  rest 
of  his  time  in  tlie  flesh  to  tlie  lusts  of  men,  but  to 
the  will  of  God/' 

3  For  the  time  past  of  our  life  may  suiBce  us  to 
have  wrought  the  will  of  the  Gentiles,''  when  we 
walked  in  lasciviousness,  lusts,  excess  of  wine,  rev- 
ellings,  banqueting?,  and  abominable  idolatries: 

4  Wherein  they  think  it  strange  that  ye  run  not 
with  them  to  the  same  excess  of  riot,  speaking  evil 
of  2/0?/./" 

5  Who  shall  give  account  to  him  that  is  ready 
to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

6  For,  for  this  cause  was  the  gospel  preached 
also  to  them  that  are  dead,  that  they  might  be 
judged  according  to  men  in  the  flesh,"  but  live 
according  to  God  in  the  spirit.^ 

7  But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  iiand:''  be  ye 
therefore  sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer.'-' 

S  And  above  all  things  have  fervent  charity 
among  yourselves:  for  charity  shall*  cover  the 
multitude  of  sins." 

9  Use  hospitality  one  to  another  without  grudg- 
ing.' 

10  As  every  man  hath  received  the  gift,-'  n^cn  so 
minister  the  same  one  to  another,  as  good  stewards 
of  the  manifold  grace  of  God." 

11  If  any  man  speak,  let  him  speak  as  the  oracles 
of  God ;  if  any  man  minister,  let  him,  do  it  as  of 
the  ability  which  God  giveth;  that  God  in  all 
things  may  be  glorified  through  Jesus  Chi-ist,'  to 
whom  be  praise  and  dominion  I'or  ever  and  ever.'" 
Amen. 

»  2  Cor.  5:15.  b  1  Cor.  6:11;  Titus  3:3.  c  Acts  13:45.  d  Matt.  24:9. 
e  Rev.  14:13.  t  Jas.  5:8,  9.  S  Luke  ai;3(i.  •  Or.  will,  h  1  Cor.  13:7. 
i  Ileb.  13:2, 16.    J  Rom,   12:G-S.     k  Luke  12:42.     1  1  Cor.  10:31.     m  Rev. 


■  2.  To  the  Ivstx  of  men  ;  controlled  by  sinful  inclinations. 

3.  Wrought  the  unit  of  tlie  Gentiles;  lived  as  do  the  hea- 
then, for  sensual  gratifications.  Abomhwhle  idolatries;  of 
the  gentile  world.    See  the  introduction  to  this  epistle. 

4.  They;  the  wicked. 

■  5.   Who;  these  blasphemers.     Quick;  living. 

6.  Preached — to  tlicm  that  are  dead;  preached  to  them 
when  they  were  living.  If,  with  many  commentators,  we 
understand  these  difficult  words  of  those  who  have  been 
persecuted,  especially  those  who  have  suffered  martyrdom 
for  Christ's  sake,  tlie  meaning  will  be,  tliat  they  might, 
after  the  example  of  their  Master,  lie  judged  according  to 
men — suflTcr  in  accordance  with  the  judgment  of  men — in 
the  flesh;  t)ut  live  according  to  God;  in  accordance  with 
God's  will  and  divine  power  in  the  spirit;  in  their  spiritual 
and  immortal  nature. 

7.  The  end  of  all  things  ;  the  end  of  the  world,  which  the 
holy  Scriptures  would  have  us  consider  as  ever  near,  and 
for  which  they  exhort  us  to  maintain  a  constant  state  of 
preparation.  2  Pet.  2:10-12,  Practically  this  end  comes 
to  each  one  of  us  at  death,  when  our  probation  closes  for 
ever ;  as  it  is  written, "  After  this,  the  judgment,"  ]  leb,  9 :  27. 

8.  Fereent  charity;  ardent  love  to  one  another.  Shall 
cover  the  multitude  of  sim;  by  leading  him  who  exorcises  it 
to  overlook  and  forgive  the  sins  of  his  brethren.  The 
words  are  quoted  from  Prov,  10:12. 

10,  The  gift;  the  spiritual  gift  qualifying  him  to  serve 
God  in  a  particular  way.  Compare  the  very  similar  pas- 
sage in  Itom,  12:0-8,  Tlie  manifold  grace  if  God;  manifest- 
ing itself  in  the  bcstowmcnt  of  manifold  gifts, 

12.  Fiery  trial;  the  great  sufferings  which  were  coming 
upon  them. 

I'A.  Christ's  sxifferings ;  see  note  to  Col.  1:2'1, 

11,  For  the  name  cf  Chri'it;  literally,  in  the  name  of 
Christ;  that  is,  as  those  who  bear  his  name.  See  note  to 
verse  16,     Reslclh  upon  you;  to  sustain  you  in  your  sulfer- 


12  Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concerning  the 
fiery  trial  which  is  to  try  you,"  as  though  some 
strange  thing  happened  unto  you: 

13  But  rejoice,"'  inasmuch  as  ye  are  partakers  of 
Christ's  sufferings;  that,  when  his  glory  shall  be 
revealed,P  ye  may  l>e  glad  also  with  exceeding  joy. 

14  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name  of  Christ,'' 
happy  arc  ye;  for  the  spirit  of  glory  and  of  God 
resteth  upon  you :  on  tlieir  part  he  is  evil  spoken 
of,  but  on  your  part  he  is  glorified. 

15  But  let  none  of  you  sutler  as  a  murderer,  or 
as  a  thief,  or  as  an  evil-doer,  or  as  a  busybody  in 
other  men's  matters. 

16  Yet  if  any  man  suffer  as  a  Christian,  let  him 
not  bo  ashamed ;  but  let  him  glorify  God  on  this 
Ijchalf. 

17  For  the  time  ?',9  come  that  judgment  must  be- 
gin at  the  house  of  God :''  and  if  it  first  begin  at 
us,  what  shall  the  end  be  of  them  that  obey  not  the 
gospel  of  God  ? 

18  And  if  the  righteous  scai'cely  be  saved,  where 
shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear?^ 

I'J  Wherefore,  let  them  that  suffer  according  to 
the  will  of  God,  commit  the  keeping  of  their  souls 
to  him  in  well-doing,  as  unto  a  faithful  Creator.* 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  He  e.\horteth  the  elders  to  feed  their  flocks,  5  the  younger  to  obey,  S 
and  all  to  be  sober,  watchful,  and  constant  in  the  faith ;  9  to  resist  the 
cruel  .adversary  the  devil. 

''T^HE  elders  which  are  among  you  I  exhort,  who 
_i.   am  also  an  elder,  and  a  witness  of  the  suffer- 

1:0.     «lCor.3:l3.     oJas.1:a.     paTim.2;I2.    qMatt.5:ll.    rlsa.l0:12; 
Jer.  40:12;  Ezek.  9:0.     s  Jer.  2o:29;  Luke  2J:31.     '  Ka.  37:5. 

ings  and  make  you  victorious  over  them.     On  tlieir  part; 
by  the  wicked.     He;  Christ, 

10.  On  this  behalf;  in  this  respect;  for  this  evidence, 
namely,  of  likeness  to  Christ,  and  means  of  preparation  for 
heaven.     Acts  5: 41;  Phil,  3:10;  Col,  1:24, 

17.  At  the  house  of  God;  with  the  people  of  God. 

18.  Scarcely  be  saved;  saved  with  difficulty,  through 
many  trials.  Where  shall  the  ungodly — appear  ?  how  certain 
and  awful  will  be  their  destruction.  The  words  are  quot- 
ed from  the  Greek  version  of  Prov.  11 :31,  where  see  note. 

19.  A  faithful  Creator;  able  and  willing  to  sustain,  com- 
fort, and  bless  them  under  all  their  trials,  and  in  due  time 
to  save  them  with  an  everlasting  salvation, 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  possession  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  is  the  best 
preparation  for  trials,  which  work  out  for  his  people  an 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.     2  Cor,  4:17. 

4,  The  change  which  the  grace  of  God  ]U-oduces  in  the 
character  and  conduct  of  men,  especially  of  the  openly 
vicious,  often  appears  to  their  former  companions  sti-ange  ; 
and  they  are  apt  to  impute  it  to  bad  motives,  and  to  speak 
evil  of  it,  because  they  are  condemned  by  it, 

7,  The  shortness  of  time  and  the  nearness  of  eternity 
should  lead  all  so  to  live  as  to  be  habitually  prepared  for 
a  (Oiange  of  worlds, 

11.  The  means  and  the  measure  of  a  man's  duty  is  tho 
ability  whicli  God  gives  him;  and  all  that  he  requires  is, 
that  wh:it  he  gives  should  be  used  according  to  his  will, 

17.  Wicked  men  by  persecuting  Chris!  i;ins  ;ire  instru- 
mental in  Iheir  purification  and  preparation  for  heaven; 
and  when  they  put  them  to  death,  they  ]nit  an  end  to  all 
their  sorrows,  and  oi)en  U|)on  them  everlasting  joys ;  whilo 
in  doing  this  they  ripen  themselves  for  eiullesa  woo, 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.   Tlie  elders;  men  commissioned  to  have  the  care  of 

1443 


The  duty  of  dders. 


1  PETER  V. 


Closing  salutatims. 


ings  of  Christ,  and  also  a  partaker  of  tlie  glory 
that  shall  be  revealed:" 

2  Feed  the  flock  of  God  which  is  among  you,"" 
taking  the  oversight  thereof,  not  by  constraint,  but 
willin'gly;'  not  for  filthy  lucre,''  but  of  a  ready 
mind ; 

3  Neither  as  being  lords  over^  GodJs  heritage, 
but  being  ensamples  to  tiie  flock.'' 

•i  And  when  the  chief  Siicpherd  shall  appear,' 
ve  shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not 
away.* 

5  Likewise,  yc  younger,  submit  yourselves  unto 
tlio  elder.  Yea,  all  (f  you  be  subject  one  to  an- 
other,'' and  be  clothed  with  humility:  for  God 
resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace  to  the  hum- 
ble.' 

0  Humble  vourselves  therefore  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,'  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due  time: 

7  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him ;  for  he  careth 
for  you.'' 

8  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because  your  adversary 


•  Rom.  8:17,  IS.  ■  Or,  ns  much  as  in  you  is.  >>  John  21:15-17;  Acts 
"0-28  i:  1  Cor.  9:17.  d  1  Tim.  3:3,  S.  1  Or,  overruling,  el  Tim.  4:12. 
»Hebl320.     E2Tim.4:3.    hEph.5:21.     ■Jas.4:0.    Jlsa.57:l5.    k  Psa. 


churches  and  to  preach  the  gospel,  but  with  a  distinct 
allusion  to  the  fact  that  they  were  also  literally  elders  in 
respect  to  age.  See  verse  5.  Who  am  r(/.<o  an  elder;  his 
higher  office  of  apostle  included  the  lower  office  of  elder, 
which  latter  he  here  applies  to  himself,  because  he  wishes 
to  exhort  as  an  equal,  not  to  command  as  an  apostle :  com- 
pare Phile.  8,  9.  ^    , 

2.  Feed  the  flock;  as  Christ  told  Peter,  John  21 :  16.  FMij 
lucre;  dishonorable  gain.  Of  a  ready  nund;  cheerfidly, 
from  love. 

3.  Neither  as  being  lords;  exercising  undue  authority. 
God's  heritage ;  his  pooide.  Deut.  32:9.  Being  ensam- 
ples; examples  of  piety,  meekness,  humility,  and  benefi- 
cence. 

4.  Chief  Shepherd;  Jesus  Christ. 

5.  Be  subjeU  one  to  another;  pay  all  due  regard  to  each 
other's  feehngs,  and  treat  each  other  with  kindness,  cour- 
tesy, and  respect.  Resisteth  the  proud;  Pro  v.  3:34;  Jas. 
4:6. 

6.  Under  the  mighty  hand;  submit  cheerfully  to  the  deal- 
ings of  his  providence. 

7.  All  your  care;  Psa.  55:22. 

9.  Resist;  by  refusing  to  comply  with  temptations  to 
■  vil,  and  persevering  in  that  which  is  good.  Your  breth- 
ren ;  other  Christians  are  suffering  in  the  same  way  with 
vourselves. 

10.  Perfect;  complete  in  character.  E.stahliah ;  you  in 
the  hope  and  peace  of  the  gospel.  Strengthen;  yon  lo 
resist  temptations  and  bear  all  trials  with  patience.  Settle; 
render  you  steadfast,  immovable,  always  abounding  iu  the 
work  of  the  Lord. 


the  devil,'  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketli  about,  a.  d.w. 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour : 

9  "Whom  resist,  steadfast  in  the  faith,'"  knowing 
tliat  the  same  afflictions  are  accomplished  iu  your 
brethren  that  are  in  the  world. 

10  But  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us 
unto  his  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  after  that 
ye  have  sufl'ered  a  while,"  make  you  perfect,°  estab- 
lish,'' strengthen,''  settle  youJ 

11  To  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and 
ever.^    Amen. 

12  By  Silvanus,'  a  faithful  brother  unto  you,  as 
I  suppose,  I  have  written  briefly,  exhorting,  and 
testifying  that  this  is  the  true  grace  of  God  wherein 
ye  stand." 

13  The  c/nirch  that  is  at  Babylon,  elected  togeth- 
er with  you,  saluteth  you ;  and  so  doth  Marcus  my 
son. 

14  Greet  ye  one  another  with  a  kiss  of  charity.^ 
Peace  be  with  you  all  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Amen. 


5.';:22.  lEev.  12:12.  mjas.4:7.  n2Cor.4.10  oHpb.l3:21.  P  2  Thets. 
3:3.  qZech.  10:6,  12.  r  Psi.  138:7,  8.  'ch.4:ll.  l2Cor.l;19.  »  1  Cor. 
15:1.     vRom.  Ili:lG.     w  Eph.  6:23. 


13.  At  Babylon;  no  valid  reason  exists  why  we  should 
not  understand  here  the  literal  Babylon.  Marcus;  whether 
the  same  as  John  Mark  the  evangelist,  or  some  other 
Mark,  is  unknown. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Those  who  have  long,  faithfully,  and  successfully 
preached  the  gospel,  are  best  fitted  to  exliort  others  rightly 
to  do  it. 

3.  The  pope,  in  claiming  and  exercising  civil  authority, 
and  lording  it  over  the  faith  and  jiractice  of  those  who  are 
weak,  wicked,  or  ignorant  enough  to  submit  to  him,  does 
precisely  what  Peter,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy 
(Jhost,  directed  ministers  of  Christ  not  to  do;  thus  show- 
iug  that  he  is  anti-Peter,  as  well  as  anti-Chri^.  2  Thess. 
2:3-12;   1  Tim.  4:1-4. 

C.  Humility  in  all  conditions  is  not  only  essential  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  duty,  but  the  best  preparation  for 
receiving  all  needed  favors. 

7.  A  sure  and  eft'ectual  relief  from  oppressive  cares  is 
cheerful  submission  to  the  will  of  (iod;  choosing  to  have 
him  do  as  seemeth  him  good,  because  he  does  all  things 
well. 

9.  Though  the  devil  is  subtle  and  powerful,  has  great 
ex)ierience,  and  is  untiring  in  his  eflorts  to  destroy  men, 
yet  the  weakest  believer  may  effectually  resist  him,  by 
watchfulness  and  prayer.  Psa.  27:1;  28:8;  29:11;  46:1; 
71:16;  Rom.   16:20. 

1().  God  will  not  continue  the  trials  of  his  people  limger 
than  their  good  reipiires :  when  this  end  is  secured,  he 
will  bring  thrm  forth  as  gold  fioin  the  furnace,  purer  and 
better  fitted  for  pure  and  eternal  joys. 


1444 


THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 

PETER. 


That  the  second  epistle  of  Peter  was  written  near  the  close  of  his  life,  we  know  from  his  own  words, 
chap.  1 :  U.  With  this  late  date  its  contents  entirely  agree.  It  is  an  earnest  warning  against  the  gross 
errors  in  doctrine  and  morals,  which,  as  we  know  from  the  unanimous  testimony  of  the  sacred  writers, 
abounded  in  the  Christian  church  near  the  close  of  the  apostolic  age.  The  second  chapter,  which  is  occu- 
pied with  a  description  of  the  false  teachers  that  had  crept  into  the  Christian  community,  is  very  peculiar 
in  its  character,  and  agrees  in  a  remarkable  manner  with  the  epistle  of  Jude.  It  may  be  that  either  one 
apostle  had  in  view  the  words  of  the  other,  or  that  both  made  use  of  a  common  source  unknown  to  us. 
But  however  this  was,  the  writers  of  the  New  Testament  were  as  much  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  when  they  made  use  of  the  words  of  others,  as  when  they  wrote  independently  of  other  men's 
writings.  The  most  prominent  idea  of  Peter's  first  epistle  is,  patience  and  steadfastness  in  the  endurance 
of  suffering  for  Christ's  sake  ;  that  of  this  second  epistle  is,  caution  against  "being  led  away  with  the  error 
of  the  wicked."    Thus  each  epistle  fills  an  important  place  in  the  entire  economy  of  revelation. 


A.D.66.  CHAPTER  I. 

1  Confirming  them  in  hope  of  the  increase  of  God's  graces,  5  he  exhort- 
eth  them,  by  faith,  and  good  works,  to  make  their  calling  sure;  12 
whereof  he  is  careful  io  remember  them,  knowing  that  his  death  is  at 
hand;  IG  and  warneth  them  to  be  constant  in  the  failh  of  Christ,  who 
is  the  true  Son  of  God,  by  the  eye-wirness  of  tiie  apostles  beholding 
his  majesty,  and  by  the  testimony  of  the  Father,  and  the  prophets. 

SIMOX*  Peter,  a  servant  and  an  apostle  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  tlieni  that  have  obtained  like  pre- 
cious faith  with  us  tlu'ough  the  righteousness  of 
God  and  our  Saviour*  Jesus  Christ:'* 

2  Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you 
through  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  Jesus  our 
Lord,'^ 

3  According  as  his  divine  power  hath  given  unto 
us  all  things  that  pertain  unto  life  and  godliness,'^ 
through  the  knowledge  of  him  that  hath  called  us 
to*  glory  and  virtue:'' 

'  Or,  Symeon.  t  Gr.  our  God  and  Saviour,  a  Eph.  4:5.  b  Dan.  4:1; 
C:-i5.  c  Psa.  84:11;  1  Tim.  4:8.  t  Or,  4y.  d  2  Tim.  1:9.  e  2  Cor.  7:1. 
fHcb.  12:1U.    ech.  2:18,20.    b  Phil.  4:8.    i  Phil.  1:9.    i  1  Cor.  9:23.    k  Jas. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  Precious  faith ;  precious  in  its  price,  Christ's  blonrl ; 
in  its  trial  by  the  fires  of  sharp  affliction;  anil  in  its  fruits 
as  justifviiig,  sanctifying,  and  saving  the  soul.  Willi,  un; 
these  words  incliulo  the  apostle  and  the  circle  of  Chris- 
tians in  which  he  moved. 

3.  Life  and  gnilline.s-t;  the  new  life  of  faith  in  the  soni, 
which  has  eternal  life  as  its  issue,  and  godliness  as  its 
form.  To  glonj  and  virtue;  rather,  as  in  the  margin,  by 
glory  and  virtue  ;  by  his  own  glory  and  virtue,  which  here 
stand  for  the  sum  of  his  divine  attributes.  In  common 
with  all  the  other  apostles,  Peter  ascribes  our  calling  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  God.  Eph.  1:5;  James  1:18;  iJohn 
3:1;  Jude  I. 

4.  Wlicrebij;  by  which  glory  and  virtue.  Tiij  these; 
tlirough  the  influence  of  these  promises.  lie  partakers  of 
the  divine  nature;  bo  made  like  God  in  his  moral  nature. 
1  John  3:3,  9,  24;  .'>:18. 

5.  And  besides  this ;  rather,  and  for  this  very  reason  ; 


4  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises ;"  that  by  these  ye  might  be 
partakers  of  the  divine  nature,''  having  escaped 
the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world  through  lust.*-' 

5  And  besides  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add  to 
your  faith,  virtue;''  and  to  virtue,  knowledge;' 

6  And  to  knowledge,  temperance ;'  and  to  tem- 
perance, patience;"  and  to  patience,  godliness;' 

7  And  to  godliness,  brotherly  kindness;'"  and  to 
l)rotherly  kindness,  charity." 

8  For  if  these  things  be  in  you,  and  abound, 
they  make  you  that  ye  shall  neither  be  barren*  nor 
unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ." 

9  But  he  that  lackcth  these  things  is  blind,''  and 
cannot  see  afar  oft',  and  hath  forgotten  that  he  was 
purged  from  his  old  sins. 


1:4.    11  Tim.  4:7.     m  John  13:34,  33. 
15:2-6.    Pi  John  2:9-11. 


0  1  Cor.  13:1-3.    i  Gr.  idle.    "John 


namely,  because  ye  have  been  made,  through  the  gospel, 
partakers  of  the  divine  nature.  Faith ;  in  Christ,  which 
lies  at  the  foundation  of  the  Christian  character.  Vhiue; 
all  Christian  excellence,  especially  manliness  and  courage 
in  the  performance  of  duty.  Knowledge;  that  enlarged 
experimental  knowledge  of  the  gospel  which  is  connected 
with  obedience  to  all  its  commands. 

6.  Temperance  ;  in  the  wide  sense  ;  the  just  control  of  all 
our  apjietites  and  passions.  Patience;  the  steadfast  endur- 
ance of  trials.  Qndliness;  devout  feelings  towards  God. 
anil  constant  regard  lo  his  authority. 

7.  lirotlicrlij  kindness ;  towards  our  fellow-Cliristians. 
Charity;  love  in  the  widest  sense  towards  God  and  men. 
This  is  the  crowning  grace  which  comprehends  all  the 
rest. 

8.  Barren  ;  idle,  slothful. 

9.  Is  blind  ;  has  very  imperfect  views  of  the  nature  and 
retinirements  of  true  religion,  and  of  his  obligations  and 
duties  as  a  i)rofessirig  Christian.  His  old  sins;  those  of  his 
unconverted  state. 

1445 


Truth  of  lilt  gospel. 


2  PETER  II. 


False  ieacAers  forUold. 


10  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  1 
to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure  i''  for  if  ye 
do  tlicsc  things,  ye  shall  never  fall:" 

11  For  so  an  entrance  shall  bo  ministered  unto 
you  abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

12  Wherefore  I  will  not  be  negligent  to  put  you 
always  in  remembrance  of  these  tlungs,  thougli 
ve  know  them,  and  be  established  in  the  present 
truth. 

13  Yea,  I  think  it  meet,  as  long  as  I  am  in  this 
tabernacle,  to  stir  you  up  by  putting  you  in  remem- 
lirancc;*^ 

ll  Knowing  tliat  shortly  I  must  put  off  this  my 
tabernacle,  even  as  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath 
sliowed  me.'' 

15  Moreover,  I  will  endeavor  that  ye  may  be 
able  after  my  decease  to  have  tiiese  things  always 
in  remembrance. 

IG  For  we  have  not  fi)llowed  cunningly  devised 
fables,'^  when  we  made  known  unto  you  the  power 
and  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  were 
eye-witnesses  of  his  majesty.'' 

17  For  he  received  from  God  the  Father  honor 
and  glory,  when  there  came  such  a  voice  to  him 
from  the  excellent  glory,  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

18  And  this  voice  wliich  came  from  heaven  we 
heard,  when  we  were  with  him  in  the  holy  mount. 

1!)  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  propliecy  ; 
wliercunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto 
a  light  that  shinctli  iu  a  dark  place,*-'  until  the 

»  Ch,  3:17.  b  1  John  3:19:  Rev.  2i:  14.  cch.  3:1.  d  John  ^1:13.  19. 
f2Cor.4:2.  (  Malt.  17:1-5;  John  1 :  14.  J  Psa  1 19:105;  Prov.  0:2:1.  h  Rev. 
■.':2S;  22:1(1.     •  Or.  al  any.     ■  Luke  1:70.    J2Tim.  3:16.    k  Deut  13:1.  etc. 


day  dawn,  and  the  day-star  arise  in  your  a.  n.  ee 
hearts:" 

20  Knowing  this  first,  that  no  prophecy  of  the 
scripture  is  of  any  private  interpretation. 

21  For  the  jn-opiiecy  came  not  in  old*  time  by 
the  will  of  man:'  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as 
thiy  uire  moved  by  the  Holy  GhostJ 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  He  foretelleth  liiem  of  f;ilse  teachers,  sliowing  the  impiety  anil  punisli- 
mcnt  both  ef  tliein  :uiti  their  followers;  7  from  winch  the  godly  shall 
he  delivered,  as  Lot  was  out  of  Sodom ;  10  :ind  more  fully  describeth 
the  manners  of  those  profaue  and  blasi(he:iious  seducers,  whereby  they 
i7i;iy  be  the  better  known,  and  avoided. 

T^^UT  there  were  false  projihets  also  among  the 
_D  people,"  even  as  there  shall  be  false  teachei-s 
among  you,'  who  jirivily  shall  bring  in  damnable 
heresies,  even  denying  the  Lord  that  bought  them, 
and  bring  upon  themselves  swift  destruction. 

2  And  many  shall  follow  their  iiernicicms*  ways; 
by  reason  of  whom  the  way  of  truth  shall  be  evil 
si)oken  of. 

3  And  through  covetonsness  shall  they  with 
feigned  words  make  merchandise  of  you:  whose 
judgment  now  of  a  long  time  lingcreth  not,  and 
their  damnation  slumbercth  not.™ 

4  For  if  God  spared  not  the  angcks  that  sinned, 
but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and  delivered  i/iem 
into  chains  of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judg- 
ment ; 

5  And  spared  not  the  old  world,  but  saved  Noali 
the  eighth  person,   a  prcac^her  of  righteousness, 


10.  Make  your  calling  and  election  sure;  by  diligently 
obeying  (Jod,  obtain  evidence  tliat  ycjii  are  chosen  and 
born  ofliiin.     Never  fall ;  from  Christ  and  perish. 

12.  The  present  truth;  the  truth  which  has  come  to  you, 
and  ye  now  possess. 

1:J.  As  long  as  I  am  in  thii  tabernacle;  this  tabernacle  of 
the  body;  as  long  as  I  sojourn  on  earth. 

14.  Hath  showed  me;  .lo'lin  21:18,  19. 

15.  These  things;  the  truths  and  dntics  he  Imd  inculcated. 

16.  Coming  of  our  Lord ;  his  second  coming  iu  that  divine 
majesty  of  wliich  the  apostle  and  liis  two  companions  had 
u  glimpse  on  the  mount  of  transrigniation. 

18.  In  the  holy  mount;  .Matt.  17:l-.'>. 

19.  More  sure ;  better  fitted  to  carry  universal  conviction, 
because  it  is  more  compreliensive,  resting  not  on  a  single 
n-velation,  but  on  a  whole  system  of  revelations.  Word 
if  prophecy;  the  pro]diecies  of  Scripture  coiict-rning  the 
-Messiah.  The  day  dau-n ;  the  day  of  mature  knowledge. 
The  dai/star  ;  which  is  the  forerunner  of  the  perfect  day. 

20.  First;  as  first  in  importance.  Is  of  any  private  inter- 
pretation; that  is,  as  the  original  seems  to  mean,  comes  of 
the  prophet's  own  interpretation,  lie  does  not  invent  liis 
prophecies.  They  are  not  liis  own  private  unfolding  of  God's 
counsels,  but  that  which  the  Holy  (Jhost  makes  througli 
him,  as  the  apostle  inunediiitelv  proceeds  to  show,  ver.  21. 

IXSTRUCi'lOX.S. 

I.  All  who  have  that  faith  in  Christ  wliich  works  by  love 
to  him  and  his  ])eople,  and  leads  them  to  live  holy  and 
useful  lives,  arc  interested  in  the  righteousness  of  God  our 
Saviour,  and  are  for  his  sake  graciously  accepted. 

4.  The  promises  of  God  heartily  believed  have  a  mighty 
influence  in  making  men  like  (jod. 

II.  ,\s  obedience  to  (ioil  is  j>roof  of  being  chosen  and 
born  of  him,  all  who  hear  the  gospel  are  bound,  by  believ- 
ijig  and  obeying  it,  to  prove  that  they  arc  elected,  and  will 
through  grace  be  saved. 

1446 


1  Malt.  21:5.  21;  Acts  20:20,  30;  lTim.4:l.    1  Or,  lasciviaus,  a^  scwa  aop- 
iea  read,    m  Jude  4-7. 


15.  One  of  the  best  w.iys  of  doing  the  greatest  good  for 
time  and  eternity,  is  to  le;ul  all  jieoph',  as  far  ius  iiossildc, 
rightly  to  understand  and  permanently  to  remember  the 
truths  God  hits  revealed;  and  thus  keep  before  tlioni  tho 
motives  he  presents  to  lead  men  to  believe  and  obey  him. 

21.  As  the  Holy  Ghost  is  the  author  of  scripture  iirojih- 
ecies,  they  caimot  be  made  to  mean  wh;ttever  men  may 
choose,  or  any  thing  excejit  what  God  intended,  and  what 
in  his  j)roviih"nce  hits  been  or  will  bo  exactly  accomplished. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  False  prophets;  in  allusion  to  tho  "more  sure  word  of 
prophecy"  spoken  of  in  ehaji.  1:19;  as  much  as  to  say,  I 
have  indeed  eonimemled  to  you  the  study  of  the  prophets ; 
but  beware  of  fiilse  ]u-oidiets,  who  will  come,  ;is  in  ancient 
times,  under  the  guise  of  true  lUMiphets.  The  people;  lui- 
der  the  Old  Tesliiment  dispensation.  Damniihle  ;  destruc- 
tive. The  Lord  that  hoiight  them ;  by  dying  as  a  propitiation 
for  their  sins.     1  .lohn  2:2. 

2.  The  vny  of  truth;  which  tlic  gospel  reveals.  Shall  he 
evil  spoken  of;  shall  be  brought  into  rei>ro;ieh  and  iliseredit 
by  the  ungodly  lives  of  these  false  teachers  and  those  who 
follow  them. 

:i.  With  feigned  words;  covering  over  their  base  ends 
with  a  fair  show  of  gfulliness.  Make  mcrduindi'ic ;  should 
treat  them  not  as  immortal  beings  for  whom  Christ  dieil, 
but  in  the  way  in  which  they  thought  thoy  could  gain  tho 
most  money  out  of  them.  Shimhereth  not ;  is  certainly  and 
speedily  coming. 

4.  For  if  (iod  spared  not  the  angels;  verses  4-8  are  all 
connected  with  verse  9,  thus:  "  For  if  God  spared  not  the 
angels— and  sparcMl  not  the  old  world— and  turning  the 
cities  of  Sodom  and  (Jomorrah  to  ashes,  condemned  them — 
anil  delivered  just  Lot— Ithese  examples  show  tliat)  the 
Lord  knowclh,"  etc. 

6.  Haved  Noah;  Gen.  7. 


Impiety  and  doom 


2  PETER  II. 


of  fulsc  tc::chcrs. 


A.  D.  C6.  bringing  in  the  flood  upon  the  world  of  tlic 
ungodly  \'^ 

6  And  turning  the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomor- 
rah iuto  ashes,''  condemned  them  witli  an  over- 
throw, malving  thevi  an  cnsamplc  unto  tliosc  that 
after  should  live  ungodly;'' 

7  And  delivered  just  Lot,''  vexed  with  the  filthy 
conversation  of  the  wicked : 

8  (For  tliat  righteous  man  dwelling  among  them, 
in  seeing  and  hearing,  vexed  his  righteous  soul  from 
day  to  day  with  their  unlawful  deeds:) 

9  The  Lord  knowcth  how  to  deliver  the  godly 
out  of  temptations,""  and  to  reserve  tlie  unjust  unto 
the  day  of  judgment  to  be  punished:'' 

10  But  chietiy  them  that  walk  after  the  flesh  in 
the  lust  of  uncleanness,"  and  despise  government.' 
Presumptuous  arc  they,  self-willed;  they  are  not 
afraid  to  speak  evil  of  dignities.'' 

11  Wiiereas  angels,  wiiieh  are  greater  in  power 
and  misi'ht,  bring  not  railing  accusation  against 
them*  before  the  Lord. 

12  But  these,  as  natural  brute  beasts,'  made  to 
be  taken  and  destroyed,  speak  evil  of  the  things 
that  they  understand  not ;  and  shall  utterly  perish 
in  their  own  corruption; 

1.3  And  shall  receive  tlie  reward  of  unrighteous- 
ness, as  they  that  count  it  pleasure  to  riot  in  the 
daytime.'  Spots  they  are  and  blemishes,  sporting 
themselves  with  their  own  deceivings  while  they 
feast  with  you ; 

14  Having  eyes  full  of  adultery,' and  that  cannot 
cease  from  sin;  beguiling  unstable  souls:  a  lieart 


"  Gen.  7:1,  etc.  b  Gen.  10:a-l,  23.  c  Deut.  29:2i,  d  Gen.  lSi:l(!.  c  Psa. 
.■i4:15-lS.  (  Jude  14,  15.  F  Ueb.  13:4.  •  Or,  dominion,  h  Jude  8,  lU. 
t  Some  read,  against  themselves.  "  Jer.  1-2:3.  J  Phil.  3:19;  Jude  1-J.  etc 
I  Gr.  an  adulteress,    k  Num. '2-2:5,  etc.    lEph.  4:14.    mPsa.  73:8.    i  Or,  for 

6-9.  Sodom  and  Gomorrah;  Ceii.  19:10-25. 

10.  But  chiefly  them;  that  is,  but  especially  those  of  tlie 
unjust  men  ju.st  spoken  of.  Dignities;  such  magistrates 
and  persons  in  official  or  elevated  stations  as  God  requires 
should  be  treated  with  respect,  and  should  be  obeyed  in 
all  their  lawful  commands. 

11.  Against  them ,-  against  the  dignities  that  oppose  them 
in  the  execution  of  God's  commands.    See  Jude  9. 

13.  Riot  in  the  daijtime;  openly  and  shamelessly,  while 
common  transgressors  are  content  to  riot  in  the  night. 
Rom.  13:13;  1  Thess.  5:7. 

14.  Cannot  cease;  not  for  want  of  natiu'al  power,  but  of 
disposition. 

15.  liosor ;  answering  to  the  Hebrew  Beor.  Num.  22:5. 
Who  loved  the  wages  of  unrighteousness ;  he  desired  permis- 
sion to  curse  Israel  that  ho  might  receive  from  Balak  the 
promised  reward.  Num.  22.  So  these  false  teachers  have 
in  view  their  own  private  gain,  ver.  3. 

17.  These  arc  wells  without  water;  an  apt  description  of 
those  boastful  false  teachers,  who  came  under  the  guise 
of  godly  men,  but  who  had  no  true  goodness  themselves, 
and  could  impart  no  ))rotit  to  their  followers.  Clouds; 
empty  and  windy  clouds,  that  promise  rain  only  to  disap- 
point the  hnsbaiidnien.  The  mist  of  darlcticss;  the  gloom 
of  thick  darkness. 

18.  Great  swelling  words  of  vanity ;  making,  after  the  fash- 
ion of  such  men,  large  professions  of  their  own  liKht  and 
knowleilge.and  large  promises  of  good  to  others.  Thnmgh 
the  ta.its  of  lliejicsh — n-antonnes'i ;  by  turning  the  true  doc- 
trine of  Christian  liberty  into  licentiousness,  and  teaching 
men  that  tlie  gospel  gives  license  to  indulge  in  fleshly 
lusts.  (Jal.  5:13;  1  Pet.  2:10;  Jude  4.  Were  clean  escaped; 
or,  according  to  anotlier  reading,  were  scarcely  escaped ; 
and  therefore  could  be  easily  drawn  back  again  into  the 
company  of  the  wicked. 


they  have  exercised  with  covetous  practices; 
cursed  ciiildren: 

1.5  Wliieh  have  forsaken  the  right  way,  and  are 
gone  astray,  following  the  way  of  Balaam  the  son 
of  Bosor,"  who  loved  the  wages  of  unrighteousness; 

16  But  was  rebuked  for  his  iniquity :  tiie  dumb 
ass  speaking  with  man's  voice,  forbade  the  mad- 
ness of  the  prophet. 

17  These  are  wells  without  water,  clouds  that 
are  carried  with  a  tempest;'  to  whom  tiie  mist  of 
darkness  is  reserved  for  ever. 

IS  For  wlien  tliey  speak  great  swelling  u-ordsof 
vanity,'"  they  allure  tiirough  the  lusts  of  the  llosh, 
through  much  wantonness,  those  that  were  clean^ 
escaped  from  tiiem  who  live  in  error. 

19  While  they  promise  them  liberty,  they  them- 
selves are  the  servants  of  corruption :  for  of  whom 
a  man  is  overcome,  of  tlie  same  is  he  brought  in 
bondage." 

20  For  if  after  they  have  escaped  the  pollutions 
of  the  world  tiirough  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Clirist,  they  are  again  entangled 
therein,  and  overcome,  the  latter  end  is  worse  with 
them  than  the  begiiming." 

21  For  it  had  been  better  for  them  not  to  have 
known  the  way  of  riglitcousness,''  tlian,  after  they 
have  known  it,  to  turn  from  the  holy  commandment 
delivered  unto  tliein.'' 

22  But  it  is  happened  unto  them  according  to 
the  true  proverb.  The  dog  is  turned  to  his  own 
vomit  again;''  and  tiie  sow  that  was  washed  to  her 
wallowing  in  the  mire. 

a  little  while,  as  some  read,  n  John  8:'J4  ;  Rom.  G:1G.  o  Luke  11  :-2G:  Heb. 
0:4,  etc.;  10:-20.  -27.  P  Prov.  l-2:'23.  q  Matt.  ll:2:J,-24;  Luke  1-2:47,  48. 
■■Prov. -26:11. 


19.  Liberty;  false  liberty,  which  gave  license  to  fleshly 
lusts.     See  note  to  the  preceding  verse. 

20.  The  latter  end  is  worse  with  them  than  the  beginning; 
professors  of  religion  who  go  back  again  into  sin,  be- 
come worse  in  character  and  condition  than  they  were 
before. 

INSTRUCTIONS.' 

I.  False  teachers  have  always  abounded,  who,  by  erro- 
neous doctrines  and  unholy  practices,  have  brought  ruin 
upon  themselves  and  others.  All  should  therefore  take 
heed  not  only  how  they  hear,  but  what  they  hear  ;  should 
prove  all  things  by  the  Bible,  and  hold  fast  that  which  is 
good. 

3.  When  men  are  so  pleased  with  error  as  liberally  to 
pay  for  it,  many  will  engage  in  its  propagation. 

8.  When  a  professing  Christian  for  worldly  purposes 
becomes  intimatel}'  connected  with  the  wicked,  he  may 
expect  them  to  be  occasions  of  vexation  and  sorrow,  if 
they  do  not  prove  the  means  of  his  ruin. 

9.  Facts  as  well  as  the  declarations  of  the  Bible  testify 
to  the  justice  of  (!od,  and  to  the  certainty  that,  though  he 
may  bear  long  with  the  wicked,  yet  if  they  continue  in  sin 
they  will  not  go  unpunisheil. 

II.  Angels,  and  those  who  are  in  temper  like  them,  will 
not  rail  even  against  the  wicked  ;  and  those  who  do,  show 
that  they  are  wickeil  themselves. 

14.  Licentiousness  and  the  love  of  money  in  professors 
of  religion  are  decisive  marks  of  hypocrisy,  and  show  that 
those  who  live  in  these  sins  are  heirs  of  destruction. 

22.  Men  may  break  ofi"  outward  sins  antl  profess  religion 
witliout  becoming  holy.  But  they  will  be  extremely  apt 
to  go  back  again  ;  and  when  they  do,  they  prove  that  they 
never  hud  true  religion,  or  were  made  "partakers  of  the 
divine  nature."  They  never  had  a  change  of  heart,  or 
were  "  born  of  God," 

1441 


Christ's  comin" 


2  PETER  III. 


vn/o  judgment. 


CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  assureth  them  of  the  cert.-iinty  of  Christ's  comios  to  judgment, 
against  those  scorners  who  dispute  against  it;  S  warning  the  godly. 
for  the  long  patience  of  G-od,  to  hasten  their  repentance.  10  He 
describeth  also  the  manner  how  the  world  shall  be  destroyed;  11  e.x- 
liorting  them,  from  the  expectation  thereof,  to  all  holiness  of  life;  15 
and  again,  to  think  the  patience  of  God  to  tend  to  their  salvation,  as 
Paul  wrote  to  them  in  iiis  epistles. 

''T^HIS  second  epistle,  beloved,  I  now  write  unto 
L    you:  in  both  which  1  stir  u[i  your  pure  minds 
by  way  of  remembranco : 

2  That  ye  may  be  mindful  of  the  words  which 
were  spoken  before  by  the  holy  prophets,"  and  of 
the  commandment  of  us  the  apostles  of  the  Lord 
and  Saviour:'' 

3  Knowinir  tliis  first,  tliat  there  shall  come  in  the 
last  days  scoft'crs,''  walking  after  their  own  lusts, 

4  And  sayiiis-.  Where  is  the  promise  of  his  com- 
ing;?'' for  since  the  fatiiers  fell  asleep,  all  things 
continue  as  they  ivere  from  the  beginning  of  the 
creation. 

5  For  this  they  willingly  are  ignorant  of,  that  by 
the  word  of  God  the  heavens  were  of  old,'^^  and  the 
earth  standing  out'  of  the  water  and  in  the  water:' 

6  Whereby  the  world  that  then  was,  being  over- 
flowed with  water,'-'  perislied : 

7  But  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  which  arc  now, 
by  the  same  word  are  kept  in  store,  reserved  unto 
lire  against  the  day  of  judgment  and  perdition  of 
ungodly  men.'' 

8  But,  beloved,  be  not  ignorant  of  this  one  thing, 
that  one  day  is  with  tlic  Ijord  as  a  tliousaiid  years, 
.-ind  a  thousand  years  as  ont;  day.' 

9  The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his  jn-oniise,^ 
as  some  men  count  slackness ;  but  is  loug-suft'ering 
to  u.s-ward,"  not  willing  that  any  should  perish,' 
but  that  all  should  come  to  repentance."" 


"  1  Tim. 

4:1; 

2  Tim. 

3:1. 

b  Jude  17, 

18. 

c 

sa.  5:19. 

■i  Jer. 

17:15; 

i:/.ek.  1-. 

:•.!■- 

-i'\ 

Matt.  21:48 

c  Gen. 1:0 

a. 

■(; 

.  consisting 

.    t  Psa.  24:2. 

f  Gpn.  7 

11 

etc. 

h  Psa. 

.W:') 

Zeph.  3:8; 

2  Thoss. 

1:9.    i  Psa 

90:4. 

JHab. 

■2:3.     k 

P.a 

.  >a 

1.};   l>a 

.  30: 

8.      1  Ejelc 

S! 

II. 

m  1  Tim. 

2:4. 

n  Matt. 

CHAPTER    ill. 

3.  The  Inst  days;  see  note  to  1  Tim.  4:1. 

4.  Promise  of  liis  coming ;  fulliliiiciit  of  the  promise  that 
('hrist  would  eornc  to  juiljj;iiiciit.  All  itiings  continue  as  they 
were;  this  a.ssertion  of  tlie  HcofftTs  was  false,  as  the  apostle 
[irocceds  to  sliow. 

;>.  Sianiling  ontoftlie  water  and  in  tlie  water;  rather,  con- 
histiiig  out  of  water  and  by  water.  The  reference  is  to 
the  cliaotic  watery  in;iss  out  of  whieh  the  earth  was  form- 
ed, (Jen.  1:2.  At  the  eomniaiid  of  (!od  it  rose  out  of  this, 
and  took  its  form  of  dry  land  ;  so  that  it  consisted  out  of 
water,  and  by  ine;ins  of  water. 

li.  The  iforld — perished ;  and  as  it  had  once  been  destroy- 
ed, it  would  be  destroyed  again ;  not  as  before  with  water, 
}>ut  with  fire. 

7.  T/u;  mime  word;  that  command  or  power  of  God  by 
wliich  the  world  was  created.     V'er.  5  ;  (ieii.  1:1-10. 

8.  A  lliousnnd  years  as  one  day ;  in  conipiirison  with  eter- 
nity, and  as  to  the  certainty  of  what  (iod  lias  dechired. 
What  he  hits  deterniined  to  accomplish  a  thousand  years 
hence,  is  just  a.t  sure  as  if  lie  had  ileterniined  to  accom- 
plish it  to-morrow.  Compare  tlie  words  of  .Moses:  "A 
tliousand  years  in  thy  si^^ht  are  but  as  yesterday  when  it 
is  past."     Psa.  00:4. 

Ii.  His  promise;  of  a  future  judgment,  when  he  will  save 
his  [loople  and  destroy  their  enemies.  Count  slaclcnesi;  im- 
pute slackness  to  him,  because  he  waits  so  long  before 
executing  his  threatened  judgments.  Lnng-suffering ;  by 
waiting  so  long  before  he  brings  destruction  on  the  wicked, 
Le  shows  bis  desire  that  they  should  repent  and  bo  saved. 
U48 


10  But  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  .\.d.  m. 
a  thief  in  the  night;"  in  tlie  which  the  heavens 
shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  ele- 
ments shall  melt  with  fervent  heat,  the  earth  also 
and  the  works  that  are  therein  shall  be  burned 
up." 

11  Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dis- 
solved, what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in 
all  holy  conversation  and  godliness, 

12  Looking  for  and  hasting  unto  the  coining*  of 
the  day  of  God,"  wherein  the  heavens  being  on  fire 
shall  be  dissolved,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat?'' 

13  Nevertheless  we,  according  to  his  promise, 
look  for  new  heavens  and  a  new  carlii,''  wherein 
dwcUeth  righteousness. 

l-i  Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for 
such  things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may  be  found  of 
him  in  peace,  without  s|)ot,  and  blameless.' 

15  And  account  that  the  long-suifering  of  our 
Lord  is  salvation;'  even  as  our  beloved  brollier 
Paul  also  according  to  tlie  wisdom  given  niito  him 
hath  written  unto  you; 

16  As  also  in  all  his  epistles,  speaking  in  ihcm 
of  these  things;"  in  which  are  some  things  hard 
to  be  understood,  which  they  tliat  are  unlearned 
and  unstable  wrest,  as  they  do  also  the  other  scrip- 
tures, unto  their  own  destruction. 

17  Ye  therefore,  beloved,  seeing  ye  know  these 
things  before,  beware  lest  ye  also,  being  led  away 
with  the  error  of  tiie  wicked,  lall  fruni  y<uir  own 
steadfastness. 

18  But  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  To  him  be 
glory  both  now  and  for  cvcr.^^     Amen. 


24:42 

43;  Rev.  10: 

15. 

0 

Psa.  10-. 

:20; 

Isa.  51 

i>; 

Rev.  20 

11. 

t  Or 

lltt\tii}R 

l/u  coming.     P  Titu 

s2 

i:i 

q  Isa. 

34:4; 

Mic. 

:4. 

rRev. 

21:1 

27. 

•  I  Cor. 

13:58 

1  Thess.  5: 

!3. 

t 

Rom.  2 

4.     li 

Rom. 

8:19;  1  Cor.  15 

:24; 

1  TlieM. 

ch.  4, 

5;  2Thess.  1 

5-10. 

vCol. 

1:10. 

w  2  Tim 

4:18. 

10.  The  day  of  the  Lord ;  when  ho  will  come  to  judgment. 
As  a  thirf;  suddenly,  nnex]i('ctc(lly. 

12.  Hasting  unto;  prepiiring  for  anil  earnestly  desiring 
the  salv;ition  which  will  be  given  to  (bid's  people. 

13.  Hispromise;  Isa.  (;;):17;  (;(;:22;  Hev.  21:1. 

15.  The  long-'iiifferiiig  of  our  Lord  in  .miration;  his  delay 
to  come  to  judgnieiit  is  lU'signed  not  to  show  that  he  will 
never  come,  but  to  give  men  o]i])ortMnily  to  secure  their 
salvation.  Hath  written  unto  you;  you  bolit:vers.  We  need 
not  understand  any  particul:ir  cliurih.  sinee  this  epiwth^  is 
general.  The  writings  of  I'aiil  contain  itlniiulant  notices 
of  the  second  coming  of  Christ,  and  e.\li<U'tutions  to  Wiiit 
for  it  in  patience.  Hee  especially  1  Thess.  4 :  Ki-lS ;  2  Tliess. 
n.VlO;  lleb.  10:3,-)-3!l. 

IC.  Tlicse  things;  Christ's  coming  to  judgment,  ;iiid  the 
necessity  of  diligent  ])rciiaration  in  order  to  niecl  him  in 
peace.  Vnlcarncdand  vnstahle  ;  ignonuit  persons  who  have 
no  settled  ))rineiiiles,  and  do  not  love  the  truth,  whi(li  re- 
firoves  their  sinful  lives.  Wrest;  pervert;  misunderstand 
and  misapply. 

IS.  G'roH'  111  grace;  increase  your  knowledge  of  Christ, 
and  your  likeness  to  him. 

INSTHUCTIONS. 

2.  Ministers  of  thegospel  should  labor  not  only  (o  com- 
nniliic;ite  ;i  knowledgi^  of  its  truths,  but  (o  lend  all  so  to 
remember  them  as  to  act  h;diifii;illy  under  their  inlliK'nee. 

4.  Inlidels  and  scoflVrs  :it  religion  are  evidences  of  tho 
truth  of  the  liible.  It  foretold  lluit  they  would  cotiie  and 
act  out  their  wickerliM'ss,  and  by  doing  it  they  fullil  the 
Scriptures.  Thus  the  wickedness  of  men  illustrates  tho 
truth  of  Liud. 


THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 


JOHN. 


The  common  opinion  respecting  the  date  of  this  epistle  is,  that  it  was  written  after  the  gospel,  perhaps 
towards  the  close  of  the  first  century  of  the  Christian  era.  With  this  supposition  its  style  and  contents 
well  agree.  It  is  the  affectionate  counsel  of  an  aged  apostle  to  his  younger  brethren,  whom  he  addresses 
by  the  endeared  appellation  of  "children."  lie  writes  in  "the  last  time,"  when,  according  to  the  predic- 
tion of  our  Lord  and  his  apostles,  many  antichrists  and  false  prophets  have  gone  out  into  the  world, 
('hap.  2:18;  4  : 1-3.  Occasionally  he  refers  to  specific  forms  of  error,  as  the  denial  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
come  in  the  flesh,  chap.  4  : 2,  3.  But  his  general  method  is  to  fortify  the  minds  of  believers  against  the 
seductions  of  false  teachers,  by  setting  forth  the  whole  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  He  dwells  with  especial 
fulness  on  the  evidences  of  discipleship  as  manifested  in  the  spirit  and  life.  Tlicre  is,  perhaps,  no  portion 
of  God's  word  so  directly  available  to  the  anxious  inquirer  who  wishes  to  know  what  true  religion  is,  and 
whether  he  possesses  it.  He  who,  in  humble  reliance  on  the  illumination  of  the  divine  Spirit,  applies  to 
himself  this  touclistone  of  Christian  character,  will  know  whether  he  is  of  God,  or  of  the  world  which  lies 
in  wickedness.  The  remarkable  agreement  in  style  and  general  turn  of  thought  between  this  epistle  and 
the  gospel  of  John,  must  strike  every  reader.  This  alone  would  be  sufficient  to  establish  the  identity  of 
authorship,  even  were  it  not,  as  it  is,  abundantly  established  by  the  unanimous  testimony  of  the  ancient 
Christian  fathers. 


A««A.D.,..  CHAPTER  I. 

1  He  describeth  the  person  of  Christ,  in  whom  we  have  eternal  life,  by 
a  communion  with  God;  5  to  which  we  must  adjoin  holiness  of  life, 
to  testify  the  truth  of  that  our  communion  and  profession  of  faith,  as 
also  to  assure  us  of  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins  by  Christ's  death. 

'"T^HAT  which  was  from  the  beginning,"  which 
J_    we  have  heard,  which  we  have  seen  with  our 


»John  l:l,eto.     b  John  1 :  14 ;  2  Pet.  1 :  10;  ch.  4:14.     c  Luke  21:39;  John 

7.  The  same  power  of  God  which  created  the  world 
keeps  it  in  being,  and  will  keep  it  till  the  time  appointed 
for  its  dissolution. 

9.  By  continuing  men  in  life,  offering  them  the  gospel, 
and  beseeching  them  to  embrace  it,  God  shows  that  ho  is 
unwilling  they  should  perish,  and  would  delight  in  their 
repent;iuce  and  Siilvation. 

11.  As  this  worM  with  all  it  contains  is  to  be  biii-nt  up, 
none  should  place  their  hearts  upon  it,  or  seek  it  as  tlicir 
chief  goorl ;  but  all  shoulif  place  their  affections  on  tilings 
above,  and  l,iy  U|)  their  treasure  in  heaven. 

U.  The  "  new  heavens  and  tlic  new  earth  "  promised  by 
(iod,  is  that  state  of  jierfect  holiness  ami  bliss  into  which, 
after  the  Judgment,  God  will  receive  his  people;  and  for 
which  the  highest  holiness  and  bliss  on  earth  are  but  a 
preparation  and  a  foretaste. 

16.  .\s  igrroranco  of  the  Scriptures  greatly  increases  the 
danger  of  their  perversion,  and  enables  false  teachers  the 
more  to  delude  and  destroy  the  people,  the  Bible  should 
be  universally  circulated,  and  all  persons  encour:iged  d;iily 
to  read  it— with  earnest  pr.ayer  for  the  teaching  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  thitt  they  may  rightly  understaml  it,  and  by 
believing  and  obeying  it  bo  made  wise  to  salvation. 


eyes,*"  which  we  liave  looked  upon,  and  our  hands 
have  handled,"^  of  the  Word  of  life ; 

2  For  the  life  was  manifested,''  and  we  have  seen 
it,  and  bear  witness,  and  show  unto  you  that  eter- 
nal life,"  which  was  witii  the  Father,  and  was  luau- 
ifested  unto  us ; 


20:2".     d  John  1:4;  11:23;  14:6;  Rom.  16:28;  1  Tim.  3:16.     e  Jolin  17:3. 


18.  The  grand  safeguard  against  the  seductions  of  error, 
and  the  most  powerful  means  of  increase  in  lioliness,  is 
increasing  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ;  that  esperimcntal 
knowledge  which  is  obt<iined  under  the  teaching  of  tho 
Holy  Ghost  by  daily  searching  the  Scriptures,  and  which 
jirepares  us  to  unite  with  saints  on  earth  and  in  heaven, 
saying  with  the  heart,  "  To  Him  be  gloiy  both  now  and  for 
ever.    Amen." 

CHAPTER  r. 

1.  That  which  was  from  the  beginning;  that  which  was  in 
the  beginning,  and  therefore  existed  from  the  beginning. 
He  mciins  the  Son  of  (iod  in  his  eternal  nature,  John  1:1. 
Which  u'ehnvehtnrd;  when  made  Hesh  and  dwelling  aniong 
us.  John  l:l't.  ()<ir  Inniih  lini'c  ItiimUcd;  Luke  2I::!U; 
John  20:27.  Tlie  Wind  i>f  life ;  the  Word  is  here  used,  as 
in  John  1 : 1,  1-1.  for  Christ's  divine  and  eternal  person  ;  and  . 
he  is  c;illed  "  the  Word  of  life,"  because  he  has  life  in  hini- 
si'lf,  and  is  the  author  of  life  natural  and  sjiiritual.  John 
1:1. 

2.  Tlie  life  was  manifested;  by  becoming  flesh.  John 
1:11.  [fVi.s-  with  the  Fnt/ier ;  dwelt  with  him  from  eternity. 
John  1:1,  18;  l(j:28;  17:5,  24. 

H49 


Forgiveness  hy  Christ's  blood. 


1  JOHx  ir. 


Loix  of  the  Irethrcn. 


3  That  wliich  we  have  seen  and  licard  declare 
we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fellowship 
with  us:  aud  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the  Fa- 
ther, and  witli  his  Sou  Jesus  Ciirist." 

4  And  these  tilings  write  wc  uuto  you,  that  your 
joy  may  be  fall.'' 

»  This  then  is  the  message  which  we  liave  heard 
of  liini.  and  declare  unto  yon,  that  God  is  liglit,*^ 
and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all. 

6  If  we  say  that  wc  have  fellowship  with  liini, 
and  walk  iu  darkness,  we  lie,  aud  do  not  the 
truth; 

7  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,''  as  he  is  in  the 
light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  aud 
the  l)lood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Sou  cleauseth  us 
from  all  sin.° 

8  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,'"  we  deceive 
ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

9  If  we  confess  our  sins,"  he  is  faithful  and  just 
to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all 
unrighteousness.'' 

10  If  we  say  tiiat  wc  liave  not  sinned,  we  make 
him  a  liar,  and  iiis  word  is  not  in  us. 

»Johnl7:il.  bJohnlS:ll.  c  Jnhn  !:•),  9;  1  Tim  (!:ie.  <l  John  19:35. 
'  Kpb.  1:7;  Heb.  9:14;  1  Pet.  1:19;  Rev.  1:5.  I  1  Kings  S:46;  Job-i):4; 
Eccl.  7:20;  Jaj.  9:-i.    f  Job  SA-.-n,  is;  Psa.  3-2:5;  Prov.  2d:  13.    I>  Psa.  51  -.i; 

3.  Have  fellowship  with  us;  in  our  union  and  communion, 
throuf;li  faith,  with  the  l"athcr  and  tlie  Son. 

4.  That  your  joy  maij  he  full ;  by  your  being  thus  brought 
into  f'nll  fellowship  with  IJod  ami  Christ. 

.5.  God  IS  light ;  his  n;itiire  is  Hght.  He  is  perfect  know- 
ledge and  purity.  No  darkness;  the  opposite  of  light:  no 
ignorance  or  impurity. 

6.  If  ice  say;  the  apostle  deduces  from  what  he  has  just 
said  of  God's  nature  a  most  weighty  inference.  Since  He 
is  light,  wc  must  walk  in  the  light,  or  wc  cannot  have  fel- 
lowship with  IHm.  Walk  in  darkness;  live  in  error  and 
sin.  Do  not  the  truth;  do  not  obey  it,  or  act  in  accordance 
with  it. 

7.  Walk  in  the  light ;  know  and  obey  the  truth.  Fellow- 
ship one  u'iih  another ;  }oy[n\  comnumion  with  each  other 
and  with  God.  Cleanselh  us  from  all  sin  ;  expiates  the  guilt 
of  all  our  sin,  and  cleanses  our  souls  from  all  its  pollution. 
This  cleansing,  so  far  as  it  is  a  work  of  sanctification,  is 
not  a  momentary  act,  l)nt  a  process  which  God  carries  for- 
ward till  it  ends  in  oiir  perfect  and  everlasting  holiness. 
It  is  given  to  those  who  walk  iu  the  light  as  (Jod  is  iu  the 
light,  seeking  daily  to  know  and  do  all  God's  will. 

8.  Say  that  we  have  no  sinj  that  we  are  without  sin,  and 
need  no  forgiveness. 

9.  Confess  our  sins;  to  God,  and  forsake  them.  Prov. 
2f:13.  FailhfuJ ;  to  Ills  promises  of  forgiveness  to  the 
penitent.  Prov.  28:13.  Just;  to  himself  and  all  the  grc;it 
interests  of  his  kingilom.  Cleanse  us;  from  the  guilt  and 
the  defilement  of  sin,  so  iis  at  last  to  present  us  spotless 
bifore  the  throne  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy.    .Iuile2l. 

M).  We  make  him  a  liar;  treat  him  as  a  liar,  for  he  says 
all  have  sinned  ;  and  the  facts  that  idl  die,  iind  that  all  wlio 
are  saved  must  be  saved  through  the  death  of  Christ,  prove 
this.     Horn.  3:23;  5:12;  2  Cor.  5:11. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
2.  Tlie  evidence  that  Ho  who  was  in  the  beginning  with 
(lod  became  a  man,  not  in  appearance  only,  but  in  reality — 
that  he  took  ujnin  him  hum;in  iiiilnre,  and  died,  the  just 
for  the  unjust,  to  bring  inon  to  (iod,  is  abundant  and  per- 
fictly  conclusive.  All  therefore  who  act  rationally  will 
believe  these  truths,  and  trust  in  Christ  for  sidvation. 

4.  The  religion  of  Christ  is  benevolent,  leading  all  who 
enjoy  its  benefits  to  desire  that  others  should  enjoy  them, 
and  labor  to  extend  them  to  all  people. 

5.  God  is  in  all  respects  perfect;  and  all  that  he  does  is 
pf-rfi'ctlv  holv,  wise,  just,  and  good. 

1460 


CHAPTER  II 


Afl.-!-  A.  D.  90. 


I  He  cnmforteth  them  ag.ainst  the  sins  of  infirmity.  3  Uijjhtly  to  know 
God  is  to  keep  his  cotnuiandments,  9  to  love  our  brethren,  l.l  and  not 
to  love  the  world.  IS  We  must  beware  of  seducers;  'JO  from  whose 
deceits  the  godly  are  safe,  preserved  by  perseverance  in  fatlli,  and 
holiness  of  life. 

"1\  I'Y  little  children,  these  things  write  I  unto 
_lVJ.  you,  that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man  sin, 
we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ 
tlie  righteous:' 

12  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sinsr^  and 
not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world. 

3  And  hereby  wc  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if 
we  keep  his  eommandiuents.'^ 

4  lie  tliat  saitli,  1  know  him,  and  keejieth  not 
his  commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  trutli  is  not 
in  him. 

5  But  whoso  kecpeth  his  word,  in  him  verily  i.s 
the  love  of  God  perfected:  hereby  know  we  that 
we  are  in  him. 

()  He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  him,'  ought  himself 
also  so  to  walk,  even  as  he  walked.'" 
7  Brethren,  I  write  no  new  commandment  unto 


1  Cor.  «:11.    '  Rom.  S;34;  Heb.  7:2.5.    j  Rom.  3:05.    k  Luko  6:46;  John 
14:15,  2.3.     I  John  15:4,  5.    m  John  13:15. 


(!.  Those  who  think  they  love  God  and  yet  live  in  sin 
arc  deceived. 

7.  The  atonement  of  Christ  is  the  ground,  faith  in  him 
the  means,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  the  author  of  sanctilic;i- 
tion ;  and  all  who  truly  believe,  confess  and  forsake  their 
sins,  will,  at  the  close  of  their  probation,  become  complete- 
ly and  unchangeably  iierfcct. 

8.  Jlen  who  think  they  are  now  sinless  are  deceived ; 
and  those  who  say  they  have  not  sinned,  commit  aggra- 
vated sin  by  treating  God  as  a  liar. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1.  My  little  children;  believers;  an  endearing  appellation 
from  an  aged  apostle.  These  things;  what  he  has  just  said 
of  God's  readiness  to  forgive  the  sins  of  tliose  who  con- 
fess them.  Chap.  1 : 7,  9.  That  ye  sin  not ;  the  offer  of  for- 
giveness is  made  to  us  that  we  may  be  encouraged  to  for- 
sake sin  and  rettu-n  to  God.  Psa.  130:4.  An  advocate;  in 
the  original  the  word  is  the  same  that  is  rendci-ed  "Com- 
forter," .)ohn  II:  1(1-20;  15:20;  1(1:7,  where  it  is  api)licd  to 
the  Holy  Sjiirit.  Cndcr  the  genend  idea  of  Helper,  or 
Counsellor,  it  includes  both  these  special  mciuiings  of  Ad- 
vocate and  Cond'ortcr. 

2.  Propitiation  for  oar  sins — also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world;  by  making  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world  he  has  openctl  a  w;iy  in  which  :ill  who  believe  in 
him  shall  be  saved. 

3.  That  we  know  him;  to  know  (bid,  in  the  scriptural 
sense  of  the  words,  is  to  have  experimental  ac(pi;tintanco 
and  communion  with  him  :is  our  Fathc'r  and  Friend.  Such 
knowledge  and  fellowship  are  always  comiected  with  sin- 
cere obedience.  Where  this  is  wanting  the  profession  of 
knowing  God  is  vain  and  false.  ('h;iii.  l:!!;  3:(i-24;  Matt. 
7:'23;  .Iiihn  14:l.'i-21,  2:i. 

5.  Love— perfected ;  by  bringing  fortli  its  ju-oper  fruits, 
and  thus  show-ing  that  it  is  gi'nnine  aud  saving.  Ikrchy; 
by  keeping  his  comniandnients. 

(i.  //(■  that  sailh  he  alnditk  in  him ;  ho  who  profeijses  to  be 
in  union  with  Clirisl,  must  show  the  reality  of  his  iirofes- 
sion  by  walking  as  Christ  walked.  Union  with  Christ  is 
the  good  tree,  an<l  this  is  known  by  its  fruits. 

7.  No  new  commandnicnt ;  no  commandment  now  reveal- 
ed to  you  by  nic  for  the  first  time.  From  the  beginning; 
from  the  time  when  the  gospel  was  first  preached  to  yon. 
The  aposth^  has  Hpeci;d  reference  to  the  commandnieiit  of 
love,  which  is  "  the  fuUilliug  of  the  law."    This  they  had 


Bruthirly  love. 


1  JOHN  II. 


Love  of  the  world. 


/  aao.  you,  but  an  old  commandraent  which  ye  had 
from  the  begiiiuiug.  The  ohl  coinn:andment  is  the 
word  which  ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning. 

S  Again,  a  new  commandment  I  write  unto  you," 
which  thing  is  true  in  him  and  in  you :  because  the 
darkness  is  past,  and  the  true  light  now  shineth.'' 

9  He  that  saith  he  is  in  tlie  liglit,  and  hateth  his 
brother,  is  in  darkness  even  till  now.'' 

10  He  that  loveth  his  brotlier  al)idcth  in  the  light, 
and  there  is  none  occasion  of  stumbling"  in  him. 

11  But  he  that  hateth  his  brother  is  in  darkness, 
and  walketh  in  darkness,"*  and  knoweth  not  whith- 
er lie  goeth,  because  that  darkness  hath  blinded 
his  eyes. 

12  I  write  unto  you,  little  children,  because  your 
sins  are  forgiven  you  for  his  name's  sake.'' 

13  I  write  unto  you,  fathers,  because  ye  have 
known  him  that  is  from  the  beginning.''  I  write 
unto  you,  j^ouug  men,  because  ye  have  overcome 
the  wicked  one.  I  write  unto  you,  little  children, 
because  ye  have  known  the  Father.''' 

14  I  have  written  unto  you,  fathers,  because  ye 
have  known  him  tliat  is  from  the  beginning.  I  have 
written  unto  you, young  men, because  ye  are  strong,'' 


ii.Iolin  13:34.  b  Rom.  13:l-i.  c2Pet.  1;9.  •  Ot.  scandal,  il  Trov.  4:25; 
iy.mi-i.ii.  e  Psi. -23:11;  Lukeal:47:  Acts  10:43,  foh.  1:1.  P.Iolinl4:7, 
9.     liEiih6:10.     i  John  15:7.     J  Rev.  2:7,  etc.    k  Rom.  12:2.    1  Man.  6:24; 


from  the  beginning,  chap.  3:11;  John  13:34,  35;  15:12, 17, 
and  ill  this  sense  it  was  an  old  commandment.  Compare 
2  John  5. 

8.  Again,  a  new  commandment ;  as  much  as  to  say,  I  liave 
called  it  an  old  commandment;  but  tliere  is  a  sense  in 
wliicli  it  is  new.  Which  thing  is  true;  it  is  true  that  it  is 
a  new  commandment.  In  him  and  in  you;  in  the  case  of 
Clirist  who  has  given  it,  and  in  the  case  of  you  wlio  iiave 
received  it.  Because  the  darkness  is  past ;  more  literally,  is 
jiassing  away;  he  means  the  darkness  that  existed  before 
the  liglit  of  Christ's  gospel  was  revealed.  The  true  light ; 
wliich  Clirist  has  brought  into  the  world.  John  8:12; 
9:5;  12:35,  36.  This  light  is  all  summed  up  in  the  great 
commandment  of  love,  which  Christ  has  given  and  his 
disciples  have  received  as  a  new  commandment,  because 
it  is  exemplified  by  himself  in  a  new  way  and  enforced 
upon  them  by  new  motives.  Compare,  besides  the  texts 
qiKited  above  from  John,  chap.  3:16;  4:9-11;  Eph.  4:32; 
5:2,  25;  Phil.  2:5-8. 

9.  Is  in  darkness;  having  neither  understood  nor  received 
this  new  commandment. 

10.  None  occasion  of  stumbling  in  him;  his  soul  is  illumi- 
nated with  the  light  of  love :  he  sees  the  right  way,  and 
walks  safely  in  it  witliout  danger  of  stuniblin.g. 

11.  Is  in  darkness;  being  blinded  by  hatred,  ho  walks  on 
in  darkness,  and  stumbles  into  perdition. 

12-14.  For  tlie  right  uuderstanding  of  these  verses  it  is 
important  to  observe,  first,  that  in  them  the  ajiostlc  rep- 
resents himself  as  appealing  to  Christians  on  the  ground 
of  tlie  experience  and  knowledge  wliieh  they  already  pos- 
sess ;  compare  verse  21;  secondly,  that  the  rei)etitions  of 
the  words,"]  write,"'- 1  have  written,"  are  for  the  sake  of 
ei]]]iliasis,  both  forms  referring  to  the  present  epistle  ; 
thirdly,  that  the  term  "little  children  "  is  referred  liy  some 
to  all  Christians,  who  are  then  distributed  into  "fuliers" 
and  '-young  men  ;"  while  others  suppose  that  Christians  of 
three  different  ages  are  addressed. 

12.  Your  sins  arc  forgiven ;  very  aiiprojiriate  to  children 
upon  either  of  the  above  interpretations,  as  forgiveness  of 
sin  lies  at  the  foundation  of  the  Christian  life.  His  name's 
sake;  on  account  of  what  (Christ  has  done. 

13.  Him— from  the  beginning;  ('lirist,  who  is  from  the 
beginning.  A  mature  knowledge  of  Clirist  in  his  divine 
character  is  apjiropriate  to  fathers.  Young  men ;  to  whom 
strength  is  especially  becoming,  ver.  11.     Little  children — 


and  the  word  of  God  abideth  in  you,'  and  ye  have 
overcome  the  wicked  one.' 

15  Love  not  the  world,''  neither  the  things  that 
are  in  the  world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the 
love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him.' 

IG  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the 
flesh,'''  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes,"  and  the  pride  of 
life,"  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the  world. 

17  And  the  world  passeth  away,''  and  the  lust 
thereof:  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God  abideth 
for  ever. 

18  Little  children,  it  is  the  last  time:'i  and  as  ye 
have  heard  that  antichrist  shall  come,''  even  now 
are  there  many  antichrists ;  whereby  we  know  that 
it  is  the  last  time. 

19  They  went  out  from  us,  but  they  were  not  of  us  ; 
for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have 
continued  with  us  :^  hnt  they  went  out,  that  they  might 
be  made  manifest  that  they  were  not  all  of  us.' 

20  But  ye  have  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One," 
and  ye  know  all  things.^ 

21  I  have  not  written  unto  you  because  ye  know 
not  the  truth,  but  because  ye  know  it,  and  that  no 
lie  is  of  the  truth. 

Gal.  1:10;  Jas.  4:4.  m  a  Pet  '2:10.  "  Psa.  119.37.  oPsa.  73:l>.  r  Psa. 
39;B;  1  Cor  7:31.  nHeb,  l;-2.  r  Matt.  a4:'24;  1  Tim.  4:1,  s2Tim.  2:19. 
12  Tim.  3:9.     "2  Cor.  1:21.     vl  Cor,  2:15. 

known  the  Father;  known  God  the  Father  as  your  father, 
and  thus  come  into  the  relation  of  sons  to  him.  This  also 
is  appropriate  to  children,  according  to  either  of  the  above- 
named  interpretations. 

14.  Are  strong — abideth  in  you;  the  apostle  mentions  not 
simply  their  strength,  but  the  means  also  by  which  it  is 
maintained — by  God's  word  abiding  in  them.  The  wicked 
one;  the  devil. 

15.  Love  not  the  world ;  to  love  the  world,  and  the  things 
that  are  in  the  worlil,  is  to  make  Ihein  our  treasure,  and 
put  our  trust  in  them,  instead  of  in  God.  Compare  Matt. 
G: 19-24. 

10.  Is  not  of  the  Father;  does  not  come  from  liim,  and  is 
not  on  his  side,  but  stands  in  opposition  to  him.  He 
created  the  worhl  and  gave  it  to  men  to  be  used  in  his 
service,  not  to  be  abused  as  the  minister  of  fleshly  lust. 
Is  of  the  world ;  comes  from  the  world  as  the  nourishcr  of 
earthly  lust,  and  is  opposed  to  God  and  his  service, 

17.  Passeth  away;  and  should  not  therefore  be  made  the 
object  of  our  love.  That  doctli  the  will  of  Grid;  in  opposi- 
tion to  loving  the  world  and  its  lusts.  Abideth  for  ever; 
in  blessed  union  with  God,  who  is  an  imperishable  por- 
tion. 

18.  The  last  time;  the  same  last  time  as  that  siioken  of 
in  1  Tiin.  4:1;  2  Tim.  3:1;  2  Pet.  3:3.  It  agrees  with  the 
time  foretold  by  our  I^ord  when  iniquity  should  abound, 
and  false  Christs  and  false  propliets  should  arise.  Matt. 
24:10-12;  Mark  13:22;  1-uke  21:8.  It  liad  a  fullilment  in 
tlie  last  days  of  the  apostolic  age,  but  ii  higher  fullilment 
is  reserved  for  the  last  days  connected  with  ('hrist's  second 
coming.  Antichrist;  the  o])i)oser  of  Christ  and  his  cause. 
Whereby  we  know;  because  it  had  been  predicted  that  in 
the  last  times  such  persons  will  arise.  See  the  references 
above  t;iveii, 

19.  Thei/teenlout ;  apostatized.  From  us;  from  the  church 
or  company  of  Christians.  Not  of  us;  not  real  Chri,sti;uis, 
That  tlieij  were  not  all  of  us  ;  or,  that  all  are  not  of  us ;  that 
some  who  belong  to  our  body  are  not  really  of  us,  but 
Christians  only  in  name. 

20.  Ye;  real  Christians.  An  unction;  anointing,  or  the 
enli,!;htening  and  sanctifying  inlluenccs  of  the  Ibily  Spirit. 
All  things;  all  things  essential  to  your  preservation  from 
f;il;il  error,  and  your  perseverance  in  the  failli  and  practice 
of  the  gos])el. 

21.  No  lie ;  error  or  false  doctrine, 

1451 


A  nlichrisl. 


1  JOHN  III. 


The  love  of  God. 


22  Who  is  a  liar,  but  ho  tliat  dcnicth  that  Jesus 
is  tlie  Christ?"  He  is  antichrist,  that  denieth  the 
Father  and  the  Son. 

23  Whosoever  denietli  the  Son,  the  same  hath 
not  the  Father:''  but  lie  that  acknowledgeth  the  Son 
hath  the  Father  also. 

24  Let  that  therefore  aVude  in  you,  which  ye 
liavc  heard  from  tlie  Ijcirinninii'.''  If  tliat  whicli  ye 
have  heard  from  the  boyiniiiug  shall  remain  in  you, 
ye  also  shall  continue  in  the  Son,  and  in  the  Father. 

25  And  this  is  the  promise  that  he  hath  promised 
us,  (ven  eternal  life.'' 

2()  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  con- 
cerniuii-  them  that  seduce  you. 

27  But  the  anointing'  which  yc  have  received  of 
liini  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  need  not  that  any  man 
teach  you :  Ijut  as  the  same  anointing  teachelh  you 
of  all  things,'^  and  is  truth,  and  is  no  lie,  and  even 
as  it  hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide  in  him.* 

28  And  now,  little  children,  abide  in  him;  that 
when  he  shall  appear,  we  may  have  confidence, 
and  not  be  ashamed  before  him  at  his  coming. 

'Ch.4:3.  b  John  15:23.  cSJohnO.  J  John  17:3.  c  John  14.20.  •  Oi.it. 
tOr.tnowye     fjer.  13:23;  Mitt.  7:1G-I8.   eEph.2,4,5.    t  Jnhn  1:12;  Rev. 

22.  v4 //nr ;  an  asserter  of  false  doctrines.  Denieth  the  Fa- 
tlter  and  the  Son;  that  is,  dcnifs  the  Father  in  denj-ing  the 
Son,  as  lie  goes  on  to  state  in  the  nest  verse. 

23.  Hath  not  tlie  Father;  not  right  views  of  him,  no 
supreme  regard  to  liim,  and  no  interest  in  his  favor. 

24.  If  tliat — remain;  if  you  continue  to  believe  and  obey 
the  truths  you  first  embraced.  In  tlie  Son,  andin  the  Father ; 
in  holy  union  and  fellowship  witli  them,  the  foundation  of 
wliieh  is  the  true  knowledge  of  them  joined  with  love. 

27.  The  anointing  ;  see  notes  to  ver.  20.  This  anointing 
teaches  us  not  without,  Init  through  the  revealed  word  of 
God  ;  :uid  whoever  lays  claim  to  it  must  bo  tried  by  this 
word.  Shall  abide  m  htm;  being  kept  from  the  seductions 
of  the  wicked. 

2>i.  Jf'hen  he  shall  appear;  when  Christ  shall  appear  in 
glciry  to  judge  the  world. 

2!1.  Krerij  one  that  doctli  rightcounnefifi ;  as  much  as  to  say. 
He  tliat  doeth  righteousness,  and  no  other ;  since  they  who 
are  born  of  God  must  be  like  God  in  character. 
INSBTRUCTIOXS. 

1.  The  gospel  of  .lesus  Christ  is  the  true  antidote  both 
fi)  presumption  and  dc^spair. 

2.  One  great  object  of  all  true  ministers  of  the  gospel 
is  to  keep  Christians  from  the  commission  of  sin:  and  the 
most  eOicacious  waj'  of  doing  this  is  to  preach  Christ  to 
them  as  the  propitiation  for  sin. 

fi.  Obedience  to  (.Jod  is  sure  evidence  of  a  saving  know- 
ledge of  him. 

7.  Love  to  men  w;is  inculcated  in  the  Old  Testament. 
Christ  not  only  taught  it  more  clearly,  but  perfectly  exem- 
plified it,  and  thus  presented  to  men  new  motives,  and  laid 
them  under  new  obligations  habitu;dly  to  exercise  it. 

14.  The  gospel  is  suited  to  persons  at  every  perioil  and 
ill  all  relations  of  life.  None  who  can  understand  arc  too 
young  to  embrace  it, and  experience  it.s  saving  ])Ower  ;  none 
are  too  vigorous  ami  active,  or  too  full  of  business,  to  lie 
governed  by  its  spirit  and  perform  its  duties  ;  and  none  too 
old  to  inculcate  its  principles  and  exemplifv  its  preeepts. 

17.  That  love  of  worldly  enjoyment  which  leads  nu'U 
supremely  to  seek  it,  is  ineonsistent  with  the  love  of  God  ; 
and  however  much  of  it  any  may  obtain,  it  will  be  unsat- 
isfying and  temporary;  wliile  that  love  of  God  which  leads 
them  lo  find  their  cliief  enjoyment  in  learning  and  doing 
his  will,  will  be  satisfying  and  eternal. 

ID.  When  professors  of  religion  apostatize,  embrace 
error,  ;ind  live  in  sin,  they  show  to  all  that  they  are  not 
the  <hildren  of  Go<l.     .lob  17:;i;  .Inhn  4:14. 

2:).  Such  is  the  union  between  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
that  men  who  reject  and  oppose  tlio  Son  reject  and  op- 
1452 


29  If  yc  know  that  lie  is  righteous,  ye  a^i'.':». 
know*  tliat  every  one  that  doeth  righteousness  is 
born  of  him.' 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  He  declareth  the  singular  love  of  Cxod  towards  us,  in  making  us  Iiis 
sons:  3  who  therefore  ought  obcdu-tiily  to  keep  his  commandments, 
11  as  also  brotherly  to  love  one  another. 

BEIIOLH  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath 
bestowed  upon  us,-  that  we  should  be  called 
the  sons  of  God : "  therefore  the  world  knoweth  us 
not,  because  it  knew  him  not.' 

2  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God;J  and  it 
doth  not  yet  a])]iear  what  we  shall  be:  but  wc 
know  that,  when  he  shall  ajipcar,  wc  shall  be  like 
him;''  ibr  we  shall  see  liiin  as  he  is.' 

'd  -Viid  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him 
purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pure. 

•i  Wliosocvcr  committcth  sin  trunsgresseth  also 
the  law:  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 

5  And  yc  know  that  he  was  manifested  to  take 
away  our  sins;'"  and  in  him  is  no  sin. 

6  Whosoever  abideth  in  him  sinneth  not:  who- 


21:7      ■.lolinl":25     iKcmS.H.lS.    «  1  Cor.  l.l.l'.l;   I'hil.  :!:21  :  2  Pet.  1:4. 
1  Job  19:2li;  K-a.  171.5:  Mjtt    .OS;  1  Cor.  13:12.     m  ll.-b.  9:26,  28. 

pose  the  Father ;  while  all  who  love  and  obey  the  Son,  love 
and  obey  the  Father  also. 

27.  The  reason  why  real  Christians  persevere  in  holiness 
to  the  end  is.  tliat  the  Ilnly  (jhost  continues  to  teach  them 
the  good  and  the  right  w;iy,  and  to  incline  them  to  walk 
in  it.  When  they  deviate  from  it,  he  leads  them  to  think 
on  their  ways,  and  turn  their  feet  unto  God's  testimonies. 
Thus  he  works  in  them  to  will  and  to  do,  in  working  out 
their  salv;ition  with  fear  and  tremliling,  and  so  kee]is  them 
by  his  mighty  power,  tlu'ough  faith  and  obedience,  unto 
eternal  life. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1.  Upon  ii<!;  who  have  received  Christ  through  faith. 
Compare  Jfihii  1:12.  Knew  liim  not;  did  not  understand 
his  true  character. 

2.  Not  yet  appear;  the  fulness  of  their  future  excellence 
and  bliss  coiilil  not  liere  be  known.     Appear ;  in  glory. 

3.  This  hope;  the  liojie  of  being  like  Christ  and  seeing 
him  as  he  is.  Punftelh  himself,  even  a.i  he  it  pure;  he  strives 
now  to  be  pure  as  (!lirist  is  [lure.  The  ajiostle  here  gives 
the  diHtinguishing  mark  of  ii  true  hope,  as  contrasted  with 
every  false  hope. 

4.  Tranxgrcsseth  also  the  lav-;  tlie  essence  of  all  sin  is  the 
transgression  of  (jod's  law ;  in  other  words,  sin  is  contra- 
riety to  the  revealed  will  of  God,  which  must  for  ever  be 
the  rule  of  our  acticm. 

5.  Was  manifested  to  take  awaij  our  sins — in  him  is  no  sin; 
two  reasons  why  God's  cliililren  cann')t  allow  themselves 
in  sin.  It  is  contrary  to  both  tin'  work  of  t^hrist,  and  his 
character.  Christ  t;i'kes  aw;iy  our  sin  by  exjiiatiiig  it,  and 
cleansing  our  hearts  from  its  pollution. 

fi-10.  In  these  verses  the  aiiostlc  is  <(inibating  the  error 
of  tliose  who  sought  to  se)iarate  fellowship  with  (Jod 
from  a  life  of  li(diness ;  or  who  at  least  did  not  consider 
the  inseparable  comieetion  of  the  two,  and  boasted  that 
they  had  fcllowshi])  with  (Jod,  while  their  lives  were  <lc- 
votrcl  to  sinful  lusts.  Cha|>.  1:C;  2:4,  9.  To  sin  then,  or 
commit  sin,  niUKt  mean,  in  this  connection,  to  lead  a  life  of 
sin,  to  sin  allowedly  and  habitually.  This  no  true  believer 
does.  To  be  righteous  as  Christ  is  righteous  is  the  aim  of 
his  life.  His  diiily  ed'ort  is  to  keeji  the  whole  l;iw  of  (lod  ; 
an<l  wherein  be  f;iils  through  the  remaining  corruption  ot 
his  fallen  nature,  he  confesses  to  God  his  guilt,  asks  llis 
forgiveness,  and  addn'sses  himself  anew  to  the  Avork  of 
keeping  His  conurnuidments,  not  in  the  letter  only,  but  "  m 
spirit  an<l  in  trulh." 

fi.  Ahideth  in  him ;  is  united  to  him  by  faith,  and  lives  in 
fellowship  with  him. 


Tht  sons  of  God  keep 


1  JOHN  III. 


his  commandments. 


aAi%   soever,  sinneth  hatli  not  seen  him,  neither 
known  him." 

7  Little  children,  let  no  man  deceive  .you:  he 
that  doeth  righteousness  is  righteous,''  even  as  he 
is  righteous. 

8  He  that  connnitteth  sin  is  of  the  devil;''  for 
the  devil  sinnetli  from  the  beginning.  For  this 
purpose  the  Son  of  God  was  manifested,  that  lie 
might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil.'' 

9  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit 
Fin;"  for  his  seed  remaiueth  in  him:'  and  he  can- 
not sin,  because  he  is  born  of  God. 

10  lu  this  the  children  of  God  are  manifest,  and 
the  children  of  the  devil:  whosoever  doeth  not 
righteousness  is  not  of  God,  neither  he  that  loveth 
not  his  brother. 

11  For  this  is  the  message*  that  ye  heard  from 
the  beginning,  that  we  should  love  one  another."^ 

12  Not  as  Cain,  icho  was  of  that  wicked  one, 
and  slew  his  brother."  And  wherefore  slew  he 
him  ?  Because  his  own  works  were  evil,  and  his 
brother's  righteous. 

13  ]\[arvelnot,mybrethren,if theworld  hateyou.' 

14  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren.  He  that 
loveth  not  his  brother,  abideth  in  death.J 

15  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer:'' 


»3.Tohnll.  b  Ezek.  ISi-VO;  Rom.  2:13.  c  John  8:44.  <i  Heb  2:14. 
ech.  5:18.  tl  Pet.  1:33.  '  Ot,  commandment,  s  John  15:12.  h  Gen.  4:4- 
8.  i  John  15: 18,  19.  jch.2:9,ll.  k  Matt.  5:31.  32.  1  John  15:13;  Horn. 
5:8.     in  Deut.  15:7.     nch.  4:20.     o  Ezek.  33:.31 ;  Rom.  12:9;  Jas.  2: 15,  IG; 

7.  Doeth  righteousness ;  in  his  life.  Is  righteous ;  in  his 
character.  The  tree — a  righteous  character — is  known  by 
its  fruit — doing  righteousness. 

8.  Is  of  the  devil ;  i.s  a  child  of  the  devil  and  like  him  in 
character.  Might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devU;  it  follows 
that  Christ's  disciples  cannot  do  these  works. 

9.  His  seed;  God's  seed;  that  is,  the  new  moral  nature 
which  he  has  received  from  Ood,  and  which  is  maintained 
in  his  heart  by  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  can- 
not sin ;  not  for  want  of  power,  but  disposition ;  he  does 
not  desire  or  consent  to  live  in  sin.  'The  reason  is,  he 
loves  those  things  which  please  God,  and  hates  those  which 
displease  him. 

10.  Are  manifest ;  by  the  different  courses  which  they 
pursue.  One  class  work  righteousness  and  love  Chi'istians, 
the  other  do  not. 

1'2.  TImt  ivicked  one;  the  devil,  the  father  of  all  murderers. 

l:^.  Marvel  not — if  the  world  hate  i/ou;  because  you  are 
not  of  the  world,  and  the  world  knows  you  not.  Ver.  1 ; 
John  15:17-21. 

14.  From  death  unto  life;  spiritually.  Because  we  love  the 
brethren;  for  true  love  towards  thom  is  inseparable  from 
love  towards  God,  and  love  is  the  essence  of  (he  new 
divine  life.  To  dwell  in  love,  is  to  have  in  our  souls  the 
beginning  of  eternal  life.  Chap.  4:7.  In  death;  spiritual 
death ;  in  an  unholy  state  and  under  condemnation. 

15.  Is  a  murderer;  in  heart;  ho  cherishes  the  feelings 
from  which  the  outward  act  of  murder  proceeds. 

IC.  Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God;  tlio  words  "of 
God"  are  not  in  the  original.  The  literal  rendering  is, 
"Herein" — by  the  example  that  follows — "  we  know  love," 
wo  see  and  understand  its  true  nature.  He;  Christ.  To 
lay  down  our  lives;  to  have  that  love  which  makes  us 
ready  to  die  for  our  brethren,  and  actually  to  do  so  when 
God  calls  us.  Such  a  love  is  constantly  active  in  doing 
good,  as  the  apostle  proceeds  to  show. 

19.  Hereby;  by  loving  the  brethren  in  reality,  and  being 
disposed,  as  we  have  opportunity,  to  do  them  good.  Are 
of  the  truth;  belong  to  the  side  of  the  trutli,  believe  and 
love  it.  Assure  our  hearts;  rpiiel  their  fears  liy  the  assur- 
ance of  his  gracious  acceptaucu. 


and  ye  know  that  no  murderer  hath  eternal  life 
abiding  in  him. 

IG  Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God,  because 
he  laid  down  his  life  for  us  :'  and  we  ought  to  lay 
down  our  lives  for  the  brethren. 

17  But  whoso  hath  this  world's  good,  and  seeth 
his  brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowels 
of  compassion  from  him,'"  how  dwelleth  the  love  of 
God  in  him'?" 

18  My  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in  word, 
neither  in  tongue;  but  in  deed  and  in  truth." 

19  And  hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of  the 
truth,"  and  shall  assure*  our  hearts  before  him. 

20  For  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is  greater 
than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all  things. 

21  Beloved,  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,i  then 
have  we  confidence  toward  God.'' 

22  And  whatsoever  we  ask,  we  receive  of  him, 
because  we  keep  his  commandments,  and  do  those 
things  that  are  pleasing  in  his  sight.' 

23  And  this  is  his  commandment,  That  we  should 
believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,'  and 
love  one  another,  as  he  gave  us  commandment. 

24  And  he  that  keepeth  his  commandments  dwell- 
eth in  him,  and  he  in  him."  And  hereby  we  know 
that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the  Spirit  which  he  hath 


1  Pet.  1:22.  P  John  13:35.  1  Gi.  persuade,  q  Job  27:6;  Psa.  101:2.  '  rfeb. 
10:22.  s  Psa.  145:13,  19;  Prov.  15:29;  Mark  11:24.  ■  Deut.  18:15-19; 
Johnl4:l.    u  John  14:23;  15:10.     vEom.8:9,14. 


20.  Uur  heart  condemn  us;  as  wanting  in  love,  and  for 
this  reason  withholding  aid  from  the  destitute  when  we 
ought  to  bestow  it.  God  is  greater;  more  perfectly  ac- 
quainted with  our  sins,  and  will  more  certainly  condemn 
us. 

22.  IVhatsoever  we  a.«4 ;  in  this  state  of  filial  confidence, 
which  comes  from  the  consciousness  of  keeping  God's  com- 
mandments ;  that  is,  as  the  context  shows,  of  being  led  by 
love  to  obey  God.  We  receive  of  him ;  we  always  receive 
of  God  an  answer  to  our  sincere  and  believing  petitions, 
though  not  always  in  the  particular  form  in  which  we  pre- 
sent them,  because  God  sees  that  another  form  is  better 
for  us. 

24.  Hereby;  namely,  by  what  follows.  By  the  Spirit  which 
he  hath  given  us;  the  Holy  Spirit  bears  witness  with  our 
spirits  that  we  are  the  children  of  God,  and  that,  as  such, 
we  dwell  in  God  and  God  in  us. 

lNSTRU(n'IONS. 

1.  In  making  guilty,  polluted  rebels  and  heirs  of  endless 
perdition  holy — not  merely  servants  but  children,  heirs  of 
God,  and  partakers  of  endless  life  and  glory — the  grace  of 
God  surpasses  all  finite  conception,  and  will  bo  a  theme  of 
adoring  praises  from  multitudes  that  no  man  can  number, 
for  ever  and  ever, 

3,  Every  man  who  has  the  hope  of  the  gospel,  by  the 
habitual  contemplation  of  Christ,  and  earnest,  prayerful, 
persevering  efforts  to  imitate  his  example,  becomes, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  more  and  more  like  him. 

C.  Men  who  live  in  the  love  and  pnicticc  of  known  sin. 
secret  or  open,  of  omission  or  commission,  of  heart  or  of 
life,  have  no  interest  hi  Christ,  and  have  never  experienced 
his  salvation. 

10,  Those  who  live  in  sin  take  an  active  part  against 
Christ  .and  his  cause,  and  in  f;ivor  of  the  cause  of  the  devil : 
and  if  they  continue  this  course,  they  will  be  treated  as 
tlie  servants  of  Satan,  and  be  made  for  ever  partakers  of 
his  plagues. 

15.  Love  to  real  Christians  on  account  of  their  religion, 
is  evidence  of  love  to  Christ  and  acceptance  with  him : 
while  hatred  of  them  is  Satan-like,  and  tends  to  envy, 
slander,  persecution,  and  nmrder. 

14.5.3 


The  duty  of 


1  JOHN  IV. 


lovirtg  one  another. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  He  narnelh  them  not  to  believe  all  teachers,  who  boast  of  the  Spirit, 
but  to  try  ihcm  by  the  rules  of  the  catliolic  faith;  7  and  by  many 
reason?  exhortetii  to  brotherly  lo%'c. 

BELOVPID,  believe  not  every  spirit,"  but  try 
till!  ?]>irits  whether  they  are  of  God:"  be- 
eause  many  false  proplicts  are  gone  out  into  the 
world.' 

2  Hereby  know  ye  tlie  Spirit  of  God:  Every 
spirit  that  confe«seth  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in 
the  flesh,  is  of  God:'' 

3  And  every  spirit  that  confesseth  not  that  Jesus 
Clirist  is  come  in  the  flesh,  is  not  of  God :  and  this 
is  that  spirit  of  antichrist,  wliereof  ye  have  heard 
that  it  should  come;  and  even  now  already  is  it 
in  the  world. 

-1  Ye  are  of  God,  little  children,  and  have  over- 
come them:''  because  greater  is  he  that  is  in  you, 
than  ho  that  is  in  the  world. 

5  They  are  of  the  world:'  therefore  speak  they 
of  the  world,  and  the  world  heareth  them. 

6  We  arc  of  God:  he  that  knoweth  God,  hear- 
eth us;  he  that  is  not  of  God,  heareth  not  us. 
Herebv  know  we  the  spirit  of  truth,  and  the  spirit 
of  error.'' 

7  Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another:"  for  love  is 
of  God ;  and  every  one  that  loveth  is  born  of  God, 
and  knoweth  God. 

»Jer.  29:8;  Mj.tt.  31:4.  b  1  Thess.  5:21 ;  Rev.  2:2.  <:2Pet.2:8.  d  1  Cor. 
12::!.  t  Rom.  8-37.  '  .lohn  3:31.  «  isa.  8:20.  h  ch.  3:11,  2.1.  i  2  Cor. 
13:11;  ver.  le.     iJohn3;lB.     kJohn(i:51.    I  ch.  2:2.    m  Matt.  18:.33;  John 

16.  We  may  be  called  on  to  sacrifice  life,  but  never  to 
give  up  our  salvation,  for  the  good  of  others. 

17.  The  po.ssessioii  of  i)roperty  involves  high  responsi- 
bilities, increases  obligation,  and  multiplies  duties.  By 
tlic  manner  in  which  men  use  it  they  show  their  character. 

20.  The  approbation  of  an  enlightened,  healthy  con- 
science is  needful  to  a  well-grounded  hope  of  the  appro- 
bation of  God;  and  the  condomnation  of  an  enlightened 
conscience  is  evidence  of  the  condemnation  of  flod. 

24.  The  possession  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  its  mani- 
festation in  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  prove  that  one  is  born 
of  God,  and  an  heir  of  heaven. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  Evenj  spirit;  speaking  to  you  through  one  who 
claims  to  be  a  prophet.  Try  the  spirits: ;  the  "  discerning 
of  spirits"  was  one  of  tlie  special  and  temporary  spiritual 
gifts,  1  Cor.  12:10;  but  here  the  tipostle  proposes  such 
tests  as  all  might  employ,  ver.  2,  3. 

2.  Confesseth  lliot  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  llie  flesh  ;  or,  con- 
fesseth .Jesus  Christ  as  having  come  in  the  flesh.  Many 
think  that  the  apostle  refers  to  a  very  ancient  form  of 
error  which  denied  our  Lord's  humanity  by  maintaining 
that  his  body  was  a  delusive  show,  existing  only  in  vision ; 
wlicnce  it  would  follow  that  Ids  expiation  for  sin  on  the 
cross  with  his  own  blood  was  not  real,  Imt  a  vain  show 
also.  In  all  such  passages  as  the  ijresent,  the  confession 
is  to  be  understood  as  sincere,  and  as  accompanied  by  a 
corresponiiing  obedient  reception  of  Christ  in  liis  proper 
character  as  he  is  revealed  in  the  gospel. 

X  Is  tlial  spirit  of  anticlirist;  it  is  one  of  the  forms  in 
whicli  the  spirit  of  antichrist  is  manifested. 

4.  Overcome  tliirn  ;  the  false  prophets,  through  whom  the 
spirit  of  antichrist  works,  seeking  to  seduce  you  from  the 
truth.  He  lliol  is  in  ijoxi ;  (jod,  who  dwells  in  you  by  the 
Holy  Hi)irit,  enlightening,  sanctifying,  and  strengthening 
you.  and  thus  preserving  you  from  the  wiles  of  these  false 
teachers. 

5.  T/ifi/,-  the  false  teachers.  Arc  nf  the  world ;  htAcinf^ '\n 
their  spirit  to  the  world,  and  are  governed  by  its  princi- 
ples.   Speak  Iheij  of  the  world ;  their  doctrine  proceeds  from 

14.54 


8  He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not  God ;  A!^D"ki. 
for  God  is  love.' 

9  In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  toward 
us,  because  that  God  sent  liis  only  begotten  Son 
into  the  world,^  that  we  might  live  through  him." 

10  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but 
that  he  loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  projii- 
tiation  for  our  sins.' 

11  Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought  also 
to  love  one  another.'" 

12  No  man  iiath  seen  God  at  any  time."  If  wi; 
love  one  another,  God  dwelleth  in  us,  and  his  love 
is  perfected  in  us.° 

13  Hereby  know  we  that  we  dn'oll  in  him,  and 
he  in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  ol'  liis  Spirit.'' 

14  And  we  have  seen  and  do  testify,  tliat  the  Fa- 
ther sent  the  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

15  Whosoever  shall  confess  tliat  Jesus  is  the 
Son  of  God,  God  dwelleth  in  him.  and  he  in  God.'' 

16  And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love 
that  God  hath  to  us.  God  is  love;''  and  he  tiiat 
dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

17  Herein  is  our  love*  made  perfect,  that  we 
may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judgment:  be- 
cause as  lie  is,  so  are  we  in  this  world. 

18  There  is  no  fear  in  love;  but  perfect  love 
casteth  out  fear:  because  fear  hath  torment.  He 
that  feareth  is  not  made  perfect  in  love. 

o  1  Cor.  13: 13.     P  John  lJ:aO;  ch.  3:24.    q  Rom. 


15-12,13.     nl  Tim.  0:10.     

10:9.     r  ver.  8.     '  Gt.  fove  tvith  us 


a  worldly  spirit  and  is  worldly  in  its  character.    For  this 
reason  it  is  agreeable  to  worldly  men. 

6.  Wc  are  of  God;  the  aiiosUes  and  those  wlio  taught 
like  them  had  the  Spirit  of  (iod  and  proclaimed  the  truth 
of  (jod.  This  they  proved  by  their  works.  God  working 
with  them  by  miracles  and  gii'ts  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  iM;irk 
]fi:20;  .lohn"  21:24.  ilc  thnt  knoweth  (iod;  the  true  Cliiis- 
tian.  Ilcrebij ;  by  their  believing  and  obeying  the  truths 
taught  by  tlie  ajiostles,  or  iliKbelieving  and  rejecting  them. 

7.  Love  IS  of  (Jo<l ;  he  is  its  author,  and  those  who  exer- 
cise it  are  his  children,  siiiritually  l)orn  of  him. 

8.  Knou-eth  not  God;  has  no  true  acquaintance  and  fel- 
lowship with  him.  God  is  love;  this  is  the  sum  of  his 
moral  nature.  To  have  communion  with  God  wo  must  be 
like  him  in  love. 

12.  Is perfeclcti ;  by  producing  in  us  its  [iroper  fruits,  :iiid 
is  thus  shown  to  be  genuine,  complete. 

K).  Bemuse  Ik  hath  given  us  of  his  Spird;  see  note  to 
chap.  3:24. 

14.  We  have  seen ;  John  1:14. 

1.5.  Confess  that  Jcsvs  is  the  Son  of  God;  truly,  sincerely, 
heartily:  receiving  him  as  the  Son  of  God. 

17.  ilcreiit;  according  to  some,  this  word  refers  back- 
ward to  the  [irecediug  verse.  The  meaning  will  thou  be, 
that  by  our  dwelling  in  love,  and  thus  in  (Iod  and  he  in  us, 
our  love  is  made  perfect;  and  the  words  fcdlowing,  "that 
we  may  have  boldness,"  etc.,  will  express  the  end  towards 
which  that  love  is  directed.  According  to  others,  the  ref- 
erence is  forward,  precisely  as  in  .John  l.'i:8,  "  JFereiu  is 
my  I':ither  glorifie<l,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit."  The  mean- 
ing will  then  be,  that  the  perfection  of  our  love  consists  in 
its  giving  us  boldness  in  the  d;iy  of  judgment ;  and  conse- 
quently now,  in  anticipation  of  that  <lay.  Jkriiiise;  the 
ground  of  this  boldness.  As  he  is;  as  Christ  is,  in  respect 
to  love.  He  does  not  say,  as  ('lirist  was,  because  Christ's 
love  is  not  changed  by  his  removal  to  heaven.  So  are  ve 
in  this  vor/d ;  we  maiiii'csl  in  the  worlil  tin'  same  lovo  which 
Clirist  manifested  on  earth,  and  now  has  in  heaven. 

15.  Fear  hath  tormenl ;  literally,  fear  h:\tli  iiuiiishment. 
It  is  this  towards  wliich  fear  looks,  and  the  dread  of  it 
fills  the  soul  wilh  niis'ry. 


Jesus  is  the  Christ. 


I  JOHX  V. 


Witricsses  of  the  faith. 


A;*u°ao.      19  We  love  him,  because  lie  first  loved 
us." 

20  If  a  man  say,  I  love  God,  and  liateth  his 
brother,  he  is  a  liar:  for  he  that  loveth  not  his 
brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love  God 
whom  he  hath  not  seen?" 

21  And  tills  commandment  have  we  from  him. 
That  he  wlio  loveth  God  love  his  brother  also.'^ 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  He  tliat  loveth  God  loveth  his  children,  and  keepeth  his  command- 
ments; a  wliich  to  tlie  faithful  :ire  light,  and  not  yrjpvnus.  9  Jesus 
is  the  Son  of  God,  -able  to  save  us.  14  and  to  hear  our  prayers,  which 
■we  make  for  ourselves,  and  for  others. 

TT7H0S0EVER*believeth  that  Jesus  is  the 
VV     Christ,  is  born  of  God;''  and  every  one 
that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  him  also  that 
is  begotten  of  him. 

2  By  this  we  know  that  wc  love  the  children  of 
God,  when  we  love  God  and  keep  his  command- 
ments. 

3  For  this  is  the  love  of  God,  that  wc  keep  his 
commandments:"  and  his  commandments  are  not 
grievous.*^ 

4  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh 

"John  13:16.  bch.3:17.  c  John  13:31.  d  John  1: 12,  13.  f.Tohnl4:15. 
BI.  f  Psi.  11'.!:  15;  Matt.  11:30.  s  1  Cor.  15:57.  !■  John  19:31.  i  John 
11:17.    jJoh!iS:lS.     k  Heb.  4:12,  13;  Rev.  19:13.     1  John  10:3U.     m  John 

10.  Because  he  first  loved  us;  his  love  to  us  opened  the 
■way  for  and  was  the  procurina;  cause  of  our  love  to  him. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  doctrines  and  practice  of  all  religious  teachers 
should  be  tried  by  the  word  of  God.  If  they  agree  with 
this  they  should  be  received,  and  if  not  shoulil  be  rejected. 
Hence  the  right  and  the  duty  of  all  men  to  be  acquainted 
with  the  word  of  God,  that  they  may  rightly  judge  and 
act  in  this  matter.  j 

3.  Religious  teachers  who  do  not  confess  that  Christ  took  j 
upon  him  human  nature,  and  became  the  propitiation  for 
the  siiis  of  men,  are  not  of  God.     1  John  2:2. 

6.  False  teachers  proclaim  doctrines  which  arc  more 
agreeable  to  worldly  men  than  the  doctrines  of  the  T^ible, 
and  flatter  them  with  hopes  of  heaven  though  they  live  in 
sin.  For  this  reason  those  who  love  their  sins  follow 
them,  while  those  who  hate  their  sins  embrace  the  doc- 
trines and  follow  the  precepts  of  the  Bible. 

11.  The  most  wondrous  exhibition  of  the  love  of  Ood 
was  the  gift  of  his  Son,  to  be  the  propitiation  for  the  sins 
of  the  world  ;  and  the  right  apprehension  and  cordial 
reception  of  this  truth  is  the  most  powerful  means  of 
leading  men  to  lovo  God,  and  to  manifest  it  in  love  tu 
men. 

16.  Loving  God  and  good  men  unites  the  soul  to  him  in 
a  most  intimate,  endearing,  elevated,  ennobling,  and  bliss- 
ful union;  the  joy  of  which,  even  in  its  foretaste  on  earth, 
is  often  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.     1  Pet.  1 : 8. 

19.  Tlie  gift  of  (he  Saviour  and  the  way  of  life  which  he 
has  opened,  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit, "the  preaching  of 
the  gospel  and  all  the  means  of  grace,  the  regeneration  of 
men,  their  sanctification  and  hojie  of  glory,  tlieir  perse- 
verance in  holiness,  and  their  eternal  life,  are  all  the  fruit 
and  manifestation  of  the  infinite  and  eternal  love  of  God, 
and  will  call  forth  from  all  the  redeemed  the  most  exalted 
praises  to  God  and  the  Lamb  for  ever.     Rev.  5:8-11. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1.  Believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ ;  heartily,  so  as  to  trust 
in  him  for  salvation.  Ifim  Ihat  begai — liim  thai  is  bc-roltin ; 
the  Niiiritual  child  bears  tlie  image  of  God  his  Father. 
ITcnco  the  love  of  the  Father  implies  tlie  love  of  all  his 
children. 

2.  liyt/iis  we  know;  obedieiico  is  the  test  ol  love  tow- 


tho  world  :^  and  this  is  the  victory  that  overcom- 
eth the  world,  even  our  faith. 

5  Wiio  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world,  but  he 
that  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God? 

6  This  is  he  that  came  liy  water  and  blood,  even 
Jesus  Christ;"  not  by  water  only,  but  by  water 
and  blood.  And  it  is  the  Spirit  that  beareth  wit- 
ness,' because  the  Spirit  is  truth. 

7  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven, 
the  Falher,J  the  Word,''  and  the  Holy  Ghost:'  and 
these  tiiree  are  one. 

8  And  tliere  arc  three  that  bear  witness  in  earth, 
the  spirit,™  and  the  water,"  and  the  blood:"  and 
these  three  agree  in  one. 

9  If  we  receive  the  witness  of  men,  the  witness 
of  God  is  greater:  for  this  is  the  witness  of  God 
which  he  hath  testified  of  his  Son. 

10  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of  God  liath  the 
witness  in  himself: "  he  that  believeth  not  God 
hath  made  him  a  liar,  because  he  believeth  not  the 
record  that  God  gave  of  his  Son. 

11  And  this  is  the  record,  that  God  liath  given 
to  us  eternal  life,  and  tliis  life  is  in  his  Son.'' 

12  He  that  hath  the  Sou,  hath  life;""  and  he  that 
hath  not  the  Son  of  God,  hath  not  life. 

15:26;  Actsa:a-1;  2Cor.  1:22.     n  I  fet.  3:21.    o  Heb,  13:12.    PRom.8:16. 
1  Juhn  1:1.     r  John  5:21. 


arils  God;  and  the  love  of  God  includes  in  itself  the  lovo 
of  the  brethren,  chap.  3:17;  4:20,  21. 

3.  Not  grievous;  not  burdensome  and  oppressive.  Com- 
pare Matt.  11:30. 

4.  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometli  the  world;  a 
proof  of  the  assertion  just  made,  tliat  God's  conunands  aro 
not  grievous.  Nothing  is  opposed  to  the  fulfilment  of 
them  but  the  love  of  the  world ;  and  this  is  overcome  by 
all  who  are  born  of  God.  Tins  is  the  viclon/ — our  faith ;  for 
through  faith  we  see  .lesus  the  Son  of  God  as  our  Saviour, 
and  with  him  the  unseen  and  eternal  realities  of  heaven. 
2  Cor.  4: 18  ;  1  Pot.  1:8;  and  thus  wc  overcome  the  fear  of 
man  and  the  love  of  things  seen  and  temporal. 

6.  By  water;  in  his  baptism,  when  he  was  by  the  testi- 
mony of  the  Father  solemnly  proclaimed  as  the  Messiah. 
And  blood;  in  his  bloody  death  on  the  cross,  when  he  made 
expiation  for  the  sins  of  the  world,  which  was  the  great 
work  of  his  earthly  mission.  Nal  bij  water  only,  but  hij 
imter  and  blood;  thus  testifying  that  his  work  of  redemp- 
tion includes  atonement  for  sin  as  well  as  spiritual  cleans- 
ing— that  without  the  shediling  of  his  blood  there  could 
be  no  remission  of  sins,  any  more  than  there  could  be  com- 
munion with  God  and  the  enjoyment  of  his  love  without 
the  inward  sanctification  of  tlio  Holy  (ihost.  Tluit  beareth 
witness;  not  only  to  the  Jlessiahship  of  Jesus,  but  also  to 
the  nature  of  his  work  as  the  .Messiah.  The  apostle  haa 
in  view  the  testimony  of  the  Holy  (ihost  not  only  in  his 
miraculous  gifts,  but  also,  and  cspeciidly,  in  his  inward 
witness  in  the  hearts  of  believers.  Compare  ver.  10 :  John 
10:14. 

8.  Agree  in  one;  they  unite  in  one  and  the  same  tesli- 
mony  concerning  the  character  and  office  of  Jesus  as  the 
Messiah. 

9.  Greater;  more  certainly  true  and  worthy  of  belic^f 
This;  the  testimony  above  referred  to. 

1(1.  ]{alh  Ihe  witness  in  himself;  evidence  of  the  truth  of 
Gild's  testimony  by  the  elfects  which  the  Holy  (ihost  2iro- 
duces  on  him  in  his  believing  it.  Made  him  a  liar;  acts 
towards  him  ;is  if  he  were  one.  The  record  that  God  gave; 
in  the  ways  above  mentioned. 

11.  Given  to  ns  eternal  life;  made  known  to  us  the  way 
of  life,  and  given  it  to  all  who  take  that  way.  Jn  his  Son ; 
he  is  the  aulluir  of  it,  and  it  is  obliiineil  by  faith  in  him. 

1 2.  That  hath  the  Son ;  as  his  Saviour,  by  believing  on  him, 

]4.')5 


Tlie  power  of  faith  and 


1  JOHN  V. 


•prayer  through  Christ. 


13  Tliesc  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that 
believe  on  the  name  of  the  Bon  of  God ;  that  ye 
may  know  that  ye  have  eternal  life,"  and  that  ye 
may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God. 

14  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in* 
him,  that  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his 
will,  he  heareth  us: 

1")  And  if  we  know  that  he  hear  us,  whatsoever 
we  ask,  we  know  that  we  have  the  petitions  that 
we  desired  of  him.'' 

1()  If  any  man  see  his  brother  sin  a  sin  which  is 
not  unto  death,  he  shall  ask,  and  he  shall  give  him 
life  for  them  that  sin  not  unto  death."  There  is  a 
sin  unto  death:''  I  do  not  say  that  he  shall  pray 
for  it." 

"  John  aOiSl ;  oh.  1:1,  2.  •  Or,  concerning,  b  Prov.  15:39;  Jer.  29:13,  W. 
cJob42:8i  Jas.  5:14,15.    d  Matt.  13:31,32;  Mark  3:29;  Luke  12:10;  Heb. 

13.  And  that  ye  may  believe ;  believe  with  more  steadfast- 
ness. 

1,5.  We  have  the  petitions;  our  prayers  are  accepted,  and 
will  be  answered  in  that  way  and  time  which  will  be  for 
the  glory  of  God  and  our  own  highest  good.  See  note  to 
chap.  3:22. 

16.  Give  him  life;  by  leading  him  to  repent  of  his  sins 
and  believe  in  Christ.  A  sin  unto  death;  one  which  will 
not  bo  repented  of  nor  forgiven.    Matt.  12:31,  32. 

17.  A  sin  not  unto  death;  one  that  may  be  repented  of 
and  forgiven. 

18.  Sinnelh  not;  wilfully,  deliberately,  perseveringly ; 
but  if  he  sin,  he  repents,  has  an  Advocate  with  the  Father, 
and  will  be  forgiven.  See  note  to  chap.  3:6-10.  That 
wicked  one;  the  devil.  Touchcth  him  not ;  assails  him  not 
in  such  a  way  as  to  overcome  and  destroy  him.  Luke 
22:31,  32. 

19.  Lieth  in  wickedness ;  under  the  influences  of  the  wicked 
one. 

20.  May  know  him  tliat  is  true;  the  Father  whom  the  Son 
has  revealed  to  us.  And  we  are  in  him — Jesxis  Christ ;  the 
literal  rendering  of  these  words  is,  And  we  are  in  him  that 
is  true,  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  The  meaning  seems  to  be, 
that  we  are  in  the  true  God  by  being  in  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ ;  or,  which  comes  to  the  same  thing,  that  being 


17  All  unrighteousness  is  sin:''  and  there  a^S'so 
is  a  sin  not  unto  death.'^ 

18  We  know  that  whosoever  is  born  of  God  sin- 
neth  not;  but  he  that  is  begotten  of  God  kcep- 
eth  himself,''  and  that  wicked  one  touchcth  him 
not. 

19  And  wc  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and  the 
whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness. 

20  And  we  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is  come, 
and  hath  given  us  an  understanding,'  that  we  may 
know  him  that  is  true,  and  we  are  in  him  that  is 
true,  even  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the 
true  God,J  and  eternal  life. 

21  Little  children,  keep  yourselves  from  idols." 
Amen. 

6:1,  6;  10:36.     '  Jer.  7:16.      f  ch.  3:4.     g  Rom.  5:30,  31.      h  .fas.   1:37. 
i  Luke  34:45.    jlsa.  9:6.     k  1  Cor.  1U:14. 

in  the  Son  is  being  in  the  Father.    Compare  John  17:21, 
"  that  they  may  be  one  in  us." 

21.  From  ulnls;  from  idolatry  literal  and  spiritual;  from 
worshipping  or  regarding  suiiremely  any  created  thhig. 
INSTRUCTION.^. 

8.  The  necessity  and  efficacy  of  the  atonement  of  Christ, 
of  faith  in  him,  and  of  the  purifying  iniliicnccs  of  the  Holy 
.Spirit,  in  order  to  salvation,  arc  liiught  liy  the  word,  the 
Spirit,  the  ordinances,  and  the  works  of  (iod  ;  and  without 
believing  them,  we  shall  never  gain  the  victory  over  the 
world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  or  come  off  conquerors 
through  him  that  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for  us. 

10.  Disbelief  of  the  testimony  of  God  is  a  great  and  ag- 
gravated crime. 

15.  Prayers  offered  according  to  the  will  of  God  are 
always  accepted  of  him ;  and  in  the  bestowment  of  those 
blessings  which  are  most  for  his  glory,  for  the  good  of  the 
offerer  and  of  the  universe,  they  are  in  the  highest  and 
best  sense  answered. 

20.  As  Jesus  Christ  is  the  true  God,  the  author  of  eter- 
nal life,  and  has  jiromised  to  give  it  to  all  who  believe  on 
him,  all  have  the  best  reasons  and  strongest  motives  to 
trust,  in  him.  and  to  continue  stc;ulfast  in  their  adherence 
to  truth  and  duty,  till  faith  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  vision 
and  hope  in  endless  joy. 


1456 


THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  OF 


JOHN. 


Concerning  the  date  of  this  and  the  following  epistle,  we  know  nothing.  The  object  of  the  present 
brief  letter  seems  to  have  been  to  set  before  the  lady  to  whom  it  was  addressed  the  importance  of  a  dis- 
criminating love  ;  which  distinguishes  between  truth  and  falsehood,  and  does  not  allow  itself  to  aid  and 
abet  error  by  misplaced  kindness  towards  its  teachers. 


1  He  exhorteth  a  certain  honorable  matron,  with  her  children,  to  perse- 
vere in  Christian  love  and  belief,  8  lest  they  lose  the  reward  of  their 
former  profession:  10  and  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  those  seducers 
that  bring  not  the  true  doctrine  of  Christ  Jesus. 

.u..r  '"PHE  elder  unto  the  elect  lady  and  her 
A. DM.  J^  children,  whom  I  love  in  the  truth; 
and  not  I  only,  but  also  all  they  that  have  known 
the  truth ; 

2  For  the  truth's  sake,  which  dwelleth  in  us,  and 
shall  be  with  us  for  ever. 

3  Grace  be  with  you,  mercy,  and  peace,  from 
God  the  Fatlier,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Son  of  tlie  Father,  in  truth  and  love. 

4  I  rejoiced  greatly  tliat  I  found  of  tiiy  children 
walking  in  truth,  as  we  have  received  a  command- 
ment from  the  Father. 

5  And  now  I  beseech  thee,  lady,  not  as  though 
I  wrote  a  new  commandment  unto  thee,  but  that 
which  we  had  from  the  beginning,  that  we  love 
one  another.^ 

6  And  this  is  love,  that  we  walk  ijfter  his  com- 
mandments." This  is  the  commandment,  That  as  ye 
haveheard  fromthe  beginning, ye  should  walk  in  it. 


•  1  John  3:a3.      b  John  14:15.  21.      c  1  John  4:1.     d  Mark  1.3:9.     •  Or, 
gained  f  some  copies  read,  lohich  ye  havt  gained,  but  that  ye,  etc.     e  Phil. 


II  JOHN. 

1.  The  elder ;  John,  the  writer  of  this  epistle.  Compare 
1  Peter  5:1.  Elect  lady ;  one  chosen  of  God  and  distin- 
guished as  a  Christian. 

2.  For  the  truth's  sake;  this  lady's  family  were  beloved 
on  account  of  their  love  of  the  gospel  and  their  practice 
of  its  duties. 

■I.  That  I  found  of  thy  children;  when  I  found  some  of 
thy  children.  The  apo.stle  liad  learned  with  joy  that  this 
was  true  of  some  of  them. 

;'>.  Not  as  though  I  wrote  a  new  commandment ;  compare 
I  .Mm  2:7. 

li.  This  is  love;  the  proper  expression  and  evidence  of 
l.ivc  to  God  and  men,  is  the  keeping  of  liis  command- 
nioiits.  Compare  1  John  5:2,  3.  This  «  the  cmnmandmcnt; 
what  the  apostle  has  just  declared ;  tliat  love,  namely, 
which  consists  in  obedience  to  God's  commandments. 

7.  Ttiat  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh ;  see  note  to  1  John 
4:2. 

8.  Tliat  we  lose  not ;  through  the  seductions  of  these  de- 
ceivers leading  3'ou  to  depart  from  tlie  trutli,  any  portion 
of  the  blessings  wc  have  obtained,  or  wliieli  the  gospel 
offers. 

9.  Doctrine  of  Christ;  that  taught  by  him  and  liis  apos- 
tles, especially  his  having  come  in  the  flesh  and  made  an 

1)2 


7  For  many  deceivers  are  entered  into  the 
world,""  who  confess  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come 
in  the  flesh.  This  is  a  deceiver  and  an  anti- 
christ. 

8  Look  to  yourselves,''  that  we  lose  not  those 
tilings  which  wc  have  wrought,*'^  but  that  we 
receive  a  full  reward. 

9  Whosoever  transgresscth,  and  abideth  not  in 
the  doctrine  of  Christ,''  hath  not  God.  He  that 
abideth  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  he  hatli  both 
the  Father  and  the  Son. 

10  If  there  come  any  unto  you,  and  bring  not 
this  doctrine,^  receive  him  not  into  your  house, 
neither  bid  him  God  speed: 

11  For  he  that  biddcth  him  God  speed,  is  par- 
taker of  liis  evil  deeds." 

12  Having  many  things  to  write  unto  you,  1 
would  not  wrile  with  paper  and  ink :  but  1  trust- 
to  come  unto  you,  and  speak  face  to  face,*  that 
our*  joy  may  be  full.' 

13  The  children  of  thy  elect  sister  greet  thee. 
Amen. 

3:10:  Rev.  3:11.     fJohnl5:6.     sGal.  1:8,9.     h  1  Tim.  .'>:2-.'.     t  Gr.  moulA 
to  mouth.     1  Or,  your,     il  John  1.4. 

atonement  for  the  sin  of  tlie  world.     Hath  not  God;  not  a 
right  knowledge  of  him,  nor  an  interest  in  his  favor. 

10.  This  doctrine;  of  Christ,  as  taught  by  him  and  liis 
apostles.  Receive  him  not  into  your  house;  do  nothing  to 
aid  or  encourage  him  in  his  propagation  of  error. 

11.  Biddeth  him  God  speed;  if  one  aid  or  encourage  an- 
other in  sinning,  he  becomes  partaker  of  his  guilt. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Friends  of  the  truth  arc  friends  of  each  other,  and 
earnestly  desire  each  other's  highest  good  ;  and  when  they 
hear  that  the  chil<lrcn  of  their  friends  have  embraced  the 
gospel,  and  arc  walking  in  the  love  and  practice  of  it,  tliey 
rejoice  with  great  joy. 

7.  Those  wlio  pretend  to  bo  religious  teachers,  and  yet 
do  not  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  has  come  into  the  world 
and  redeemed  us  unto  (!od  by  his  blood,  arc  dcceivcr.s. 
Whatever  love  they  may  profess  towards  God  or  men, 
they  arc  opposers  of  Christ  and  the  great  interests  of  his 
kingdom. 

11.  Those  teachers  who  reject  the  great  tnitlis  taught 
by  Christ  and  his  apostles,  of  his  divinity,  incarnation,  and 
atonement;  of  justification  by  faith  in  him,  regeneration 
by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  the  necessity  of  perseverance  in 
holiness  in  order  to  salvation,  are  not  of  God,  and  not  to  be 
received  :  no  sncli  attention  should  be  paid  to  them  as  will 
aid  or  encourage  them  in  the  propagation  of  their  errors. 

14.^1 


THE  THIRD  EPISTLE  OF 

JOHN. 


The  apostle  writes  to  Gaius  commending  to  Iiis  hospitality  certain  brethren  who  were  strangers  in  the 
place  where  he  lived.  It  would  seem  that  the  object  of  these  brethren  was  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the 
Gentiles  without  charge ;  that  he  had,  in  a  former  letter,  commended  them  to  the  church  where  Gaius 
resided ;  but  that  Diotrephes  had  hindered  their  reception,  and  persecuted  those  who  Aivored  them. 


He  commendcth  Saius  for  his  piety,  5  and  hospitality  7  to  true  preacli- 
crs;  9  complaining  of  the  unltmd  dealing  of  ambitious  Diotrephes  on 
the  contrary  side.  11  whose  evil  example  is  not  to  be  followed;  l-i  and 
giveth  special  testimony  to  the  good  report  of  Llemetruis. 

'■"pHE  elder  unto  the  well-beloved  Gaius,  whom 
J_    I  love  in  the  truth." 

2  Beloved,  I  wish*  above  all  things  that  thou 
mayest  prosper  and  be  in  health,  even  as  thy  soul 
prospereth. 

3  For  I  rejoiced  greatly,  when  tlic  brethren 
came  and  testitii'd  of  the  truth  tliat  is  in  thee, 
even  as  thou  walkest  in  the  trntli." 

4  I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  tliat  my 
children  walk  iu  truth.'' 

5  Beloved,  thou  docst  faithfully  whatsoever  thou 
doest  to  the  brethren,  and  to  strangers  ;"= 

6  Whicli  liave  borne  witness  of  tliy  charity  be- 
fore the  church :  whom  if  tliou  bring  forward  on 
their  journey  after  a  godly  sort,*  thou  slialt  do 
well  :>» 

7  Because  that  for  his  name's  sake  tiicy  went 
forth,  taking  nothing  of  the  Gentiles.* 

•Or,  (ru/y.  t  Or.  pmy.  "2  John  4  n  I'rov.  4J.i4,  cl  Pet.  4  10.  1  Gr. 
worthy  of  Gotl.    J  Acu  15:3.    «  I  Cor.  0: 15,  Is.    '  Matt.  10:4(1.    c  Matt. 

Ill  JOHN. 

1.  Gnius;  a  Christiiin  wliosc  piety  and  beneficence  had 
greatly  enileared  liiiii  to  tlie  iipdstlo. 

2.  Af  llii/  soul  prosperelh ;  tliat  lit;  mip;ht  be  as  much  fa- 
vored in  his  lii-alth  and  outward  condition  as  lie  was  in  his 
piety  and  lieneliconce. 

4.  Ml)  rhi/ilrrn ;  Christians,  especially  those  who  had  been 
convericil  tliroiigli  liis  instriunciit.-dity. 

5.  The  hrclhren  ;  Christians  wlio  were  in  want.  Slranp;er.t; 
those  who  were  driven  I'roni  Imnie  l>y  persecution,  or  who 
had  left  it  in  the  service  of  Christ. 

G.  After  a  froillysorl ;  with  that  kind  of  assistance  which 
becomes  disciples  of  Christ  towards  his  ministers  who  go 
to  pre.ach  the  gospel  and  supply  tht!  destittite. 

7.  ///.?  rtume'fi  sake;  from  love  to  Christ.  Wentfnrth;  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.  Taking  iiotliing;  of 
their  hearers  for  their  support,  liiit  were  supixirlcd  liy 
Christian  friends  and  their  own  elforts. 

8.  Befcllmr-liclpers;  assist  them  in  spreading  the  gospel.  ' 

9.  /  wrote  nuto  the  cinircli;  retpiesling  them  to  assist  the  i 
brethren  in  their  lienevolent  efforts.     Diotrephes;  who  op-  j 
posed  the  aposlle.  and  influenced  the  church  not  to  com- 
ply with  his  retpiest.  i 

10.  The  brethren ;  whom  the  apostle  had  recommended  to  | 
their  hosjiitality  and  aid. 

11.  That  which  is  evil;  as  exemplified  hy  Diotrephes.    lie  \ 
that  doeth  gooil ;  to  the  friends  of  Christ,  from  love  to  him. 
h  nf  God;  belongs  to  Ood,  as  one  of  his  children  who  is  ! 

1458 


Altpr 
A.  D,  90. 


8  We  therefore  onglit  to  receive  such,'' 
that  wc  miglit  be  fcllow-liclpcrs  to  the  truth. 

9  I  wrote  unto  the  churcli :  but  Diotrcplics,  who 
lovetli  to  have  the  prct'iuincnce  among  litem,*''  re- 
ceivctli  us  not. 

10  Wiiercf'orc, if Icome,I willrememberhisdeeds 
which  he  doeth,  prating  against  us  with  malicious 
words  :'■  and  not  content  therewith,  neither  doth  he 
himself  receive  the  brethren,  and  forbiddcth  tiiem 
that  would,  and  castcth  Mem  out  of  the  churcli.' 

1 1  Beloved,  follow  not  that  which  is  evil,  but  that 
whicli  is  good.J  He  that  doeth  good  is  of  God: 
but  he  tliat  doeth  evil,  hath  not  seen  God." 

12  Demetrius  hath  good  report  of  all  men.  and 
of  the  truth  itself:  yea,  and  we  also  bear  record; 
and  ye  know  that  our  record  is  true. 

13  I  had  many  things  1o  write,  but  I  will  not 
with  ink  and  pen  write  unto  tlicc: 

14  But  1  trust  I  shall  shortly  see  thee,  and  wc 
shall  speak  face  to  face.''  Pt^ace  be  to  thee.  Our 
friends  salute  thee.     Greet  the  friends  by  name. 


•i);4-Si   1  Tim.  (3  3.4.     ti  Prov.  10:8,  lU. 
3:(i-9.     i  Gr   moulli  la  mouth. 


i  Isa.  60:5.    )  I'sa.  il.'Sl.    >>  I  John 


like  him,  and  has  communion  with  him.    y/(i//i  not  seen  God ; 
has  wrong  views  of  him,  and  is  o]ipo.sed  to  him. 

12.  Hatli  good  report;  is  well  spuUeii  of,  jiislly,  as  a  good 
man,  who.se  works  attest  his  piety  tiiid  lienevolencc. 
I.\8TH1'CTI6NS. 

2.  It  is  desirable  that  good  men  should  not  only  be  emi- 
nent in  iiicty  and  good  works,  hut  also  have  health  and  he 
in  uiieiiiliarrassed  outward  eireiiiiislaneeH.  'I'liey  should 
therefore  coiiseieiitiously  and  diligently  use  all  suitable 
means  to  secure  these  imporlanl  lilossiiigs. 

6.  It  is  the  duty  of  ministers  from  love  to  Christ  not  only 
to  i)rcaeh  the  gospel  at  home,  hut  to  go  to  (he  heathen  and 
preach  it,  where  (,'lirist  has  never  licen  known;  and  when 
they  do  this,  it  cannot  ho  expected  that  the  heathen,  at 
first,  should  support  them.  It  is  not  wise  to  ask  it;  and 
it  is  in  such  cases  a  duty,  and  should  lie  esteemed  a  priv- 
ilege, for  Christians  at  home  to  supjiort  them, 

10.  Those  who  love  ]iower  and  seek  to  have  prci-minencc 
in  the  chureli,  are  very  apt  to  he  haters  of  good  men  and 
of  what  they  do  for  Christ — to  he  opjiosed  to  the  right  of 
priviile  jiiilguient,  and  to  persecute  those  who  exercise  it. 
liut  all  sueh  ilet^ds  are  evil.  Id  who  will  iierform  them,  and 
they  will  lie  remcmliered  tind  treated  ;ts  evil  in  the  day 
when  (lod  shall  render  to  evi^ry  one  according  to  his  works. 

11.  Kind  salut.itions  of  friends  arc  prolitiilile,  both  t<i 
those  who  give  and  those  who  receive  them;  and  real 
kindness  habitually  and  kindly  exiuessed,  is  the  essence 
of  true  politeness,  the  ornament  of  dignified  r(Minemeiit, 
and  the  source  of  )inre.  elevated,  ami  purifying  joy. 


THE  GENERAL  EPISTLE  OF 


JUDE. 


Jtoe  stylos  himself  "the  brother  of  James,"  by  whom  we  are  undoubtedly  to  understand  that  distin- 
guished James  who  held  so  conspicuous  a  place  in  the  church  at  Jerusalem,  and  was  the  author  of  the 
epistle  which  bears  his  name.  See  conceruing  him  the  introduction  to  the  epistle  of  James.  The  desif  n 
of  Jude  is  stated  in  the  third  verse.  It  is  to  guard  believers  against  the  seductions  of  false  teachers, 
and  urge  them  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  true  faith.  On  the  remarkable  agreement  between  the  present 
brief  epistle  and  the  second  chapter  of  Peter's  second  epistle,  see  the  introduction  to  that  epistle. 


He  exhorteth  them  to  be  constant  in  the  profession  of  the  f;iiih.  4  False 
teaciiers  are  crept  in  to  seduce  them;  for  whose  damnable  .doctrine 
and  manners  horrible  punishment  is  prepared;  20  whereas  the  godly. 
by  the  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  prayers  to  God,  may  perse- 
vere .and  grow  in  grace,  and  keep  themselves  and  recover  others  out 
of  the  snares  nf  those  deceivers. 

A.  n.  obout    TUDE,  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  and 
^'        fj    brother  of  James,*  to  them  that  are 
sanctified  by  God  the  Fatlier,'"  and  preserved  in 
Jesus  Christ,''  and  called:'' 

2  Mercy  unto  you,  and  peace,  and  love,  be  multi- 
plied. 

3  Beloved,  wlien  I  gave  all  diligence  to  write 
unto  you  of  the  common  salvation,'^  it  was  needful 
for  me  to  write  unto  you,  and  exhort  you  that  ye 
.should  earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  which  was 
once  delivered  unto  the  saints.' 

4  For  there  arc  certain  men  crept  in  unawares,!^ 
who  were  before  of  old  ordained  to  this  condem- 
nation,'' ungodly  men,  turning  tlie  grace  of  our 
(iod  into  lasciviousuess,  and  denying  the  only 
Lord  God,  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

5  I  will  therefore  put  you  in  remembrance,  though 

a  Luke  6:10.  b  Acts  20.3-2,  e  1  Pet  1;5.  *  Rom.  8:30,  e  Titus  1-4, 
f  Gat.  -2:5  sal'et.  2:1.  h  Rom.  9:22.  i  Titus  1:15,  16.  i  Num,  14:29, 
37;  1  Cor,  10:.5-12;  Heb.  3.1(3-19.    •  Or,  prinrifatily.    kJohn8.44,    I  2  Pet. 


JUDE. 

3.  Neeilfiil ;  on  accomitofthoirdangerfrom  false  teachers. 
TItefinth  ;  the  truths  tau.i;iit  l\y  Clirist  and  his  apostles. 

4.  Unawares;  by  stcaltli.  Of  old  ordained  ;  wliosc  com- 
iiip;,  cliaracter,  and  punishment  have  been  forctuUl  by  an- 
cient prophets,  and  by  Clirist  and  his  apostles.  Turning 
the  grace  of  our  God  into  /ascwiousness ;  so  perverting  the 
doctrine  of  divine  grace  as  to  make  it  an  excuse  for  living 
in  the  indulgence  of  fleshly  lusts,  and  teaching  others  to 
do  the  same.  Denying  the  only  Lord  God,  and  our  Lord  Jexus 
Christ ;  in  doctrine  by  rejecting  the  truths  revealed  by 
(iod  through  Clirist,  and  'in  practice  by  trampling  under 
foot  Christ's  commands.    Titus  1:1C. 

6.  Their  first  estate;  or.  as  in  the  margin,  their  principal- 
ity; which  seems  to  denote  the  rank  and  office  assigned  to 
them  by  their  Creator  among  the  heavenly  hosts.  I^eft  llieir 
own  /niliitntion;  became  discontented  with  their  eomlition, 
and  rel'iiseil  to  do  the  will  of  God,  in  the  jiliice  assigned  to 
them.  2  I'et.  2:4.  We  know  nothing  further  concerning 
tlieir  fall  than  the  brief  hints  of  Scripture,  and  all  specular 
tiou  on  the  subject  is  vain. 


ye  once  knew  this,  how  that  the  Lord,  having  saved 
the  people  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  afterward  de- 
stroyed them  that  believed  not.J 

6  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  es- 
tate,*" but  left  their  own  habitation,  he  hath  re- 
served in  everlasting  chains  under  darkness  unto 
the  judgment  of  tlic  great  day.' 

7  Even  as  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,""  and  the  cities 
about  them,  in  like  nianncr  giving  themselves  over 
to  fornication,  and  going  after  strange*  flesh,  are 
set  fortli  for  an  example,  suffering  the  vengeance 
of  eternal  fire. 

8  Likewise  also  these  filthy  dreamers  defile  the 
flesh,  despise  dominion,  and  speak  evil  of  dignities." 

9  Yet  Michael  the  arciiangcl,"  when  contending 
with  the  devil  he  disputed  about  the  body  of  Mo- 
ses,'' durst  not  bring  against  him  a  railing  accusa- 
tifin,''  but  said,  Tiic  Lord  rebuke  thee."' 

10  But  these  speak  evil  of  those  things  which 
they  know  not :  but  what  they  know  naturally,  as 
brutebeasts,  in  those  things  they  corrupt  themselves. 

.10,  u.    o  Dan. 


2:4;  Rev.  20:10.     m  Gen.    19:24.     t  Gr   other      n 
12.1.     pDeut.  34.6,     iF.xod.  22;2S.     r  Zech.  3  2. 


7.  Suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire ;  they  were  cast 
into  endless  perdition  with  the  devil  and  his  angels.  Matt. 
2.5:41.  Of  this  the  flames  which  consumed  their  cities 
and  made  them  desolate  for  ever  were  a  solemn  symbol. 
Gen.  19:24,  25. 

8.  Dreamers;  the  false  teachers  refen-ed  to.  Despise  do- 
minion; spurn  obedience  to  law,  human  and  divine.  Of 
dignities;  persons  called  by  God  to  stations  of  authority 
or  honor.     2  Pot.  2:10. 

y.  Mirliael;  see  note  to  Dan.  10:13.  Tiie  archangel;  the 
word  archangel  means  a  chief  angel,  or  ruler  of  angels. 
The  insi)ired  writers  of  the  New  Testament  occa.sioiially 
refer,  as  is  done  here  and  in  verse  14,  to  events  not  recorded 
in  the  Old  Testament,  but  han<le<l  down  in  tradition.  Com- 
pare 2  Tim.  3: 8.  We  know  nothing  more  oC  the  event  here 
referred  to  than  what  .lude  has  given  us.  Dur4  not ;  not 
because  he  feared  the  devil,  but  because  he  fe.tred  God. 
and  feared  to  commit  sin  by  using  reproachful  language. 
Rilivkc  thcr ;  restrain  thy  rage,  control,  and  punish  thee. 

10.  Tlir\r;  false,  wicked  teachers.  Know  not;  do  not 
rightly  understand.  Know  naturalli/;  by  instinct,  such  as 
the  indulgence  of  animal  a]ii>rti1eK  and  passions. 

1459 


Character  and  doom 


JUDE. 


of  false  teachers. 


11  Woe  unto  them!  for  they  have  gone  in  the 
■way  of  Cain,"  and  ran  greedily  after  the  error  of 
Balaam  for  reward,''  and  perished  in  the  gainsay- 
ing of  Core/ 

12  Tiiese  are  spots  in  your  feasts  of  charity,'' 
wlien  they  feast  with  you,  feeding  themselves 
without  fear:^  clouds  they  are  without  water,' 
carried  about  of  winds;-  trees  whose  fruit  with- 
ereth,''  without  fruit,  twice  dead,'  plucked  up  by 
the  roots ;' 

13  Raging  waves  of  the  sea,"^  foaming  out  their 
own  shame  ;  wandering  stars,'  to  whom  is  reserved 
the  blackness  of  darkness  for  ever. 

14  And  Enoch  also,  the  seventh  from  Adam, 
prophesied  of  these,  saying.  Behold,  the  Lord  com- 
eth  with  ten  thousands  of  iiis  saints,™ 

15  To  execute  judgment  upon  all,"  and  to  con- 
vince all  that  arc  ungodly  among  them  of  all  their 
ungodly  deeds  which  they  have  ungodly  commit- 
ted, and  of  all  their  hard  speeches  which  ungodly 
sinners  have  spoken  against  him." 

16  These  are  murmurcrs,  complainers,  walking 
after  their  own  lusts ;  and  their  mouth  speaketh 
great  swelling  words,  having  men's  persons  in  ad- 
miration because  of  advantage. 


•  Gen.  4:5  t.  Xum.  a-2:7,  21  c  Num.  IG:  I,  cic  il  2  Pel.  2:1:!.  c  Phil 
.1:19  (  Prov.  2.>:14.  eEph.4:14.  h  John  15:4-0  ■  Heb.  6:4-.0.  j  Matt 
15:13      k  Isa  37:20.     IRevtJ  10,11.     n  Zech    1 1  .3.     "Rev.  20:13     o  Psa 


11.  The  wai/ nf  Cain ;  relying  on  their  own  wisdom  and 
goodness,  and  not  on  the  wisdom  and  grace  of  God  ;  ciiv}-- 
ing,  hatiii,^,  ami  destroying  lliose  who  were  better  and 
more  liighly  favored  than  themselves.  Gen.  4:4-8.  T/ic 
nror  of  lialmim;  loving  and  coveting  money.  Numbers 
22:7-21;  2  Pet.  2:15.     Core;  Korah.     Num.  10:1-33. 

12,  13.  Spots;  rather,  sunken  roeks,  exposing  to  destruc- 
tion the  voyager  tliat  como.s  upon  them.  Feasts  of  chnritij; 
among  the  brethren,  where  purity  ami  temperance  ought 
to  have  prevailed.  Clouds — trees — raging  waves — imiuler- 
tng  stars;  those  false  teachers  were  in  many  respects  like 
these  things;  disappointing  all  just  cxpeetation.s,  corrn])t- 
ing  and  exposing  to  destruction  all  wiio  came  under  their 
influence,  and  themselves  doomed  to  destruction. 

IC.  Jhving  men's  persons  in  admiration  ;  paying  court  to 
the  corrupt,  the  rich,  and  the  great,  to  further  their  own 
selfish  designs. 

19.  Separate  themsehcf ;  by  withdrawing  themselves  and 
leading  otf  their  followers  from  the  faithful,  who  adhere  to 
the  doctrines  and  duties  of  the  gospel.  Sensual;  wickedly 
indulging  their  appetites  and  passions.  Having  not  the  Spir- 
it; not  under  his  guidance,  nor  partakers  of  his  salvation. 

20.  Building  np  yourselves;  by  increasing  in  the  know- 
ledge and  love  ol  God,  of  his  truth  and  will,  and  in  devo- 
tion of  body  and  soul  to  his  service,  in  the  Holi/  (Ihost ; 
according  to  Ids  directions,  under  his  influence,  and  by  his 
aid. 

21.  Keep  yourselves  in  tlie  love  of  God ;  by  hearkening  dil- 
igently to  Ills  voice  in  the  Scriptures,  liclieving  hearlily 
his  declarations,  and  cheerfully,  steadfastly,  and  pcrsever- 
iiigly  obeying  liis  commands.  Looking  for  the  merrij;  de- 
Hiring  and  expecting  salvation  only  through  rich  grace  in 
Christ. 

22.  Of  some;  who  have  been  bewildered  as  to  truth  and 
duty,  seduced  into  error  and  sin.  Making  n  differnicc; 
according  to  their  character,  condition,  and  wants;  treat- 
ing them  gently  and  kindly,  and  thus  alluring  them  back 
l.i>  truth  ami  duty. 

23.  Others  save  with  fear ;  present  alarming  considerations 
(/>  arouse  them,  as  yon  wouM  were  Ihcy  asleep  in  a  house 
on  fire.  JIaling  even  the  garment ;  abhorring  and  avoiding 
every  thing  connected  with  these  transgressions,  or  tend- 
ing to  defile  yon. 

24.  Falling;  from  trulli  and  duty  into  error  and  sin. 

14R0 


17  But,  beloved,  remember  ye  the  words  a- n  "'>""< 
which  were  spoken  before  of  the  apostles  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ; 

18  How  that  they  told  you  there  should  be  mock- 
ers in  the  last  time,  who  should  walk  after  their 
own  ungodly  lusts.'' 

1!)  These  be  they  who  separate  themselves,''  sen- 
sual, having  not  the  Spirit. 

20  But  ye,  beloved,  building  up  yourselves  on 
your  most  holy  faith,''  praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost," 

21  Keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God,'  looking 
for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eter- 
nal life." 

22  And  of  some  have  compassion,  making  a  dif 
fcrencc : 

23  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling  them  out 
of  the  firc;^'  hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by 
the  flesh.'^' 

24  Xow  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from 
falling,"  and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the 
presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy,'' 

25  To  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  he  glory 
and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and 
ever.^    Amen. 


73.9  PI  Tim,  4:1.  q  Hell.  10:25.  r  Col.  2:7.  »Eph.C:18  I  .Win  15:4, 
10  »  Titus  2  13.  1  Zech. 3:2-5  "Rev. 3:4,18.  «  Rom.  10:25-27;  2  Tim. 
4  18.     y  Col   1:22.     »  1  Tim.  117. 

INSTIIUCTIOXS. 

3.  Ministers  in  addressing  their  people  should  select 
Kiieh  suljjects  as  are  pertinent  to  their  circumstances; 
especially  should  they  warn  their  hearers  against  prevail- 
ing errors  which  tend  to  di-aw  tlicin  from  the  fiith  and 
practice  of  the  gospel. 

7.  The  destruction  of  the  Israelites,  of  the  inhaliitants  of 
Sodom,  and  of  the  angels  that  sinned,  is  recorded  for  the 
warning  of  sinners  iu  all  ages,  and  to  show  that  however 
great  tlie  ble.'isiiigs  men  may  enjoy,  if  they  reject  the  gospel, 
or  continue  in  sin,  they  will  inevitably  and  awfully  perish. 

9.  Holy  beings  will  init  use  reproachful  epithets  even 
towards  the  devil,  much  less  towards  men,  es]iecially  mag- 
istrates, and  those  whom  tiod  reipiires  us  to  Ikuku'.  Those 
who  delight  iu  such  language  sliov/  themselves  to  be  ser- 
vants of  the  evil  one. 

IG.  Pride,  covetousness,  and  sensuality  have  over  been 
besetting  sins  with  false  teachers  of  religion ;  and  thi^y 
have  flattered  the  w.icked,  the  rich,  and  the  great,  to  ob- 
tain means  for  their  own  selfish  gralifuation.  Holy  men 
have  ahvaj's  opposed  them.  ]iointed  out  llieir  errors,  and 
foretold  their  certain  deslruclion  if  they  continue  in  sin. 

17-21.  A  thorough  acquainlanco  with  the  declarations  of 
Scripture  is  a  great  safeguard  against  the  si  d  net  ions  of 
error,  and  one  of  Ihe  chief  means  of  jireservatinn  from  sin. 
It  is  one  by  which  the  Holy  Ghosl.  who  dwells  in  believ- 
ers, operates  in  enlightening  their  minds  and  ]iurifving 
Iheir  hearts;  guiding  them  in  duly,  shicldiug  Ihem  i'rom 
danger,  keeping  them  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  in  th(( 
patient  waiting  for  .Jesus  Clirisl,  and  in  habitual  ]irepara- 
tion  for  his  coming  and  kingdom. 

23.  In  our  effiirts  to  reclaim  ami  save  men.  great  wisdom 
is  needful,  to  adapt  the  means  used  to  their  various  cases. 
Some  must  be  idlured  by  kindness,  and  efforts  for  them 
should  be  gentle,  as  those  of  a  nurse  with  her  childron. 
Others  must  be  aroused  by  terrors,  and  urged  by  the  thun- 
ders of  coming  wrath.     I  Thess.  2:7;  2  ('or.  .'i:ll. 

2).  In  all  elforts  for  our  own  good  and  that  of  others  we 
should  depend  for  success  wholly  upon  tht>  grace  of  God, 
who  is  able  to  save'  us  from  sin,  to  keep  us  from  falling 
into  it,  and  to  present  us  faultless  bel'or(!  the  jiresence  of 
his  glory,  with  exceeding  an<l  etern.al  joy.  To  him  belongs 
the  glory  of  all  the  good  which  is  done  or  enjoyed,  and  to 
him  should  be  given  all  the  praise  for  ever.     Amen. 


THE  REVELATION 


OF  JOHN  THE  DIVINE. 


1.  The  author  of  this  book  is  named  John,  chap.  1 : 1,  4,  9  ;  22  :  8.  He  writes  to  the  seven  churches  of 
Asia — that  is,  Proconsular  Asia,  see  note  to  chap.  1 :  4 — as  one  well  known  among  them.  When  he  received 
the  revelation  here  recorded  he  was  in  exile  in  the  isle  of  Patmos,  "for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the  testi- 
mony of  Jesus  Christ."  Chap.  1  :  9.  With  these  inspired  notices  the  current  of  ancient  tradition  perfectly 
agrees,  ascribing  the  Apocalypse  to  the  apostle  John,  and  representing  that  ho  spent  the  latter  portion  of 
his  life  in  Ephesus,  and  was  banished  to  the  isle  of  Patmos  under  the  emperor  Domitian.  The  tradition 
which  places  his  banishment  under  Nero  is  later  and  less  probable.  There  were  in  the  early  ages  of  the 
church  some  who  doubted  the  apostolic  authorship  of  this  book ;  but  the  result  of  careful  investigation 
was  its  universal  reception  as  the  work  of  the  beloved  disciple.  Its  peculiarities  of  style  and  diction  are 
best  explained  from  the  extraordinary  nature  of  its  contents,  and  from  the  ecstatic  state  of  the  apostle 
when  he  received  these  wonderful  revelations. 

2.  The  date  of  the  Apocalj'pse  has  been  a  matter  of  much  discussion,  the  great  question  being  whether 
it  was  written  before  or  after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Romans.  The  external  testimony 
strongly  preponderates  on  the  side  of  a  late  date,  for  this,  as  we  have  seen,  ascribes  the  banishment  of  the 
apostle  to  Domitian  who  succeeded  Titus,  and  reigned  from  a.  d.  81  to  a.  d.  96.  Tliis  supposition  agrees 
also  with  the  fact  that  it  is  the  seven  churches  of  Proconsular  Asia,  among  whom,  according  to  the  unan- 
imous testimony  of  the  primitive  church,  the  apostle  spent  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  that  are  the  recipients 
of  the  seven  messages  of  our  Lord,  chaps.  2  and  3.  The  hypothesis  of  an  earlier  date  is  but  feebly  sup- 
ported by  external  testimony.  It  rests  mainly  on  the  alleged  reference  of  the  writer  to  the  overthrow  of 
Jerusalem  as  an  event  yet  future,  and  the  main  subject  of  the  prophecies  contained  in  the  book.  But  this 
reference  has  never  been  clearly  established,  and  the  supposition  that  the  overthrow  of  Jerusalem  is  the 
main  subject  of  the  Apocalj'pse  is  contradicted  by  the  general  analogy  of  prophecy,  by  the  contents  of 
the  book,  and  by  its  manifest  relation  to  the  prophecies  of  Daniel.  A  few  onlj'  of  the  brief  prophetic 
books,  as  those  of  Jonah  and  Nahum,  confine  themselves  to  one  particular  event  lying  in  the  near  future. 
All  the  more  extended  among  tlicm,  and  many  of  the  shorter,  look  forward  undeniably  to  the  distant 
future.  That  the  book  of  Daniel  does  this  has  been  shown  in  the  notes  accompanying  it ;  and  with  the 
great  scheme  of  prophecy  there  set  forth,  the  Revelation  of  John  has  the  closest  connection,  as  will  appear 
in  the  progress  of  this  commentary.  Finally,  all  attempts  to  refer  the  numerous  prophecies  of  this  book 
ti)  the  brief  period  connected  witli  the  overthrow  of  Jerusalem  and  the  Jewisli  nation  by  the  Romans  have 
signally  failed. 

3.  For  (he  in/erpre/ation  of  this  book  many  and  very  discordant  plans  have  been  proposed.     Setting 

aside  at  the  outset  all  those  schemes  of  interpretation  which  do  not  find  in  the  Apocalypse  a  view  of  the 

conflicts  of  Christ's  people  to  the  end  of  time  and  their  final  victory  over  all  their  enemies,  there  remain 

two  general  principles  of  exposition.     The  first  of  these  may  be  called  the  generic  principle.     Those  who 

adopt  it  inquire  only  after  the  general  import  of  the  prophetic  symbols  employed,  without  attempting  any 

particular  application  of  them  to  the  history  of  the  church  and  of  the  world.     Thus,  the  white  horse  of  the 

tirst  seal,  chap.  C  :  2,  denotes  in  general  the  conquests  of  Christ  through  his  gospel  ;  the  red  horse  of  the 

second  seal,  chap.  6:4,  war  and  carnage  as  accompanying  the  progress  of  the  truth:  and  so  on  through 

the  other  symbols  of  the  book.     Hut  when  we  come  to  the  most  important  prophecies  of  the  book,  those 

concerning  the  two  beasts,  chap.  13,  and  that  concerning  the  woman  riding  the  scarlet-colored  beast,  chap. 

17,  this  principle  utterly  fails.     It  cannot  be  that  so  many  specific  and  very  peculiar  marks  mean  only 

persecuting  powers  in  general.     They  point,  with  wonderful  clearness  and  piecisicui,  to  that  combination 

of  the  civil  with  the  ecclesiastical  power  of.  which  papal  Rome  is  the  grand  representative. 

We  come,  then,  for  the  true  key  to  the  Apocalypse,  to  the  other  principle,  which  may  be  called  the 

MCI 


REVELATION. 

historic.  This  seeks  in  the  history  of  the  church  and  of  the  world  for  the  great  events  foretold  in  tliis 
book.  It  is  no  valid  objection  to  this  principle  that  in  the  attempt  to  apply  it  interpreters  Bnd  great,  and 
in  many  cases  insuperable  difficulties.  Tlie  mystery  of  God  is  not  yet  finislied.  It  may  be  that  the  mighty 
events  of  the  future  can  alone  throw  a  clear  light  on  the  entire  plan  of  the  book.  Meanwhile  we  must 
wait  in  reverential  expectation,  having  in  the  plain  fullilment  of  that  remarkable  part  of  its  prophecies 
which  describes  the  rise  and  character  of  the  persecuting  papal  power,  a  certain  pledge  that  all  the  rest 
will  be  accomplished  in  its  season.  Expositors  are  agreed  that  the  predictions  of  the  book  do  not  run  on 
in  chronological  order  from  their  beginning  to  their  close.  Most  find  in  chaps.  (5:  1  to  11  :  18 — with  an 
episode,  chaps.  10:1  to  11 :13 — one  series  relating  more  to  the  outward  history  of  the  world  in  its  rela- 
tions to  God's  people  ;  while  in  chap.  12  the  writer  returns  to  tlie  primitive  days  of  Christianity,  and 
gives  a  more  interior  and  spiritual  view  of  the  conflicts  and  final  triuniijli  of  God's  jieople,  adding  at  the 
close  various  supplementary  views  of  the  same  mighty  struggle  and  victory.  For  other  subordinate  points 
relating  to  the  plan  of  the  book  the  reader  may  consult  the  notes,  in  which  the  general  view  of  the  great 
body  of  English  commentators  has  been  followed. 

4.  On  the.  symbolic  import  of  the  numbers  in  the  Apocah'pse,  a  few  words  may  be  added.  Seven  is  the 
well-known  symbol  of  completeness,  and  this  is  the  most  prominent  number  in  this  book.  Thus  we  have 
the  seven  churches  of  Asia  represented  by  the  seven  golden  candlesticks,  and  their  seven  angels  repre- 
sented by  seven  stars,  chap.  1:4,  12,  16,  20  ;  the  seven  lamps  of  fire,  which  are  the  seven  spirits  of  God, 
chap.  4:5;  the  seven  seals,  chap.  5:1;  the  seven  trum]iets,  chap.  8:2;  tlie  sovcti  thunders,  chap.  10:4; 
the  seven  last  plagues,  chap.  15:1;  to  which  may  bo  added  the  seven  ascriptions  of  praise,  chap.s.  5:12; 
7  :  12.  Lastly,  we  have  the  seven  heads  of  the  persecuting  beast  in  all  its  various  forms,  chaps.  12:3; 
13:1;  17  : 3.  So  far  as  the  number  seven  has  its  fullilment  in  the  history  of  the  world,  we  are  at  liberty 
to  suppose  that  this  is  accomplished,  in  part  at  least,  by  the  manner  in  which  the  wisdom  of  God  has  been 
pleased  to  group  together  the  events  of  prophecy — a  grouping  which  is  always  appropriate,  but  might 
have  been  different  had  the  plan  of  representation  so  n^quired.  The  final  judgments  which  precede  the 
niillennium,  for  example,  which  in  chaps.  15  and  16  are  set  forth  under  the  figure  of  seven  vials  full  of  the 
wrath  of  God,  might  have  been,  by  another  mode  of  distribution,  represented  under  the  number  two. 
Many  think  that  they  are  thus  represented,  chap.  14:14-20.  Another  prophetic  nimiber,  occurring  in 
Daniel  and  the  Apocalypse,  always  as  a  designation  of  time,  is  the  half  of  seven.  Thus  we  have  "a  time, 
and  times,  and  half  a  time;"  that  is,  three  years  and  a  half,  chap.  12  :  14,  or,  as  elsewhere  given,  "forty 
and  two  months,"  chaps.  11:2;  13:5,  and  "  a  thousand  two  hundred  and  threescore  days,"  chaps.  11:3; 
12:6.  Compare  Daniel  7  :  25.  Again,  corresponding  to  these  three  years  and  a  half,  we  have  the  three 
ilays  and  a  half  during  wliicli  the  two  witnesses  lie  dead,  chap.  11  :  9,  11.  The  number  .six,  moreover, 
from  its  peculiar  relation  to  seven,  has  a  deep  significance.  Standing  as  it  does  immediately  before  seven, 
it  represents  those  mighty  judgments  of  God  which  ])r(pare  the  way  for  the  consunnnation  of  the  mystery 
of  God.  Hence  the  sixth  .seal,  chap.  6  :  12-17,  the  sixth  trumpet,  cliap.  9  :  14-21,  and  the  sixtii  vial,  chap. 
16:12-16,  are  each  preeminent  in  the  series  to  which  they  belong.  They  usher  in  the  most  terrible 
jilagues,  which  destroy  nmltitudes  of  the  wicked,  but  do  not  bring  them  to  repentance.  Here  we  have, 
perhaps,  the  key  to  the  symbolic  import  of  the  immber  666.  While  it  represents  arithmetically  the  num- 
ber of  a  man — see  note  to  chap.  13  :18 — it  seems  to  indicate  tliat  upon  iiim  fall  all  tlie  judgments  of  the 
sixth  seal,  the  sixth  trumpet,  and  the  sixth  vial. 

Four  is  the  natural  symbol  for  universality.  Thus  we  have  the  four  living  creatures  round  almiit  the 
throne,  on  the  significance  of  which  see  notes  to  chap.  4:6;  tlie  four  angels  standing  oii  the  four  corners 
of  the  earth  and  holiling  tiie  four  winds,  chap.  7:1  ;  and  the  four  angels  bound  in  tiie  Kupiirates,  chap. 
9  :  14.  A  thiril  and  a  fourtli  part,  on  the  contrary,  are  symbols  of  wh;il  is  partial.  Ciiaps.  6:8;  8  :  7-12  ; 
0  :  18. 

Twelve  is  the  well-known  signature  of  God's  i)(M)ple.  Comjiare  the  twelve  tribes  of  the  OM  T(\sfaineiit 
and  the  twelve  apostles  of  the  New ;  the  woman  with  a  crown  of  twelve  stars,  chap.  12:1;  the  twelve 
gates,  twelve  angels,  twelve  foundations  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  the  twelve  times  twelve  cubits  of  its  wall, 
and  its  tree  of  life  that  yields  twelve  harvests  a  year.  Chajjs.  21  :  12,  14  ;  22  :  2.  AVe  also  have  the  same 
number  comltiiied  with  a  thousand,  the  general  symbol  for  multitude.  From  each  of  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel  arc  sealed  twelve  thousand,  chap.  7  :  4-8,  making  the  twelve  times  twelve  thousand,  or  hundred 
forty  and  four  thousand  of  the  redeemed,  chap.  14  : 1,  3  ;  and  the  walls  of  the  new  Jerusalem  are  in  every 
direction  twelve  thousand  fnrlinig.'A. 

Ten  is  possibly  only  a  symbol  of  diversity,  as  in  tin'  case  of  iIk;  ten  Imnis  of  the  beast,  chaps.  12:3; 
13:1;  17:3;  though  some  take  a  dififerent  view  of  it.     In  respect  to  this  and  the  other  numbers  occur- 
ring in  the  Apocalypse,  see  further  in  the  notes. 
14G2 


John  greelet/i  the 


REVELATION  I. 


slven  churches. 


A.  D.  96. 


CHAPTER  T, 


4  John  writeih  his  revelation  to  the  sfveii  churclies  of  Asia,  signified  by 
the  seven  golden  candlesticks.  7  The  coming  of  Christ.  14  His  glo- 
rious power  and  majesty. 

THE  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  God 
gave  unto  him,  to  show  unto  his  servants 
tlungs  whicli  mustshortly  come  to  pass ;  and  he  sent 
and  signified  //  by  his  angel  unto  his  servant  John : 

2  Who  bare  record  of  the  word  of  God,  and  of 
the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  all  things 
that  he  saw. 

3  Blessed  is  he  that  readcth,  and  they  that  hear 
the  words  of  tliis  propliecy,  and  keep  tlioso  things 
which  arc  written  therein:''  for  the  time  is  at 
hand." 

4  T  OHN  to  the  seven  churches  which  are  in 
fj    Asia:''  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from 

him  which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which  is  to  come  ;'' 
and  from  the  seven  spirits  whicli  are  before  his 
throne;'' 

5  And  from  Jesus  Christ,  ir/io  is  the  faithful  Wit- 
ness.'aHd  the  First-begotten  of  the  dead,'"'  and  the 
Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth.     Unto  him  that 

«  Luke  11-43  »  Jas.  5.S,  U:  1  Pet.  4.7.  c  ver.  U.  J  ver.  8.  <•  Zech. 
1:111:  ch.  3:1;  4  5  f  Jo'nn  H:  14  eCol.1;18.  h  .Fohn  ll-l.  ■Heb9:l4. 
i  Kxod.   111:0:    1  Pet.  -2.3-9.      k  Heb.   1.3!-21.      1   Dan.  7:13;    Matt.  20:61. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1.  The  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ;  that  made  by  Jesus 
Clirist.  Winch  God  gave  unto  him;  here,  as  uniformly  in 
the  New  Testament,  Christ  is  represented  as  acting  ac- 
cordin;;  to  the  commission  which  he  has  received  from 
God  tlie  Father.  Compare  John  3:34;  5:20;  7:10;  10:32; 
12:49.  3Itfit  shortly  come  to  pass;  these  words  may  bo  un- 
derstood as  meaning  that  the  series  of  events  liere  fore- 
toM  must  soon  begin  to  be  accomplished.  But  this  limi- 
tation is  not  necessar_v,  since  the  constant  representation 
of  Scripture  is,  that  with  the  Lord  a  thonsand  years  are 
but  as  one  day,  and  that  the  coming  of  Wn-ist  and  the  end 
of  all  things  is  always  at  hand,  cliap.  22:20;  1  Pet.  4:7; 
2  Pet.  3:8,  12  ;  and  especially  LuUe  18:8.  He  sent ;  whether 
we  understand  Jesus  Christ,  as  in  chap.  22:  IG,  or  God,  as 
in  cha]).  22  :G,  is  unimportant,  since  in  the  matter  of  this 
revel;ition  the  Father  and  the  Son  are  one.  By  his  angel ; 
making  use  of  Ids  nunistry,  chap.  22:(),  8,  IG.  John;  the 
apostle  John.     See  the  introdnctory  remarks. 

2.  The  word  of  God;  the  word  reve;\led  by  God.  The 
testimonij  of  Jesus  Christ;  the  testimony  borne  to  the  truth 
by  Jesns  Christ,"  the  faithful  and  true  Witness,"  chap.  3: 14. 

3.  Keep  those  things;  remember  the  trutlis  herein  taught, 
and  do  the  duties  required.  The  tune  is  at  hand.  See  note 
to  ver.  1. 

4.  To  the  seven  churches  which  are  in  Asia;  we  are  to  un- 
derstiHid  here  the  lloraan  province  of  Proconsular  Asia, 
embracing  the  provinces  of  .\Iysia,  Lydia,  Caria,  and,  as  it 
would  seem,  the  western  part  of  Phrygia  also,  in  which 
Laodicea  was  situated.  From  tlie  niuning  of  these  seven 
it  docs  not  follow  that  there  were  not  other  clnirches  in 
Asia.  The  number  seven,  which  is  the  symbol  of  com- 
pleteness. ]irevails  throughout  this  book,  and  is  designedly 
chosen  here.  Which  is,  and  which  u-ns.  and  winch  is  to  come  ,■ 
that  is,  the  self-e.vistent  and  eternal  (!od.  who  has  life  in 
liimself.  The  words  seem  to  be  an  exposition  of  the  mean- 
ing of  the  Hebrew  word  Jehovah.  See  note  to  Kxodns 
6:3.  Tiie  seven  spirits  which  are  before  his  throne;  the  s;imo 
as  the  "seven  lamps  of  fire  bunnng  before  the  throne," 
chap.  4:.").  As  this  and  the  following  verso  contain  a  bene- 
diction from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  we  nuistsupiiose  tli;it 
it  is  tlie  Holy  Spirit  who  is  joined  with  them,  as  else- 
where, and  not  any  created  spirits.  In  ai^conlance  with 
the  emblem;itical  character  6f  this  book,  ho  is  described 
under  the  number  seven,  to  denote  his  manifold  and  per- 
fect divine  operations.     Compare  the  seven  "eyes  of  the 


loved  us,''  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
blood,' 

6  And  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God 
and  his  Father;-'  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion 
for  ever  and  ever."     Amen. 

7  Behold,  hecometh  with  clouds;'  and  every  eye 
shall  see  him,  and  they  also  which  pierced  him  :'" 
and  all  kindreds  of  the  earth  shall  wail  because 
of  him."     Even  so,°  Amen. 

8  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the 
ending.P  saitli  the  Lord,  wliich  is,  and  wliich  was, 
and  wliich  is  to  come,  the  Almighty.'' 

9  I  John,  who  also  am  your  brother,  and  com- 
panion in  tribulation,  and  in  the  kingdom  and 
patience  of  Jesus  Clirist,  was  in  the  isle  that  is 
called  Patmos,  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the 
testimony  of  Jesus  Christ. 

10  I  was  in  the  Spirif  on  the  Lord's  day,^  and 
heard  behind  me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a  trumpet, 

11  Saying,  I  am  Al])ha  and  Omega,  the  first  and 
the  last:  and,  Wliat  thou  seest,  write  in  a  book, 
and  send  it  unto  the  seven  churches  which  are  in 
Asia :  unto  Ephesus,'  and  unto  Smyrna,"  and  unto 

m  Zech.  1-2:10.  n  Matt. -21:30  ooh. 2-2:20.  Pisa.  41:4.  q  Isa.  9:fi.  f2Cor. 
12:2.    sjolm-20:20;  ActsSO;";  ICor.  lC:-2.     tch.2:l.     "ck.'i.H. 

Lord  which  run  to  and  fro  through  the  whole  earth," 
Zech.  4:10;  and  the  seven  eyes  of  the  Lamb,  "which  are 
the  seven  .spirits  of  Ciod  sent  forth  into  all  the  earth," 
chap.  5:6;  both  which  represent  one  and  the  same  Holy 
Spirit  proceeding  from  the  Father  -and  the  Son. 

5.  First-begotten  of  the  dead ,-  the  fii'st  who  rose  to  <lic  no 
more,  and  the  leader  and  head  of  all  who  shall  be  by  his 
divine  power  raised  from  the  de:wl  to  eternal  life.  Him ; 
Jesus  Christ. 

6.  Kings  and  priests ;  to  reign  with  him  in  .glory,  chap. 
22:5,  and  to  offer  to  God  through  him  spiritual  sacrifices, 
1  Pet.  2:5. 

7.  He  cometh ;  for  the  deliverance  of  his  friends  and  the 
ruin  of  his  enemies.  Thei/  also  xchich  pierced  him — all  kin- 
dreds of  the  earth  shall  wail;  there  is  here  an  allusion  to 
Zech.  12:10-14,  but  with  a  difTerent  application  of  the 
words.  In  Zechariah  it  is  a  penitential  mourning;  but 
here,  as  in  Matt.  24:30,  where  the  same  words  are  used, 
it  is  a  mourning  of  terror  in  view  of  Christ's  coming  to 
take  vengeance  on  the  wicked,     ('omparo  2  Thess.  1:8. 

8.  Alpha  and  Omega;,  these  are  the  first  and  ktst  letters 
of  the  Greek  alphabet,  and  by  thus  applying  them  to  him- 
self, Christ  shows  that  he  is  the  cause  and  end  of  all  things. 
Compare  Isa.  44:G.  Is — was — is  to  come;  a  description  of 
Christ  as  Jehovah,  self-existent,  unchangeable,  and  eternal. 
See  note  to  ver.  4. 

9.  Brother — companion;  a  fellow-Christian,  who,  with 
others,  was  suffering  persecution  on  account  of  his  relig- 
ion. Patmos !  a  desolate  island  in  the  .:Kgean  sea.  For 
the  word  of  God ;  on  account  of  my  fidelity  in  preaching  it. 
He  had  Ijecn  banished  to  Patmos  by  the  persecutors  of 
Christianity. 

10.  In  Ihc  Spirit ;  under  his  miraculous  and  prophetical 
inrtuence.  The  Lord's  day;  the  first  day  of  the  week,  com- 
momoniting  the  Lonl'sresnrrection,  and  observed  as  a  day 
of  tlivine  w(;rsliip,  the  Christian  Sabbath.  A  great  voice; 
that  of  Jesus  Christ.     Ver.  13. 

11.  Ephesus;  the  capital  city  of  Proconsular  Asia,  lying 
near  the  Mediterranean  sea.  Smyrna;  a  seaport  of  the 
Mediterranean  about  forty  miles  north  of  Ei>hesus.  Per- 
gamos;  on  the  river  Cait'us,  about  twenty  miles  from  the 
sea,  and  sixty  miles  north  of  Smyrna.  Thyntira;  acity  in 
the  province  of  Lydia  north-cast  of  Smyriui.  Sardis;  a 
city  east  of  Smyrna,  anil  about  thirty  miles  south-e;ist 
of  Thy:ttira.  Philadelphia;  about  seventy  miles  east  of 
Smyni;i.  Laodicea;  a  city  in  the  west  of  Phrygia,  about 
a  hundred  miles  east  of  Ephesus. 

14C3 


Christ  appearcth  to 


REVELATION  II. 


Jokn  in  Paimos. 


Pcrganio?.''  anrl  nnto  Tliyatira*  and  unto  Sardis,"^ 
and  unto  riuladeliiliia,"  iind  unto  Laodicea." 

12  And  I  turned  to  see  the  voice  that  spakewith 
nic.  And  being  turned,  I  saw  seven  golden  can- 
dla^ticks/ 

13  And  in  the  midst  of  the  seven  candlesticks 
one  like  unto  the  Son  of  man,*''  clothed  with  a  gar- 
ment down  to  the  foot,  and  girt  about  the  paps 
witli  a  izolden  girdle. 

l-l  His  head  and /((,« hairs  mt?-c  white  like  wool,  as 
wliiteas  snow:  and  his  eyes  iyp?-e  as  a  flame  of  fire;'' 

15  And  his  feet  like  unto  fine  brass,'  as  if  they 
burned  in  a  furnace;  and  his  voice  as  the  sound 
of  many  watersJ 

If)  And  he  had  in  his  riglit  hand  seven  stars: 
and  out  of  his  mouth  went  a  sharp  two-edged 
sword  -.^  and  his  countenance  icas  as  the  sun  shin- 
eth  in  his  strength.' 

IT  And  when  1  saw  him,  I  fell  at  his  feet  as  dead. 
And  lie  laid  his  right  hand  upon  me,  saying  unto 
me,  Fear  not ;  I  am  the  first  and  the  last : 


»Ch.  2:12.  'ch  aMS.  tch.  3:L  ■!  ch.  3-.7.  cch3:H.  f  Exod.  25::!7; 
Zech  4  •>  %  Ezek  I  20-^'?;  Dan  7:!),  13:  10:5,  0  h  ch.  4:13:  19:12. 
■Ezek.l:/,    jEzek43:2.     t  Isa.  49;2:  Heb.  4:12.     1  Acts  a«i:13:  ch.  101. 

12.  Seven  golden  candlesticks ;  these  represented  the  seven 
churches  in  tlie  places  above  mentioned.     Ver.  20. 

13.  One  like  unto  the  Son  of  man;  compare  Dan.  7:13, 
where  "one  hlcc  the  Son  of  man  came  with  the  clouds  of 
lieaven.  and  came  to  the  Ancient  of  days."  bi  both  cases 
it  is  Christ,  who,  when  on  earth,  called  himself  "  the  Sou 
of  man."  bi  the  description  of  his  person  tliat  follows, 
I  he  writer  combines  what  is  said  of"  the  Ancient  of  days," 
(h;it  is,  (jod,  D.in.  ":!),  anil  of  the  "man  clothed  in  linen," 
I). in.  10:5,  C.  Thus  he  ascribes  to  Christ  the  characters  of 
<leity. 

l.i.  Finebrnsi;  the  word  used  in  the  original  is  generally 
thon;;ht  to  denote  a  mixed  metal  composed  of  gold  and 
silver,  and  distinguished  for  its  brilliancy.  As  if  tlieij  burn- 
ed in  a  furnace;  shining  with  intense  brightness. 

llj.  Seven  stars;  representing  the  angels  of  the  seven 
churches,  ver.  20.  A  sharp  two-edged  sword;  with  which 
he  smites  the  nations,  chap.  19:13;  compare  Isa.  11:4; 
49:2.  which  are  also  iirophecies  of  the  Messiali.  The 
symbol  denotes  the  elVicacy  of  his  doctrine,  and  of  the 
judgments  uttered  by  him  against  the  wicked. 

17.  As  dead;  being  overcome  by  the  divine  majesty  and 
glory  of  the  liedeemer.  The  first  cind  the  last;  a  direct 
ascription  to  himself  of  the  attributes  of  deity.  See  Isa. 
4:J:1U;  44:0. 

\H.  Tiie  keija  of  hell  and  of  death  ;  Kii]ireme  power  over  hell 
and  death.  Hell,  in  the  original  Hades,  is  here  the  place 
of  the  dead. 

19.  The  thinns  which  thou  hast  seen;  in  the  vision  just 
described.  Which  arc;  the  present  state  of  the  seven 
churches,  chajjs.  2,  3.  Which  shall  be;  the  revelations  of 
future  events  which  he  is  about  to  receive. 

20.  The  seven  stars  are  tlie  anprh  of  the  seven  churdies ;  prob- 
alily  their  spiritual  leaders.  Are  the  seven  churdies;  reprc- 
Hcnt  them. 

IN.STRi;CTION.«. 

1.  The  Lord  reveals  as  many  things  as  it  is  needful  for 
liifl  people  in  this  life  to  know ;  and  manj'  things  which 
arc  now  dark  and  mysterious  will  hereafter  be  made 
plain,     .lolm  l:!:7. 

f>.  The  source  of  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  is  the  self-ex- 
istent, eternal,  unchangeable  Jehovah;  and  for  tho  mani- 
festation of  himself  as  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
ChosI,  in  redeeming  aii<l  sanctifying  men,  he  is  worthy  of, 
and  will  receive  the  highest  glory  for  ever. 

10.  The  fact  that  the  first  day  of  the  week  was  regarded 

by  the  apostles  and  first  (Miristians  as,  in  a  special  sense, 

the  Lord's  day,  and  that  it  was  known  and  kept  as  such, 

devoted  to  divine  worship  and  acts  of  beneficence  through- 

1461 


IS  I  am  he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead;"  a. nw. 
and  lichold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore.  Amen ;  and 
have  the  keys  of  hell  and  of  death." 

19  Write  tlie  tilings  which  thou  hast  seen,  and 
the  things  which  arc,  and  the  things  which  shall 
be  hereafter ; 

20  The  mystery  of  the  seven  stars  which  Ihon 
sawest  in  my  riglit  hand,"  and  the  seven  golden 
candlesticks.  The  seven  stars  are  the  angels  of 
the  seven  churches:  and  the  seven  candlesticks 
wiiich  thou  sawest  are  the  seven  churches.'' 


CHAPTER  II. 

Wh.at  is  commamled  to  be  written  to  (he  angels,  that  is,  Ihe  ministers  of 
(he  churches  of  1  Ephesus.  8  Smyrna,  I'J  Pergamos,  18  Tliyatira; 
niij  what  ii  commended,  or  ffiiind  wiinting  m  them. 

UNTO  the  angel  of  the  church  of  Ephesus  write : 
These  things  saith  he  tliat  lioldelh  liic  seven 
stars  in  his  riglit  hand,  who  walketii  in  the  midst 
of  the  seven  golden  candlesticks;'' 

n>Rom.G;9.  .nPii.  G8:2U;  ch.  2U  1,2  o  ver.  IG.  I>  .M.\ll.  5:15,  Hi.  a  ch. 
1 :  18,  2U. 

out  the  churches,  indicates  the  will  of  (lod  that  it  should 
bo  observed  in  all  coming  ages  as  the  Christian  Sabbath. 
1  Cor.  16:2. 

17.  A  full  view  of  the  Saviour's  glory  would  l)c  moro 
than  any  man  in  this  life  could  Vicar;  and  in  the  fntnro 
life,  while  it  will  bo  unfolding  to  the  admiring  eye  of  his 
people  with  greater  and  greater  clearness  for  ever,  all  that 
they  will  see  will  only  enlarge  their  conceptions  of  tho 
infinitude  of  what  remains  unseen. 

20.  The  fact  that  .Jesus  Christ  said,  "The  seven  candle- 
sticks are  the  seven  churches,"  does  not  require  us  to 
believe  that  a  candlestick  is  literally  a  church;  nor  do  his 
words,  "This  is  my  body,"  Matt.  2(i:26,  rcipiiro  us  to 
believe  that  bread  is  literally  flesh.  What  ho  meant  in 
each  case  is,  that  one  is  an  emblem  of  the  other;  and  it 
is  his  meaning,  not  the  mere  sound  of  the  words,  by  which 
we  should  be  governed. 

CITAPTER  II. 

The  seven  e]iistles  to  the  seven  churches  of  .Asia  have 
a  remarkable  agreement  in  their  structure.  Thi'y  all  begin 
with  the  same  form  of  address,  with  which  is  connected 
one  or  more  of  tlie  attribnies  of  the  Son  of  tiod,  as  given 
in  the  first  chaiitcr.  Tiieu  follow  the  words,  "I  know  Ihy 
works,"  with  rcprnofs,  commendations,  warnings,  and  en- 
couragements adapted  lo  the  case  of  each  church.  They 
all  close  with  the  solcnm  call:  "lie  that  halli  an  e:ir,  let 
him  hear  what  the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churc'hes ;"  and 
with  a  promise  "to  him  that  overcoineth,"  which  v;iries 
with  each  church.  In  the  case  of  the  first  three  churches, 
the  call  to  hear  precedes  the  ]U'oinise  ;  in  that  of  Ihe  other 
four,  the  reverse  is  true.  AVe  are  to  understand  each  ad- 
dress as  sustained  liy  all  the  atlribntes  of  the  Son  (d'fiod 
named  in  the  other  addresses,  and  each  promise  as  includ- 
ing all  the  good  contained  in  the  other  jiromises.  from 
the  seven  different  conditions  of  the  seven  churches  ad- 
dressed, arises  such  a  nianitoldness  and  coinpleleness  of 
instrui'tion  tis  adapts  ihcscr  epistles  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  all  Christ's  churcht'S  in  all  ages.  They  are  expressed 
with  woiulerful  vividness  :uiil  power,  and  shonlil  be  ear- 
nestly Ktndied  by  all — (eachers  anil  t;iughl — who  liii|i(!  lo 
find,  at  the  hist  ilay,  their  names  not  blotted  (jiit  of  Iho 
L;iiiib's  book  of  life,  but  confessed  by  him  befbro  his 
Kalher.  and  before  his  angels,  chaii.  3:.'). 

1.  Iloldetktiic  seven  stars  in  his  right  hand,  thc'SO  words 
express  Christ's  supreme  power  and  authority  over  all 
the  rulers  and  teachers  of  liifi  chureheH.  From  him  they 
receive  their  ollice,  with  strength  to  billil  it;  and  to  him 
thc3'  must  render  their  account  at  the  last  day.    Walkcth  m 


The,  rmssage  of  Christ  to 


REVELATION  II. 


Epkesus,  Smyrna,  etc. 


A.  D.  00.  2  I  know  tlij'  works,"  and  tliy  labor,  and 
thy  patience,  and  how  thou  canst  not  licai-  them 
wliicli  are  evil :  and  tliou  hast  tried  them  which 
pay  they  are  apostles,''  and  are  not,'^  and  hast 
found  them  liars : 

3  And  hast  borne,  and  hast  patience,  and  for 
my  name's  sake  hast  labored,  and  hast  not  faint- 
ed.* 

4  Nevertheless,  I  have  somnchat  against  thee, 
because  tliou  hast  left  thy  first  love. 

5  Remember  therefore  from  whence  thou  art 
fallen,  and  repent,  and  do  the  first  works  ;'^  or 
else  I  will  come  unto  thee  quickly,  and  will  re- 
move thy  candlestick  out  of  his  place,''  except  thou 
repent. 

O  But  this  thou  liast,  that  thou  hatcst  the  deeds 
of  the  Nicolaitanes,'  which  I  also  hate. 

7  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  sailh  ',nito  tlie  churches :''  To  him  that  over- 
cometh  will  1  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,'  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God. 

8  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Smyrna 
write :  These  things  saith  the  first  and  the  last,^ 
which  was  dead,  and  is  alive; 

9  I  kuow  thy  works,  and  tribulation,  and  pov- 
erty, but  thou  art  rich  ;''  and  I  kiioiv  the  blasphemy 
of  them  which  say  they  are  Jews,'  and  are  not,  but 
are  the  synagogue  of  Satan.'" 

10  Fear  none  of  those  things  which  thou  shalt 
suffer:  behold,  tiie  devil  shall  cast  some  of  you 
into  prison,  that  ye  may  be  tried ;  and  ye  shall 
have  tribulation  ten  days:  be  tliou  faithful  unto 
death,"  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life." 


»  Pil.  1:();  ver.  9,  13,  19;  ch.  a:l,8.  1.5.  1)  I  John  4:1.  »  2  Cor.  11:13. 
J  Gal.  li:U.  =  Jer.  -i:-.',  3.  '  .Matt.  -Jl  :^1,  43.  E  ver.  15.  b  Malt.  11:1.5; 
Tjr.  11,  17.  29.  i  Gen.  2:9;  th.  22:2,  H.  J  cli.  1:8,  17.  k  I  T.m.  6:18 
I  Rom.  2;2S,  29.     "ch.  3:9.    "  Matt.  1U:22.    o.Ji..,.  1:12.    Pch.  2I):H,    q  ch. 


the  midst — candlesticks;  words  which  represent  Christ's  con- 
stant presence  with  his  churches. 

2.  Evil;  corrupt  in  doctrine  and  practice.  Which  say 
they  are  apoitles;  false  teacliers  who  claimed  for  themselves 
the  authority  of  apostles,  such  as  are  described  by  Paul 
in  his  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  chap.  11:13,  etc., 
and  foretold  in  his  address  to  the  elders  of  Ephesus,  Acts 
20:29,  ;30. 

4.  Lift  thy  first  love;  for  the  abatement  of  which  no 
steadi'astnes.s  in  outward  services  can  bo  a  compensation, 
since  it  is  the  heart  that  Christ  desires. 

5.  Do  the  Jirst  work's;  devote  thyself  as  earnestly  and 
heartily  to  my  service  as  at  the  beginning.  Remove  thy 
candlestick;  extinguish  the  light  of  thy  church — an  awful 
warning  which  Christ  fulfilled  long  ago  to  the  church  in 
Ephesus,  that  has  been  for  centuries  extinct,  and  which 
he  has  fulfilled  to  many  unfaithful  churches  since. 

6.  Xicolaitaiies;  a  coiTupt  .sect,  who  seem  to  have  turned 
Christian  liberty  into  Kcentionsiiess. 

7.  Overcometh;  in  the  conflict  with  sin.  Compare  Matt. 
24:13;  I'ljih.  «:l:i.  Tlie  tree  of  life;  compare  chap.  22:2. 
To  eat  of  the  tree  of  life  is  to  enjoy  clerii;il  life  in  heaven. 
Of  this  the  tree  of  life  in  the  earthly  paradise  was  to  our 
first  parents  the  token.  By  sin  the.y  lost  the  right  to  eat 
of  it,  and  fell  under  the  sentence  of  death.  But  Christ 
restores  what  was  lost  in  Adam  in  a  higher  and  nobler 
form. 

9.  But  thou  art  rich ;  Kpiritually  rich,  notwithstanding  thy 
deep  iioverty  in  temporal  thing's.  Here,  as  in  all  the  epis- 
tles, the  angel  of  the  church  represents  the  church  itself, 
and  what  is  said  to  him  ia  sairl  to  the  church  also.  Siii/ 
tliey  are  Jews;  a  corrupt  sect  of  Judaizers  seems  to  be  re- 
ferred to.  They  boasted  of  their  .lewish  origin,  and  mag- 
nified tlic  institutions  of  Judaism,  but  lacked  the  spirit  of 


11  Ho  that  hath  an  car,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churclies:  He  that  overcom- 
eth shall  not  bo  hurt  of  the  second  death." 

12  And  to  the  angel  of  the  cliurch  in  Pcrgamos 
write  :  These  things  saith  he  which  hath  the  sharp 
sword  with  two  edges ;  '^ 

13  1  know  thy  works,''  and  where  thou  dwellest, 
evm  wliere  Satan's  seat  is:  and  thou  holdest  fast 
my  name,  and  hast  not  denied  my  faith,"  even  in 
those  days  wherein  Antipas  iras  my  faithful  mar- 
tyr, who  was  slain  among  you,  where  Satan  dwell- 
eth. 

14:  But  I  have  a  few  things  against  thee,  be- 
cause thou  hast  there  them  that  hold  the  doc- 
trine of  Balaam,  who  taught  Balak  to  cast  a  stum- 
bling-block before  the  children  of  Israel,'  to  eat 
things  sacrificed  unto  idols,"  and  to  commit  forni- 
cation.'' 

15  So  hast  thou  also  them  that  liold  the  doctrine 
of  the  Nicolaitanes,  which  thing  I  liale. 

16  Repent ;  or  else  I  will  come  unto  tliee  quickly, 
and  will  light  against  them  with  the  sword  of  my 
mouth.™ 

17  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churclies  :''  To  him  that  over- 
cometh will  I  give  to  cat  of  the  hidden  nianna,^ 
and  will  give  him  a  white  stone,  and  in  the  stone 
a  new  name  written,''  which  no  mau  knoweth," 
saving  he  that  receiveth  it. 

18  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Thyatira 
write :  These  things  saith  the  Son  of  God,  who 
hath  his  eyes  like  unto  a  flame  of  fire,  and  his  feet 
are  like  fine  brass;" 


1:IG.  r  ver.  9.  «  2  Tim.  2:12.  1  Num.  31:10.  u  Acts  10:29.  »  1  Cor. 
6:l:J,18.  ivlsa.ll:4.  «  ver.  7;  ch.  3:6.  13,  22.  yPsa.2o:14.  s  Isa.  .5U:4, 
5;  05:15;  ch.  3:12;  19:12,  13.     alCor.2;14.     bch.l:l4,15. 


true  Jews,  Rom.  2:28,  29,  and  had,  instead  of  it,  the  spirit 
of  Satan. 

10.  The  devil  shall  cast  some  of  you  into  prison;  you  shall 
be  cast  by  his  instigation.  Ten  days ;  a  symbolical  desig- 
nation for  a  short  time. 

11.  The  second  death;  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  in 
the  future  world. 

12.  The  sharp  sword  with  two  edges ;  sec  note  to  chap.  1 :  IG. 

13.  Satan's  seat ;  the  place  in  which  and  from  which  ho 
exerts  great  influence. 

14.  Hold  the  doctrine  of  Balaam ;  imitate.  Balaam  in  their 
spirit  and  teachings.  'V'Vhen  Balaam  could  not  olitain  i)cr- 
inission  to  curse  Israel,  he  counselled  Balak  to  seduce  the 
Israelites  to  fornication  and  idolatry  through  the  agency 
of  the  women  of  Moab.  Num.  2,5:1-9;  31:  IG;  2  Peter 
2: 1.'),  IG;  Jude  11,  12.  The  false  teachers  here  referred  to 
seem  to  have  taught  tliat  Christians  might  frequent  the 
idolatrous  feasts  held  in  idol  temples,  with  which  forni- 
cation was  always  connected. 

17.  The  hidden  7nan)ia  ;  the  true  spiritual  niuim:i  laid  up 
in  heaven  for  Christ's  faithful  servants;  alhnling  to  tho 
literal  manna  that  was  laid  up  licf'ore  the  Lord  in  tho 
holy  of  holies.  Exodus  16:32-34.  A  white  stone;  there 
is  a  reference  here  to  the  practice  in  comnion  use  among 
the  ancients  of  making  inscriptions  on  small  stones  for 
various  purposes.  White  is  the  color  of  victory.  A 
new  name  written;  expressive  of  the  new  character  and  new 
privileges  bestowed  upon  the  bearer.  No  man  knoweth, 
saving  he  that  receiveth  it;  an  intimation  that  the  love  of 
(iod  shed  :ibroad  in  tlie  hearts  of  his  children  here,  and 
the  heavenly  inheritance  of  which  it  is  the  foretaste  and 
earnest,  can  be  known  only  b}-  possession;  iierlnips,  also, 
that  each  child  of  tlod  has  his  own  individual  experi- 
ence, which  he  alone  can  uudcrst;inil. 

1465 


C/d-isCs  message  to 


REVELATION  III. 


Thyatii a,  and  Sardis. 


19  I  know  thy  works,^  and  charity,  and  service, 
and  i'aith,  and  thy  patience,  and  thy  works;  and 
the  last  to  be  more  tlian  the  first. 

20  Notwithstandinir,  I  iiave  a  fmv  thintrs  against 
tliee,  because  thon  suilerest  that  woman  Jezebel,'' 
wliich  calleth  herself  a  prophetess,  to  teach  and 
to  seduce  my  servants  to  conmiit  fornication,  and 
to  eat  things  sacrificed  unto  idols.'' 

21  And  1  gave  her  space  to  repent  of  her  forni- 
cation ;''  and  she  repented  not." 

22  Behold,  I  will  cast  her  into  a  bod.'  and  them 
that  commit  adultery  with  her  into  great  tribula- 
tion, except  they  repent  of  their  deeds. 

23  And  I  will  kill  her  children  with  death;'' 
and  all  the  churches  shall  know  that  I  am  he 
which  searchcth  the  reins  and  hearts:"  and  I  will 
give  unto  every  one  of  you  according  to  your 
works.' 

24  But  unto  you  I  say,  and  unto  the  rest  in 
Thyalira,  as  many  as  have  not  this  doctrine,  and 
whicli  have  not  known  the  depths  of  Satan.'  as  they 
speak ;  I  will  put  upon  you  none  other  burden  : 

25  But  tiiat  which  ye  have  already,  hold  fast  till 
I  conie.'^ 

2()  And  ho  that  ovcrconicth,'  and  kecpeth  my 
works  unto  the  end,'"  to  him  will  I  give  power 
over  the  nations: 

27  And  he  shall  rule  them  with  a  rod  of  iron;" 
as  the  vessels  of  a  potter  shall  thoy  be  Ijroken  to 
shivers:  even  as  I  received  of  my  Father." 

28  And  1  will  give  him  the  morning-star.'' 

29  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 

>Vfr.  3.  b  1  Kins«  10:31.  c  Exod.  34:1.-,;  I  Cor.  10:21), '>5.  dRom.  2:-l; 
SlVt.  :1U.  e  ch.  9.-20  f  Ezek.  111:37;  il  311  It  cli.  0:^.  h  I  Chr.  aS:9: 
L'Chr  6:.30;  Psi.  7:'J;  Jer.  17:  lU;  Zeph  Mi.  ■  I'si.  C>->:ii.  i  -J  The!.s 
2:'J-14     Hell.  3:11.    I  vcr.  7,  11,  17;  ch.  3:.5,  12. -Jl  ;  2]:7.     ni  John  0:«). 

19.  La.<i — more  than  (he  first ;  instead  of  declining,  they 
had  iin;ic;ised  in  gooil  works. 

20.  Jezebel ;  a  wicked  woman  like  the  wife  of  king  Ahab  ; 
pretending  to  be  a  religions  teaclier.  yet  Ke<Incing  the 
people  into  error  and  sin.  Tlio  doctrine  that  she  taught 
was  tin;  same  as  ''the  doctrine  of  lialaain,"  chap.  2:14. 

22.  /  vill  aisl  her  iiiln  a  hcit ;  a  bed  of  sickness,  instead 
of  the  bed  of  fornication  wliicli  she  encourages.  Tims 
Clirlst  will  punish  lier  and  her  followers  with  great  judg- 
ments. 

23.  Iter  chldren;  her  followers. 

24.  Tiie  depllii  of  Siitnu.  ns  lliei/  speak;  this  Jezebel  and 
hf-r  followers  were  in  tlie  liiibit  of  speaking  of  the  depths 
of  knowledge  which  they  possessed  ;  but  the  apostle  calls 
them  the  depths  of  Satan. 

2().  Oner  the  nalioris;  they  shall  not  prevail  against  him, 
but  he  shall  prevail  over  them. 

27.  He  shall  ride  then ;  reigii  with  Christ  over  all  his  foes. 
Ai  I  received  of  mtj  Father;  I'sa.  2:8,  9. 

28.  Give  him  the  morning-star ;  to  shine  in  glory  with 
Christ  the  true  Morning-8t;ir.     Chap.  22;  Hi. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
1.  For  their  qnalilications  for  usefulness,  and  for  their 
fidelity  and  suiccss,  ministers  and  Christians  are  depend- 
ent upon  .lesus  Christ.  He  sees  their  thoughts  and  feel- 
ings as  well  as  their  outward  conduct,  and  he  requires 
that  they  be  not  only  sincerely,  but  earnestly  devoted  to 
his  service. 

9.  To  true  believers,  Christ  is  a  faithful,  ever-present, 
all-sulticient  friend  ;  making  them  rich  in  the  deepest  pov- 
erty, honorable  in  the  greatest  abasement,  and  blessed  in 
the  heaviest  trials.     2  Cor.  4:17,  18. 

10.  The  persecution  of  Christians  on  account  of  their 
religion  is  instigated  by  Satan ;  and  those  who  engage  hi 

1466 


CHAPTER  III. 


A.  D.  96. 


2  The  angel  of  Ihe  rlmrcli  of  Sanlis  is  reproved,  3  exhorted  to  repent, 
and  threatened  if  he  do  not  repent.  S  The  anijei  of  the  elun.  h  of 
rhihulelphiu  10  IS  approved  for  his  diligenne  and  paii'-nee.  \'t  Thii 
ange)  of  Laodicea  rebuked,  for  heinir  neither  hot  nor  eold.  19  and  admon- 
i!>hed  to  be  more  zealous.    20  Christ  scandeth  at  the  door  and  knoeketh. 

VND  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Sardis 
.  write:  These  things  saith  he  that  hath  the 
seven  spirits  of  Cjod,i  and  the  seven  stars ;  J  know 
thy  works,''  that  thou  hast  a  name  that  thou  livest, 
and  art  dead.' 

2  Be  watchful,  and  strengthen  the  things  which 
remain,  that  are  ready  to  die : '  for  1  have  not  found 
thy  works  ))erfect  before  God." 

3  Bcmeiiiijcr  therefore  how  thou  hast  received 
':  and  heard,  and  hold  fast,''  and  repent."'    If  there- 
fore thou  shalt  not  watch,  I  Avill  come  on  thee  as 
a  thief,''  and  thou  shalt  not  know  what  hour  I  will 
come  upon  thee. 

4  Thou  hast  a  few  names  oven  in  .'^ardis  which 
have  not  defiled  their  garments;  and  they  shall 
walk  with  me  in  white:*'  for  they  are  worthy. 

5  lie  that  ovcfcomctli,  the  same  shall  be  clothed 
in  white  raiment ;  anil  1  will  not  blot  out  his  name 
out  of  the  book  of  life,'-  but  I  will  confess  his  name 
before  my  Father,  and  before  his  angels.'* 

6  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 

i     7  And  to  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Philadel- 

'  phia  write:  Tlieso  tilings  sailh  he  that  is  holy,"  he 

that  is  true,'^  he  that  hath  the  key  of  David,''  he 

that  openeth,  and  no  man  shuttcth:  and  shutteth, 

and  no  man  oijcneth;" 

8  I  know  thy  works:  behold,  I  have  set  before 


Uinrj-ij. 


«.  2:9.     P  ch.  2-2:10.     q  ch.   5.B. 
"  Pan.  5:27.    "Hnb.  2:1.     w  vcr. 


Jas.   2:20.     i>  I'sa,    19:11. 

r  ch.  2.2.  etc      "  1  Tim   5,(i  '  ch.  -.;.).     "  uan.  orzi.     •  nno.  a:  i.     *»  ver. 

m      «eh   ir.:15      vch.7:9;  19:rt.     »•  ch.  17:8.     «  Luke  12:S.     bAcls3.M. 

»  1  John  5.21).     d  Isi.  22  22.  c  Job  12. 14 

it  arc  his  servants,  doing  his  work,  and  ripening  for  the 
place  prepared  for  him  itnd  his  angels.     Malt.  2.'):4I. 

17.  The  blesscdnOKs  of  true  religion  is  great  beyond  de- 
scri|)tioii.  and  known  only  to  those  who  enjoy  it. 

'Hi.  The  discrimination  of  character  which  Christ  will 
make  as  to  each  individual,  will  show  his  conijilele  know- 
ledge of  the  heart,  and  that  nothing  has  ever  been  thought, 
said,  or  done,  with  which  he  was  not  perfectly  acciuaiiited. 

CHAPTER  HI. 

1.  A  name;  the  merely  outward  jirol'ession  .and  form  of 
religion. 

2.  Things  which  remain  ;  their  remaining  attarhriK'nt  to 
truth  and  duty. 

3.  Kcceivcil  (nil!  heard ;  the  blessings  bestowed,  and  the 
truths  inciili-;i1c'il  upon  them.  A.<  n  Ihirf:  suddcidy  ami 
inie.'cpectedly. 

4.  Not  defiled  tli'ir  gnrmenli;  not  emliniccd  error  or  in- 
dulged in  sin.    In  vtnle ;  a  state  of  jmrity  ;inil  lilesHeiliiess. 

.'i.  /  wdl  wit  hint  mil  Ins  name— I  vdt  confess  his  name; 
Matt.  10:32,  3:J;  2.1:. 34-40. 

7.  The  keii  nf  IJaviil ;  that  is,  the  key  of  the  house  of 
David.  Compare  Isiiiah  22:22,  from  which  p;iss;ige  the 
language  is  Viorroweil.  but  with  a  far  higher  aii|ilic;ilion. 
To  have  the  kej'  of  David's  house,  is  to  exercise  su])remo 
<lomiiiion  there,  which  is  e.vpressed  by  the  acts  of  o]ien- 
inganil  shutting  at  will ;  in  other  words,  it  is  to  be  supremo 
oil  David's  throne.  Coin])are  Luke  1:32,  33:  "Thi^  Lord 
(iod  shidl  give  unto  him  the  throno  of  his  father  David: 
and  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  .lacob  for  ever;" 
where  the  "house  of  .hieob"  is  the  true  spiritual  Israel, 
embracing  all  who  ij.ive  through  f;iith  become  "  .Vbraliam's 
seed,  and  heirs  according  to  the  promise,"  Cal.  3:29. 

5.  An  open  door;  in  alliisioii  to  the  declaration  of  the 


Christ' s  message  to 


REVELATION  IV. 


Philadelphia  and  Laudicea. 


A.p  %  thcc  an  open  door,''  and  no  man  can  shut 
it:  for  thou  hast  a  litth:-  stren.irth,  and  hast  kept 
m)-  word,  and  hast  not  denied  my  name. 

9  Behold,  I  will  make  them  of  the  synagogue  of 
Satan,  which  say  they  are  Jews,  and  are  not,  but 
do  lie;''  behold,  I  will  make  them  to  come  and 
worsliip  before  thy  feet,''  and  to  know  that  I  have 
loved  tliec. 

10  Because  tliou  hast  kept  the  word  of  my  pa- 
tience. I  also  will  keep  thee  from  the  hour  of 
temptation,''  which  shall  come  upon  all  tlie  world, 
to- try  them  that  dwell  upon  the  earth. 

11  Behold,  I  come  quickly  i""  hold  that  fast  which 
thou  hast,'  that  no  man  take  thy  crown. 

12  Him  that  ovcrcomctli  will  I  make  a  pillar  in 
the  temple  of  my  God,  and  lie  shall  go  no  more 
out:  and  I  will  write  upon  him  the  name  of  my 
Go-d,  and  tJie  name  of  the  city  of  my  God,  which 
is  new  Jerusalem,'-'  which  cometh  down  out  of 
heaven  from  my  God :  and  /  will  write  upon  him 
Diy  new  name. 

13  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Fpirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 

14  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  of  the  La- 
odicoans"  write:  Tliese  things  saith  the  Amen,'' 
the  faithful  and  true  Witness,  the  beginning  of 
the  creation  of  God ; 

15  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold 
nor  hot:  I  would  thou  wert  cold  or  hot.' 

16  Ho  then,  because  thou  art  lukewarm,  andiieither 
cold  nor  hot,  I  will  spew  thee  out  of  my  mouth. 

17  Because  thou  saycst,  I  am  rich,^  and  increased 


»lCot  1G:9.  *ch.2:9.  =rsi.60;14.  d  2  Pel.  2. !).  eZeph.l:U.  f  vpr 
.t.  Ech. -21:2,  10.  •  Or,  in  Lnodicfa.  ri  Isi.  G5:16.  i  1  Kings  18:21 .  J  Hos 
la.S.    kCsi,  55:1.     1  ch.  10:15.     m  Heb.  l->;5.  6.     n  Song  .5:2;  Luke  1-3.38. 


precediiit;  verse:  "  he  that  opencth,  and  no  man  shutteth." 
The  words  seeni  to  mean  full  liberty  in  professing  and 
preaching  the  gospel.  Compare  1  Cor.  lli:9;  2  Cor.  2:12; 
Col.  4:3. 

9.  Siinagogve  of  Satnn — my  theij  are  Jeu'<i;  see  note  to 
chap.  2:9.  Worship  before  Ihyjeet;  humble  themselves 
before  thee. 

10.  The  hour  of  temptation ;  a  season  of  fiery  trial,  appar- 
ently in  the  shape  of  severe  persecution. 

11.  Til ij  crown;  the  crownof  life,  which  Christ  will  bestow 
upon  all  who  continue  tiiithful  to  him. 

12.  A  pillar  in  the  temple  of  mij  God;  give  him  a  perma- 
nent place  in  (iod's  spiritual  temple.  Compare  Eplies. 
2:20-22;  1  Peter  2:5.  The  name  of  my  God — the  -name  of 
the  city  nf  my  God — my  new  name;  thus  marking  him  as 
belonging  for  ever  to  God,  to  tlie  city  of  (jod,  and  to  Christ, 
wlio  has  redeemed  him  by  his  own  blood.  The  new  name 
of  Christ  is  that  which  belongs  to  him  in  his  glorified 
state  as  the  conqueror  of  death  and  all  the  powers  of 
darkness.  It  therefore  imirks  its  possessor  as  admitted  to 
sliare  Christ's  glory  with  him.  Compare  ver.  21;  John 
17:24. 

14.  The  Amen;  he  who  will  cause  all  his  words  to  be 
accomplished.  The  beginning  of  tlie  creation;  its  Author 
and  Lord.     See  notes  to  Col.  1 :  15-17. 

1.5.  Neither  cold  nor  hot;  lukewarm,  indifferent  in  relig- 
ion. Thou  weit  cold  or  hot ;  madcst  no  pretension  to  my 
service,  or  else  wert  zealous  in  it. 

Hi.  Spejv  thee  out ;  reject  with  aliborrence. 

17.  /  am  rich;  have  knowledge  ami  religion  enough. 
Wret'hed ;  on  account  of  thoir  ignorance  of  llwir  wants  and 
their  indilTereneo  to  religion. 

18.  Golil — white  rnimeiil — eye-siilvc ;  reprcseutiiig  tl»e  ricli 
spiritu-al  blessings  which  Chi-ist  will  give  to  those  who  look 
to  him.     Isa.  45:22. 


with  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing :  and  know- 
est  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  miserable,  and 
poor,  and  blind,  and  naked: 

18  I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried  in  the 
fire,''  that  thou  mayest  be  rich ;  and  white  raimcntj 
that  thou  mayest  be  clothed,  and  that  the  shame 
of  thy  nakedness  do  not  appear  ;'  and  anoint  thine 
eyes  with  eye-salve,  that  thou  mayest  see. 

19  As  many  as  1  love,  I  rebuke  and  chasten:'" 
be  zealous  therefore,  and  repent. 

20  Behold,  1  stand  at  the  door,  and  knock:"  if 
any  man  hear  my  voice,  and  open  tlie  door,  I  will 
come  in  to  him,  and  will  sup  with  him,  and  he  with 
me." 

21  To  him  that  ovcrcomctli,''  will  I  grant  to  sit 
with  me  in  my  tiirone,''  even  as  I  also  overcame,'' 
and  am  set  down  with  my  Father  in  his  throne. 

22  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  hiin  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches." 

CHAPTER  IV. 

2  John  seeth  the  throne  of  G-oJ  in  heaven.  4  The  four  and  twenty 
eUlers.  6  The  four  beasts  full  of  eyes  before  and  behind.  10  Tlie 
fldt-rs  lay  down  their  crowns,  and  worsiiip  hiia  that  sat  on  the  tlirone. 

AFTER  this  I  looked,  and  behold,  a  door  was 
opened  in  heaven:  and  tiie  first  voice  which 
I  heard  was  as  it  were  of  a  trumpet  talking  with 
me ;'  which  said.  Come  up  hither,"  and  I  will  show 
thee  things  which  must  be  hereafter. 

2  And  immediately  I  was  in  the  Spirit:^'  and 
behold,  a  throne  was  set  in  heaven,'"  and  one  sat  on 
the  throne.'' 


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7;U; 

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):': 

. 

19.  I  rebuke  and  chasten;  to  deliver  them  from  sin,  and 
prepare  them  for  heaven. 

20.  /  stand  at  the  door ;  representing  his  readiness  and 
desire  to  bestow  all  needed  good  upon  all  who  servo  him. 
Sup  with  him,  and  he  wilh  me;  -wliich  would  be  to  their  rich 
mutual  joy. 

21.  To  sit  wilh  me;  in  a  state  of  high  and  eternal  exalta- 
tion and  blcssetlness. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  Persons  may  be  regular  in  the  outward  form  of  relig- 
ion, and  yet  destitute  of  its  .spirit.  Without  an  eft'ectual 
change,  such  cannot  escape  the  judgments  of  God. 

5.  Character  is  personal ;  and  amid  great  and  abounding 
iniquity  individuals  may  faithfully  serve  God  and  be  ripen- 
ing for  glory. 

9.  God  can  at  any  time  humble  the  most  bitter  persecu- 
tors of  his  people,  and  make  them  their  cordial  friends, 
or  utterly  destroy  them, 

l(i.  God  alihors  indifference  in  religion  no  less  really 
than  he  does  o])en  iididelity  or  open  innuorality. 

18,  The  more  cold  and  formal  men  are  in  religion,  the 
more  ,self-eonfident  they  are;  the  less  tliey  feel  their  need 
of  Christ  and  his  salvation;  and  without  a  great  change, 
they  will  never  obtain  the  bh-ssings  of  his  favor, 

20,  Christ  is  ready  to  .save  men  ;  but  in  order  to  be  s;ived 
by  him,  they  must  receive  him  in  faitli  ami  love  as  llioir 
Uedcemer.  and  devote  life  to  his  service.  If  they  an-  lost, 
il  will  been  account  of  their  opposition  to  him,  and  tlieir 
refusal  to  accept  of  his  salvation, 

CITAI'TFR  IV. 

1.  Anil  the  fir'it  mice — talking  with  me;  or.  And  the  first 
voice  which  I  beard  as  of  a  trnnqiet  talking  with  me;  the 
voice,  namely,  mentioned  in  chap.  1 :  10, 

2.  I  was  in  the  Spirit;  rapt  in  prophetic  vision.     \Vith 

M07 


John's  vision  of  heaven. 


REVELATION  V. 


The  hook  with  sercn  seals. 


3  And  lie  that  sat  was  to  look  upon  like  a  jasper 
and  a  sardine  stone:  and  there  was  a  rainbow 
round  about  tlie  throne,  in  siglit  like  unto  an 
emerald. 

4  And  round  about  the  throne  were  four  and 
twenty  seats:"  and  upon  the  seats  I  saw  four  and 
twenty  elders  sitting-,  clolhed  in  white  raiment;'' 
and  they  had  on  tlieir  heads  crowns  of  g-old.'^ 

5  And  out  of  the  throne  proceeded  liglitnings, 
ami  thunderinirs,  and  voices  :''  and  there  wire  SQ\cn 
lamps  of  fire  burning;  before  the  throne,"  which  are 
the  seven  spirits  of  (!od.' 

t)  And  before  the  (lirone  fhei-e  iras  a  sea  of  glass 
like  unto  crystal  :•■'  and  in  the  midst  of  the  throne, 
and  round  about  the  throne,  were  foitr  beasts  full 
of  eyes  before  and  behind.'' 

7  And  the  first  beast  ivas  like  a  lion,  and  the 
second  beast  like  a  calf  and  the  third  beast  had 
a  face  as  a  man,  and  the  fourth  beast  icas  like  a 
flying  eagle. 

8  And  the  four  beasts  had  each  of  them  six 
wings  about  him  ,■'  and  they  were  full  of  c\ca  with- 
in: and  they  rest  not^  (hiy  and  nighr,  saying, 
Holy,  holy,  holy.  Lord  God  Almighty,  wliicli  was, 
and  is,  and  is  to  come. 

•  Ch  11:10.  k  ch  3:4.5.  c  ycr.  in  d  ch.  8  5;  Ifi:  18.  e  Gen.  15:17; 
KloJ.  37:>),  Zeoh.  4:4.     fch.  1:4      B  ch    15:->      h  Ezfk    1;.5,  etc.;  10:14 

the  command,  "Come  up  hither,"  he  was  immediately  car- 
ried in  vision  tlirou^-h  tiie  open  door  into  heaven. 

3.  A  jasper;  a  (H'ecions  stone  of  various  colors,  as  pur- 
ple, bhie,  j^reen.  In  cliap.  21: 11,  the  lij;lit  of  tlie  new  Jeru- 
salem is  compared  with  it  for  lirilliaiicy.  A  sardine  stone; 
a  precious  stone  of  a  briglit  red  color.  Compare  Ezck. 
1 :27,  where  lie  who  sits  on  the  throne  has  "  the  appearance 
of  fii'i'."     All  emerald;  a  };em  of  a  soft  j;reon  color. 

4.  Four  and  Iweiitij  elders;  the  reprcsent;itivcs  of  God's 
people  under  the  Old  and  Xew  Testament  dispensations, 
twelve  for  each,  answering  to  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel, 
and  the  twelve  apostles  of  Christ. 

5.  Out  of  the  throne  proceeded  liishtninir!s,  and  Ihunderings, 
and  voices;  representin;;  the  awfnl  majesty,  holiness,  and 
power  of  IJoi.  Secen  lamps  ofjire  burnn)<^  before  the  throne  ; 
see  note  to  clia]).  1:4. 

C.  A  se.i  nf  rrla'islikennto  criplnl ;  chap.  l."):2;  an  exjianse 
of  cryst:dlinc  clearness  and  splendor.  It  answers  to  the 
"  paved  work  of  a  sapphire  stone,  and  as  it  were  the  Ijody 
of  heaven  in  it.s  clearness,"  Exod.  24:10;  and  to  the  fiiiiiii- 
menf'as  the  color  of  the  terrible  cryst;d  "  on  which  the 
throne  of  (!od  rested,  Kzek.  1 :22,  2fi.  Four  lien-.ls;  rather, 
four  living;  creatures.  Tlu;  word  in  the  original  is  dilTer- 
ent  from  that  applied  to  the  |)ersccutiii;;  l)e;ists  in  ch;ip. 
11:7;  l;i:l,  II,  etc.  Tlie  ;i;;rei'm"iit  between  these  four 
liviii;;  creatures  and  tlie  cherubim  of  E/.ekiel's  vision, 
chaps.  I,  10,  is  so  n-rinirUable,  that  we  must  suppose  th;it  in 
both  cases  the  sam-  thin,;  is  represented.  In  both  places 
they  ajipearas  the  iiiimi'diate  atteii  iants  upon  (iod's  throne, 
of  which  in  Ezekiel  they  are  the  bearers;  in  both  places 
they  li:ivc  tlie  same  four  faces,  only  that  in  E/.i-kiel  e;icli 
has  all  the  four,  while  here  they  .arc  distributed  one  to 
each;  in  both  places,  moreover,  their  bodies  are  full  of 
eyes,  hi  llieir  six  win;;s,  and  in  their  ceaseless  cry, 
"  Holy,  lioly,  holy,"  they  agree  with  the  seraphim  of 
Isaiah.  They  seem  to  represent  all  the  created  powers 
and  a'.;encie8  by  which  <iod  administers  his  provideniial 
government  over  Ihc-  world;  which  are  all  pervaded  by  his 
omniscKMit  Spirit,  and  stand  ever  re;idy  lo  do  his  bidding; 
wlii(di  all  show  forth  bis  praises,  ami  execute  with  uner- 
ring certainty  his  high  pnrpiisiM.  Fidl  nf  ci/':s ;  represent- 
ing their  ever  wakeful  vigilance  ;uid  discernment  of  (iod's 
will.  In  Kzi-kiel  they  and  the  wheels  by  them  are  all  per- 
vaded by  the  one  Hpiritof  (Jod  :  "  Whithersoever  the  Spirit 
was  to  go  they  went;  thither  was  their  spirit  to  go,"  chap. 
UG8 


A   ND  I  saw  in  tlr 

X  Jl.  on  the  throne  : 


9  And  when  those  beasts  give  glory  and  .\.u  w. 
honor  and  thanks  to  him  that  sat  on  the  throne, 
who  liveth  for  ever  and  ever,J 

10  Tiie  four  and  twenty  elders  fall  down  before 
him  that  sat  on  the  throne,  and  worship  him  that 
liveth  for  ever  and  ever,  and  cast  their  crowns 
before  the  throne,''  saying, 

11  Thou  art  worthy,'  0  Lord,  to  receive  glory 
and  honor  and  power:"'  for  thou  hast  created  all 
things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were 
created. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  The  book  scaled  with  seven  sp.'ils;  9  which  only  the  Lamb  that  was 
slain  is  worthy  to  open.  12  Tllerefore  the  elders  praise  hlin,  9  and 
confess  that  he  redeemed  them  willl  liis  blood. 

10  right  hand  of  hiin  that  sat 
a  book  written  within  and  on 
the  backside,"  sealed  with  seven  seals." 

2  And  1  saw  a  strong  angel  proclaiming  with  a 
loud  voice.  Who  is  worthy  to  open  the  book,  and 
to  loose  the  seals  thereof? 

3  And  no  man  in  heaven,  nor  in  earth,  neither 
under  tiie  earth,  was  able  to  open  the  book,  neither 
to  look  thereon. 

i  Is,\.  6:2.  etc      '  C.r  liavc  no  rest.    jch.  Sit     k  ver.  4.    'ch.  5:12.    m  Col. 
1:10.     nE2ek.2:9,  10.    olsa.  aOtl 

1:20.     None  of  God's  creatures  are  omniscient,  but  his 

omniscience  directs  all  their  movements. 

7.  Ldce  a  lion;  representing  ))Ower,  ini\jesly,and  domin- 
ion. A  calf;  a  young  bullock  or  ox,  an  emblem  of  labori- 
ous and  patient  endurance.  Face  as  n  man ;  indicative  of 
reason,  intelligence,  and  kindness.  Aflijingeaple;  tknioting 
swiftness.  kecn-sightednes.s,  and  elevation.  Another  view 
of  these  four  faces  is,  that  they  represent  the  heiids  of  the 
four  divisions  into  which  the  llebrcws  distributed  the  liv- 
ing creation — man,  cattle,  l]o;ists,  binls — ^uniting  in  them- 
selves the  powers  and  attributes  of  all ;  in  other  words, 
that  all  which  is  great  and  excellent  in  creation  ministers 
to  God's  will. 

8.  Six  winps;  expressive  of  swiftness  in  executing  the 
purposes  of  God. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
3.  Created  objects  can  but  very  imijcrfectly  represent 
the  divine  majesty  and  glory  of  Jesus  Christ. 

'■Tile  wliole  creation  can  alTord 
But  sotne  faint  shadows  of  my  Lord; 
Naiure.  to  make  hi.s  beauties  known. 
Must  mingle  colors  not  her  own."' 

10.  The  glory  and  blessedness  of  saints  in  hoaven,  the 
clearness  with  wliiili  they  discern  the  will  of  (Jod,  and  the 
alacrity,  delight,  and  perfeclion  with  which  they  obey  it, 
no  Iiunian  language  can  fully  describe,  and  no  man  on 
e:irlli  ;ider|Uately  conceive. 

11.  That  good  pleasure  of  God  which  g:ive  birth  to  ere- 
ation,  and  constantly  .iiidiolds  it,  awiikeiis  (lie  lividiest 
gratitude  in  the  hearts  of  his  people,  :ind  will  draw  forth 
to  him  the  most  ardent  ascriptions  of  glory  ami  honor, 
thanksgiving  and  jiraisc,  for  ever  and  ever. 

riLM'TKR  V. 

1.  A  book;  a  scroll,  wrillin  on  both  sides  to  denote  the 
fulness  of  its  coiitenis,  rolled  up  and  sealeil  with  seven 
sc:ils.  Comp;ire  lv/.(d<.  2:9,  1(1.  The  siu-cessivc  oiiening 
of  llie  se:ils  represents  the  gradual  nnfoliling  of  the  coun- 
sels of  (;<)ii  in  the  history  of  this  world.  This  represented 
the  purposes  of  (iod  with  regard  to  events  which  were 
future,  anil  which  no  one  could  know  exeejit  (Jod,  and 
those  to  whom  he  should  reveal  them. 

2.  himc  the  seals;  so  as  to  read  the  book,  and  make 
ktiouri  the  events  described  in  it. 


The  neic  song  of  adoration 


REVELATION  VI. 


to  the  Lamb  of  God. 


A.  D.95.  4  And  I  wept  much,  because  no  man  was 
found  worthy  to  open  and  to  read  the  book,  nei- 
ther to  look  thereon. 

5  And  one  of  the  elders  sailli  unto  me.  Weep 
not :  beliold,  the  Lion  of  tlie  tribe  of  Juda,"*  the 
Root  of  David,''  hath  prevailed  to  open  the  book, 
and  to  loose  the  seven  seals  thereof. 

6  And  I  beheld,  and  lo,  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  and  of  the  four  beasts,  and  in  the  midst  of 
the  elders,  stood  a  Lamb  as  it  had  been  slain,' 
having  seven  horns  and  seven  eyes,''  which  arc  the 
seven  spirits  of  God  sent  forth  into  all  the  eartii. 

7  And  became  and  took  the  book  out  of  the  right 
hand  of  him  that  sat  upon  the  throne. 

8  And  when  he  had  taken  the  book,  the  four 
beasts  and  four  and  twenty  elders  fell  down  before 
the  Lamb,''  having  every  one  of  them  harps,'  and 
golden  vials  full  of  odors,*  which  are  the  prayers 
of  saints.^ 

9  And  they  sung  a  new  song,''  saying.  Thou  art 
■worthy  to  take  the  book,  and  to  open  the  seals 
thereof:  for  thou  wast  slain,  and  hast  redeemed 
us  to  God  l)y  thy  blood'  out  of  every  kindred,  and 
tongue,  and  people,  and  nalion;' 

10  And  hast  made  us  unto  our  God  kings  and 
priests:"  and  we  shall  reign  on  the  earth.' 


»  Gen.  ■19:9,  10;    Num.  24:9:  Heb.  7:14. 
«  Isi.  53:7;  John  1:29,  36.     d  Zech.  4:1U. 
•  Or,  mfcfwe.    r  Psa.  141:2.    I"  ch    14:3. 


b  ls3.  11:1,  lU;  ch.  22:15. 
e  ch.  4:4.  S,  10.  '  ch.  15:2. 
Acts  20-2S;  Eph.   1:7;  Heb. 


4.  Look  thereon;  so  as  to  learn  what  it  contained. 

5.  The  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Jiula ;  Christ,  who  sprung  from 
the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  unites  in  him.self  the  attributes  of 
the  lion  and  the  lamli.  The  Root  of  David;  see  note  to 
ohap.  22:16.  Hath  prevailed;  literally,  hath  conquered. 
He  has  conquered  death  and  hell,  been  exalted  to  the 
right  hand  of  God,  and  received  all  power  in  heaven  and 
earth,  in  which  is  included  the  right  to  unseal  the  book  of 
God's  decrees. 

6.  Seven  horns;  the  symbol  of  perfect  power.  Seven 
eyes;  the  symbol  of  perfect  knowledge.  They  are  imme- 
diately explained  to  moan  the  seven  spirits  of  God;  that  is, 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  his  fulness  of  wis(l#m  sent  forth  liy  the 
Father  and  the  Son.  John  It:  1,0,  26;  15:20;  10:7;  Acts 
2:33. 

8.  The  four  beasts  and  four  and  twenty  elders;  here,  as  in 
ver.  14,  and  in  chap.  4:9, 10,  the  four  living  ones  begin  the 
adoration  of  (lod,  and  then  the  four  and  twenty  elders  fol- 
low. Golden  vials;  rather,  golden  bowls  or  golilets.  Tlie 
harps,  the  bowls,  and  the  new  song  seem  to  belong  to  the 
elders,  and  not  to  the  four  living  creatures.  Compare  ver. 
14,  where  the  worship  of  the  fonr  living  creatures  is  dis- 
tinguished from  that  of  the  four  and  twentj'  elders.  Which 
are  tlie  prayers;  showing  the  acceptableness  to  Ciod  of 
humble,  believing,  afifeotionate,  and  fervent  prayer. 

9.  A  new  song;  the  song  of  redeeming  love,  through  the 
atonement  and  righteousness  of  Clirist. 

10.  Kings  and  priests  ;  see  note  to  chap.  1:6.  On  the  earth ; 
ultimately  over  all  the  earth,  and  for  ever  in  heaven. 

11.  Many  angels;  they  are  distinct  from  the  four  living 
creatures,  though  in  a  certain  sense  included  in  them  as  a 
part  of  tJoil's  universal  creation,  just  as  the  multitudes  of 
tho  redeemed  in  chap.  7:9;  14:1;  1.5:2;  19:0,  are  included 
in  the  four  and  twenty  ciders,  who  represent  tho  entire 
church  of  God  iu  all  ages. 

12.  Pou'er — blessing ;  let  the  reader  notice  the  seven  as- 
i;ription8— power,  riches,  wisdom,  strength,  honor,  glory, 
blessing — which  represent  the  fulness  of  adoration  given 
to  tho  Larab,  because  in  him  dwells  the  fulness  of  the  god- 
head. 

13.  Every  creature;  the  song  of  adoration  that  began 
with  the  living  creatures  and  elders,  and  was  then  taken 
up  by  the  angels,  now  spreads  itself  tlirough  the  whole 


11  And  I  beheld,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of  many 
angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the  beasts,  and 
the  elders :  and  the  number  of  them  was  ten  thou- 
sand times  ten  thousand,  and  thousands  of  thou- 
sands;"' 

12  Saying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and 
wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and 
blessing." 

13  And  every  creature  which  is  in  heaven,  and 
on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,"  and  such  as  are 
in  the  sea,  and  all  tliat  are  in  them,  heard  I  saying, 
Blessing,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto 
him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,"  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever. 

14  And  the  four  beasts  said.  Amen."     And  the    , 
four  and  twenty  ciders  fell  down  and  worshipped 
him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  The  opening  of  the  seals  in  order,  and  what  followed  thereupon,  con- 
taming  a  prophecy  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

AND  I  saw  when  the  Lamb  opened  one  of  tho 
seals,''  and  I  heard,  as  it  were  the  noise  of 
thunder,  one  of  the  four  beasts  saying,  Come  and 
see. 


9- 12; 

1  VfX 

1:1.S, 

H). 

J  ch.  7:9. 

k 

ch. 

1:0. 

1  ch. 

22:5. 

tn 

Dan 

7:10; 

Hfh. 

12:22. 

ucli 

4:11. 

n  Phil.  2 

10 

P 

IChr 

•-'9:11 

;  ITi 

m. 

0.15; 

1  Pel. 

4:11. 

t  ch. 

10:4. 

rch. 

rr.s. 

created  universe ;  and  as  the  echo  of  it  comes  back  to  the 
throne  of  God,  the  living  creatures  say.  Amen,  and  the 
ciders  fall  down  and  worship, 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  No  one  can  understand  the  designs  of  infinite  love, 
except  so  tar  as  Clirist  shall  reveal  them.  All  should 
therefore  look  to  him  as  their  proi)het,  ;is  well  as  their 
priest  and  king  ;  that  by  his  word  they  ni;iy  be  made  wise 
lo  Siilvation,  and  be  furnished  tlioroughly  for  every  good 
work. 

6.  Exceedingly  diverse  as  well  as  infinite  glories  unite 
in  the  Son  of  God:  the  lion  and  the  lamb;  power  and 
meekness  ;  riches  and  poverty  ;  authority  and  subjection  ; 
majesty  and  love  ;  dignity  and  condescension;  justice  and 
mercy  ;  holiness  and  grace. 

13.  In  paying  divine  honors  to  Christ,  Christians  on 
earth  imitate  saints  and  angels  in  heaven,  and  ]u-epare  to 
mingle  in  their  society,  join  in  their  employments,  and 
partake  of  their  joys  for  evt;r. 

GIIAPTER  YI. 

Here  begin  the  proper  iirophecics  of  the  book,  extend- 
ing onward  from  the  writer's  day  to  the  end  of  tlie  world. 
For  the  general  plan  of  the  series  ;uid  tlic  principles  on 
which  its  several  parts  arc  to  be  interpreted, see  the  intro- 
ductory remarks.  In  the  present  cluiptcr  every  thing  de- 
pends on  the  interpretation  of  the  sixtli  se;\l.  There  are 
those  who  suppose  that  the  seven  se;ils  and  the  seven 
trumpets  run,  either  wholly  or  in  inu-t,  ]iarallel  with  each 
other  in  time,  each  carrying  the  history  of  tho  church  and 
the  world  down  to  the  era  of  millrmii;il  glory.  Such  of 
course  apply  tho  sixth  se;il  to  the  mighty  revolutions, 
commotions,  and  overturnings  that  immediately  precede 
the  millennial  reign  of  Christ.  But  it  seems  impossilile  to 
reconcile  this  view  with  the  plain  words  of  the  iipostle  in 
chap.  8:1.2,  which  represent  tlie  seven  trumpets  as  includ- 
ed under  the  seventh  seal, and  therefore  following  the  sixth. 
T;tking  then  this  latter  as  the  true  view,  we  may  inquire 
In  what  great  event  in  jiast  history  the  sixth  seal  applies. 
They  who  suppose  that  the  Apocalyjise  w;is  written  before 
the  destruction  of  .lerus;dem  very  naturally  refer  tlie  sixth 
seal  to  that  awful  catastro]ilie,  an.l  they  find  an  interpTJ- 
tation  of  the  five  preceding  seals  in  our  Saviour's  words 

uc.r. 


Four  seals  opened. 


REVELATION  VI. 


Fifth  and  sitth  seals. 


2  And  I  saw,  and  behold,  a  white  horse:"  and 
he  that  sat  on  him  had  a  bow ;  and  a  crown  was 
given  unto  him:  and  he  went  forth  conquering, 
and  to  conquer.'' 

a  And  when  he  liad  opened  the  second  seal,  I 
heard  the  second  beast  say,  Come  and  see. 

4  And  there  went  out  another  liorse  that  was  red  : 
and  poiL-cr  was  given  to  him  tiuxt  sat  tliereon  to 
take  peace  from  tlie  earth,  and  tliat  they  sliould 
kill  one  another:  and  there  was  given  unto  him  a 
great  sword. 

5  And  wlien  he  liad  opened  the  third  seal,  I 
heard  the  third  beast  say.  Come  and  see.  And  I 
beheld,  and  io,  a  black  horse ;  and  he  that  sat  on 
him  had  a  pair  of  balances  in  Ids  hand. 

6  And  I  lieard  a  voice  in  tlie  midst  of  the  four 
beasts  say,  A  measure'  of  wheat  for  a  jienny,  and 
three  measures  of  barley  for  a  penny;  and  see  thou 
hurt  not  the  oil  and  the  wine.*" 

7  And  when  he  had  opened  the  fourth  seal,  I  heard 
the  voice  of  the  fourth  beast  say,  Come  and  see. 

8  And  I  looked,  and  behold,  a  jjale  horse:  and 
his  name  that  sat  on  him  was  Peatli,  and  hell  fol- 
lowed with  him.  And  power  was  given  unto  them  * 
over  the  fourth  part  of  the  earth,  to  kill  with  sword. 


*  Zech.  6;3,  etc.  b  Psa. '15:3,  5.  '  The  word '•Aart/T  signifieth  a  measure 
conrarilirig  one  wine  <|uart.  and  Ihe  twelfth  piirt  of  a  'luart.  <=  ch.  9:4.  t  Or, 
toliim,     dEzek.  14;-Jl.     ech.S:a     fch.a):4.     (r  ch    1 .9;  12: 17.     h  Zech. 


wiiich  describe  the  sif^iis  pi-eceding  that  event,  Matt. 
24:(i-14,  where  tlie  triumphant  progress  of  the  gospel 
amidst  wars,  famines,  earthquakes,  pestilences,  and  bitter 
persocutious,  is  set  forth,  and  the  great  catastrophe  itself 
is  described,  ver.  29,  in  imagery  remarkably  agreeing  with 
that  of  tlie  opening  of  the  sixth  seal.  The  objections  to 
this  early  date  of  the  Apocalypse  have  been  considered  in 
the  introductory  remarks.  If,  according  to  the  more  usual 
supposition,  this  book  was  written  after  tlie  destruction  of 
Jerusalem  by  the  llomans,  a.  d.TI),  there  are  but  two  events 
to  which  the  sixth  seal  can.  with  any  degree  of  probabihty, 
be  referred — the  overthrow  of  paganism  by  Christianity  in 
the  first  half  of  the  fourth  century,  or  the  dissolution  of  the 
old  Roman  empire  by  the  invasion  of  the  northern  barba- 
rians. The  imagery  emiiloycd  seems  more  apiu'opriate  to 
the  latter  event  than  to  the  former.  If  we  apply  the  sixlh 
seal  to  that  mighty  revolution  by  which  the  face  of  the 
civilized  world  was  permanently  changed,  it  will  be  best 
to  understand  it  as  representing  the  dissolution  of  the  old 
Roman  empire,  not  in  its  successive  stages,  but  in  its 
entireness  ;  in  other  words,  the  breaking  up  of  that  great 
central  i)Owcr  which  had,  for  so  many  centuries,  kejit  Ihe 
world  in  subordination,  thus  ]>reparing  the  way  for  the 
scries  of  desolating  invasions  from  the  north  which  had 
their  origin  in  the  decay  of  the  Roman  state,  and  which 
completed  the  work  of  its  destruction. 

1.  U  lie  of  the  four  beasts ;  according  to  the  interpretation 
of  the  four  living  creatures  that  has  been  given,  that  they 
represent  flic  sum  of  the  created  powers  and  agencies  by 
which  (Jod  administers  his  providential  government  over 
the  world,  the  call  to  "come  and  see"  iiroceeding  from 
them  will  signify  that  the  events  predicted  are  of  a  prov- 
idential character. 

2.  A  white  horse;  here,  as  in  Zech.  1:8;  6:1-8,  the  horses 
denote  dispensations,  the  character  of  which  is  indicated 
by  their  color  and  the  other  emblems  iniployed.  A  white 
horse  is  the  symbol  of  victory.  The  rider  plainly  repre- 
sents Christ.  It  is  therefore  a  symbol  of  victory  and 
under  his  guidance,  and  redounding  to  the  enlargement  of 
his  church. 

4.  Red ;  an  emblem  f>f  war  and  bloodshed. 

.'i.  lilnrk;  a,  symbol  of  devastation,  mourning,  and  woe. 
liiilames;  indicating  that  food  would  be  but  scantily  sup- 
idied. 

1470 


and  with  hunger,  and  with  death,  and  with  a  d.sh:. 
the  beasts  of  the  earth.'' 

y  And  when  he  had  opened  the  fifth  seal,  I  saw 
under  tiie  altar''  the  souls  of  them  that  were  slain 
for  the  word  of  God/  and  for  the  testimony  which 
they  held  :'■ 

10  And  they  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying, 
How  long,''  O  Lord,  holy  and  true,  dost  thou  not 
judge  and  avenge  our  blood  on  them  that  dwell 
on  the  earth  ? ' 

11  And  white  robes  were  given  unto  e^-ery  one 
of  them;^  and  it  was  said  unto  them,  that  they 
should  rest  yet  for  a  little  season,''  until  tlieir  fel- 
low-servants also  and  tiieir  brethren,  that  should 
be  killed  as  they  xccrc,  should  be  fuUiihMl.' 

12  And  I  lieheld  when  ho  had  opcncil  (!ie  sixth 
seal,  and  lo,  there  was  a  great  earthquake ;'"  and 
the  sun  became  black  as  sackclotli  of  hair,  and  the 
moon  became  as  blood ;" 

13  And  the  stars  of  heaven  fell  unto  the  earth," 
even  as  a  fig-tree  casteth  her  untimely*  figs,  when 
she  is  shaken  of  a  migiity  wind. 

1-1  And  the  heaven  dejiarted  as  a  scroll  Avhen  it 
is  rolled  together ;''  and  every  mountain  and  island 
were  moved  out  of  their  places.'' 


1:12.  iBeut.  3-241-43;  ch  11:18.  )ch.7:9,14.  kch.  14:13  IHeh.  11:40 
■"oh.l6:18.  n  Joel  2:10.  31;  3:15;  Matl.  at:a9.  ocli,8:10.  1  Or,  ffr«i>. 
P  Psa.  102:21!;  Isl,  34:4.     a  Jer.  4:23,  24;  Hab.  3:B,  10;  ch.  l(i:20. 


6.  A  measure;  about  enough  to  sustain  a  man  for  a  day. 
A  pennij;  the  price  of  a  day's  labor.  Tiie  oil  and  the  wiiic ; 
these  would  be  needed  to  keep  men  from  starving,  so 
great  would  be  the  scarcity  of  fooil. 

8.  A  pale  liorse ;  the  origiii;d  denotes  the  ghastly  paleness 
of  a  corpse.  By  this  awfid  syndiol  destruction  in  multi- 
plied forms  is  indicated.  JIcll;  that  is.  Hades,  the  abode 
of  the  dead.  Hades  follows  de;ith  to  swallow  in  its  aliyss 
those  whom  death  has  slain.  The  fourth  jiart  <f  tlie  earth  ; 
see  note  to  chap.  8:7.  With  sword — beasts  of  the  earth ;  four 
destroying  agents  to  slay  the  fourth  part  of  men.  Com- 
pare Ezck.  14:21.  from  which  the  imagery  is  taken;  also 
Jer.  15:3,  where  also  four  destroyers  are  named. 

9.  The  soukofthef/i  that  were  slain  ;  the  souls  of  the  niar- 
t\TS  in  Christ's  cause  represent  a  period  of  severe  perse- 
c'utioii.  These  are  seen'under  the  altar,  which  may  mean 
cither  the  altar  of  bunit-otfenng  in  the  court  before  the 
temple,  or  the  alt;ir  of  incense  in  the  outer  sanctuary.  If 
as  seems  probable,  the  altar  of  bnrnt-offeriiig  is  meant,  the 
idea  will  be  that  they  have  been  sacriliced  on  (!od's  altar 
as  victims  in  his  c:inse,  and  their  bhiod  jxmred  out  be- 
neath it.  Those  who  understand  the  altar  of  incense, 
which  was  the  symbol  <if  intercessory  prayer,  explain 
their  position  from  their  words  as  reeordcil  in  ver.  10. 

11.  While  robes;  expressive  of  victory  and  blessedness. 
Should  rest  ijel  for  a  Litle  season  ;  an  inlim;ition  that  the  full 
time  for  avenging  their  blood  h;is  not  yet  come,  but  that 
more  must  lirst  be  added  to  their  numbers. 

12.  When  he  had  opened  the  si.tlh  seal ;  according  to  either 
of  the  interjiretations  of  this  seid  above  given,  the  course 
of  events  imlicateil  in  the  iireceding  live  seals  had  a 
rem;irkable  fullilmi'iit  in  history,  Imm'  an  account  of  the 
events  jireeeding  the  overthrow  of  jiiigaiiism  by  Christian- 
ity,and  of  the  old  Roman  emjiire  by  the  northern  invaders, 
the  history  of  the  decline  and  fall  of  the  Roniiin  emiiire 
should  be  studied,  with  the  fuller  commentaries  on  the 
Apo(alyi>se,  in  which  the  interpretation  of  these  proidietic 
symbols  is  discussed  at  large. 

12-11.  ICarlhmiakc — the  sun  became  black — moon  became  us 
hhod  —slurs  of  heaven  fill — the  lieaven  departed — every  moun- 
liini  and  island  were  mured;  here,  as  often  elsewhere,  sym- 
bols of  great  coiinnotions,  disKolutions  of  civil  govern- 
inentN.  fall  of  illustrious  men,  and  multitudes  overwhelmed 
in  ruin.     Compare   Isa.   1^:10;   2t:rJ,  21),  2a;  oi:i;  Jer. 


77(6  servants  of  God  sealed. 


REVELATION  VII. 


Hosts  of  llu.  redeemed  in  glory. 


A.  D.95.  15  And  the  kings  of  the  earth,  and  the 
great  men,  and  the  rich  men,  and  the  chief  cap- 
tains, and  the  mighty  men,  and  every  Ijondraan, 
and  every  free  man,  hid  themselves  iu  the  dens 
and  in  the  rocks  of  the  mountains;" 

16  And  said  to  the  mountains  and  rocks,  Fall  on 
us,  and  hide  us  from  the  face  of  him  that  sitteth  on 
the  tlirone,  and  from  tlie  wrath  of  the  Lamb:" 

17  For  tlie  great  day  of  his  wrath  is  come  j*^  and 
who  shall  be  able  to  stand  ?'^ 

CHAPTER  VII. 

3  An  angel  sealeth  the  servants  of  God  in  their  foreheads.  4  Tlie  num- 
ber of  them  that  were  sealed;  of  the  tribes  of  Israel  a  certain  number. 
9  or  all  other  nations  an  innumerable  multitude,  which  stand  before 
the  throne,  clad  in  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands.  14  Their 
robes  were  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 

AND  after  these  things  I  saw  four  angels  stand- 
ing on  the  four  corners  of  the  earth,  holding 
the  four  winds  of  the  earth,'  tliat  the  wind  should 
not  blow  on  the  earth,  nor  on  the  sea,  nor  on  any 
tree. 

2  And  I  saw  another  angel  ascending  from  tlie 
east,  having  the  seal  of  the  living  God:''  and  he 
cried  with  a  loud  voice  to  the  four  angels,  to  whom 
it  was  given  to  hurt  the  earth  and  the  sea, 

3  Saying,  Hurt  not  the  earth,  neither  the  sea,  nor 
the  trees,'''  till  we  have  sealed  the  servants  of  our 
God  in  their  foreheads.'" 

4  And  I  heard  the  number  of  tlicm  which  were 
sealed :  and  there  ivere  scaled  a  hundred  and  forty 
and  four  thousand  of  all  the  tribes  of  the  children 
of  Israel.' 

5  Of  the  tribe  of  Juda  were  sealed  twelve  thou- 
sand.    Of  the  tribe  of  Reuben  were  sealed  twelve 


«  Isa.  2:19.     b  Hos.  10.8;  Luke  2:3:30;  ch.  9-6. 

I:H,  etc.;  ch.   16:14.     <•  Psa.  70:7.      e  Dan.  7:2.      -  - 

i:0.    t  Ezek.  9:4;  ch.  23:4.     i  ch.  14:1.    i  Rom.  11.25;  ch.  5:9. 


:  Isa.  13:0,  etc.;  Zeph 

f  2  Tim.  2:19.    s  ch 

ch 


4:23-25;  Ezek.  32:7,  8;  Joel  2:12;  3:15,  16;  Amos  8:9; 

Matt.  24:29;  with  the  notes  on  those  pass;i.ges. 

15.  Hidlhemsetves;  under  the  judgments  of  God,  fled,  and 
atteniplod  by  concealment  to  chide  the  search  of  their  de- 
stroyers. 

IC.  Full  on  Its,  and  hide  us;  representhig  tlicir  great  con- 
sternation wlien  Christ  should  appear,  in  answer  to  the 
praj'ers  of  the  martyrs,  to  deliver  liis  people  and  take 
■vengeance  on  tlieir  foes.     Compare  Hos.  10:8. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Men  left  without  restraint  to  the  indulgence  of  their 
lusts  and  passions,  become  the  tormentors  and  destroyers 
of  one  another. 

6.  Men  are  dependent  on  God  for  the  blessings  of  this 
life, as  well  as  the  life  to  come.  Without  his  aid,  the  earth 
will  not  yield  her  increase,  aud  men  cannot  obtain  the  nec- 
essary means  of  subsistence. 

8.  Not  only  famine,  but  pestilence  and  all  destructive 
judgments  are  under  divine  control;  and  whenever  God 
pleases,  he  can  desolate  cities,  sweep  off  n;itions,  and  con- 
sign their  inhabitants  to  utter  rnin. 

11.  Persecutors,  by  putting  Christians  to  death,  do  not 
annihilate  them  or  their  influence. 

It).  When  Christ  comes  to  take  vengeance  on  his  foes, 
thej'  can  neither  elude  nor  withstand  him.  No  dens  nor 
caverns,  rocks  nor  mountains,  can  hide  them  ;  nor  can  any 
created  power  screen  them  from  the  indignation  of  liiin 
who  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  from  the  wrath  of  the 
Lamb. 

CHAPTER  VIT. 

1.  After  these  things;  after  the  events  of  the  sixth  seal. 
The  four  corners;  east,  west,  north,  and  south.   Holding  the 


thousand.    Of  the  tribe  of  Gad  were  sealed  twelve 
thousand. 

(i  Of  the  tribe  of  Ascr  uvre  sealed  twelve  thou- 
sand. Of  the  tribe  of  Neplhaliin  were  sealed  twelve 
thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of  Manasses  were  sealed 
twelve  thousand. 

7  Of  the  tribe  of  Simeon  were  sealed  twelve  thou- 
sand. Of  the  tribe  of  Levi  were  sealed  twelve  thou- 
sand. Of  the  tribe  of  Issachar  were  sealed  twelve 
thousand. 

8  Of  the  tribe  of  Zabulon  were  sealed  twelve  thou- 
sand. Of  tlic  tribe  of  Joseph  tmre  sealed  twelve 
thousand.  Of  the  triljo  of  I>enjamin  were  scaled 
twelve  thousand. 

9  After  this  I  beheld,  and  lo,  a  great  multitude, 
which  no  man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and 
kindreds,  and  people,  and  tongues,^  stood  before 
the  throne,  and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white 
robes,"  and  palms  in  their  hands;' 

10  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice,"  saying.  Salva- 
tion to  our  God  which  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb." 

11  And  all  the  angels  stood  round  about  the 
throne,  and  about  the  elders  and  the  four  beasts, 
and  fell  before  the  throne  on  their  faces,  and  wor- 
shipped God, 

12  Saying,  Amen:  Blessing,  and  glory,  and  wis- 
dom, aud  thanksgiving,  and  honor,  and  power,  and 
might,  be  unto  our  God  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen." 

13  And  one  of  the  elders  answered,  saying  unto 
me.  What  are  these  which  are  arrayed  in  white 
robes?  and  whence  came  they? 

14  And  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  thou  knowest.  And 
he  said  to  me,  These  are  they  which  came  out  of 


6:11.     1  Lev.  23:40. 
.5:13,  14. 


■nZech.4;7.    u  Isa.  43.11  j  oh.  I'J.l.    "  Jude  25;  ch. 


four  winds;  restraimng  the  fury  of  human  passions,  and 
producing  a  period  of  calmness  and  quiet. 

2.  Ascending  from  the  cast ;  perhaps  as  the  seat  of  the 
rising  sun.  Having  the  seal;  to  mark  the  servants  of  God, 
that  they  might  be  distinguished  from  others. 

3.  Hnrt  not;  let  not  the  troubles  come  till  we  have 
placed  God's  seal  or  mark  upon  his  people. 

4.  A  hundred  and  forty  and  four  thousand;  a  definite  is 
here  put  for  an  indefinite,  but  very  large  nnndjer,  who 
had  embraced  the  gospel  and  were  made  partakers  of  di- 
vine grace,  and  thus  were  sealed  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  the 
day  of  redemption.  Of  alt  thetrihe^  nf  the  chddrcn  of  hrael ; 
Israel  is  here  "the  Israel  of  God,'  including  all,  whether 
Jews  or  Gentiles,  who  are  Abraham's  children  in  a  spirit- 
nal  sense.  In  the  enumeration  of  the  twelve  tribes  that 
follows,  Dan  is  omitted,  and  Joseph  is  reckoned  once  in 
ihmasses  and  again  for  Ephraim. 

9.  Stood  before  the  throne;  saved  through  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel,  not  from  among  the  Jews  only,  but  from  all 
nations;  showing  the  sjiiritnal  progress  of  the  gospel 
during  the  events  that  have  been  symbolically  set  forth. 
Palms;  iu  token  of  their  victory  over  sin,  sorrow,  and  death. 

11.  Worshipped  God;  in  view  of  the  wondrous  manifes- 
tation of  himself  in  the  salvation  of  his  people. 

12.  Blessing — and  miglU;  notice  again  the  number  seven, 
as  in  chap.  5 :  12. 

13.  Whi{l ;  who.  Tlicse;  Uie  redeemed  sinners  whom 
Jolui  saw  in  he;iven. 

11.  (I'reat  trdndation;  distressing  trials  which  they  en- 
dured on  account  of  their  religion.  Mode  thcni  irhitc  in  the 
blood  (f  the  iMudi;  cleansed  from  sin  and  made  righteous, 
through  faith  in  the  atoning  blood  and  perfect  righteous- 
ness of  Jesus  Christ. 

1411 


The  seventh  seal  opened. 


REVELATION  VIII. 


Seven  angels  with  Irumpels. 


great  tribulation,''  and  have  -n-ashod  their  robes,'' 
and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.'= 

15  Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God, 
and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple:  and 
he  that  sittcth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among 
them/ 

16  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst 
anymore;''  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them, 
nor  any  heat.' 

17  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  sliall  feed  tlicm,'"'  and  shall  lead  tliem  unto 
living  fountains  of  waters:  and  God  shall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.'' 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  At  the  opening  of  the  seventli  seal,  3  seven  angels  liaJ  seven  trumpets 
given  them.  G  Four  of  them  sonnd  their  trumpets,  and  greal  plagues 
follow.  .1  Another  angel  puttetli  incense  to  the  prayers  of  the  saints 
on  the  golden  altar. 

AND  whea  he  had  opened  the  seventh  seal,' 
there  was  silence  in  heaven  about  the  space 
of  half  an  hour. 

2  And  I  saw  the  seven  angels  which  stood  before 
(jtod;^  and  to  tiiem  were  given  seven  trumpets.'' 

3  And  another  angel  came  and  stood  at  the  altar, 
liaving  a  golden  censer ;  and  there  was  given  unto 
him  much  incense,  that  he  should  offer  it  with*  the 
prayers  of  all  saints'  upon  the  golden  altar  which 
was  before  the  throne."' 

4  And  the  smoke  of  the  incense,"  u-Jiich  came  with 
Ihc  prayers  of  the  saints,  ascended  up  before  God 
out  of  the  anfrel's  hand. 


»  John  10.03;  ch.  6:9.  b  1  Cor.  B:!!  ;  Heb.  0:14.  »  1  John  1 :7;  ch  1:.5. 
Ich. 21:3,4.  cl3a.49:l0.  t  Psa.  12I :«;  Isa.  4:0.  S  Paa  ai:!,  2,  5;  30:8; 
Im.40:11.  h  Isa.  2.5-8.  ich.5:l.  JLultel:10.  k  2  Otir.  39:23-2S.  •  Or, 
addillo.     tch.  5:H.     "  ch.  0:9.     nExod.  301.     f  Or,  wpon,     och.  16:18. 


15.  Tlurefnre;  on  account  of  their  union  by  faith  to 
Jesus  Clirist,  and  its  effects  in  purifying  their  hearts  and 
preparing  them  for  heaven. 

Ifi.  Hunger  no  more;  endure  no  more  evils  of  any  kind. 

17.  Wipe  atvay  all  tears;  remove  all  sorrows,  and  fill 
them  with  perfect  joy  for  ever. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Desolating  judgments  arc  often  delayed  for  a  season, 
to  give  opportunity  for  the  spread  of  tlie  gospel,  and  for 
the  gathering  in  of  such  as  cinbraco  it  to  the  cliurch  of 
Christ. 

4.  None  are  secure  from  coming  wrath,  except  those 
who  are  born  of  (iod.who  manifest  the  fruits  of  his  Spirit, 
and  arc  thus  distinguished  as  belonging  to  him. 

■  10,  .Saints  in  heaven  take  a  deep  interest  in  the  concerns, 
and  greatly  rejoice  in  the  triumphs  of  saints  on  earth,  and 
with  tlicm  unite  in  ascribing  the  glory  of  their  salvation 
to  ()oii  and  to  tlic  Lamb. 

15.  The  ground  of  human  salvation  is  tln!  atonement  of 
Christ,  and  faith  in  him  is  the  means  of  obtaining  it.  This 
in  acknowledged  by  saints  on  earth  and  in  heaven. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1.  SUimu  in  heaven — hnlf  an  hour ;  indicating  quiet  for  a 
short  time,  eager  expectation  of  what  was  to  follow,  and 
silent  aspirations  to  God. 

2.  Seven  angels ;  messengers  prepared  to  do  the  will  of 
fJod.  Seven  Irumpels;  instruments  of  alarm,  and  indica- 
tions of  approaching  wars  and  desolations. 

.3.  AnotUrr  angel;  supposed  by  many  to  be  the  Messen- 
ger of  the  covenant,  tlie  lligli-pricst  of  our  profession, 
•Jesus  Christ,  offering  the  petitions  of  his  [leoplc,  and  mak- 
ing intercession  for  them.  Ilcb.  7:25.  These  petitions 
manifestly  have  reference  to  the  impending  judgments  that 
1412 


5  And  tlie  angel  took  the  censer,  and  filled  a.  d  os. 
it  with  lire  of  tlie  altar,  and  cast  it  into'  the  earth  : 
and  there  were  voices,  and  thunderings,  and  light- 
nings," and  an  earthquake.'' 

6  And  the  seven  angels  which  had  the  seven 
trumpets  prepared  themselves  to  sound. 

7  The  first  angel  sounded,  and  there  followed 
hail  and  fire  mingled  witli  lilood.''  and  they  were 
east  upon  the  earth  :  and  tlie  third  part  of  trees 
was  burnt  up,'  and  all  green  grass  was  burnt 
up.  ., 

8  And  the  second  angel  sounded,  and  as  it  were 
a  great  mountain  burning  with  fire"  was  cast  into 
tiie  sea:'  and  the  third  part  of  the  sea  became 
■blood;" 

9  And  the  third  ])art  of  the  creatures  whieh  wore 
in  the  sea.  and  liad  life,  died;  and  the  third  jiart 
of  file  ships  were  destroyed. 

10  And  the  third  angel  sounded,  and  there  fell 
a  great  star  from  heaven,^'  burning  as  it  were  a 
lamp,  and  it  fell  upon  a  third  part  of  the  rivers, 
and  upon  the  fountains  of  waters; 

11  And  flic  name  of  tiie  star  is  called  Worm- 
wood:" and  the  third  part  of  the  waters  became 
wormwood;''  and  many  men  died  of  the  waters, 
because  they  were  made  bitter. 

12  And  the  fourth  angel  sounded,  and  the  third 
part  of  the  sun  was  smitten,  and  the  third  part  of 
the  moon,  and  the  third  part  of  the  stars  ;>■  so  as 
the  tliird  part  of  them  was  darkened,  and  the  day 
shone  not  for  a  tiiird  part  of  it,  and  the  night  like- 
wise. 


P  2  Sam. 

22:8. 

q  Ezek. 

33-22 

r  Isa.  2:13 

•  Jcr.  51 

S.'i, 

t 

Amos 

7-4 

u  Exod. 

7:19-21 

ch.  16 

3,  etc 

»  Isa    11:1 

i:  ch.  9:1. 

If 

n 

cut 

2!) 

■'■'r 

Amo.s.5-7 

;  Heb. 

2:15.    > 

Kxod. 

15:23;  Jcr.  9 

15;  23:15. 

T  1 

9a 

13 

Id, 

Jfr. 

4:2:J;  Ezek   32:7 

8;  Joel  2:10; 

Amos  8:9. 

are  about  to  fall  on  the  earth,  and  so  long  as  they  are  con- 
tinued the  judgments  are  delayed,  verso  1.  The  object  of 
the  petitions  wo  ni;iy  understand  to  be,  as  in  chap.  6:10. 
the  avenging  of  the  lilood  of  the  saints.  Cemcr ;  a  i)an,  or 
small  vessel,  in  wliich  intense  was  burnt,  and  from  which 
arose  a  smoke  of  fragrant  odor. 

4.  Ascended  up  before  God;  in  token  of  the  acceptance  of 
their  prayers. 

5.  The  tenser ;  with  which  he  had  offered  incense.  Fill- 
ed it  K.'Uh  fire ;  a  symbol  of  Iho  divine  wrath  about  to  be 
infiicled  on  the  wicked.  Cast  it  into  the  earth  ;  as  the  place 
where  the  divine  judgments  were  to  be  executed.  Vones — 
earlliquakc;  all  symbols  and  prcciu'sors  of  the  coming  jmlg- 
ments,  and  the  commotions  and  overturnings  connected 
with  thein. 

6.  T/ie  seven  trumpets;  in  accordance  with  the  view  that 
has  been  given  aliovc,  the  four  triimiicts  of  Ihc  ])rcsent 
chapter  are  commr)nly  understood  as  enil>lini;itic  of  Ihi- 
successive  invasions  l>y  which  the  di-struction  of  the  west- 
ern empire  was  compli-tcd ;  while  the  two  woe-trunipcts 
that  follow  in  the  ne.\t  chapter  relate  to  the  overthrow  of 
the  eastern  empire  by  the  Haracens  ami  T\uks. 

7.  //a(y—/cc—Woot/,- symbols  of  slaughter  and  ruin.  'Hi/- 
third  part;  a  defiaite  part  to  denote  a  large  part.  Com- 
pare Kzek.  5:2,  12. 

9.  The  tliird  part — died ;  and  the  third  pari  nf  Ihe  ships  mrc 
destroyed;  showing  that  great  mimbcrs  would  perish,  busi- 
ness be  suspended,  and  v;ist  amounts  of  property  be  de- 
stroyed. 

11.  Wormwood;  indicating  the  bitter  :ind  fital  distresses 
which  the  presence  of  this  stiir  would  produce-  upon  the 
wi<:k(-d,  especially  the  pcr.scculors  of  Cod's  jic-ojile. 

I'-'.  Third  part  of  the  sun — moon — slurs;  for  the  darkening 
of  the  heavenly  bodies  as  the  symbol  of  the  overthrow  of 
nations,  see  above  note  to  chap.  C:12-H. 


The  fifth  angel  sounds. 


REVELATION  IX. 


The  fifth  woe  past. 


A.D.m.  13  And  I  belield,  and  heard  an  angel  fly- 
ing througli  tlie  midst  of  heaven,^  saying  with  a 
loud  voice,  Woe,  woe,  woe,  to  tlie  inhabiters  of 
the  earth,  by  reason  of  the  other  voices  of  the 
trumpet  of  the  three  angels,  which  are  yet  to 
sound ! 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  At  the  sounding  of  the  fifth  angel,  a  star  falieth  from  heaven,  to  whom 
IS  given  tlie  key  of  tlie  bottomless  pit.  '2  He  openeth  the  pit,  and 
there  come  forth  locusts  like  scorpions.  12  The  hrst  woe  past.  13 
The  sixth  trumpet  soundeth.  14  Four  angels  are  let  loose,  that  were 
bound. 

AND  the  fifth  angel  sounded,  and  I  saw  a  star 
fall  from  heaven  unto  the  earth :''  and  to  him 
was  given  the  key  of  the  bottomless  pit/' 

2  And  ho  opened  the  bottomless  pit;  and  there 
arose  a  smoke  out  of  the  pit,  as  the  smoke  of  a 
great  furnace ;  and  tlie  sun  and  tlie  air  were  dark- 
ened by  reason  of  the  smoke  of  the  pit.'' 

3  And  there  came  out  of  the  smoke  locusts  upon 
the  earth :''  and  unto  them  was  given  power,  as  the 
scorpions  of  the  earth  have  power/ 

4  And  it  was  commanded  them  that  they  should 
not  hurt  the  grass  of  the  earth,  neither  any  green 
thing,  neither  any  tree  ;"  liut  only  those  men  which 
have  not  the  seal  of  God  in  their  foreheads.'' 

5  And  to  them  it  was  given  that  they  should 


'  Oh. 

14:0 

b  Luke  10:18 

ch.   8 

:ll). 

c 

ch. 

I 

7:8; 

20 

1. 

J  Joel  2:2. 

e 

Eiod 

10:4, 

etc.     f  ver 

10. 

r  f:h. 

n:(i. 

h 

Exod 

ia- 

•23; 

.loS 

2:6;  Ezek. 

<) 

4;  ch 

7:3. 

>  Job  3.21 

Jet 

8:3. 

i  Joe 

a 

4. 

k 

Nab 

.  3:17. 

1  Dan.  7:1, 

13.  By  reason  of  the  other  voices;  because  the  calamities 
which  they  would  indicate  would  be  exceedingly  great 
and  destructive.  Inter])rcter.s  generally  apply  the  pre- 
ceding four  trumpets  to  the  four  principal  invasions  of 
the  barbarians — of  the  Goths  under  Alaric,  of  the  Vandals 
under  Genseric,  of  the  Huns  under  Attila,  and  of  the 
Heruli  under  Odoacer,  extending  from  about  a.  d.  410  to 
A.  D.  47G.  The  details  must  be  sought  in  the  history  of 
these  times,  and  in  the  more  extended  commentaries  on 
the  Apocalj'se. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  The  prayers  of  saints  being  presented  liy  the  great 
interceding  Angel,  and  perfumed  witli  his  merits,  ascend 
with  acceptance  before  God,  and  will  bo  answered  in  rich 
and  lasting  blessings  on  his  friends,  and  in  the  ruin  of  his 
foes. 

11.  Contitiuance  in  sin  inevitably  leads  to  misery;  and 
the  greatness  of  the  numbers,  wealth,  and  power  of  per- 
severing transgressors  will  do  nothing  towards  diminish- 
ing the  certainty,  the  greatness,  or  the  perpetuity  of  their 
torment. 

Vi.  However  great  or  long  continued  the  calamities  of 
the  wicked  in  this  world,  they  arc  only  warnings  and  fore- 
tastes of  greater  and  more  lasting  calamities  which,  if  they 
continue  in  sin,  they  will  suffer  in  the  world  to  come. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

2.  A  smoke  ont  of  the  pit ;  the  smoke  arising  out  of  the 
bottomless  pit  and  darkening  the  sun  and  the  air  may  be 
taken  as  an  apt  emblem  of  the  Mohummcdan  delusion. 
Out  of  this  smoke  conic  the  swarms  of  locusts  which  well 
represent  the  hosts  of  the  Saracens ;  for  these  fierce  in- 
vaders had  their  origin  in  this  satanic  delusion,  and  were 
tlioronghly  animated  by  its  spirit.  The  slur  fallen  from 
lieaven  that  opens  the  bottomless  pit  will  then  be  Moham- 
med, the  introducer  of  this  pestilent  superstition,  with  all 
who  aided  and  abetted  him  in  it.  The  description  of  the 
star  as  fallen  from  heaven,  is  thought  by  many  to  symbol- 
ize the  fact  that  Mohammodism  had  its  occasion  in  the 
deep  corru))tiou  of  Christianity  tliat  preceded  it. 
<X', 


not  kill  them,  but  that  they  should  be  tormented 
five  months :  and  their  torment  leas  as  the  torment 
of  a  scorpion,  when  he  striketh  a  man. 

6  And  in  those  days  shall  men  seek  death,  and 
shall  not  find  it ; '  and  shall  desire  to  die,  and  death 
shall  flee  from  them. 

7  And  the  shapes  of  the  locusts  were  like  unto 
horses  prepared  unto  battle  ;'  and  on  their  heads 
were  as  it  were  crowns  like  gold,''  and  their  faces 
were  as  the  faces  of  men.' 

8  And  they  had  hair  as  the  hair  of  women,  and 
their  teeth  were  as  t/ie  teeth  of  lions." 

9  And  they  had  breastplates,  as  it  were  breast- 
plates of  iron ;  and  the  sound  of  their  wings  was 
as  the  sound  of  chariots  of  many  horses  running 
to  battle." 

10  And  they  had  tails  like  nnto  scorpions,  and 
there  were  stings  in  their  tails :  and  their  power 
was  to  hurt  men  five  months." 

11  And  they  had  a  king  over  them,  ichich  is  the 
angel  of  the  bottomless  pit,''  whoso  name  in  the 
Hebrew  tongue  is  Abaddon,  but  in  tiic  Greek 
tongue  hath  his  name  Apollyon.* 

12  One  woe  is  past;"!  and  behold,  there  come 
two  woes  more  hereafter. 

13  And  the  sixth  angel  sounded,  and  I  heard  a 
voice  from  the  four  horns  of  the  golden  altar 
which  is  before  God, 


8.     m  Psa.  57:4;  Joel  1:6.     "Nah.  2:4.     o  ver.  5.     P  Eph.  2:2.     •  That  is,  a 
destroytr.     q  ch.  8:13. 


3.  As  the  scorpions  of  the  earth  have  power;  see  notes  to 
verses  5,  10. 

4.  Not  hurt  the  grass — any  tree;  contrary  to  the  nature  of 
n.atural  locusts,  showing  that  these  locusts  represent  cruel 
enemies  sent  by  God  to  scourge  those  men  which  have  not 
the  seal  of  God;  such  as  are  not  true  Christians,  and  have 
rejected  divine  truth. 

5.  Five  montlis;  the  period  of  the  duration  of  natural  lo- 
custs. It  here  denotes  a  time  appointed  and  limited  by 
God;  according  to  some,  150  years — a  day  being  taken  for 
a  year — which  was  about  the  period  during  which  the 
Saracens  extended  their  conquests,  though  their  empire 
lasted  much  longer.  As  the  torment  of  a  scorpion;  compare 
verso  10.  The  Saracens  were  crijel  and  bigoted  conquer- 
ors, compelling  all  to  recojve  their  pestilent  superstition 
under  the  penalty  of  death  or  tribute.  This  seems  to  be 
especially  the  torment  of  their  stings.  Wherever  they 
went  they  left  behind  them  the  poison  of  their  false  religion. 

6.  Seek  death;  as  a  relief  from  the  calamities  brought 
upon  them  by  these  cruel  invaders. 

7-9.  Compare  the  description  of  locusts  in  Joel  2:4,,'). 
The  Arabs  wore  their  hair  long,  with  turbans  of  gay  col- 
ors, which  seems  to  be  enigmatic;vlly  set  forth  by  their 
having  "crowns  like  gold,"  and  "hair  as  the  h:iir  of  wom- 
en." That  a  part  of  the  characters  given  should  be  intend- 
ed to  identify  them  from  their  personal  appearance,  while 
another  part  represents  their  qualities  as  warriors,  is  not 
unnatural  in  such  a  symliolic  description  as  the  present. 

11.  ^  Icing  over  them;  representing  the  succession  of 
their  caliphs.  Abaddon — Apollyon;  that  is.  Destroyer,  as 
both  names  signif}-. 

12.  Unc  woe  is  past ;  one  of  the  three  woes  foretold,  chap. 
8: 13.  Tiro  woes  more  hereafter ;  an  intimation  of  tlieir  sep- 
aration from  each  other  by  noticeable  intervals  of  time, 
while  th(^  woes  of  the  first  four  trumpets  came  in  immediate 
succession,  and  were  partly  blended  with  each  other. 

LS.  The  golden  altar ;  the  altar  of  incense,  which  stood  in 
the  outer  sanctuary  immediately  before  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  where  God  dwelt  between  the  cherubim,  and 
from  which  it  was  separated  by  the  iiuier  veil. 

1473 


The  sixth  angel  sounds. 


REVELATION  X. 


The  aiigel  with  a.  look. 


1-i  Savins:  to  the  sixth  angel  Avliich  had  the  trum- 
pet, Loose  the  four  angels  which  are  bound  in  the 
great  river  Euphrates." 

15  And  the  four  angels  were  loosed,  which  were 
prepared  for*  an  hour,  and  a  day,  and  a  month, 
and  a  vear,  for  to  slay  the  tliird  part  of  men." 

It)  And  the  number  of  the  army  of  the  horsemen '^ 
trcrc  two  hundred  thousand  thousand:''  and!  heard 
the  number  of  tlieni.' 

IT  And  thus  I  saw  the  horses  in  the  vision,  and 
them  that  sat  on  them,  having  breastplates  of  fire, 
and  of  jacinth,  and  brimstone:  and  the  heads  of 
the  horses  were  as  the  heads  of  lions ;''  and  out  of 
their  mouths  issued  lire  and  smoke  and  brimstone. 

18  Bv  these  three  was  tiie  third  part  of  men 
killed, "by  the  fire,  and  by  the  smoke,  and  by  the 
brimstone,  which  issued  out  of  their  mouths. 

r.t  For  their  power  is  in  their  mouth,  and  in 
their  tails:  for  their  tails  u-ere  like  unto  serpents,'-' 
and  had  heads,  and  with  tiiem  they  do  hurt. 

20  And  the  rest  of  the  men  which  were  not  killed 
by  these  plagues  yet  repented  not  of  the  works  of 
their  hands,"  that  they  siiould  not  worship  devils,' 
and  idols  of  gold,  and  silver,  and  brass,  and  stone, 
and  of  wood ;'  which  neither  can  see,  nor  hear, 
nor  walk: 

21  Neither  repented  they  of  their  murders,  nor 
of  tlieir  sorceries,  nor  of  their  fornication,  nor  of 
their  thefts." 


aOBH  -i  14;  Jer.  51:03.  ch.  li;:l-J  •  Or,  nl.  boh.SL7-9.  cEzek.38.4; 
Dan  n.ia.  i  Psa.6S:l7.  e  ch.  7:4.  f  1  Chr.  l'->:8;  Isa.  5.*?,  20.  S  Isa. 
0:115-  Eph.  4:11     hjer.5;3;8:6     i  Lev.  17:7;  1  Cor.  10:-.!0.    j  Psi.  1.3.515, 


14.  Loose  the  four  angels ;  representing  desolating  powers 
which  in  the  course  of  providence  had  been  restrained, 
but  were  to  be  snlfered  for  a  time  to  scourge,  desolate, 
and  destroy  a  great  portion  of  the  earth.  The  number 
four  may  be  here,  as  in  chap.  7 : 1.  a  symbol  of  universality. 
In  the  great  river  Euphrates;  a  symbol  of  the  region  wliciico 
these  four  angels  slionld  come.  The  Turks  or  Othmans, 
to  whom  this  woe-trumpet  seems  to  refer,  came  from  the 
vicinity  of  the  Eui)hrales. 

1.5.  An  liour — (I  cltiij — a  month — n  year;  that  is,  391  days, 
and  the  twelfth  part'of  a  day— interpreted  by  many  of  so 
many  proiihetic  years  during  which  they  should  e.xteud 
their  coiKincsts,  which  ended  with  the  fall  of  Constautino- 
ide,  A.  1).  11.53. 

]ii.  Two  hnndred  Ikomand  lhoyM.nd;  a  definite,  for  a  very 
large  indelinile  number. 

17.  Fire—jactnlli,an(lbrimslone;  of  red, purple,  and  j'ellow 
color.  Sujjposed  by  many  to  be  an  enigmatical  description 
oftheOtliman  cavalry,  with  wliom  these  were  favorite  colors. 

18.  Fire— xmnkc— brimstone ;  symbols  of  their  awfully  de- 
structive jjowers. 

19.  In  tlicir  tails;  like  the  locusts  that  preceded  them 
they  do  injury  with  their  tails,  taking  up  and  propagating 
by  force  the  same  pcHtilent  superstition. 

20.  Tiie  rest  of  tlie  men  ;  men  in  the  countries  which  were 
overrun  bj"  those  destroyers  wlio  were  not  killed,  liepcnted 
not ;  this  and  the  preceding  judgment  had  no  influence  to 
bring  ibini  to  repent  of  their  worship  of  denjons  and  idols. 

21.  Mnnlers — sorceries— fornication — thefts;  by  continu- 
ing to  commit  these  various  crimes,  they  were  ripening 
for  still  further  manifestjitious  of  divine  wrath. 

INSTRUCTIOX.S. 

3.  Infernal  spirits  are  ever  ready,  when  pcrmittcil,  to 
incre;ise  tho  ignorance,  wickedness,  cruelty,  and  wretch- 
edness of  men.  I»ut  tlicy  arc  under  divine  control,  and 
can  proceed  no  further  than  God,  for  wise  and  good  rea- 
sons, sees  lit  to  suffer  them. 

6.  When  wicked  men  here  suffer  a  part  only  of  the  evils 
which  their  sins  deserve,  life  itself  often  beconics  a  bur- 
den, and  they  seek  for  death  to  relieve  them.  Kut  there 
U74 


CHAPTER  X. 


A. D.  96, 


1  A  mighty  strong  angel  appe.areth  \A'itli  ,t  hnnk  open  in  lils  liantl.  G 
He  sweareth  by  him  that  liveth  for  evi-r.  ihat  there  shall  be  no  more 
tinw.     9  John  is  commanded  to  take  and  eat  the  book. 

AND  I  saw  another  mighty  angel  come  down 
from  heaven,  clothed  with  a  cloud :  and  a 
rainbow  was  upon  his  head,'  and  his  face  icas  as  it 
were  the  sun,'"  and  his  feet  as  pillars  of  fire: 

2  And  he  had  in  his  hand  a  little  book  open: 
and  lie  set  his  right  foot  upon  the  sea,  and  his  left 
foot  on  the  earth, 

3  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  as  when  a  lion 
roareth:  and  "wiicn  he  had  cried,  seven  thunders 
uttered  their  voices." 

4  And  when  the  seven  thunders  had  uttered  their 
voices,  Iwasabout  to  write:  and  liieard  a  voice  from 
heaven  saying  unto  me.  Seal  up  tliose  tilings  which 
the  seven  tiiundcrs  uttered,  and  write  tlicui  not." 

5  And  the  amrcl  whicii  I  saw  stand  u])on  the  sea 
and  upon  the  earth  lifted  up  his  hand  to  heaven,'' 

G  And  sware  by  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and 
ever.i  who  created  heaven,  and  tho  things  that 
therein  arc,  and  the  earth,  and  the  things  that 
tliercin  are,  and  the  sea,  and  the  tilings  which  are 
tlierein,  that  there  should  be  time  no  longer:' 

7  But  in  tlie  days  of  the  voice  of  the  seventh 
antrcl,''  wlien  he  .shall  begin  to  sound,  the  mystery 
of  God  should  be  finished,'  as  he  hath  declared  to 
his  servants  the  prophets. 


Isa  4(1  19,  a),  k  ch,  •2±\.'i.  '  Ezek.  1:23.  ni  Malt.  17.2;  ch.  1:15.  IB. 
n  oh  8:5,  14:2.  o  D.-in.  8-20;  12:4.9.  P  Exod  0:8;  Dciil.  32.40  q  Neh. 
9:0;  ch. 14:7      r  Dan,  12  7.     »ch.  11.15.     i  Rom,  1 1 -2.);   Eph,  3  5-9 


is  effectual  and  permanent  relief  only  ui  forsaking  their 
sins  and  turning  heartily  to  the  Lord,  who  will  then  abun- 
dantly pardon. 

11.  In  corrupting  and  mining  men,  the  wicked  on  earth 
and  in  hell  unite  under  one  great  leader;  showing  that 
they  belong  to  the  same  company, are  engaged  in  the  same 
work,  and  are  prciiaring  for  the  same  torment. 

15.  God's  messengers  of  vengeance  are  often  for  a  sea- 
son restrained  ;  but  when  restraint  is  removed,  they  com- 
mence their  work  of  desolation. 

21.  No  judgments  of  lic;iven  which  men  endure  wiH, 
without  the  grace  of  God,  lead  them  to  repentance,  make 
them  holy,  or  fit  them  for  heaven. 

CII AFTER  X. 

The  tenth  and  eleventh  cha]itcu-s  of  the  Apocalypse  may 
be  rcgardccl  as  an  episode,  referring  to  the  history  and 
sufferings  of  Christ's  clnirrh  dining  the  time  of  ihe  [U-e- 
ceding  woe-trumpets,  and  until  the  soiuidiiig  of  Ihe  seventh 
trumpet. 

1.  Angel ;  this  augel  seems  to  be  the  Son  nf  God,  or  an 
emblematical  representation  of  his  glory.  Compare  chap. 
l:l:5-l(;;  1-4:14.  Clothed  vilh  a  cloud;  chap.  1:7;  11:14; 
Matt.  24::iO;  .\cts  1:9;  1  The'ss.  4:17. 

2.  A  little  Imnk  open;  containing  the  revelations  of  this 
and  the  following  ehaiiler  to  the  opening  of  the  seventh 
seal.  Upon  Ihe  sea,  and — on  the  earth ;  in  token  of  supreme 
dominion  over  both. 

:!.  Seven  thunders  uttered  their  voices;  each  thunder  con- 
taining, like  each  of  Ihe  jirecediiig  trumpets,  a  revelation 
of  some  corning  event. 

4.  H'nie  Ihcm  not;  we  (annot  therefore  know  their  con- 
tenls,  unless,  as  some  8ii|iiio.se,  they  are  coincident  with 
Ihe  seven  last  ]ilagnes. 

fi.  ThnI  there  shi/uld  lie  time  no  longer;  or,  that  there  should 
be  delay  no  longer;  that  is,  as  iminedialely  exjdaincd,  no 
longer  after  the  sounding  of  the  seventh  angel.  No  one 
of  the  preceding  trumpets  has  brought  a  fullllment  of  the 
mystery  of  (!od,  but  Ihe  seventh  trumpet  shall  liiiish  it. 

7.  The  inysterij  if  Gml ;  his  glorious  plan  for  overlhrow- 


Tht  Umple  of  God  measured. 


REVELATION  XI. 


The  two  witnesses  prajphesy. 


A.B.96.  8  And  the  voice  which  I  lieard  from  heaven 
spake  unto  me  a.Q:ain,^  and  said,  Go  and  take  the 
little  book  which  is  open  in  the  hand  of  the  angel 
whicli  standeth  upon  the  sea  and  upon  the  earth. 

9  And  I  went  unto  the  angel,  and  said  unto  him, 
Give  me  the  little  hook.  And  he  said  unto  me, 
Take  it,  and  eat  it  up  ;  and  it  shall  make  thy  belly 
bitter,  but  it  shall  be  in  thy  mouth  sweet  as  honey.'' 

10  And  I  took  the  little  book  out  of  the  angel's 
hand,  and  ate  it  up ;  and  it  was  in  my  mouth  sweet 
as  honey:  and  as  soon  as  I  had  eaten  it,  my  belly 
was  bitter. 

11  And  he  said  unto  me,  Thou  must  prophesy 
again  before  many  peoples,  and  nations,  and 
tongues,  and  kings. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

ti  The  tw-o  ^v^tnesses  prophesy,  6  They  have  power  to  shut  heaven, 
that  it  rain  not.  7  The  beast  shall  fight  against  them,  and  kill  them. 
8  They  lie  iinliuried.  II  and  after  three  days  and  a  half  rise  again. 
14  The  second  woe  is  past.     1-5  The  seventh  trumpet  soundeth. 

AND  there  was  given  me  a  reed  like  unto  a 
rod:'^  and  the  angel  stood,  saying,  Rise,  and 
measure  the  temple  of  God,  and  the  altar,  and 
them  that  worship  therein." 


a  Ver  4.  t  Ezek.  3;1-:!,14.  «  Zeoh.  2:1;  ch.  21:15.  J  Ezek.  40-lS. 
•  Gr.  rait  out.  c  Ezek.  4»;17-20.  l  Luke  21:24.  g  Dan.  7.25.  li  Mitt. 
lS:lfi.    t  Or.  give  unto  my  two  witnesses  tiiat  tfify  inay  propkesij.    '  ch.  2U:4. 


ing  the  kingdom  of  Satan,  and  establishing  the  kingdom 
of  Christ,  which  is  the  great  theme  of  the  Apocalypse. 

9.  Eat  it  up;  a  symbol  for  attentively  reading,  thorough- 
ly understanding,  and  diligently  considering  what  it  fore- 
told. 

10.  Sweet  ns  honei/ — hitter ;  the  reception  of  the  revelation 
was  pleasant,  but  its  contents  filled  him  with  distress,  for 
they  related  to  the  afflictions  of  God's  people.  Compare, 
for  this  whole  symbol  of  eating  the  book,  Ezekiel's  eating 
the  roll,  Ezek.  .sh-S. 

11.  Before  many  peoples;  concerning  them,  and  what 
should  in  future  befall  them.  John  in  his  writings  was 
to  reach  many  and  remote  lands  that  he  himself  never 
visited. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

4.  Christ  graciously  communicates  to  his  people,  or  gives 
them  the  means  of  learning,  all  that  it  is  here  best  they 
should  know ;  and  the  knowledge  which  would  only  injure 
them  he  wisely  withholds. 

7.  Though  many  things  which  God  has  promised  by  his 
prophets  are  for  a  time  delayed,  yet  in  due  season  they  will 
all  be  perfectly  accomplished.  Till  then  his  people  should 
labor,  and  if  need  be  sufler,  with  patience  and  in  hope. 

10.  Joj's  and  sorrows  will  be  intermingled  in  coming 
events.  They  should  be  met  as  tliey  occur,  with  submis- 
sion and  gratitude  ;  and  if  rightly  improved,  they  will  both 
conspire  to  work  out  an  exceedin.g  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

The  present  chapter  gives  the  contents  of  thc!  little  book 
expressed  in  two  striking  emblems,  the  measuring  of  God's 
temple,  and  the  prophesying  of  the  two  witnesses. 

1.  A  reed  like  unto  a  rod;  compare  Ezek.  40:3,  etc.  The 
holy  city,  Jerusalem. -with  its  temple  and  erfurt,  represents 
the  body  of  tliose  who  profess  Christianity:  measuring 
denotes  (!od's  act  of  acknowledgment  and  ajijiroval ;  leav- 
ing unmeasnrcd,  his  act  of  rejection.  The  lemplc  and  altar 
therefore,  with  tlieir  attendant  worshippers,  represent  "the 
Israel  of  God,"  whom  he  owns  as  his  true  people;  while 
the  outer  court  of  tlie  teinjile  and  the  city  thronged  with 
Gentiles,  represent  the  multitude  of  both  church-olliccrs 
and  people  who  are  Christian  only  in  name.  The  whole 
symbol  represents  a  period  during  which  there  would  be 
some  siiiritual  worshijipers  anion;;  the  professed  followers 


2  But  the  court  which  is  without  tlie  temple 
leave  out,'  and  measure  it  not ; "  for  it  is  given 
unto  the  Gentiles:'"  and  the  holy  city  shall  they 
tread  under  foot  forty  a«rf  two  months.^ 

3  And  I  will  give  power  unto  my  two  witnesses,'' 
and  they  shall  prophesy*  a  thousand  two  hundred 
and  threescore  days,'  clothed  in  sackcloth.' 

4  These  are  the  two  olive-trees,"  and  the  two 
candlesticks  standing  liefore  the  God  of  the  earth.^ 

.5  And  if  any  man  will  hurt  them,  fire  proceed- 
eth  out  of  their  mouth,  and  devoureth  their  ene- 
mies :"'  and  if  any  man  will  hurt  them,  he  must  in 
this  manner  be  killed." 

6  These  have  power  to  shut  heaven,  that  it  rain 
not  in  the  days  of  their  prophecy :"  and  have  power 
over  waters  to  turn  them  to  blood,""  and  to  smite 
the  earth  with  all  plagues,  as  often  as  they  will. 

7  Aud  when  they  shall  have  finished  their  testi- 
mony, the  beast  that  ascendeth  out  of  the  bottom- 
less pif  shall  make  war  against  them,  and  shall 
overcome  them,  and  kill  them.' 

8  And  their  dead  bodies  s/ia/l  lie  in  the  street  of 
the  great  city,''  which  spiritually  is  called  Sodom'^ 
and  Egypt,"  where  also  our  Lord  was  crucified. 


J  Isa.  22:12.  k  Jer.  11:10;  Zech.  4  .1,  11.  14.  l  ch.  1:20.  n  Psa.  18:8. 
n  Num.  1G:3S;  Hos.  6:5.  »  1  Kin^s  17:1.  pExod.  7:19.  qch.l7:8.  rDan. 
7:21;  Zech.  14:2.  etc.     *  H«b.  1.3: 12.     t  Isa.  1:10.     u  Exod.  20:2. 


of  Christ,  while  multitudes  would  be  given  up  to  spiritual 
darkness,  idolatry,  and  death. 

2.  Forti/and  two  months;  the  period  of  the  duration  of  the 
beast  that  rises  out  of  the  sea,  chap.  13:5,  where  see  the 
notes.  The  time  of  the  trampling  under  foot  of  the  holy 
city,  and  that  of  the  prophesying  of  the  two  witnesses, 
both  agree  with  the  continuance  of  the  two  beasts  of 
chapter  thirteen. 

3.  Mi/tifoivitncsses;  representing  the  few  who  continued 
faithful  to  God  during  this  long  period  of  general  apostasy. 
Two  witnesses  are  probably  named,  because  two  were 
required  by  the  Mosaic  law  to  constitute  valid  testimonj\ 
Deut.  17:6;  19:15.  A  thotisand  two  hundred  and  threescore 
days;  1260  days,  the  same  as  "forty  and  two  months,''  ver. 
2,  reckoning  thirty  days  to  a  month.  Clothed  in  sackcloth  ; 
expressive  of  their  afflicted  and  persecuted  condition. 

4.  The  two  olive-trccs — tlie  two  candlesticks;  compare  Zech. 
4:2-6,  11-14,  from  which  the  imagery  is  taken,  but  with 
free  changes.  Oil  is  a  symbol  of  divine  grace:  a  lamp 
replenished  with  oil  and  shining  brightly,  represents  the 
light  of  a  holy  life  and  holy  doctrine.  Tlie  two  witnesses 
arc  God's  two  olive-trees  and  two  candlesticks,  because 
they  arc  the  repositories  of  his  grace,  and  the  lights  which 
he  has  appointed  to  shine  in  this  dark  world. 

5.  6.  The  images  of  these  two  verses  represent  the  jeal- 
ous care  with  which  God  watches  over  his  faithful  ser- 
vants, aud  the  punislnnent  with  w'hich  he  visits  their  per- 
secutors. Fire  proccedclh  nut  of  their  mouth;  an  allusion  to 
the  act  of  Elij;ih  in  calling  down  fire  from  heaven.  2  Kings 
1:10,  12.  To  shut  heaven,  that  it  rain  not;  as  Elijah  did  by 
his  intercession  with  God.  1  Kings  17:1;  J;iincs  S:^. 
To  turn  tlicm  to  blood — smite  the  earth  with  all  plagues;  as 
.Moses  did  at  (jod's  command.     Exodus  7-12. 

7.  The  beast  that  ascendeth  out  of  the  bottomless  pit;  Satan 
and  his  emissaries,  or  persecutors  instig.ated  by  the  evil 
one.  See  further  on  clui)).  13.  The  word  rendered  be:ist 
here,  and  in  ch;ip.  13,  is  a  different  word  in  the  original  from 
that  in  chap.  4:6.  There  it  means  living  creatures;  here, 
a  wild,  savage  beast.  Shall  overcome  them,  and  kill  them; 
the  various  conjectures  concerning  the  slaying  of  the  wit- 
iK^sses  are  uncertain.  The  time  has  not  yet  come  for  the 
clear  understanding  of  this  proidiecy. 

8.  The  great  city;  the  scat  of  the  persecuting  power; 
supposed  to  be  Rome,  or  places  distinguished  for  wicked- 
ness under  her  control. 

1175 


The  sevent/i  angd  sounds. 


REVELATION  XII. 


Tkc  woman  in  travail. 


9  And  they  of  tlie  people  and  kindreds  and 
tongues  and  nations  shall  see  their  dead  bodies 
three  days  and  a  half,  and  shall  not  suffer  their 
dead  bodies  to  be  put  in  graves." 

10  And  they  that  dwell  upon  the  earth  shall  re- 
joice over  them,  and  make  merry,  and  shall  send 
"gifts  one  to  another ;  becau^^c  tliese  two  prophets 
tormented  them  that  dwelt  on  the  earth. 

11  And  after  three  days  and  a  iialf  the  Spirit  of 
life  from  God  entered  into  them,''  and  they  stood 
upon  their  feet;  and  great  fear  fell  upon  them 
which  saw  them. 

12  And  they  heard  a  great  voice  from  heaven, 
saying  unto  tliem,  Come  up  hitlier.  And  they  as- 
cended up  to  lieavcn  in  a  cloud;''  and  their  ene- 
mies beheld  tlicm.'' 

13  Aud  the  same  hour  was  there  a  great  earth- 
(luako,  and  the  tenth  part  of  the  city  fell,"  and  in 
the  earthquake  were  slain  of  men*  seven  thou- 
sand :  and  the  remnant  were  affrighted,  and  gave 
glory  to  tlie  God  of  heaven.'' 

14"  The  second  woo  is  past  ;8  and  behold,  the 
third  woe  cortieth  quickly. 

15  And  the  seventh  angel  sounded;"  and  there 
were  great  voices  in  heaven,  saying,  Tiie  king- 
doms of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of 
our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ;'  and  he  shall  reign 
for  ever  and  ever.-' 


»Psa.7U:3.  b  Ezek.  37:5-14.  '  1  Thess.  4: 17.  d  Mai.  3  la  ech.1619. 
•  Gi.  names  of  mrn.  I  Isa.  '26: 15.  16;  ch.  14:7  S  bh.  S  13.  h  ch.  10  7. 
1  oh    12:10      i  Dan.  2:44;  7.14,  Is,  27.     k  ch  4:  4      'ch.  lli:5      "ich.  I'JC. 


9.  Three  days  and  a  half;  a  limited  and  sliort  period. 
Not  suffer  their  dead  bodies  to  he  pvt  in  graves;  showing  tlie 
dishonor  and  contempt  with  which  the  faithful  servants 
of  God  would  be  treated,  not  only  while  they  lived,  but 
after  they  were  dead. 

10.  M(Jce  merry;  in  prospect  of  being  in  future  freed 
from  the  influence  of  those  whom  they  hated,  and  had 
slain. 

11.  The  Spirit  of  life  from  God  entered  into  them ;  they  were 
spiritually  resuscitated.  New  and  faithful  servants  of  God 
were  raised  up.  religion  greatly  revived,  and  the  number 
of  those  who  embraced  it  so  multiplied,  that  the  blood  of 
the  martjTH  was  seen  to  be  the  seed  of  the  church. 

12.  Ascended  up  to  heaven  in  a  cloud;  indicating  the  honor 
God  bestowed  upon  them,  and  the  .special  favor  with  which 
he  treated  them. 

13.  Ttie  same  hour;  with  the  resurrection  of  these  wit- 
nesses. A  great  earthquake;  see  note  to  chap.  6:12-14. 
kain  of  men  seven  thowiond ;  literally,  seven  thousand  names 
of  men,  representing  a  great  destruction  of  the  wicked 
high  in  power  and  place,  who  had  hated  and  killed  the 
saints.     Chap.  13:10. 

1.5.  Great  voices  m  lieaven;  rejoicing  over  the  rapid  and 
triumphant  spread  of  the  gospel. 

18.  The  time  of  tlie  dead,  that  tliey  should  he  judged;  prob- 
.ably  meaning  the  time  when  the  pious  dead,  who  have 
been  slain  for  Christ's  sake,  shall  be  avenged.  liewnrd — 
thy  servants — and — destroi/  them  which  destroy  tlie  earth ;  save 
his  friends  and  destroy  his  enemies,  especially  those  who 
had  bc'Mi  engaged  in  destroying  his  people. 

19.  JTie  temple  of  God  was  opened  m  heaven;  this  verse 
belongs  in  all  iiroliability  to  the  following  series  of  proph- 
ecies, which  it  approjiriately  introduces.  Compare  chap. 
4:1,"  A  door  was  opened  in  heaven."  But  here  the  holy 
of  holies  is  laid  open,  where  God  dwelt  between  the  cher- 
ubim of  the  ark ;  apparently  imlieuting  that  the  apostle  is 
about  to  receive  a  more  interior  and  spiritual  view  of  the 
condition  and  eonflic^ts  of  the  church.  See  the  introduc- 
tion to  this  book,  and  the  nniarks  prefixed  to  the  next 
chapter.  Tlie  ark  of  his  te^latneiil ;  the  same  as  the  ark  of 
the  covenant.    Exod.2'>:  10-22.    It  was  the  symbol  of  God's 

1476 


Ifi  And  the  four  and  twenty  elders,  which  a  d.  o& 
sat  before  God  on  their  seats,"  fell  upon  their  fa- 
ces, and  worshipped  God, 

17  Saying,  We  give  thee  thanks,  0  Lord  God 
Almighty,  which  art,  and  wast,  and  art  to  come;' 
because  thou  hast  taken  to  thee  thy  great  power, 
and  hast  reigned.'" 

18  And  the  nations  were  angry,"  and  thy  wrath 
is  come,  and  the  time  of  the  dead,"  that  tliey  should 
be  judged,  and  tliat  thou  shouldest  give  reward 
unto  thy  servants  the  prophets,  and  to  the  saints, 
and  them  that  fear  thy  name,''  small  and  great;'' 
and  shouldest  destroy  them  wliich  destroy*  the 
earth. 

19  And  the  temple  of  God  was  opened  in  heaven,'' 
and  there  was  seen  in  his  temjile  the  ark  of  his  testa- 
ment: and  there  were  liglitiiiiigs,  and  voices,  and 
tliuuderiugs,  and  an  earthquake,  and  great  hail.' 

CHAPTER  XII. 

I  A  woman  clothed  with  tlie  sun  travaileth.  4  The  great  red  dragon 
standfth  before  lier,  ready  to  devour  lier  child:  6  when  slie  was  deliv- 
ered she  fleetli  into  the  wilderness.  7  Michael  and  his  angels  liyhl 
with  the  draj;on,  and  prevail.  13  The  dragon  being  cast  down  mlo 
the  earth,  persecuteth  the  woman. 

AND  there  appeared  a  great  wonder*  in 
heaven ;  a  woman'  clothed  with  the  snn," 
and  the  moon  under  her  feet,  and  upon  her  head 
a  crown  of  twelve  stars : 

u  ver   i)      oHeb.  9.27.     P  oh.  22:12.     1  ch.  19.5.     1  Ot.  rorrupt.     '  ch.  15.0, 
a     •ch.  S:S;  1G:1S,21      iOr.sign.    >  Isa.  54:&     u  Hsi.  s4.U  ;  Mai.  4  3. 

immediate  presence,  and  of  the  certain  fulfilment  of  his 
promises.     Lightnings — thunderings — earthquake,  and  great 
hail;  emblems  of  God's  presence,  and  of  the  jtiilgments 
about  to  be  executed  on  the  persecutors  of  his  people. 
INSTRUCTION'S. 

2.  The  difference  in  character  between  sincere  worship- 
pers of  God  and  those  who  opjiose  him  or  worship  him 
only  in  name,  he  perfectly  knows,  and  he  will  make  a  cor- 
responding (lifl'erence  in  their  condition  for  ever. 

.').  Though  God  bears  long,  and  for  a  time  besfows  many 
favors  iijion  the  wicked,  not  willing  that  lliey  shoulil  jier- 
ish,  but  that  they  should  come  to  repentance;  yet,  in  the 
cikI,  if  they  turn  not,  he  will  whet  his  sword,  his  hand  will 
take  holilon  judgment,  aud  there  will  be  nunc  to  deliver. 
Dent.  .•i2:4l. 

12.  The  children  of  God,  in  hearing  testimony  for  him, 
will  live  till  their  work  is  accomplished  ;  and  though  they 
should  come  to  a  violent  and  ignominious  death  <'ven  in 
great  numbers,  yet  (iod  will  raise  \\\>  others  to  fill  their 
places,  cause  his  kingdom  to  triumph,  clothe  his  friends 
with  honor,  and  cover  their  opposers  with  confusion  aud 
disgrace. 

17.  In  the  spread  of  the  gospel  and  the  multiplication 
of  those  who  embrace  it,  in  tlie  Imnnr  of  the  s;iiiits  and 
their  triumph  over  all  who  opi)Ose  them,  the  inhabitants 
of  lieaven  greatly  rejoice,  and  render  fervent  thanksgiv- 
ing to  God. 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

With  the  seventh  trumpet  the  mystery  of  God  was  tf) 
be  finished.  t'ha|i.  10:7.  This  has  ;tlreiidy  sounded,  anti 
■•the  kingdoms  of  this  world  ;ire  become  the  kingdoms  of 
our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ."  Chap.  11:1.').  We  cannot, 
therefore,  with  any  degree  of  jirobability,  siiiijiose  that 
the  long  series  of  iiersecutiims  and  trials  predicted  in  this 
and  the  following  chapters  belongs  to  iIh-  seventh  trum- 
pet, lioth  the  numbers  contained  in  these  proiihecies, 
and  their  general  charailer,  iilentify  them  with  those  pre- 
viously recorded.  Aeconlingly  there  is  a  general  agree- 
ment among  expositors  that  the  vision  here  goes  back  to 
the  primitive  days  of  Christianity,  and  gives  a  new  series 


The  dragon  cast 


REVELATION  XII. 


down  unto  the  earth. 


A.  D  %.     2  And  slie  being  with  child,  cried,  trav- 
ailing in  birth,  and  pained  to  be  delivered. 

3  And  there  appeared  another  wonder*  in  heaven ; 
andbehold.a  great  red  dragon," having  seven  heads 
and  ten  horns,  and  seven  crowns  upon  his  heads. 

4  And  his  tail  drew  the  third  part  of  tlie  stars 
of  heaven,  and  did  cast  them  to  the  earth:''  and 
the  dragon  stood  before  the  woman  which  was 
ready  to  be  delivered,  for  to  devour  her  child  as 
soon  as  it  was  born. 

5  And  she  brought  forth  a  man-child,''  who  was 
to  rule  all  nations  with  a  rod  of  iron:*  and  her 
child  was  caught  up  unto  God,  and  to  his  tlirone. 

6  And  the  woman  fled  into  the  wilderness,  wliere 
she  hath  a  place  prepared  of  God,  that  they  should 
feed  her  there  a  thousand  two  hundred  and  three- 
score days." 

7  And  there  was  war  in  heaven:  Michael  and 
his  angels  fought  against  the  dragon;  and  the 
dragon  fought  and  his  angels, 

8  And  prevailed  not;  neither  was  their  place 
found  any  more  in  heaven. 

9  And  the  great  dragon  was  cast  out,  that  old 
serpent,''  called  the  Devil,s  and  Satan,*"  which  de- 


•  Or,  si>rt.     a  ver.  9.     b  Isi.  9:15.     c  Isa.  7:14.     i  Psi.  '2:9      e  ch.  II:.1. 
'Gen.  3:j,4.    e  John  8:44.     hZech.  3:1.     ich.  11:15.    J  Rom.  S:33,  37. 


of  revelations  containing  a  more  interior  and  spiritnal 
view  of  the  history  of  the  church,  that  of  the  preceding 
series  having  heen  more  outward  and  providential. 

1.  A  woman;  undoubtedly  a  symbol  of  God's  church. 
Clothed  with  the  sun ;  with  the  glory  of  Christ's  presence, 
and  the  graces  of  his  Spirit.  The  moon ;  according  to 
some,  a  symbol  of  all  sublunary  things  :  others,  with  more 
reason,  regard  it  as  a  symbol  of  the  less  glory  of  the  Mo- 
saic economy.  A  crown  of  twelve  stars ;  the  twelve  apos- 
tles of  tlie  New  Testament, answering  to  the  twelve  tribes 
of  the  Old.  Twelve  is  the  symbol  of  God's  people.  Com- 
pare chap.  21: 12, 14,  where  tlie  twelve  angels  of  the  twelve 
gates  represent  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel ;  and  the  twelve 
foundations  the  twelve  apostles. 

2.  Travailing  in  birth;  a  symbol  of  the  fruitfulness  of 
the  church  in  times  of  great  trial.  Compare  Isa.  54:1; 
66:8. 

3.  A  great  red  dragon  ;  the  pagan  Roman  empire,  consid- 
ered as  the  agent  of  the  devil,  and  animated  with  his 
spirit.  Rod  or  purple  was  the  distinguishing  color  of  the 
Roman  emperors,  as  it  has  since  been  of  the  poiies  and 
cardinals.  Seven  heads;  explained  in  chap.  17:9,  to  mean 
the  seven  hills  of  Rome  and  her  seven  kings ;  that  is,  as 
commonly  interpreted,  the  seven  forms  of  government 
which  prevailed  in  Itome.  See  note  to  cha]).  17:9.  Ten 
fiorm;  the  ten  kingdoms  into  which  the  Roman  empire 
was  ultimately  divided.  See  notes  to  Daniel  7:24,  where 
the  lioinan  empire  is  represented  by  the  same  general 
symbol.  Seven  crowns  upon  his  heads;  not,  as  .afterwards, 
upon  his  horns.  The  Roman  empire  is  always  repre- 
sented in  prophecy  in  its  whole  duration.  But  the  seven 
crowns  upon  its  heads  indicate  that  the  seat  of  empire 
is  yet  in  Uome ;  not,  as  afterw.ards,  in  the  ten  kingdoms 
which  rise  out  of  the  old  empire.  Compare  chap.  i:j:l, 
where  the  crowns  are  on  the  horns,  and  the  explanation 
of  the  angel,  chap.  17:12. 

4.  Drew  the  third  part  of  the  stars  of  heaven ;  probably  rep- 
resenting the  Kubjertion  of  the  kings  and  rulers  of  a  large 
part  of  the  world  to  the  Roman  power. 

5.  A  man-child ;  (his  man-child  is  Christ,  the  seed  of  the 
mystic  woman,  considered  as  the  head  and  representative 
of  all  his  disciples.  It  includes,  therefore,  not  only  him. 
but  all  who  are  through  faith  united  to  him.  Caught  up 
unto  God,  and  to  his  throne;  representing  the  exaltation  of 
Christ,  and  through  him  the  protection  of  his  people  and 
their  victory  over  their  eucmies. 


cciveth  the  whole  world :  he  was  cast  out  into  the 
eartli,  and  his  angels  were  cast  out  with  him. 

10  And  I  heard  a  loud  voice  saying  in  heaven. 
Now  is  come  salvation,  and  strength,  and  the  king- 
dom of  our  God,  and  the  power  of  his  Clirist:' 
for  the  accuser  of  our  brethren  is  cast  down,  which 
accused  them  before  our  God  day  and  night. 

11  And  they  overcame  him  by  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,J  and  by  tlie  word  of  their  testimony ;  and 
they  loved  not  tlieir  lives  unto  the  death.'' 

12  Therefore  rejoice,'  ye  heavens,  and  ye  that 
dwell  in  them.  Woe  to  the  inhabiters  of  the  earth 
and  of  the  sea!'"  for  the  devil  is  come  down  unto 
you,  liaving  great  wrath,  because  he  kuoweth  that 
he  hath  but  a  short  time." 

13  And  when  the  dragon  saw  that  he  was  cast 
unto  the  earth,  he  persecuted  the  woman  which 
brouglit  forth  the  nvAw-child. 

14  And  to  the  woman  were  given  two  wings  of 
a  great  eagle,"  that  she  miglit  fly  into  the  wilder- 
ness, into  her  place,  where  she  is  nourished  for  a 
time,  and  times,  and  half  a  time,  from  the  face  of 
the  serpent. 

15  And  the  serpent  cast  out  of  his  mouth  water 


t  Luke  14 -20.     1  Psa   00:11;  Isa-  49:13.     ■>'  ch.  S:13.     u  di.  10:6.     o  Isa. 
40:31. 


6.  Fled  into  the  tvilderness ;  spoken  here  by  way  of  antic- 
ipation.    See  note  to  verse  14. 

7.  IFar  in  heaven  ;  representing  the  conflict  for  suprem- 
acy between  tlie  truth  of  Christianity  and  the  old  system 
of  jiagan  delusion.  Michael  seems  here  to  represent  all 
the  agencies  employed  by  Christ,  as  the  dragon  does  the 
devil  acting  in  and  through  liis  agents,  especially  the  per- 
secuting emperors  and  their  servants. 

9.  Was  cast  out;  truth  and  its  friends  prevailed, and  idol- 
atry was  overthrown.  Was  cast  out  into  the  earth ;  excluded 
from  his  former  position  of  power  and  ofticc.  The  dragon 
in  heaven  is  thought  by  many  to  mean  the  devil  enthroned 
in  the  chief  place  of  power ;  the  dragon  on  earth,  to  mean 
the  devil  cast  out  of  that  place,  but  still  active  against  the 
church.     Ver.  13-17. 

10.  The  accuser  of  our  brethren;  Satan,  wlio,  so  long  as 
he  retained  his  place  of  power,  persecuted  and  destroyed 
Christ's  servants  by  false  accusations.  In  the  name  here 
given  to  Satan,  there  seems  to  be  an  allusion  to  the  mani- 
festation made  of  his  character  in  the  case  of  Job,  chap. 
1:9-11;  2:4,  5;  and  which  was  again  made  in  the  calum- 
nies which  he  raised  against  Christians  in  the  primitive 
ages. 

11.  By  the  blood  of  the  Lamb — by  the  word  of  their  testi- 
mony; not  by  carnal  wea]ions,  but  by  faith  in  the  cfiieacy 
of  Christ's  atonement,  and  their  faithful  testimony  to  his 
truth.  Loved  net  their  lives  unto  the  death;  would  not  re- 
nounce the  truth  to  save  their  lives. 

12.  Great  wrath;  at  his  overthrow  in  heaven.  A  sliort 
time;  his  time  to  persecute  God's  people  and  hinder  the 
truth.  The  twelve  hundred  and  sixty  days  that  remain  to 
him  are  short  alisolutely.and  short  in  comparison  with  the 
ages  during  wliicli  he  has  been  the  god. of  this  world. 

14.  Twoivings  of  a  great  eagle;  rejiresenting  the  assist- 
ance granted  by  God  to  his  church,  to  escape  the  rage  of 
her  persecutors,  or  to  endure  and  survive  it.  The  wilder- 
ness; the  sojourn  of  the  church  in  the  wilderness  agrees 
with  the  jiropliesying  of  the  two  witnesses  in  sackcloth. 
It  is  anoUier  re]irrsentation  of  the  same  thin.g.  -•/  time, 
and.  times,  and  half  a  tune;  the  same  as  two  3'cars  and  a 
half,  forty-two  months,  and  twelve  hundred  and  sixty 
days.    See  note  to  Daniel  7:25. 

15.  The  serpent  caxt  out  of  his  mouth  water  as  a  flood  after 
the  woman;  thought  by  many  to  represent  the  inundation 
of  northern  barbarians,  l)y  which  Satan  hoped  to  over- 
whelm Christianity. 

147^ 


The  beast  from  the  sea, 


REVELATION  XIII. 


uit/i  power  from  t/ie  dragon. 


as  a  flood  after  tlic  woman,  that  lie  might  cause 
her  to  be  carried  away  of  the  flood.^ 

16  And  the  earth  helped  the  woman:  and  the 
earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swallowed  up  the 
flood  which  the  dragon  cast  ont  of  liis  mouth. 

IT  And  the  dragon  was  wroth  with  the  woman.'' 
and  went  to  make  war  with  the  renmaut  of  her 
seed,  which  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  and 
have  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  X  beast  riseth  ont  o(  tlic  sea  with  seven  heads  and  ten  horns,  to  "wliom 
tlie  dragon  giveth  his  power.  11  Another  beast  Cometh  up  out  of  the 
earth;  14  causeth  an  nnage  to  be  made  of  the  former  beast,  l.!>  and 
that  men  sliouid  worship  it,  10  a^id  receive  his  mark. 

AND  I  stood  upon  tiie  sand  of  the  sea,  and  saw 
a  beast  rise  up  out  of  the  sea,"^  having  seven 
heads  and  tenhorns,'' and  upon  his  hornsten  crowns, 
and  upon  his  heads  the  name"  of  blasphemy. 

2  And  the  beast  which  I  saw  was  like  unto  a  leo]> 
ard,  and  his  feet  were  as  the  feet  of  a  bear,  and  his 
moutli  as  the  mouth  of  a  lion : "  and  the  dragon  gave 
him  his  power,'  and  his  seat,^  and  great  authority. 


»Isa.  59:19.  'Gen.  3:15  c  Dan.  7:2,  etc.  a  ch.  12:3;  17  fS.  9,  la  •Or, 
nanus,  e  Dan.  7:J-7.  '  ch.  12:9.  gcli.  16:1U.  1  Gr.  stain.  >■  ch.  17.S 
lch.l7:14.    J  Dan  7:8, 11,25;  11:36.    1  Or,  mnte  tour,    k  ch    11 :2,  3;  12:6. 


IG.  T/ie  earth  helped  the  woman;  tliese  pagan  hosts,  in- 
KteaJ  of  destroying  (Jotl's  cliuich,  in  many  ways  befriend- 
ed her.  They  settled  down  in  the  regions  conquered  by 
tliern  anti  embraced  Chri.stianity. 

17.  The  remniiiit  of  her  seed;  representing  those  Avho  re- 
mained faithful  to  the  trulli  of  tlie  gospel.  The  manner 
in  wliicli  lie  made  war  ui>on  tliein  is  imtuediately  set  forth 
in  the  following  chapter. 

I.N'STRUCTIONS. 

I.  We  can  in  this  world  Init  faintly  conceive  the  glories 
with  which  saints  in  lieaven  are  crowned,  and  to  which, 
after  their  days  of  trial,  all  true  believers  will  be  ftj)r  ever 
exalted. 

4.  Tlie  enmity  between  tlie  seed  of  the  woman  and  the 
seed  of  tlie  serpent,  Gen.  3: 15,  has  always  existed,  and  has 
been  manifested  in  various  ways,  especially  in  the  perse- 
cution by  tlie  wicked  of  the  children  of  (lod. 

6.  God  is  mindful  of  his  people  in  all  their  trials,  kindly 
provides  for  them  all  the  blessings  which  he  sees  best, 
and  will  one  day  give  them  dominion  over  all  the  earth. 
Dan.  7 :  27. 

9.  Whoever  may  be  the  instruments  of  persecuting  the 
people  of  (!od,  Satan  is  their  leader;  they  are  his  servants, 
and  are  doing  his  work.     Itom.  G:1G. 

II.  The  children  of  God  will  be  triumphant,  and  come 
off  contpierors,  and  more  than  conrpierors.  over  all  their 
foes  ;  not  by  worldly  stratagem  or  force,  but  by  the  power 
of  truth  antl  love  exeraplilied  in  the  cross,  anil  set  home 
by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

17.  Sin  unrestrained  is  outrageous,  cruel,  and  persever- 
ing. AVlieii  the  agents  of  Satan  are  foiled  in  one  way,  they 
try  another;  and  unless  changed  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  however  often  they  may  be  disappointed,  they  will 
continue  tlieir  opposition  for  ever. 

CnAT'TER  XIII. 
1.  A  bea.ft ;  the  syiidjol  of  a  great  evil  and  persecuting 
power.  Out  of  tlie  .sea;  out  of  the  troubles,  commotions, 
and  revolutions  of  that  period.  Compare  Dan.i:'.;.  Seven 
lieads — ten  horns — ten  crowns;  it  is  a  continuation  of  the 
same  great  persecuting  power  that  ha^  been  described  in 
the  preceding  chapter,  but  at  a  later  age,  and  in  another 
form.  The  liorns  now  wear  the  crowns,  not  the  heads,  as 
before,  chap.  12:1;  indieatijig  that  the  power  has  In-en 
transferred  lo  them.  This  beast  is  then  identical  with 
the  fourth  beast  of  Daniel's  vision,  and  represents  tlio  ten 
kingdoms  that  arose  out  of  the  ruins  of  the  old  Roman 
1478 


3  And  I  saw  one  of  his  heads  as  it  were  a.  d.%. 
wounded*  to  death;  and  his  deadly  wound  was 
healed:  andalltheworld  wondered  after  the  beast.'" 

•4  And  they  worshipped  the  dragon  which  gave 
power  unto  the  beast:  and  tliey  worshipped  the 
beast,  saying,  Who  is  like  uuto  the  beast?  who  is 
able  to  make  war  with  liim?' 

5  And  there  was  given  unto  him  a  mouth  speak- 
ing great  things  and  blasphemies;^  and  ])ower 
was  given  unto  him  to  continue*  forty  and  two 
months." 

6  And  he  opened  his  mouth  in  blasphemy  against 
God,  to  l)lasphemp  his  name,  and  his  tabernacle,' 
and  them  that  dwell  in  heaven.™ 

7  And  it  was  given  unto  him  to  make  war-  with 
the  saints,  and  to  overcome  them:"  and  jwwer 
was  given  him  over  all  kindreds,  and  tongues, 
and  nations." 

8  And  all  that  dwell  upon  the  earth  shall  wor- 
ship him,  wliose  names  are  not  written  iu  the  book 
of  life''  of  the  Lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world.' 

5)  If  any  man  have  an  ear,  let  him  liear. 


ICol   2:9:  Heh  9:11.24.     m  Hcb.  12:82,  23.    »  Dan.  7:41 ;  ch;  11:7;  12; 
oLuke4:6.     P  Dan.  12:1 ;  ch.  21:27.     qch.l7:S. 


empire.  See  notes  to  Dan.  7:24.  The  name  of  binxphemy ; 
showing  his  opposition  to  God  and  his  Christ,  and  liis 
arrogant  assumption  of  the  prerogatives  that  belong  to 
them. 

2.  Ijcopard — bear — li<ni;  syrobolicof  hissavage  andcrncl 
character,  which  unites  in  itself  the  properties  of  the- three 
first  bea.sts  of  Daniel's  vision.  D.in.  7:4-6.  Tlte  dragon 
gave  him  hix  power — seat — authority ;  S-atan,  who  had  in  past 
ages  made  use  of  pagan  Rome  as  an  instrument  of  perse- 
cuting God's  church,  now  transfers  to  him  the  same  power 
and  authority  to  be  used  against  Christians. 

3.  One  of  his  heads  os  ;l  were  woundfd  lo  death;  smitten 
with  a  mortal  wound.  Of  the  various  interpi  ctations  pro- 
posed for  this  diflicult  passage,  that  seems  niixit  prolwble 
which  refers  it  to  the  extinction  of  the  old  l!oina)i  empire 
under  the  imperial  form  in  the  latter  ]iart  of  the  lifth  ecu- 
tiuy,  and  its  revival  again  luider  Charlem.igne,  who  was, 
at  tlie  close  of  the  eighth  centuiw.  crowiieil  by  the  Roman 
l)ontiff  as  emperor  of  Roine  nniler  the  title  of  Cres;ir  and 
Augustus.  See  further  in  notes  to  vcr.  1 1,  l.> ;  chap.  17:10, 
11.  Wondered  after  the  heu^ ;  followed  him  with  wonder 
and  homage,  as  exphiincd  in  the  following  verses. 

4.  Wor.'ihippcd  the  dragon;  by  wor8hi])ping  or  paying 
divine  honors  to  the  beast,  liis  agent  in  persecuting  tlio 
saints. 

!>.  Speaking  great  things  and  hlnsphemies ;  usurping  the 
prerogatives  of  God,  and  subjecting  men's  consciences  to 
his  control.  This  beast  exerts  his  )iower  in  connection 
with  the  second  beast,  vcr.  12-1.»,  antl  the  two  together 
usurp  God's  idace,anil  reiiuire  niiii  lo  ]iay  to  tlnni  tlivine 
honors,  ('tjmparc  2  Thess.  2:4.  Fortij  and  two  months; 
the  same  as  twelve  humlred  and  sixty  tl:iys,  th;ip.  ll::i, 
and  "a  time,  ami  times,  and  the  divitling  of  time."  Chap. 
12:14;  Dan.  7:2,5.  These  tlays  are  commonly  understood 
as  syndiolieal  of  so  many  years. 

6.  Ilin  lalnrnade;  his  people  iimong  whom  he  dwells. 
Them  that  dwell  in  lieaven ;  by  speaking  of  them  in  opjiosi- 
tion  to  their  true  character,  as  if  they  aided  in  his  cruel 
designs. 

7.  Allkindrcds — tongues, and  naltoni ;  showing  the  oxtf^nt 
of  his  iiillucnce,  reaching  over  a  great  jjortion  of  the  world. 

K  All;  the  wicked,  who  inhabit  tho  countries  subject 
to  his  power,  and  who  h;iV(!  no  true  religion. 

"J.  hi  him  hear;  consider  what  is  saitl,  anil  receive  tlio 
instruction  which  it  is  suited  to  impart;  not  go  with  Iho 
inultiludo  alter  the  beast,  but  continue,  untlcr  all  his  per- 
secution,!, steadfast  iu  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  gospel. 


Tht  least  from  the  earth. 


REVELATION  XIV. 


The  Lamb  on  3Iount  Zioii. 


A.  D  96.  10  He  that  leadeth  into  captivity  sliall 
go  into  captivity:''  he  that  killeth  with  tlie  sword, 
must  be  killed  with  the  sword."  Here  is  tiic  pa- 
tience and  the  faith  of  the  saints.*^ 

11  And  I  beheld  another  beast  coming  up  out 
of  tlie  earth;''  and  he  had  two  horns  like  a  lamb, 
and  ho  spake  as  a  dragon. 

12  And  he  cxerciseth  all  the  power  of  the  first 
beast  before  Jiim,  and  causcth  the  cartli  and  them 
■which  dwell  therein  to  worship  the  first  beast, 
"whose  deadly  wound  was  healed.'' 

13  And  he  doeth  great  wonders,''  so  that  he 
maketh  fire  come  down  from  heaven  on  the  earth 
in  the  sight  of  men, 

14  And  deceiveth  them  that  dwell  on  the  eartli 
by  the  means  of  those  miracles  which  he  b.ad  power 
to  do  in  the  sight  of  the  beast;  saying  to  them 
that  dwell  on  the  earth,  that  they  should  make 
an  image  to  the  beast,  which  had  the  wound  by  a 
sword,  and  did  live.' 

1 5  And  he  had  power  to  give  life*  unto  the  image 
of  the  beast,  that  the  image  of  the  beast  should 
both  speak,  and  cause  that  as  many  as  would  not 
worship  the  image  of  the  beast  should  be  killed." 


>  Isi.  33:1.     b  Gen.  9;6.     <=  Heb.  6:12.     dch.  11:7.     e  ver.  3.     (Matt. 
24:24;  ai'hess.  2:9,  10.     Sver.3,12.     •  Gt.  breath,     hch,  1(1:2.    1  Gr. /give 


10.  Shall  go  into  captivity — killed  until  tlie  .tuvrd;  the  time 
would  come  when  the  persecutor.s  would  be  destroyed. 
God  would  render  vengeance  to  his  enemies.  Till  then, 
his  people,  while  active  and  persevering  in  duty,  should 
wait  with  patience. 

11.  Another  beast;  representing  an  ecclesiastical  power, 
pretended  ministers  of  religion  uniting  with  the  civil  power, 
described  under  the  first  beast,  in  persecuting  the  saints. 
Out  of  the  earth;  in  a  quiet,  silent  way  ;  an  exact  descrip- 
tion of  the  rise  of  the  spiritual  power  of  the  papacy,  which 
grew  up  stealthily  and  by  degrees.  This  beast  ma_y  be 
considered  as  including  all  the  other  kindred  forms  of  ec- 
clesiastical domination,  which  arose  side  by  side  with  the 
papacy,  and  constitute  with  it  one  vast  system  of  spiritual 
tjTanny.  Like  a  lamb;  professing  to  be  very  mild,  meek, 
and  humble.  Spake  as  a  dragon;  showing  himself  to  be 
the  op|)osite  of  what  he  professed  to  be. 

12.  Exerciseth — the  power — and  causeth  the  earth — to  wor- 
ship the  first  beast ;  unites  his  ecclesiastical  power  with  the 
civil  power  of  the  first  beast  in  laboring  to  accomplish  the 
same  cruel,  selfish,  and  wicked  designs. 

13.  Doeth  great  wonders — maketh  fire  come  down ;  the  prob- 
able meaning  of  these  words  is,  that  having,  by  his  signs 
and  lying  wonders,  deceived  the  multitude  and  gaineil 
control  over  them,  he  uses  the  power  thus  acquired  to  de- 
stroy, as  if  by  fire  from  heaven,  those  who  will  not  submit 
themselves  to  his  usurped  authority. 

14.  An  image  to  the  beast ;  a  living  representative  of  his 
power.  According  to  some,  this  image  represents  the 
succession  of  Roman  pontiffs  ;  but  they  are  rather  the  rep- 
resentatives of  the  second  beast.  Others,  therefore,  un- 
derstand the  new  succession  of  Roman  emperors,  referred 
to  in  the  note  to  ver.  3,  who  were  animated  by  the  spirit 
of  the  i)a])acy,  and  exerted  their  power  in  its  interest. 

15.  Speak;  proclaim  and  send  out  his  decrees,  requiring 
all  to  bow  to  him;  and  if  they  will  not,  causing  them  to 
be  put  to  death. 

_  IG.  Causcth  all;  compels  them,  under  the  penalty  men- 
tioned in  the  following  verse.  To  receive  a  mark;  a  sign 
to  distinguish  them  as  his  followers,  and  as  acknowledg- 
ing his  authority. 

17.  That  no  man  might  buy  or  sell;  literally  fulfilled  in 
the  history  of  the  papal  power,  whoso  policy  has  been  [n 
place  those  who  would  not  bow  to  it  umlcr  an  interdict, 
deprive  them  of  the  means  of  living,  and  thus  starve  them 
into  compliance, 


IG  And  he  causeth  all,  both  small  and  great, 
rich  and  poor,  free  and  bond,  to  receive^  a  mark 
in  their  right  hand,  or  in  tlieir  foreheads: 

17  And  that  no  man  might  buy  or  sell,  save  he 
that  had  the  mark,  or  the  name  of  the  beast,  or 
the  number  of  his  name.' 

IS  Here  is  wisdom.  Let  him  tliat  hath  under- 
standing count  the  number  of  the  beast:  for  it  is 
the  number  of  a  man ;  and  his  number  is  Six  hun- 
dred threescore  and  six. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  The  Lamb  standing  on  mount  Zion  with  his  company.  6  An  angel 
preacheth  the  gospfl.  8  The  fall  of  Babylon.  1.'5  The  harvest  of  the 
world,  and  putting  in  of  the  sickle.  20  The  vintage  and  wine-press 
of  the  wratll  of  God. 

AND  I  looked,  and  lo,  a  Lamb  stood  on  the 
mount  Zion,J  and  witii  him  a  hundred  forty 
and  four  thousand,''  having  his  Fathers  name 
written  in  their  foreheads.' 

2  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  as  the  voice 
of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  a  great  thun- 
der:'" and  I  heard  the  voice  of  harpers  harping 
with  their  harps:" 


them. 
5:8,  9. 


ch.  15:2,    J  ch.  5:12.     t  ch.  7:4.     Ich.  3:12. 


ch.  19:0.     n  ch. 


IS.  Here  is  wisdom  ;  wisdom  is  required,  in  order  to  de- 
termine to  whom  the  above  representations  apply,  and 
who  is  meant  by  them.  Let  him  that  hath  understanding ; 
of  this  matter.  Count  the  numtjcr ;  of  the  name  of  the  beast. 
Six  hundred  threescore  and  six;  the  letters  which  compose 
the  Greek  word  Lateinos,  signifying  the  Latin  man,  when 
used  as  numerals,  make  the  number  six  hundred  three- 
score and  six.  This  is  the  case  also  with  some  other 
names.  But  in  order  to  be  sure  that  any  one  is  the  true 
name,  it  must,  not  only  in  this,  but  in  other  respects,  an- 
swer the  description  given  of  the  beast. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Persecutors,  when  overthrown  in  one  form,  often  rise 
in  another,  and  continue,  under  tlie  instigation  and  by  the 
aid  of  Satan,  that  accuser  of  the  brethren  and  murderer 
from  the  beginning,  to  prosecute  their  work  of  death. 

6.  The  mouths  which  God  has  made  are  often  opened 
in  blasphemy  against  him  ;  and  the  faculties  which  he  has 
given  and  preserves,  often  employed  in  opposing  his  cause. 

8.  There  is  no  security  against  embracing  the  most  dan- 
gerous errors,  and  joining  in  the  most  abominable  prac- 
tices, except  in  that  distinguishing  grace  of  God  which 
leads  men  to  trust  in  the  Redeemer,  and  in  well-doing  to 
commit  the  keeping  of  their  souls  to  him. 

10.  When  persecutors  of  God's  peoi)le  have  gone  as  far 
as  he  sees  fit  to  suffer  them,  and  have  accomplished  what 
he  intended,  he  will  turn  his  hand  against  them,  and  pun- 
ish them  according  to  their  deserts.  Jer.  25:9-lt;  27:6, 
7;  50:1-19. 

1.5.  Ecclesiastical  and  civil  rulers  have  often  been  united 
in  persecuting  Clu-istians,  and  endeavoring  to  iovca  them 
to  disobey  God. 

17.  Satan  often  acts  as  if  he  were  the  god  of  this  world, 
and  his  subjects  as  if  they  had  a  right  to  govern  it.  If 
men  will  not  submit  to  llieni,  they  treat  them  as  worthy 
of  death;  thus  usurping  the  jjrerogativcs  of  Jehovah,  and 
acting  as  if  they  were  above  him. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1.  A  hundred  forty  and  four  thousand;  here,  as  in  chap. 
7:1,  the  representatives  of  the  multitude  of  the  redeemed 
during  the  times  td'  trouble  and  persecution  that  have  been 
foretold.  Ills  Father's  name  written  in  their  foreheads;  in 
cDUtrast  with  the  worshippers  of  the  beast,  who  have  his 
mark  in  their  right  hand,  or  in  their  foreheads.  Chap. 
13:10. 

1479 


The  fall  of  Bahylon. 


REVELATION  XIV. 


One  like  Ihe  Son  of  man. 


3  And  they  sung  as  it  were  a  new  song  before 
tlio  tlu'onc,"  and  before  the  four  beasts,  and  the 
elders:  and  no  man  could  learn  that  song  but  the 
hundred  and  forty  and  four  thousand,  which  were 
redceuied  from  the  earth.'' 

4  Tlie^e  are  tiiey  which  were  not  defiled  with 
women :  for  they  are  virgins.''  Tiiesc  are  they 
which  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth.'' 
These  were  redeemed"  from  among  men,  being  the 
first-fruits  unto  God  and  to  the  Lamb." 

5  And  in  their  mouth  was  found  no  guile:''  for 
they  arc  without  fault  before  the  throne  of  God.- 

G  And  I  saw  another  angel  fly  in  the  midst  of 
heaven,  having  the  everlasting  gospel  to  preach 
unto  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,"  and  to  every 
nation,  and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,' 

7  Saying  with  a  loud  voice,  Fear  God,  and  give 
glory  to  him ;  for  the  hour  of  his  judgment  is 
eorae:-*  and  worship  him  that  made  heaven,  and 
earth,  and  the  sea,  and  the  fountains  of  waters. 

8  And  there  followed  another  angel,  saying, 
Babylon  is  fallen,  is  fallen,"  that  great  city,  be- 
cause she  made  all  nations  drink  of  the  wine  of 
the  wrath  of  her  fornication. 

9  And  the  third  angel  followed  them,  saying 
with  a  loud  voice,  If  any  man  worship  the  beast 
and  his  image,  and  receive  his  mark  iu  his  fore- 
head, or  in  his  hand,' 

10  Tiic  same  shall  drink  of  the  wine  of  the  wrath 
of  God,'"  which  is  jioured  out  without  mi.Kture  into 
the  cup  of  his  indignation;  and  ho  shall  be  tor- 
mented with  lire  and  brimstone  in  the  presence  of 


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3.  A  new  song;  the  song  of  redemption  through  the 
blood  of  tlic  T.aml). 

4.  Not  defiled  Willi  women;  with  spiritual  fornication;  com- 
pare chap.  17,  where  tlie  apo.state  tlmreh  is  represented 
us  a  harlot,  and  her  followers  lus  those  who  commit  forni- 
cation with  her.  Virgins;  espoused  to  Christ  as  chaste 
virgins.  2  Cor.  11:2.  Firsl-fruits;  those  wlio  had  iirst 
been  converted,  and  were  the  earnest  of  multitudes  who 
were  to  follow. 

5.  Witlinut  fault ;  having  been  sanctified  and  presented 
spotless  before  God.     Jiide  24. 

fi-11.  Now  follow  three  visions,  representing  the  rapid 
:irid  wide  spread  of  the  gosjiel  throM;.'li  the  whole  earth, 
the  fall  of  the  mystic  Habylon,  and  l\\v  p\iiiishmrnt  of  her 
adherents.  With  the  dawn  of  the  Reformation  began  the 
fidfilment  of  these  promises,  and  it  is  progressing  in  our 
day. 

7.  Worship  him ;  worship  God.  This  is  said  in  contrast 
with  the  worship  of  the  beast. 

f.  linbijlnn;  compare  Isa.  21:9.  Babylon  was  the  chief 
seat  of  persecution  against  the  church  of  God  under  the 
Old  Testament;  and  this  name  is  givi-n  to  the  chief  seat 
of  such  persecutions  under  the  New  Testament,  hfiilleii ; 
an  announcement  of  the  overthrow  of  this  great  persecut- 
ing power.  Drink  of  the  wine  oftlve  wrath  ofhcrfornicalinn  ; 
Babylon  is  compared  to  a  harlot  holding  in  her  hand  a 
wine-cup  of  wnith,  and  making  all  natioriH  dnujk  with  it. 
The  figure  is  taken  froiri  .hT.25: 1.5-28,  where  (iod,  through 
tlie  literal  Babylon,  administers  to  the  nalions  the  wine- 
cup  of  his  fury.  The  meaning  is,  tli;it  the  mystic  Habylon, 
by  seducing  the  nations  to  commit  s[iiriliial  fornication 
with  her,  brings  upon  them  the  wrath  of  God.  For  this 
sin  her  doom  is  here  forelfild. 

9.  Worship  the  lieast  and  his  ima/re;  see  note  to  chap. 
13: 14.  We  have  here  the  ecclesiastical  uniting  with  the 
14bO 


the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  a.  d  %. 
Lamb:" 

11  And  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascendeth  up 
for  ever  and  over : "  and  they  have  no  rest  day  nor 
night,''  who  worship  the  beast  and  his  image,  and 
whosoever  receiveth  the  mark  of  his  name. 

12  Here  is  the  patience  of  the  saints:  here  are 
they  that  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  and  the 
faith  of  Jesus. 

1 3  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto 
me.  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord  froui  henceforth :''  Yea,  saitli  the  Spirit,*  that 
they  may  rest  from  their  labors;  and  their  works 
do  follow  them. 

1-1  And  I  looked,  and  behold,  a  white  cloud,  and 
upon  the  cloud  one  sat  like  unto  the  Son  of  man,'' 
having  on  his  head  a  golden  crown,  and  in  his  hand 
a  sharp  sickle. 

15  And  another  angel  came  out  of  the  temjile, 
crying  with  a  loud  voice  to  him  that  sat  on  the 
cloud.  Thrust  in  thy  sickle,  and  rcap:^  for  the 
time  is  come  for  thee  to  reap;  for  the  harvest  of 
the  earth  is  ripe." 

16  And  he  that  sat  on  the  cloud  thrust  in  his 
sickle  on  the  earth;  and  the  earth  was  reaped. 

17  And  another  angel  came  out  of  the  temple 
which  is  in  heaven,  he  also  having  a  sharp  sickle. 

18  And  another  angel  came  out  from  the  altar, 
which  had  power  over  fire;  and  cried  with  a  loud 
cry  to  him  that  had  the  sharp  sickle,  saying,  Thrust 
in  thy  sharp  sickle,  and  gather  the  clusters  of  the 
vine  of  the  earth ;  for  her  grapes  are  fully  ripe." 


P  Isa.  57:20,  21.  1  1  Thess  4:14,  1G  t  Or.  from  linmfnrlli  xnilli  Iht  Spiril, 
Y,a.  r  Ezek.  1:2I>1  Dan.  7:13.  >  Joel  3:13.  1  Ur,  dried.  I  Jcr.  51::)3; 
Matt.  13.3U.     u  vcr.  15. 


civil  power  in  killing  the  saints  who  refused  to  submit 
to  him. 

10.  The  wine  of  the  wrath  of  God;  the  effect  of  God's 
wrath  is  here,  as  often  elsewhere,  compared  to  a  wine-cup, 
which  produces  in  those  wjio  drink  of  it  reeling  and  mad- 
ness. 

12.  The  patience  of  the  snints;  of  those  who  should 
stand  out  against  all  the  blandishments,  wiles,  .and  threats 
of  the  beast  and  his  image,  contiiming  steadfast  in  the 
faith  of  Christ,  though  it  should  cost  them  the  sacrifu'C  of 
life.  The  words  contain  a  solemn  intimation  of  the  severe 
trials  to  which  (iod's  faithfid  servants  would  be  subjected 
during  the  reign  of  the  beast. 

13.  Finm  henceforth;  they  entered  immediately  into  rest, 
and  were  blessed.  (Jf  conrse  there  was  no  purgatory  for 
them  to  pass  through;  but  when  absent  from  the  body, 
they  were  i)resent  with  the  Lord.     2  Cor.  .'>:S. 

14-20.  Now  follows  a  double  vision  representing  the 
execution  of  God's  vengeance  upon  the  persecutors  of  his 
people. 

14.  A  white  clorul ;  the  symbol  of  Christ's  presence  in 
power  and  great  glory  to  take  vengeance  on  the  wicked. 
Compare  note  to  eh;ip.  10:1.  A  polden  crown;  to  signify 
that  he  is  "  King  of  kings,  and  Ijord  of  lords."  t.'hap. 
17:14;  19:10.  A  sharp  sickle;  here,  as  in  Joel  .'l:],'!,  the 
ripeness  of  the  harvest  and  vint.age  indicales  that  the 
measure  of  man's  wickeilness  is  full,  and  the  reaping  is  a 
symbol  of  the  execution  of  Gotl's  wralli. 

l.'i.  Another  angel  came  (ml  of  the  temple;  the  dwelling- 
placid  of  .Ichovali,  signifying  that  lie  was  the  bearer  of  a 
message  from  Him. 

17.  Out  if  tlie  temple;  having  a  commission  immediately 
from  God. 

18.  The  altar;  api>arently  tho  altar  of  burnt-ofTering. 
Fire;  the  symbol  of  Uod'a  destroying  wrath. 


Song  of  Moses  rind  Ike  Larrib. 


REVELATIOJf  XVI. 


Tlie  seven  angels  with  vials. 


A  i>.  %.  19  And  the  ansjel  thrust  in  his  sickle  into 
the  earth,  and  gathered  the  vine  of  the  earth,  and 
cast  it  into  the  great  wine-press  of  the  wrath  of 
God." 

20  And  tlie  wine-press  was  trodden''  without  the 
city,'^  and  blood  came  out  of  the  wine-press,''  even 
unto  tlie  horse-bridles,"^  by  the  space  of  a  thousand 
and  six  hundred  furlongs. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  The  seven  angels  with  the  seven  iast  plagues.     3  T!ie  snng  of  them 
that  overcoiTie  the  beast.     7  Tiie  seven  vials  full  of  the  wraih  of  Uod. 

AND  I  saw  another  sign  in  heaven,  great  and 
marvellous,  seven  angels  having  the  seven 
last  plagues ;  for  in  them  is  filled  up  the  wrath  of 
God.' 

2  And  I  saw  as  it  were  a  sea  of  glass''  mingled 
with  fire:"  and  them  that  had  gotten  tlic  victory 
over  the  beast,  and  over  his  image,  and  over  his 
mark,  and  over  the  number  of  his  name,'  stand  on 
the  sea  of  glass,  having  the  harps  of  God.J 

3  And  they  sing  the  song  of  Moses  the  servant 
of  God,"  and  the  song  of  the  Lam-b,'  saying.  Great 
and  marvellous  are  thy  works.  Lord  God  Almighty: 
just  and  true  are  thy  ways,'''  thou  King  of  saints.' 


»Ch.  19=15.  b  Isi.  63-3.  =  Heb.  13  U,  13  JLsi.  34-7.  ecli.  lO.U. 
'ch.HUI.  ech.4:fl.  hlsa.4;4.5.  i  ch.  13: 15-17.  .1  ch.  14:2.  6  Exoil. 
15:1-19;  Deut.  .32:1-43.     'cli.  14.3.     m  Hos.  11:9.     •  Or,  naiJons,  or  a?es, 

19.  Wine-press  of  the  wrath  of  God ;  the  treading  of  grapes 
is  expressive  of  liis  vengeance  upon  4iis  enemies. 

20.  Without  tlie  city ;  apparently  the  holy  city  Jeni.salem, 
wliieli  represents  the  people  of  God;  signifying  tliat  they 
will  be  exempted  from  this  awful  judgment.  Blood — even 
unto  the  horse-lirklles ;  showing  the  greatness  of  the  slaugh- 
ter, and  of  the  multitudes  who  perished.  A  thousand  and 
SIX  hundred  furlongs;  two  hundred  Roman  miles.  Some 
have  su[iposed  an  allusion  to  the  length  of  Palestine ; 
others,  to  the  extent  of  the  pope's  dominions  in  Italy. 
But  all  such  conjectures  are  uncertain. 

INSTRLXTIOXS. 

3.  AVhatever  trials  believers  may  suffer  in  this  world, 
through  the  aid  of  their  great  High-priest  and  Intercessor 
they  will  all  arrive  safely  in  heaven,  and  their  arrival  will 
awaken  songs  of  thanksgiving  throughout  all  the  hosts 
above. 

7.  The  persecution  of  saints  even  unto  death  is  often 
followed  by  a  rapid  and  extensive  spread  of  the  go.spei, 
and  the  greatest  rage  of  opposers  hy  their  speedy  and 
titter  ruin. 

11.  I'nion  with  opposers  of  God  and  his  cause,  for  the 
Bake  of  avoiding  present  evil,  or  obtaining  fancied  good, 
is  aggravated  sin,  and  will  be  followed  with  awful  punish- 
ment. 

13.  There  is,  to  saints,  no  state  either  of  insensibility  or 
of  suffering  after  death,  but  they  enter  at  once  into  rest. 
The  dav  ihey  leave  the  body  they  are  happy  with  Christ. 
Luke  23: 43. 

18.  Both  saints  and  sinners  are  continued  in  this  world 
till  they  are  fully  ripe,  the  one  for  endless  bliss,  and  tlie 
other  for  endless  woe. 

CHAPTER   XV. 

1.  Seven  hist  plagues;  those  which  would  accomplish 
the  wrath  of  God  against  the  beast,  and  result  in  bis  tinal 
and  utter  overthrow.  Whether  these  seven  plagues  are 
a  more  detailed  account  of  the  harvest  ,uid  vintage  de- 
scribed in  the  preceding  chapter,  or  follow  after  them  iis 
additional  judgments,  can  be  known  only  by  their  fullil- 
ment. 

2.  Sea  of  glass  mingled  vilh.  fire ;  a  smooth,  transp;u'ent 
pavement,  clear  as  crystal,  variegated  willi  fiery  colors. 
Chap.  4:G.     Another  glorious  vision  of  the  redeemed  in 


4  Who  shall  not  fear  thee,"  O  Lord,  and  glorify 
thy  name  ?  for  thou  only  art  holy  :"  lor  all  nations 
shall  come  and  worship  before  thee;''  for  thy  judg- 
ments are  made  manifest. 

5  And  after  that  I  looked,  and  behold,  the  tem- 
ple of  the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony  in  heaven 
was  opened:'' 

6  And  the  seven  angels  came  out  of  the  temple, 
having  the  seven  plagues,  clotlied  in  pure  and 
white  linen,  and  having  their  breasts  girded  with 
golden  girdles. 

7  And  one  of  the  four  beasts  gave  unto  the  seven 
angels  seven  golden  vials  full  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
who  liveth  for  ever  and  ever. 

8  And  the  temple  was  filled  with  smoke''  from 
the  glory  of  God,'  and  from  his  power;  and  no 
man  was  able  to  enter  into  the  temple,  till  the 
seven  plagues  of  the  seven  angels  were  fulfilled. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

2  The  angels  pour  oat  their  vials  ful!  of  wrath.  6  The  plagues  that 
follow  thereupon.  15  Christ  coineth  as  a  thief.  Blessed  are  they 
that  watoh. 

A  ND  I  heard  a  great  voice  out  of  the  temple, 
lr\.  saying  to  the  seven  angels,'  Go  your  ways, 


ch.  17:11.     n  ,ler.  10:7.     "I  Sam,  2:2.     P  Isi.  4.5:23.     qch.  11.19.     r  isa. 
(i:4.    'Psa.  29,9.     'ch.  15,1,7. 


heaven  is  granted  to  the  apostle,  to  show  that  during  all 
this  period  of  abounding  wickedness,  God  was  still  gath- 
ering home  his  faithful  servants  to  the  rest  and  blessed- 
ness of  his  presence. 

3.  The  song  of  Biases — and — of  the  Lnmh ;  praising  and 
adoring  God  for  his  deliverance  of  his  people  from  Egyp- 
tian bondage  by  Moses,  and  from  the  bondage  of  sin  by 
Christ,  and  for  his  victories  over  all  their  foes. 

5.  The  tabernacle  of  the  testimony;  the  holy  of  holies,  the 
peculiar  dwelling-place  of  God. 

C.  Came  out  of  the  temple  ;  expressive  of  their  being  com- 
missioned and  sent  of  God. 

7.  One  of  the  four  beasts  gave;  we  seem  to  have  here  an 
intimation  that  these  seven  last  plagues  proceed  from  the 
all-comprehending  providence  of  God.  Compare  Ezek. 
10:2,  6,7. 

8.  Smoke;  the  symbol  of  God's  presence,  as  a  holy  and 
jealous  God,  prepared  to  execute  vengeance  on  the  wicked. 
1  Kings  8: 10  ;  Isa.  6:4.  Was  able  to  enter ;  because  of  the 
smoke:  alluding  to  the  cloud  which  covered  the  taberna- 
cle, and  filled  the  temple,  when  they  were  dedicated.  Exod. 
40:34,  35;  1  Kings  8:10,  11, 

INSTHUCTIONS. 

4.  The  salvation  of  the  righteous  and  the  destruction 
of  the  wicked  are  boll,  from  (jod.  One  is  a  display  of  his 
grace,  the  other  of  bis  justice  ;  and  in  both  he  is  glorious, 
blessed,  and  worthy  of  everlasting  confidence,  affection, 
and  praise, 

8,  Though  God  often  waits  long  upon  the  WMcked  and 
his  judgments  seem  to  linger,  in  due  lime  they  will  come; 
and  continuance  in  sin  against  all  warnings  and  entreaties 
will  bring  inevitable  and  overwhelming  destruction. 

CflAl'TER  XVI. 

1.  Oh;  of  the  temple;  coming  from  the  temple,  where  God 
dwelt.  Men  arc  ;iiit  to  look  no  further  th;in  to  second 
causes;  but  the  holy  Scri[)tures  refer  all  the  judgments 
which  fall  upon  the  world  for  its  wickedness  to  tiod  as 
their  author.  They  come  from  him,  and  execute  his  holy 
(lurimses.  Pour  out  the  mils  of  the  wrath  of  God;  the  seven 
last  ]ilagucs  belong  to  the  seventh  trumpet,  under  which, 
or  at  least,  near  to  wliich,  we  seem  to  be  living.  To 
attempt  the  a]i]ilicution  of  them  to  iiarticular  events  in 
history,  seems  to  be  premature.    Uimn  the  earth;  ujion  the 

U8I 


Six  angels  pour 


REVELATIOX  XVI. 


out  their  vials. 


and  pour  out  tlie  vials  of  the  wrath  of  God  upon 
the  earth. 

2  And  the  first  went,  and  poured  out  his  vial 
upon  the  earth;''  and  there  fell  a  noisome  and 
grievous  sore''  upon  the  men  which  liad  tlie  niariv 
of  tlie  beast,  and  upon  them  vrhich  worshipped  his 
imaue.'-" 

3  And  the  second  angel  poured  out  his  vial  upon 
the  sea;**  and  it  became  as  the  blood  of  a  dead 
man:'^  and  every  living  soul  died  in  the  sea. 

4  And  the  tliird  angel  poured  out  his  vial  upon 
the  rivers  and  fountains  of  waters  ;'  and  they  be- 
came lilood. 

5  And  I  lieard  tlie  angel  of  the  waters  say.  Thou 
art  righteous.'^  0  Lord,  which  art,  and  wast,  and 
shall  be,  because  thou  hast  judged  thus. 

6  For  they  have  shed  the  blood  of  saints  and 
pro]iliets,  and  thou  hast  given  them  blood  to 
drinl-c;''  for  they  are  worthy. 

7  And  I  iicnrd  another  out  of  the  altar  say,  Even 
so,  Lord  God  Almighty,  true  and  righteous  are  tliy 
judgments.' 

8  And  tlic  fourth  angel  poured  out  his  vial  upon 
the  sun ;'  and  power  was  given  unto  him  to  scorch 
men  with  fire." 

9  And  men  were  scorched*  with  great  heat,  and 
blasphemed  flie  name  of  God,'  which  hatli  power 
over  these  plagues :  and  they  repented  not  to  give 
him  glory.'" 


»Ch.  8:7.  b  Exod.  9.S-11.  <:  ch.  13: 15-17.  ■lch.S:S.  e  ExnJ.  7:17-2(1. 
I  cli.  fi:lU.  C  ver.  7.  ti  Deut.  .■i2:4a,  4:!,  Isa.  49:20.  ■  ch.  l.)::h  10.1,2. 
jch.  S:12.  kch.  9.17.  'Or, burned.  I  ver.  11,21.  ■»  Dan.  o-a2,  2:J;  ch 
920.    n  oh.  13:a-J.    o  ch.  9:2.    p  ver.  2.    qch.  9:M.     '  Isa.  42:15;  Jer. 


inhabitants  of  the  earth,  especially  the  persecutors  of 
(joil's  people.  All  the  seven  vials  belong  alike  to  the  iu- 
liabitants  of  the  earth,  whatever  be  the  particular  sym- 
bols on  which  they  are  jioured  out. 

2.  Upon  the  enrlli ;  signifying;  that  some  distressing  judg- 
ment falls  on  the  worsliijiiicrs  of  the  Ijeast. 

3.  Vpmi  llic  sen ;  probably  here,  as  often  elsewhere,  a 
HVniboi  of  revolutions  accompanied  with  a  terrible  amount 
of  bloodshed,  and  preparing  the  way  for  the  overthrow  of 
the  beast. 

4.  Rivers  and  fountains — became  Wood;  seeming  to  indi- 
cate a  succession  of  blooily  wars. 

5.  Tlie  angel  nf  the  will er^  ;  that  had  charge  of  the  waters. 
Compare  chap.  7: 1,  where  four  angels  have  charge  of  the 
four  winds. 

6.  Tliey  are  worthy  ;  deserve  their  .awful  doom. 

7.  Out  of  the  (illiir ;  under  wliich  are  the  souls  of  the 
martyrs  whose  blood  has  been  shed  by  these  persecutors. 
Chap".  fi:9. 

8.  Upon  the  sun ;  not  extinguishing  him,  but  kindling  in 
him  an  umiatural  anil  scorching  heat.  The  symbol,  accord- 
ing to  some,  denotes  the  turning  of  civil  power  into  a 
means  of  oppressing  men. 

S.  They  repented  not;  they  grew  no  better  under  their 
torment,  being  given  up  to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness 
of  mind. 

10.  The  seat  nfthe  bensl ;  the  centre  of  his  power,  author- 
ity, .and  influence.     They;  his  followers. 

12.  Tlie  preiil  river  Euphrnles — the  wilier  thereof  was  dried 
lip  ;  that  thus  the  hinderance  to  the  way  of  the  kings  of  the 
cast  might  be  removed.  .Many  think  that  the  decay  of 
the  Ottoman  power.as  aprej)aration  for  some  great  move- 
ment yet  in  the  future,  is  here  predicted.  Compare  the 
notes  on  the  sixth  trumpet,  chap.  9:1.3-21. 

l.'J.  Likefrons  ;  loathsome,  creiping,  unclean  things.  The 

dragon;  the  devil.    See  note  lo  chap.  12:.'i.    The  bea*.l ;  the 

first  beast  that  rose  up  out  of  the  sea,  chap.  1:5:1.     The 

false  prophet ;  the  second  beast  that  rose  out  of  the  earth, 

1482 


10  And  the  fifth  angel  poured  out  his  vial  a.  n.se. 
upon  the  seat  of  the  beast;"  and  his  kingdom  was 
full  of  darkness ;  °  and  they  gnawed  tlieir  tongues 
for  pain, 

11  And  blasphemed  the  God  of  heaven  because 
of  their  pains  and  their  sores,''  and  repented  not 
of  tiicir  deeds. 

12  And  tlie  sixth  angel  poured  out  his  vial  upon 
the  great  river  Euphrates  j*"  and  tlie  water  thereof 
was  dried  up,''  that  the  way  of  the  kings  of  the  east 
might  be  prepared. 

13  And  I  saw  three  unclean  spirits  like  frogs 
conic  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  dragon,'*  and  out  of 
the  mouth  Of  tlie  beast,'  and  out  of  the  mouth  of 
the  false  pro])Iiet." 

14  For  they  are  the  spirits  of  devils,'  working 
miracles,'''  which  go  forth  unto  the  kings  of  the 
eartii  and  of  the  ^yhole  world,''  to  gather  them  to 
the  battle  of  that  great  day  of  God  Almighty.^' 

1.5  Beiiold,  I  come  as  a  thief.''  Blessed  is  he  that 
watcheth,  and  kee])cth  his  garments,  lest  he  walk 
naked,"  and  they  sec  his  shame. 

It)  And  he  gathered  tiieni  togctlier  into  a  place 
called  in  the  Hebrew  tongue  Armageddon. 

17  And  the  seventh  angel  poured  out  his  vial  into 
the  air;  and  there  came  a  great  voice  out  of  the 
temple  of  heaven,  from  the  throne,  saying,  It  is 
done,'' 

18  And  there  were  voices,  and  thunders,  and 
.. • . — . — . 

50:^»;  51:05.  s  ch.  12.3,9.  I  ch.  13:9.  <•  ch.  19:30.  v  l  Tim  4:1. 
i'2ThMS.2.9.  ilJohn3:19.  ych. 19:19.  !2Pet.3:10.  a  ch  3  •!,  la. 
boh.  21  :B. 


chap.  13:11,  was  in  league  with  the  first  beast,  chap, 
13:12-15,  and  wrought  miracles  before  him.  That  this 
beast  is  here  to  be  understood  is  certain  from  eha|).  l!i:20. 
Here  then  is  represented  a  league  between  the  civil  and 
ecclesiastical  persecuting  powers  under  tlie  direction  of 
Satan,  and  the  three  frogs  seem  to  denote  their  emissaries 
and  agents,  exciting  the  nations  to  a  general  warfare 
agaiiLst  Christ  and  his  jieople.  This  brings  on  the  final 
decisive  conflict  so  often  foretold  in  holy  writ,  and  again 
set  forth  in  chap,  19:11-21. 

11.  Thai  great  dinj  of  God  ;  when  he  will  inflict  full  ven- 
geance on  his  foes. 

l.'>.  Asa  thief;  suddenly,  unexpectedly.  .\  solemn  inti- 
mation that  the  day  here  spoken  of  will  come  suddenly 
and  unex|)ectedly,  and  And  iiuiltituiles  iiiiiirepareil  for  its 
ajiproach,  Walchelli,  and  keepclh  his  ganiiciils;  is  awako 
and  active  in  duty.  Lesl  he  walk  naked;  as  a  man  would 
whose  garments,  through  his  carelessness,  had  been  sto- 
len. 

Ifi.  ]Ie  giilhered  Ihcm ;  or,  as  the  idiom  of  the  original 
(ireek  admits,  they  gathered  them;  llie  lliree  unclean 
spirits,  namely, '•  which  go  forth" — tin:  verb  in  the  origi- 
nal is  hiMc  also  singular — "  iiiilo  the  kings  of  the  earth 
and  of  the  whole  world,  to  gather  them,"  ver.  11.  Arma- 
geddon ;  that  is,  the  mount  of  Megiddo,  The  Hebrew 
word  .Megiddo  seems  to  mean  a  place  of  troops.  iMegiddo 
was  celebrated  as  the  ]ilace  of  two  memorable  overthrows  : 
that  of  the  kings  who  opjiressed  Israel, . I uilges  r.:19;  and 
that  of  .losiali  and  his  army,  2  Chroii.  3."):  22-21;  Zech. 
12:11.  Ili-nco  Armageildoii,  like  "the  valley  of  decision," 
.b)el  3:1-1,  is  a  symbolic  name  for  a  place  of  great  slaughter. 
Compare  chap.  19:17-21. 

17.  Into  Ihe  air ;  the  jdaee  of  storms  and  tempests,  which 
immediately  follow,  ver,  IK,  21,  and  are,  as  well  as  earth- 
ipiakes.  symbolic  of  mighty  commotions  and  overtiirnings 
among  the  nations.  //  is  dime;  the  deslrnelion  of  the  ene- 
mies of  (iod  is  comjilele.  So  certain  was  it,  that  he  spoke 
of  it  as  already  accomplished. 


Biihyloii  Ike  great, 


REVELATION  XVII. 


the  mother  of  harlots. 


A.D.96  lightnings;  and  tliore  ^ras  a  great  earth- 
quake," such  as  was  not  since  men  were  upon  the 
earth,''  so  mighty  an  earthquake,  and  so  great. 

19  And  the  great  city  was  divided  into  three 
parts,*^  and  the  cities  of  the  nations  fell :  and  great 
Baliylon  came  in  remembrance  before  God,  to  give 
unto  her  tlie  cup  of  the  wine  of  the  fierceness  of  his 
wrath.'' 

20  And  every  island  fled  away,  and  the  moun- 
tains were  not  found. ° 

21  And  there  fell  upon  men  a  great  liail  out  of 
heaven,''  every  stone  about  the  weight  of  a  talent : 
and  men  blaspliemed  God  because  of  tlie  plague  of 
the  hail;  for  the  plague  thereof  was  exceeding 


great. 


CHAPTER  XVII, 


3  A  woman  arrayed  in  purple  and  scarlet,  with  a  golden  cup  in  her 
hand,  sitteth  upon  the  beast,  5  which  is  jjreat  Babyjon,  the  mother  of 
all  abominations.  9  The  interpretation  of  the  seven  heads,  12  and 
the  ten  horns.  8  The  punishment  of  the  whore.  14  The  victory  of 
the  Lamb. 

AND  there  came  one  of  the  seven  angels  which 
had  the  seven  vials,  and  talked  with  me,  say- 
ing unto  me.  Come  liither ;  I  will  sliow  unto  tliee 
the  judgment  of  the  great  whore'''  that  sitteth  upon 
many  waters;'' 


»  Ch.  11:1.!.     bDan.  10;1.     cch.  14:3.     d  Isa.  51:17,  2! ;  Jer.  25:15,  Hi. 
cch.e;H.    t  ch.  11:19.    f  Nah.  3:4;  oh.  19:3.     hJer.  51:13.     i  ch.  18:3. 


19.  Tlie  great  cit  y ;  Babylon.  The  cities  of  tlie  nations ;  these 
with  Babylon  rejiresent  the  centres  of  the  power  and  in- 
fluence of  Satan,  the  beast,  false  prophet,  and  all  their  an- 
tichristian  associates.     Great  Babylon  ;  see  chap.  17:5. 

20.  Every  island  fied  away — the  mountains  were  not  found ; 
representing  the  overthrow  by  mighty  revolutions  of  all 
the  powers  opposed  to  Christ  and  his  people. 

21.  A  great  hail;  a.  symbol  of  God's  awful  judgments  on 
the  wicked.  The  weight  of  a  talent ;  the  Attic  talent  was 
equal  to  about  fifty-seven  pounds ;  the  Hebrew  talent  to 
more  than  a  hundred  pounds.  The  weight  of  the  stones 
represents  the  awful  severity  of  the  judgments. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

2.  Men  are  so  entirely  in  the  hands  of  God,  he  can  in  so 
many  ways  and  with  such  perfect  ease  destroy  them,  that 
it  is  the  height  of  folly  as  well  as  wickedness  to  oppose 
his  cause,  or  to  refuse  his  grace. 

6.  ilen  often  suffer  calamities  greater  than  those  they 
have  wickedly  inflicted,  and  may  read  their  sins  in  their 
punishment. 

9.  The  elements,  which  ordinarily  are  sources  of  rich 
blessings,  become,  when  commissioned  by  God,  sources 
of  exquisite  anguish  to  his  foes. 

I'i.  There  are  times  when  certain  forms  of  spiritual  de- 
hlsion  seem  contagious.  Nations  bccojiic  morally  insane. 
Satan  and  his  servants,  the  secular  and  ecclesiastical  per- 
secuting powers,  send  out  their  vile  agents  to  revive  their 
drooping  interests,  increase  tlicir  influence,  and  conceu- 
tr.ate  their  powers.  But  the  final  issue  will  always  bo  a 
new  victory  of  the  truth. 

14.  Satan  and  wicked  men  are  leagued  together,  and 
coiiperato  in  opposing  God ;  and  often  the  greater  their 
efforts  the  nearer  they  are  to  destruction. 

21.  No  sufferings,  however  great  or  long  continued,  will 
of  themselves  bring  dinners  to  repentance,  or  lead  them  to 
submit  to  God  and  obey  him. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

After  the  accomplishment  of  the  mystery  of  God  by  the 
pouring  out  of  the  seven  vials,  the  i)rophet  has  a  further 
and  more  particular  vision  of  the  same  groat  persecuting 
power  whose  doom  has  been  foretold.  He  i.s  carried  by 
one  of  the  seven  angels  into  the  wilderness,  and  there  sees 
a  harlot  riding  upon  a  scarlet-colored  beast,  which  is  iiian- 


2  With  whom  the  kings  of  the  earth  have  com- 
mitted fornication,  and  the  inliabitants  of  the  earth 
have  been  made  druuk  with  the  wine  of  her  forni- 
cation.' 

3  So  he  carried  me  away  in  the  spirit  into  the 
wilderness:  and  I  saw  a  woman  sit  upon  a  scarlet- 
colored  beast,  full  of  names  of  blasphemy,  having 
seven  heads  and  ten  horns.J 

■1  And  the  woman  was  arrayed  in  purple  and 
scarlet  color,  and  decked"  with  gold  and  precious 
stones  and  pearls,  having  a  golden  cup  in  her  hand 
full  of  abominations  and  filtiiiness  of  her  fornica- 
tion :  ^ 

5  And  upon  her  forehead  urns  a  name  written, 
MYSTERY,'  BABYLON  THE  GREAT,  THE 
MOTHER  OF  HARLOTS*  AND  ABOMINA- 
TIONS OF  THE  EARTH. 

6  And  I  saw  the  woman  drunken  with  the  blood 
of  the  saints,  and  with  tlie  bh)od  of  the  martyrs  of 
Jesus :'"  and  when  1  saw  her,  I  wondered  with  great 
admiration. 

7  And  the  angel  said  unto  me,  Wherefore  didst 
thou  marvel?  I  will  tell  thee  the  mystery  of  the 
woman,"  and  of  the  beast  that  carrieth  her,  which 
hath  the  seven  heads  and  ten  horns." 

8  The  beast  that  thou  sawest  was,  and  is  not; 

J  cli.  |-i:3;  ch.  I.'!:!.  •  Gr.  gilded,  kjer.  51:7.  ISThess.  2:7.  t  Or,/or- 
nicalions.     i"ch.  16:().     over.  1.     o  ver.  3. 

ifestly  the  same  as  the  beast  that  rose  out  of  the  sea. 
Chap.  13:1.  A  harlot  is  the  appropriate  symbol  of  an 
apostate  church,  and  her  riding  upon  the  beast  repre- 
sents the  fact  that  the  beast  supports  her,  and  she  uses  it 
for  the  accomplishment  of  her  base  purposes.  She  is 
therefore  the  same  for  substance  as  the  two-horned  beast 
that  "  exerciseth  all  the  power  of  the  first  beast  before 
him."     Chap.  13:11,  12. 

1.  The  great  whore;  the  great  persecuting  power,  wdiose 
destruction  had  been  foretold ;  called  by  this  name  on  ac- 
count of  her  awfully  corrupting  influence.  Sitteth  upon 
many  waters;  ruleth  over  many  nations.     Ver.  15. 

2.  Have  committed  fornication ;  by  their  idolatrous  de- 
votion to  her  service.  3Iade  drunk  with  the'  wine  of  her 
fornication ;  an  allusion  to  the  wine-cup  which  harlots 
give  to  their  deluded  votaries.  The  meaning  is  that  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  have  been  deluded,  corrupted,  and 
made  wretched  by  her  errors,  vices,  and  control. 

3.  Into  the  wilderness ;  probably  to  be  understood  sym- 
bolically of  the  fact  that  her  presence  makes  a  spiritual 
wilderness.  A  woman;  representing  this  idolatrous  per- 
secuting power,  wdio,  with  all  deceivableiiess  of  unright- 
eousness, by  pretended  miracles,  shows,  splendid  decora- 
tions, indulgences,  jubilees,  and  blandishments  of  various 
scu'ts,  had  been  deceiving  and  enslaving  the  nations,  prom- 
ising all  good  to  those  who  should  follow,  and  all  evil  to 
those  who  should  oppose  her.  2  'I'hess.  2:9-12;  1  Tim. 
4:1-3.  Scarlet-colored;  scarlet  is  the  well-known  color  of 
popes  and  cardinals.  Seven  heads  and  ten  horns;  see  below 
on  ver.  9-12. 

4.  Purple— scarlet — gold — and  pearls;  indicating  her  vast 
wealth  and  lu.\ury,aiid  the  gorgeous  and  ,s|ileiiilid  decora- 
tions by  which  ahe  dazzled  and  captivated  the  deluded 
multitude. 

5.  Mystery ;  apparently  indicating  the  symbolic  charac- 
ter of  her  name. 

(i.  Druiilcen  with — blood;  expressive  of  the  vast  multi- 
tude whom  she,  by  her  inquisitions,  wars,  and  in  various 
other  ways  had  caused  to  be  put  to  death,  because  they 
would  not  yield  to  her  seductions.  /  wondered;  at  tho 
revelation  which  was  made,  and  at  the  shameless  and 
awful  wickedness  revealed  of  this  mystery  of  iniquity. 

8.  U'as,  anil  /.s  not — shall  ascend — go  into  perdition;  tho 
beast  is  the  Konian  power  considered  through  the  wdiole 

1483 


The  woman  and  the  beast. 


REVELATION  XVIII. 


Tkt  fall  of  Babyhn. 


and  shall  ascend  out  of  the  bottomless  pit,"  and 
go  into  perdition;"  and  tlicy  that  dwell  on  the 
earth  shall  wonder,  whose  names  were  not  written 
in  the  Ijook  of  life  from  the  foundation  of  tlie  world,"" 
when  they  behold  tiie  beast  that  was,  and  is  not, 
and  yet  is. 

9  And  here  is  the  mind  which  hath  wisdom. 
The  seven  heads'*  are  seven  mountains,  on  which 
the  woman  sitteth. 

10  And  there  are  seven  kings:  five  are  fallen, 
and  one  is,  and  the  other  is  not  yet  come;  and 
wlien  lie  conicth,  he  nnist  continue  a  short  space. 

1 1  And  the  beast  that  was,  and  is  not,  even  he 
is  the  eia-hth,  and  is  of  the  seven,  and  goeth  into 
perdition. 

12  And  the  ten  horns  whicli  thou  sawcst  are  ten 
kings,"  which  have  received  no  kingdom  as  yet; 
but  receive  power  as  kings  one  hour  with  the  beast. 

13  These  have  one  mind,  and  shall  give  their 
power  and  strengtii  unlo  the  beast. 

14  The^e  shall  make  war  willi  the  Lamb,""  and 
the  Lamb  shall  overcome  thcin:-  for  lie  is  Lord  of 
lords,  and  King  of  kings:''  and  they  that  are  witli 
him  arc  called,'  and  chosen,-'  and  faithful." 

15  And  he  saith  unto  me,  The  waters  which  thou 

»Ch  11:7  bver.II.  Cch. 13:3,8.  lich.lSI.  e  Din  7:20,  24;  Zoch. 
1:18-21  'ch.  19:19.  «  Jcr.  50  44.  h  Ueut  1U:17;  1  Tim  0. 15:  ch  I'J.  10. 
1  Rom,  8. •■10,37.     J  .lolin  15: 1«.     k  Mioah5;8,  9;  ch,  2.  lU.     1  isa   8.7;  vcr. 

of  it.s  duration.  It  urn!;,  as  tlie  old  Roman  empire,  and  in 
tliis  form  it  was  destroyc'l  and  ceased  to  be;  tlieii  it  as- 
cended out  of  the  bolloniless  pit  as  papal  Home,  and  in 
this  form  it  shall  finally  ^o  into  jierdition.  Slmll  tconder ; 
wonder  after  the  beast,  chap.  13:3;  that  is.  shall  follow 
him  with  idolatrous  admiration.  U'lieii  Iheij  heliohl ;  during 
the  coiitiiiuiince  of  the  beast,  or  this  persecuting  power, 
in  its  last  Ibrm  and  before  its  final  destruction. 

9.  Hdtli  wisilom ;  to  understand  the  meaning  of  this  de- 
gcri|)tion,  and  to  whom  it  properly  ;ipplies.  Seven  moun- 
tains; on  which  liome,  the  seat  of  her  empire  and  that  of 
the  beast  wliich  supjjorted  her,  was  built. 

10.  Anil  tjiere  are  wvcn  kin^i;  the  seven  heads  signify 
also  seven  kings.  This  is  understood  by  many  as  repre- 
senting the  seven  forms  of  civil  government  which  pre- 
vailed in  Home — kings,  consuls,  dictators,  decemvirs,  mil- 
itary tribunes,  emperors,  and  the  exarchate  of  Havenna : 
for  here,  as  in  ver.  l:i,  a  king  denotes  not  an  individual, 
but  a  succession  of  rulers.  Five  are  fnllen  ;  the  first  five 
of  the  above  list;  which  are  those  enumerated  by  the  his- 
torian Livy,  as  having  existed  in  his  day.  One  is;  the 
imperial  form.  Wlicn  he  cornel li;  when  the  last  kin^  Com- 
eth, that  is,  the  last  form  of  government. 

1 1.  T/ie  beast  thai  was.  and  is  not ;  that  is,  the  beast  in  his 
last  form  ascending  out  of  the  bottomless  pit,  ver.  8.  Is 
llie  eif!;lil/i ;  in  the  order  of  succession,  since  he  comes  after 
the  other  seven.  Is  of  the  aeven;  he  belongs  to  Ihem,  as 
being  a  continuation  of  the  same  power  which  ihey  have 
exercised  before  him. 

12.  Ten  knigx;  ten  governments,  which  should  arise  nut 
of  the  ruins  of  the  old  Itomaii  empire.  One  hour ;  through 
one  ])eriod  of  lime.  With  the  lieaxt ;  their  rise  is  coinci- 
dent with  that  of  the  beast.  At  first  they  give  their  power 
to  the  beast;  but  afterwards  the}'  turn  against  it. 

14,  Make  irar  with  the  Lamb;  act  in  open  aiifl  deadly 
hoKtility  to  Christ  and  his  cause. 

10.  T/ie  ten  horns  vhnh  thou  sawcst;  the  nations  which 
for  a  time  supported  the  |iersecuting  power,  .Shall  hate  the 
whore — make  her  desolate-- cut  herjleah,  and  liurn  her  with  fire; 
shall  turn  against  her,  and  hilp  to  destroy  the  jiersecuting 
power  which  she  re])resenti(j, 

17,  The  words  of  God;  those  which  lie  has  uttered  con- 
cerning the  wickedness  of  this  beast,  or  peraecuting 
power. 

1484 


sawcst,'  where  the  whore  sitteth,  are  peo-  a.  d.96. 
pies,  and  multitudes,  and  nations,  and  tongues."' 

16  And  the  ten  horns  which  thou  sawest  npou 
the  beast,  these  shall  hate  the  whore,"  and  shall 
make  her  desolate  and  naked,"  and  shall  eat  her 
flesh,  and  burn  her  with  fire.'' 

17  For  God  hatli  ]nit  in  their  hearts  to  fulfil  his 
will,''  and  to  agree,  and  give  their  kingdom  nnto 
the  beast,  until  the  words  of  God  shall  be  fnifilled." 

18  And  the  woman  which  thou  sawcst  is  that  great 
city,*  which  reignoth  over  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

2  Babylon  i.s  fallen.  4  The  people  of  G-od  commantlcJ  (o  depart  ont  of 
her.  9  The  kings  of  the  earth,  11  with  the  merchants  ;iriJ  mariners, 
lament  over  her.  20  The  saints  rejoice  for  the  jiidj^'nients  of  Otod 
upon  her. 

AND  after  these  things  I  saw  anotlier  angel 
come  down  from  heaven,  having  great  pow- 
er; and  the  earth  was  liglitened  with  his  glory.' 

2  And  he  cried  migiitily  with  a  strong  voice, 
saying,  Babylon  the  great  is  fallen,  is  fallen,"  and 
is  become  the  iiabitation  of  devils,  and  the  liold  of 
every  foul  sjiirit,  and  a  cage  of  evci-y  unclean  and 
hateful  bird." 

1.  mch,  13:7.  1116^50:41,42.  » Ezek.  10:37-44.  Poll.  18:0,18,  <l  AcU 
4  27,  2>  rch.  10:7.  •  eh.  10:19.  I  Ezek.  43:2.  "  Isa,  13:19;  21:9:  Jer, 
51:S;  ch.  14:8.    v  [sa.  34:11,  14;  Jer.  50:39;  51:37. 

18,  Tlial  f^reat  city;  Rome;  those  who  there  exerted 
influence  and  exercised  dominion  over  Italy,  and  over  a 
great  portion  of  (he  earth. 

IN.^TIiUCTIOX.S, 

2.  The  wicked  character  ami  seiluctive  influence  of 
those  who  have  been  distinguished  for  their  persecutions 
of  God's  people,  he  has  representeil  under  a  great  variety 
of  images;  all  suited  to  show  their  detestable  character, 
and  lead  all  the  right-minded  to  abhor  Ihem, 

4,  Great  external  parade,  ]iomp,  anil  show  are  given  in 
the  Bible  as  characteristics  of  that  corrupt  secular  .and 
ecclesiastical  power  denominated  antichrist,  the  inyste.ry 
of  iniquity,  the  b<'iisl,  the  gre;it  whore,  the  mother  of  h;ir- 
lots  and  abominations  of  the  earth. 

6,  -Another  cluiracleristic  is,  while  professing  to  have 
the  tem]icr  of  a  lamb,  and  to  be  allied  lo  hciiven,  it  shows 
by  its  acts  the  he;irt  of  a  dragon,  instigateil  from  hell.  It 
has  jitit  to  deatli,  as  heretics  and  schismatics,  so  many  of 
t)ie  humble,  believing  followers  of  .lesus  fhrist,  that  it  is 
described  iis  drunken  with  their  blood, 

8,  There  is  no  certain  security,  except  to  the  true  chil- 
dren of  God,  against  the  seductive  arts  and  fiiscinating 
influence  of  that  jiower  which  is  represented  as  Ihe  great 
whore,  on  a  scarlet-colored  lieast,  arrayed  in  jmrple,  and 
decked  with  gold,  ]irecions  stones,  and  pearls,  ;ind  with 
her  wine  making  the  nations  drunk. 

If).  Though  she  may  for  ii  time  and  to  a  great  extent 
suceeeil  in  deceiving  the  nations,  yet  it  will  be  only  so 
long  as  God  shtdl  siilfcr  it,  and  lill  his  word  concerning  it 
is  fulfilled.  Then  ni;iny  will  be  undeceived,  see  their  folly 
and  her  tibominatioiis,  ;inil  turn  in  wrath  .against  her,  iind 
she  sli:ill  conic  to  licr  end  iind  have  none  to  help  her. 

CII.U'TER   XVIII. 

The  present  chapter  contains  a  vision  of  the  fall  of  the 
myslic  Babylon,  expressed  in  niiignificent  imagery,  taken 
mainly  from  the  prophecies  of  the  overthrow  'if  U;iliyIon 
ami  'lyre  contained  in  the  Old  Testiinicnt. 

1.  A(nilher  angel;  coiMing  lo  heralil  the  f;dl  of  l!:ibylon. 
The  glory  in  which  he  appears  represents  the  bright  and 
glorious  displays  of  Christ's  power  connected  with  her 
oveilhrow, 

'I,  The  hnhitnlion  of  devils — every  foul  spirit — every  unrlcan 
and  hateful  bird;  the  meaning  is  that  Uabylou  is  abandoned, 


The  lamenlalion  of  mm 


REVELATIOX  XVIII. 


over  the  ruin  of  Bahylon. 


AD  96.  3  For  all  nations  liave  drunk  of  the  wine 
of  the  wrath  of  her  fornication,  ami  the  kings  of 
tlie  earth  have  committed  fornication  with  her;' 
and  the  merchants  of  the  eartii  arc  waxed  ricii 
through  the  abundance*  of  her  delicacies.'' 

4  And  I  heard  another  voice  from  heaven,  saying, 
Come  out  of  her,  my  people,'^  that  ye  be  not  par- 
takers of  her  sins,  and  tiiat  ye  receive  not  of  her 
plagues. 

5  For  her  sins  have  readied  unto  heaven,''  and 
God  hath  remembered  her  iniipiitios.'' 

6  Reward  her  even  as  she  rewarded  you,''  and 
double  unto  her  double  according  to  her  works: 
in  the  cup  which  she  hath  filled,  fill  to  her  double. 

7  How  much  she  hath  glorified  iierself,  and  lived 
deliciously,  so  much  torment  and  sorrow  give  her : 
for  she  saith  in  her  heart,  I  sit  a  queen,  and  am  no 
widow,  and  shall  see  no  sorrow.'-' 

8  Therefore  shall  her  plagues  come  in  one  day. 
death,  and  mourning,  and  famine ;  and  she  shall 
be  utterly  burned  with  fire:"  for  strong  is  the 
Lord  God  who  judgeth  her.' 

9  And  the  kings  of  the  earth  who  have  commit- 
ted fornication  and  lived  deliciously  with  her, 
shall  bewail  her,  and  lament  for  her,'  when  they 
shall  see  the  smoke  of  her  burning, 

10  Standing  afar  off  for  the  fear  of  her  torment, 
saying,  Alas,  alas  that  great  city  Babylon,  tliat 
mighty  city !  for  in  one  hour  is  thy  judgment  come.'' 

1 1  And  the  merchants  of  the  earth  shall  wee])  and 
inourn  over  her;'  for  no  man  buyeth  their  mer- 
ciiandise  any  more : 

VI  The  merchandise  of  gold,  and  silver,  and  pre- 
cious stones,"'  and  of  pearls,  and  fine  linen,  and 
jiiirple,  and  silk,  and  scarlet,  and  all  thyine*  wood, 
and  all  manner  vessels  of  ivory,  and  all  manner 
vessels  of  most  precious  wood,  and  of  brass,  and 
iron,  and  marble, 

13  And  cinnamon,  and  odors,  and  ointments,  and 
frankincense,  and  wine,  and  oil,  and  fine  flour,  and 


»  Ch.  17.a.  •  Or,  power,  b  Isa.  47: 15;  ver.  II ,  I.')  c  Isa.  48:'20;  Si:  11  . 
Jer.  5U:9;  51:8.  45;  aCor.  r,:17.  i  ier.  hl:9.  ech.  1G:1S  f  Psi  137  -; 
Jer.  50:15. -29.  S  Isa.  47:7-11  ;  Zeph  a:15.  hch.  17  1(i.  •  Psa.  I«:I1 ;  .lec 
S0:.31.     j  F.zek.  a5:16,  17.     k  ver.  17,  19.     1  Ezek.  27  27-36      m  ch.  17:4. 


as  a  place  utterfy  desofated  and  uninhabited,  to  be  tfie 
abode  of  these  unclean  beings.  Compare  wlrat  is  said  of 
ancient  Babylon,  Isa.  13:21,  22;  Jer.  50:39;  and  of  Edom, 
laa.  31: 11-15.  From  these  passages  the  imagery  i.s  plainly 
taken. 

3.  Have  drunk  of  the  wine  of  the  wrnlh  of  her  fornication ; 
see  note  to  chap.  17:2.  Babylon  is  represented  as  a  ricli, 
powerful,  and  luxurious  harlot,  enriching  the  nations  by 
her  commerce  with  them,  while  she  corrupts  them  liy  her 
fornications.     Compare  Isaiali  47;  Xalium  3:4. 

4.  Come  out  of  her,  my  people ;  se]>arate  yourselves  from 
her,  and  have  no  fellowship  with  her  errors  and  crimes. 
Compare  .lor.  51 : 6,  45. 

5.  Have  readied  unto  heaven;  compare  .Jer.  51:9. 

6.  Reward  her — as  she  rewarded  iiou—fdl  to  her  double; 
I'sa.  137:8;  Jer.  50:15,  29.  Compare  with  these  verses 
Isa.  47:8,9. 

8.  Burned  with  fire ;  expressive  of  the  certainty,  dread- 
fulness,  and  completeness  of  her  ruin. 

9-19.  This  description  of  the  articles  in  which  Babylon 
trafficked  with  the  nations,  and  the  l!iiiiont;ition  of  the  kings 
and  merchants  of  the  earth  over  her  fall,  agrees  in  many 
respects  with  the  prophecy  of  the  overthrow  of  Tyre  in 
Ezekiel,  chaps.  26,  27,  which  should  bo  re;id  in  conucctioii 
with  it.     We  are  not  to  insist  on  the  particulars  enumcr- 


wlicat,  and  beasts,  and  sheep,  and  horses,  and  char- 
iots, and  slaves.'  and  souls  of  men." 

14  And  the  fruits  that  tiiy  soul  lusted  after  are 
departed  from  thee,  and  all  things  which  were 
dainty  and  goodly  are  departed  from  thee,  and 
thou  slialt  find  them  no  more  at  all. 

1.5  The  merchants  of  these  things  which  were 
made  rich  by  her,  shall  stand  afar  ofl'  for  the  fear 
of  her  torment,  weeping  and  wailing, 

16  And  saying,  Alas,  alas  that  great  city,  that 
was  clotlied  in  tine  linen,  and  jmrplc,"  and  scarlet, 
and  decked  with  gold,  and  precious  stones,  and 
pearls ! 

IT  For  in  one  hour  so  great  riches  is  come  to 
naught.  And  every  shipmaster,  and  all  the  com- 
pany in  ships,''  and  sailors,  and  as  many  as  trade 
by  sea.  stood  afar  off, 

18  And  cried  when  they  saw  the  smoke  of  her 
burning,  saying,  What  city  is  like  unto  this  great 
city!"" 

19  And  they  cast  dust  on  their  heads,''  and  cried, 
weeping  and  wailing,  saying,  Alas,  alas  that  great 
eity,  wherein  were  made  rich  all  that  had  ships  in 
the  sea  by  reason  of  her  costliness !  for  in  one  hour 
is  she  made  desolate. 

20  Rejoice  over  her,'  thou  heaven,  and  ye  holy 
apostles  and  prophets ;  for  God  hath  avenged  you 
on  her.' 

21  And  a  mighty  angel  took  up  a  stone  like  a 
great  millstone,  and  cast  it  into  the  sea,  saying. 
Thus  with  violence  shall  that  great  city  Babylon 
be  thrown  down,  and  shall  be  found  no  more  at 
all." 

22  And  the  voice  of  harpers,  and  musicians,  and 
of  pipers,  and  trumpeters,  shall  ho  heard  no  more 
at  all  in  thee;  and  no  craftsmen,  of  whatsoever 
ci'aft  he  be,  shall  be  found  any  more  in  thee;  and 
the  sound  of  a  millstone  shall  be  heard  no  more 
at  all  in  thee;^' 

23  And  the  light  of  a  candle  shall  .shine  no  more 


tOr,.<wei;(  1  Or,  6w/i(S  "Ezek. 27:13  o  Luke  10  19.  etc.  PUa  23:14. 
'i  Jer,  51:37.  ■•  .Io=h  7  C;  .lob  2.12;  Ezek  27, 3U  >  Jer.  51.4:,  I  Deut. 
32:  13;  Luke  IS. 7,  b,  ch.  19.2.     u  Jer.  51  04.     >'Jer25  1ll 


ated.    The  whole  is  a  picture  of  her  great  wealth  and  the 
abundance  of  her  resources. 

10-19.  Alas,nlas;  showing  the  vast  interests  which  mul- 
titudes of  the  votaries  of  wealth,  fashion,  and  pleasure  had 
in  her  continuance,  and  their  (lis;i|ipoiiitment,  sorrow,  vex- 
ation, and  despair  at  her  downfall. 

20.  Rejoice ;  all  the  good  on  earth  and  in  heaven  will 
exult  when  her  power  to  injure  ceases. 

21.  Took  up  a  stone — cast  it  into  tlie  sea;  an  allusion  to 
Jer.  51:63,  64. 

22.  The  sound  of  a  millstone;  compare  Jer.  25:10.  The 
orientals  grind  their  meal  daily  in  hand-mills.  The  ces.s;i- 
tion  of  the  sound  of  the  millstone  is  therefore  a  sign  of 
utter  desolation. 

23.  24.  All  nations  deceived — the  blood  of  prophets — miid-i. 
and  of  all  that  mre  slain ;  deceitfulncss  ;iiid  cruelty  \vcre 
among  her  grand  characteristics;  and  for  them  and  her 
other  numerous  sins  she  is  visited  with  these  awful  judg- 
ments. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
2.  Bodies  of  men,  as  well  as  individuals,  are  responsible 
to  God  for  their  conduct;  and  when  tlu!y  have  tilled  up 
the  measure  of  their  sins,  and  he  comes  out  in  judgment, 
no  numbers,  wealth,  or  power  can  withstand  or  ward  ofl' 
his  wrath. 

14S5 


GoiPs  jiidgmeiUs  praised. 


REVELATION  XIX. 


Marringc  of  the  Lamb. 


at  all  in  thee :  and  the  voice  of  the  bridegroom 
and  of  tiie  bride  shall  be  heard  no  more  at  all  in 
tliee:-'  for  thy  mercliants  were  the  great  men  of 
tiic  earth ;''  for  by  thy  sorceries  wore  all  nations 
deceived." 

L'4  And  in  her  was  found  tlic  blood  of  ]irophets, 
and  of  saints,  and  of  all  that  were  slain  upon  the 
earth.* 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  '>0(1  is  praised  in  heaven  for  judging  the  great  whore,  and  avenging 
the  blood  of  his  saints.  7  The  marriage  of  the  Lamb.  10  The  angel 
will  not  be  worshipped.  17  The  fowls  called  to  feast  after  the  great 
slaughter. 

AND  after  these  things  I  heard  a  great  voice 
of  much  people  in  heaven,''  saying,  Alleluia:' 
Salvation,  and  glory,  and  lionor,  and  power,  unto 
the  Lord  our  God:''' 

2  For  true  and  righteous  are  his  judgments:"  for 
lie  hath  judged  the  great  whore,  wliich  did  corrupt 
the  earth  with  her  fornication,  anil  hath  avenged 
the  blood  of  his  servants  at  her  hand.' 

3  And  again  they  said.  Alleluia.  And  her  smoke 
rose  up  for  ever  and  ever.' 

•1  And  the  four  and  twenty  elders  and  the  four 
beasts  fell  down  and  worsliip]iod  God  that  sat  on 
the  throne,  saying,  Amen;  Alleluia. 

5  And  a  voice  came  out  of  the  throne,  saying, 

a  Jer.  7:11 ;  ir,:9;  33:11,  b  Isa.  23;S.  '  3  Kings  O:'.'^;  Nah.  3:4.  J  Jer. 
.'jI  49.  «ch  11:15  I  ver.  3.  4,  G.  «  ch.  7: 10,  la.  Iich.l6:7.  ich.lsao. 
J  l«a.  3l:IOi  ch.  19:9.  IS.  kl'sa.  135:1.  I  I'sa.  97:1,  1-2.  m  Matt.  25:19 
n  laa.  52:1.    o  Lsa.  81:10;  ch.  3:4.    •  Or.  bright.    V  Psa    132:9.    q  Luke 


4.  To  avoid  communion  with  those  who  oppose  the 
truth,  and  persecute  the  people  of  God,  is  tlic  only  way  to 
escape  the  ruin  wliich  awaits  tliem. 

15.  Men  who  grow  ricli  by  wickedness  exceedingly  de- 
sire its  contirniancc ;  and  wlion  tlieir  wicked  patrons  are 
cut  nfl".  they  wail  at  the  ccasiiig  of  their  gains. 

20.  Events  which  bring  conslcrnalioii  to  the  wicked  fill 
the  righteous  with  joy;  not  because  they  dulight  in  the 
misery  of  the  wicke<l,  but  because  God  is  holy,  just,  and 
good  in  all  his  judgments. 

24.  The  persecution  of  Cliristians  by  rulers  or  people, 
civil  or  ecclesiastical,  even  if  in  compliance  with  human 
laws,  is  never  overlooked  or  forgotten  by  Jehovah.  It  is 
an  aggravated  sin,  whicli  in  due  lime  he  will  surely  pun- 
ish. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  apostle  hears  the  multitude  of  the  heavenly  ho.sts 
rejoicing  over  the  fall  of  liabylon.  and  sees  the  bride,  the 
Lamb's  wife,  arrayed  in  white  linen,  ready  for  the  con- 
summation of  her  marriage  to  her  bord.  After  this  he  has 
another  vision,  of  the  final  conflict  between  Christ  and  the 
l)owers  of  darkness,  which  ends  in  their  litter  overthrow 
and  the  ushering  in  of  the  ago  of  millennial  peace  and 
glory. 

1.  Alleluia;  in  Hebrew,  hallelujah;  meaning,  praise  ye 
the  Lord. 

3.  For  ever  and  ever  ;  expressive  of  the  perpetuity  of  her 
torment. 

4.  Amen;  Alleluia;  be  it  so,  praise  ye  the  Lord;  show- 
ing their  hearty  acquiescence  in  the  infliction  of  his  judg- 
ments. 

7.  TIte  marrinpe  nf  llw.  lyimh ;  the  church  has  been  from 
the  first  espoused  to  Christ  as  a  chaste  virgin,  but  now  he 
tiikes  her  into  full  union  with  himself,  ainl  thus  gives  her 
rest  from  all  her  contlicts  and  KUlh'rings.  Ilis  wife;  rep- 
resenting the  multitude  of  his  faithful  followers.  Khe 
appears  as  a  bride  arrayed  in  pure  and  while  linen,  in 
contrast  with  the  filthy  harlot  of  Itomc  described  in  chap- 
ter 17. 

1486 


Praise  our  God.  all  ye  his  servants,'^  and  .*.  D.93. 
ye  that  fear  him,  both  small  and  great. 

6  And  I  heard  as  it  were  the  voice  of  a  great 
multitude,  and  as  the  voice  of  many  waters,  and 
as  the  voice  of  miglity  thunderings,  saying,  Alle- 
luia: for  the  Lord  God  oniiiipolcnt  reigneth.' 

7  Let  us  be  glad  and  rejoice,  and  give  lienor  to 
him:  for  the  marriage  of  the  Lamb  is  come,'"  and 
his  wife  hath  made  herself  ready." 

8  And  to  her  was  granted  that  she  should  be 
arrayed  in  fine  linen,"  clean  and  white:'  for  the 
fine  linen  is  the  righteousness  of  saints.'' 

9  And  he  saith  unto  me,  "Write,  Blessed  are  they 
which  are  called  unto  the  marriage-supper  of  the 
Lanib.i  And  he  saith  unto  me,  These  are  the  true 
sayings  of  God.' 

10  And  I  fell  at  his  feet  to  worship  him.''  And 
he  said  unto  me.  See  t/iou  do  it  not :  I  am  thy  fel- 
low-servant, and  of  thy  brethren  that  have  the  tes- 
timony of  Jesus :  worship  God  :  for  the  testimony 
of  Jesus  is  the  spirit  of  pro])hefy.' 

1 1  And  I  saw  iieaven  oiioncd,  and  behold,  a  white 
horse:"  and  he  that  sat  upon  him  •((•«.?  called  Faith- 
ful and  'I'rue,'  and  in  righteousness  he  doth  judge 
and  make  war."' 

12  His  eyes  were  as  a  flame  of  fire,''  and  on  his 
head  were  many  crowns;^'  and  he  had  a  name 
written,  that  no  man  knew,  but  he  himself." 


14:15;  ch.  3:20.  r  ch.  22:0.  >ch.  22:8,9.  t  Acts  10:43;  I  Pet  1:10.11. 
uch.«:2.  vch.314.  >»  Psa.  45:3,  4;  Isa.  11:4.  l  ch.  1:14  ;  2:1H.  y  Snng 
3:11;  Isa.  62:3;  Zeoh.9:16;  Ueb.  2:9:  ch.  6:2.     >:ch.3:12. 


8.  h  the  righteousness  of  saints;  representing  llieir  liglit- 
eousness. 

9.  They  vhich  are  called  unto  the  marriaire-^iippcr ;  as  the 
bride  represents  the  faithful  people  of  God  taken  as  a 
whole,  .so  they  which  are  called  to  the  marriage-supper 
represent  the  faithful  servants  of  Christ  considered  indi- 
vidu;dly. 

10.  i)o  it  not ;  no  creature  is  to  be  worshipped.  Ami  of 
thy  brethren;  that  is.  and  the  fellow-servant  of  thy  breth- 
ren. Worship  God ;  ;tnd  him  only  shiilt  thou  serve.  .Matt. 
4:10.  TIte  IcsliniDini  of  Jemn  in  the  xpiril  of  prophecy ;  the 
grand  scope  and  end  of  the  spirit  of  propiiecy  is  to  hear 
witness  concerning  .fcsus.  \Villi  this  spirit  John  was  en- 
dowed as  well  as  the  angel.  They  were  in  this  respect 
alike ;  one  therefore  was  not  to  worship  the  oilier,  for 
they  were  fellow-servants— each  by  prophecy  making 
known  the  testimony  of  Christ. 

11.  Hrriven  opened;  in  token  of  still  further  communica- 
tions which  were  to  be  made  of  the  purposes  of  Christ. 
The  final  conflict  here  described  seems  lo  be  identical 
with  "the  batlle  of  that  great  day  of  Goil  Almighty,'' 
chap.  10:14.  There  the  dragon,  the  beiisl,  and  the  false 
prciphet  galher  their  hosts  into  Hie  valley  of  Armageddon. 
Here  the  beast  and  the  false  jirophet  are  t;iken  jiiid  east 
into  the  lake  of  fire;  and  then,  chap.  20:l-:i,  Hie  dragon, 
who  had  instigaliMl  this  war  agaiiisl  Christ,  is  bound  and 
cast  into  the  bottomless  pit  for  a  thousiind  years.  Tlu^ro 
also,  as  here,  the  eonllict  is  imniedialely  followed  by  the 
complete  triumiih  of  Christ  iin<l  his  reign  over  men.  t'om- 
pare  chap.  10: 17,  with  chap.  20: 1-3.  A  while  horse;  liere. 
as  in  chap.  fi:2,  the  symbol  of  victory  over  his  foes.  Faith- 
fid  and  True;  lie  is  .lesus  Christ,  "the  faithful  and  true 

Witness."  Cliap.  3:14.  lie  doth  judge  and  make  war ;  com- 
pare Isa.  11:.3,  4,  where  the  same  attributes  and  works  are 
ascribed  to  the  Messiah. 

12.  T/ial  no  man  knew,  but  he  himself;  the  apostle  saw  in 
vision  the  inimc,  but  no  one  s;ive  its  divine  bearer  could 
know  it.  Till!  mrMiiiiig.  according  to  some,  is,  that  it  was 
a  secret  inscription  which  Christ  only  could  reail.  Others 
suppose  it  to  be  the  name  given  in  ver.  13 — "The  Word 


The  Word  of  God. 


REVELATION  XX. 


Satan  houiul  a  thousand  years. 


ADM.  13  And  lie  tons  clothed  with  a  vesture 
dipped  in  blood :  and  his  uame  is  called  The  Word 
of  God/' 

1-1  And  the  armies  which  were  in  heaven  followed 
hiiu  upon  white  horses,  clothed  in  fine  linen,  white 
and  clean." 

15  And  out  of  his  mouth  goeth  a  sharp  sword," 
that  with  it  he  should  smite  the  nations ;  and  he 
shall  rule  them  with  a  rod  of  iron  :''  and  he  tread- 
eth  the  wine-press  of  the  fierceness  and  wrath  of 
Almighty  God." 

16  And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on  his  thitrh 
a  name  written,  KING  OF  KINGS,  AND  LORD 
OF  LORDS.' 

17  And  I  saw  an  angel  standing  in  the  sun  ;  and 
he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying  to  all  the  fowls 
that  fly  in  the  midst  of  heaven,  Come,  and  gather 
vourselves  together  unto  the  supper  of  the  great 
God;« 

18  That  ye  may  eat  the  flesh  of  kings,  and  the 
flesh  of  captains,  and  the  flesh  of  mighty  men,  and 
the  flesh  of  horses,  and  of  them  that  sit  on  them, 
and  the  flesh  of  all  men,  both  free  and  bond,  both 
small  and  great. 

19  And  I  saw  the  beast,  and  the  kings  of  the 
earth,  and  their  armies,  gathered  together  to  make 
war  against  him  that  sat  on  the  horse,  and  against 
his  army.** 

20  And  the  beast  was  taken,  and  with  him  the 
false  prophet  that  wrought  miracles  before  him,' 
with  which  he  deceived  them  that  had  received 
the  mark  of  the  beast,  and  them  that  worshipped 


»  John  1:1.     b  Matt.   a-i:;!.     'ch.  1:16.     J  Psa.  3:9.     e  Isa.  03  .'l, 
17:14.     S  Ezek.  3'J:17-aO.     I>  ch.  10:14,  16. 
eh.20;lU.     tch.  1:16;  ver.  15.     lver.l7.1.S 


-„- <  ch. 

eh.  16:13,14.     J  Dm.  7:11; 
m  ch.  1:18;  9:1.     n  ch.  12:9. 


of  God" — which  might  be  read  outwardly,  while  no  one 
but  Christ  couM  comprehend  its  meaning,  since  the  name 
contains  the  deep  mystery  of  liis  nature  and  office. 

13.  He  was  clothed  with  a  vesture  dipped  in  blood;  compare 
Isa.  63:1-3,  and  notes.  His  name  is — The  Word  of  God; 
applied  here,  as  in  John  1:1,  to  the  second  person  of  the 
godhead. 

14.  The  armies  wliir.h,  icere  in  heaven;  representing  the 
multitude  of  Chri.st's  redeemed  followers. 

15.  Oat  of  his  mouth  goeth.  a  sharp  sword;  see  note  to 
chap.  1:11).  He  treadeth  the  wine-press;  for  the  symbol  of 
treading  the  wine-press,  see  note  to  chap.  11:19,  20;  Isa. 
68:3. 

IG.  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords;  indicating  his  uni- 
versal and  supremo  dominion. 

17.  The  supper  of  the  great  God;  which  the  great  God 
prepares  for  yon ;  representing  the  immense  destruction 
of  his  enemies,  on  the  flesh  of  whom  the  fowls  of  heaven 
•w^re  invited  to  feed.  The  imagery  is  taken  from  Ezek. 
39:17-20,  where  God  invites  all  the  feathered  fowl  and 
wild  beasts  to  corae  to  the  table  which  he  has  provided 
for  them. 

20.  The  beast;  the  first  beast,  described  in  chap.  13:1. 
The  false  prophet;  the  same  as  the  second  beast,  chap. 
13:11. 

21.  The  remnant;  of  the  armies  that  followed  them,  vcr. 
19. 

IXSTRCCTIOXS. 

6.  Hearty  acquiescence  in  all  the  dealings  of  God  is  the 
duty  of  all  creatures,  and  the  deliglit  of  all  the  holy. 

10.  As  no  creature  in  heaven  or  on  earth  is  to  be  wor- 
shipped, as  men  are  commanded  to  worship  God  only,  and 
as  both  men  and  angels  do  worship  Christ,  and  that  in 
obedience  to  divine  command,  it  is  certain  that  ho  is  God. 
John  1:1;  Ileb.  1:6;  Ilev.  .5:13. 

16.  The  supremacy  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  his 


his  image.   These  both  were  east  alive  into  a  lake 
of  fire  liurniiig  with  brimstone.-' 

21  And  the  remnant  wore  slain  with  the  sword  of 
him  that  sat  upon  the  horse,  which  sword  proceed- 
ed out  of  his  mouth :"  and  all  the  fowls  were  filled 
with  their  flesh.' 

CHAPTER  XX. 

2  Sat.^n  bound  for  a  thousand  years.  6  The  first  resurrection :  they 
blessed  that  ha^^e  part  tlierein.  7  Satan  let  loose  again.  8  Cto^  and 
Magog.  10  The  devil  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone.  I'i 
The  last  and  general  resurrection. 

AND  I  saw  an  angel  come  down  from  heaven, 
having  the  key  of  the  bottomless  pit  and  a 
great  chain  in  his  hand."' 

2  And  he  laid  hold  on  the  dragon,  that  old  ser- 
pent, which  is  the  Devil,  and  Satan,"  and  bound 
iiiin  a  thousand  years," 

3  And  cast  him  info  the  bottomless  pit,  and  shut 
liim  up,  and  set  a  seal  upon  him,''  that  he  should 
deceive  the  nations  no  more,  till  the  thousand  years 
should  be  fulfilled :  and  after  that  he  must  be  loosed 
a  little  season. 

4  And  I  saw  thrones,''  and  they  sat  upon  them, 
and  judgment  was  given  unto  them:''  and  I  saw 
the  souls  of  them  that  were  beheaded  for  the  wit- 
ness of  Jesus,  and  for  the  word  of  God,'  and  which 
had  not  worshipped  the  beast,  neither  his  image, 
neither  had  received  ///*'  mark  upou  their  foreheads, 
or  in  their  hands ;  and  they  lived  and  reigned  with 
Christ  a  thousand  years.' 

5  But  the  rest  of  the  dead  lived  not  again  until 


o  3  I'et.  2:4;  Jude  0.    pDin.G:17.    qDan.7;U,23. 
6:2,3.     »ch.  6:9.     lch.3:lU. 


;  Luke  I'.M.    rl  Cor. 


determination  to  crush  his  enemies  and  save  his  friends, 
are  most  clearly  revealed  in  the  Bible;  and  in  his  manifes- 
tations of  himself  all  will  sec  that  ho  is  a  just  God  and  an 
almighty  Saviour. 

20.  No  combinations  against  Christ  of  numbers,  wealth, 
cunning,  or  power  will  ultimately  prosper ;  they  will  all 
be  broken,  and  the  ruin  of  those  who  have  united  in  them 
will  be  complete  and  eternal. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

2.  Satan ;  though  his  agents,  the  beast,  the  false  prophet, 
and  those  who  cooperated  with  them  had  been  destroyed, 
Satan  still  lived,  and  if  permitted,  would  tempt  men  to 
persecute  the  church. 

3.  That  he  should  deceive  the  nations  no  more;  not  be  per- 
mitted to  have  influence  over  men,  to  seduce  them  into 
error,  tempt  them  to  sin,  or  afllict  them  by  persecution. 
He  7nust  be  loosed;  again  suflerod  to  tempt  men,  excite  their 
evil  passions,  and  inllucnce  them  to  array  themselves 
against  Christ  and  his  cause. 

•1.  Thrones,  and  thcij  sat  upon  them  ;  representing  the  ex- 
alled  and  favored  state  of  the  tVieiids  of  (!od.  The  souls  of 
them  ;  that  were  put  to  dealh  for  their  att;ichment  to  Christ. 
Tlicy  lived;  best  understood  lignrativcly  as  meaning  that 
they  lived  in  the  persons  of  their  succe^ors,  as  lilijah 
came  and  lived  in  the  person  of  John.  Mai.  4:5;  ilatt. 
11:11;  17:10-13.  The  men  wdio  lived  during  the  thousand 
years  were  men  of  like  sjiirit  with  those  martyrs  who  suf- 
fered for  the  cause  of  Jesus,  as  John  was  of  like  sjiirit  with 
Elijah. 

.5.  Tlic  rest  of  the  dead  lived  not  again;  those  who  were 
put  to  death  for  their  o])position  to  Christ  being  destroy- 
ed by  him,  chaii.  19:20,  21,  there  would  bo  none  to  perse- 
cute the  followers  of  Christ  till  the  close  of  the  thousand 
years;  then  such  men  woulil  again  bo  found,  as  described 
iu  verses  7-9. 

1487 


Satan  is  loosed. 


REVELATION  XXI. 


T/ic  throne  of  judgment. 


the  thousand  years  were  finished.     This  is  the  first 
resurrection. 

0  Blessed  and  holy  is  he  that  liatli  part  in  the 
first  resurrection:  on  such  tlie  second  deatli  hath 
no  power,"  but  they  shall  be  priests  of  God  and  of 
Clirist/'  and  shall  reign  with  him  a  thousand  years. 

7  And  when  the  thousand  years  are  expired, 
Satan  shall  be  loosed  out  of  his  jn-ison, 

8  And  sliall  go  out  to  deceive  the  nations  which 
are  in  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth,  Gog  and  Ma- 
q-og,'^  to  gather  them  together  to  battle:''  the  num- 
ber of  whom  is  as  the  sand  of  the  sea. 

9  And  they  went  up  on  the  breadth  of  the  earth, 
and  compassed  the  camp  of  the  sflints  about,  and 
tlie  beloved  city:''  and  fire  came  down  from  God 
out  of  heaven,  and  devoured  them. 

10  And  the  devil  that  deceived  them  was  cast 
into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone,'  where  the 
beast  and  the  false  prophet  are,  and  shall  be  tor- 
mented day  and  night  for  ever  and  ever. 

1 1  And  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and  him  that 
sat  on  it,  from  whose  face  the  earth  and  the  heaven 
fled  away ;''  and  there  was  found  no  ))lacc  for  them. 

>  Ch.  2  11  ;  -21 :3.  b  Isa,  61 :6;  ch.  1  :B.  t  Ezek.  39:2;  39:1.  iich.lO:14. 
1^  [Bi    8;S;  Ezck  3S:9,  1«.     '  ch.  10:21).     f  2  Pet.  3:10.  12.     h  Dan.  7:10. 


6.  The  first  resurrection ;  a  spiritual  resurrection  to  a  di- 
vine and  lieaveiily  life — one  that  inakcs  men  holy  and  bless- 
ed. The  second  death;  the  final  i}Uiiis!imont  of  the  wicked. 
Reign  with  him  a  thousand  years;  not  that  each  man  will 
live  on  eartli  a  thousand  years,  but  men  of  like  spirit  will 
live  anil  reif;n  a  thousand  years  on  earth,  ^\'hether  these 
tlioiisand  years  arc  to  be  understood  literally,  or  as  a  sym- 
bol of  some  mightier  period  of  time,  we  are  unable  to  de- 
termine. It  is  from  Ihcm  that  the  word  "  millcunium," 
signifying  a  tliousand  years,  is  taken. 

7.  Loosed  out  of  his  prison ;  permit  led  again  to  tempt  men, 
and  stir  theni  up  to  unite  in  opposing  Christ,  and  attempt- 
ing to  exterminate  his  people. 

8.  Go^  and  Magog:  com])are  Ezck.  chap.  .?S,  .S9,  where 
Gog  is  called  the  cliief  prince  of  .\Ieshcch  and  Tubal,  and 
Magog  is  ap]iarently  tlie  land  over  whicli  ho  reigned.  lie 
dwells  in  the  north  parts,  and  conies  with  avast  multitude 
to  invade  the  holy  land  "  in  the  last  <lay8,''  and  perishes 
there.  In  the  present  passage  there  is  a  plain  reference 
to  the  prophecy  of  Ezekiel,  and  it  may  be  that  it  refers  to 
the  same  event.  The  fnlfilinerit  of  this  propliecy  is  wholly 
in  the  distant  future,  and  all  speculations  concerning  it 
are  uncertain. 

9.  The  camp  of  the  saints;  the  army  of  Christ's  foithful 
followers.  Compare  chap.  19:11.  The  beloved  city;  Jeru- 
salem, as  representing  tlie  jicople  of  (lod. 

10.  Lake  of  fire;  hell;  the  place  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  those  who  cooperate  with  him  in  opposing  the  cause 
of  Christ.     Matt.  25:41. 

11.  Tlie  earth  and  the  hcarcnfled  away;  expressive  of  the 
infinite  and  overpowering  majesty  of  the  Saviour  when  he 
comes  to  juilgment:  the  sea  gives  uj)  her  deail,  death  and 
hell  give  up  theirs,  and  the  whole  family  of  man  assemble 
to  receive  each  according  to  his  works.  1  Thess.  4:1C; 
2  Peter  :',:  10-12. 

12.  The  Imolcs  were  opened;  all  the  thoughts,  feelings,  and 
actions  of  men,  as  contained  in  the  hook  of  (!od's  remcm-  j 
brance,  were  brought  to  view.  Another  book;  containing 
the  names,  the  iloings  and  sufferings  for  his  sake,  of  the 
friends  of  Christ — culled  the  Lamb's  book  of  life.  Cliap. 
•21:27. 

n.  Denlh  and  lull;  the  grave  and  the  place  of  Bcparate 
departed  spirits. 

II.  Death  and  hellicerc  ca.il  into  the  lake  of  fire;  licre.as  in 

1  Cor.   1.5:5.'> — where  the  words  rendered  "death''  and 

■'  grave  "  are  the  same  as  those  here  rendered  '■  death  and 

hell" — death  and  hell  are  personified  as  the  eiiemicK  ami 

J  488 


12  And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  .v  a sw 
stand  b(>fore  God;  and  t!ic  books  were  opened:'' 
and  anotiier  book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book 
of  life:'  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those 
things  which  were  written  in  the  books,  accord- 
ing to  their  works.-' 

13  And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in 
it;  and  dcatii  and  hell*  delivered  up  the  dead 
whicii  were  in  them:  and  they  were  judged  every 
man  according  to  their  works. 

14  And  death  and  hell  were  cast  into  the  lake 
of  fire."     This  is  the  second  death. 

15  And  whosoever  was  not  found  written  in  the 
book  of  life  was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire.' 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  A  new  heaven  and  :t  new  earth.  10  The  he.Tvcnly  Jerusalem,  with  A 
full  deseription  tliereof.  2'3  She  needetli  no  sun,  the  glory  of  God  i9 
lier  light.     21  The  kings  of  the  earth  bring  ttieir  riches  unto  her. 

AND  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth : "" 
for  the  first  heaven  and  the  first  earth  were 
passed  away  ;  and  there  was  no  more  sea. 


i  Dan.  12:1;  ch.  21:27.     J  Jer.  32:19;  Matt.  10:27.     •  Or,  llie  grave,    k  Hos. 
l3:14;lCor  15:26,61.    I  .Matt.  25:41.    m  Isa.  65: 17-19;  60:22;  2  Pfl  3:13. 


destroyers  of  men ;  and  as  such  they  are  utterly  abolish- 
ed. Neither  the  grave  nor  the  place  of  separate  spirits 
shall  receive  any  more  victims.  Compare  Ilosea  13:14, 
"  Oh  death,  I  will  be  thy  plagues ;  Oh  grave  " — the  same  as 
hell  in  the  jiresent  passage — "I  will  be  thy  destruction;" 
and  1  Cor.  15: 2fi,  "  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed 
is  flcath." 

15.  Lake  of  fire;  the  eternal  abode  of  the  wicked. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

3.  Tliongh  Satan  is  a  jiowerfnl,  malignant,  and  artful 
spirit,  who  has  for  ages  deceived  llic  niitiims  :iiid  led  vast 
multitudes  to  ruin,  yet  he  is  under  divine  control.  He 
can  go  no  further  than  (lod  shiill  sutler:  wlien  (lod  sees 
best,  lie  can  bind,  im])rison,  and  so  restrain  liini,  tliat  men 
shall  no  longer  be  under  his  influence,  or  annoyed  by  his 
wiles. 

().  When  God  sees  best,  he  can  pour  out  his  Sjiirit  in 
such  copious  effusions,  and  so  revive  his  work,  tliat  men 
on  earth  shall  possess  the  temper,  emulate  the  employ- 
ments, and  enjoy  to  a  great  extent  the  bliss  of  heaven; 
and  though  they  must  die,  yet  on  them  the  second  death 
will  have  no  power. 

10.  Such  is  naturally  the  wickedness  of  the  human  heart, 
and  such  the  malignancy  and  ]io\ver  of  S;itau,  that  if  ho  is 
not  restrained,  and  men  are  left  without  divine  grace, 
whatever  have  been  (iod's  past  tlealings  with  them,  they 
will  unite  again  in  opjiosing  him. 

13.  The  (•irt;iinly  that  the  character  and  conduct  of  each 
individu;d  will  be  laid  open  at  the  judgment,  and  that  ac- 
cording to  them  will  be  awarded  to  each  the  retributiofts 
of  eternity,  should  lead  us  all  so  to  act  ;is  we  have  reason 
to  believe  we  shall  then  wish  we  liiid  done,  and  as  will, 
through  the  grace!  of  (lod,  fit  us  for  the  endless  joys  of 
liiiivcn.     Chap.  22:1 1. 

CIIAl'TKU  XXI. 

The  apostle  has  a  glorious  vision  of  the  blissful  abode 
of  the  righteous  after  the  genend  resurrection  and  juilg- 
ment. under  the  form  of  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth, 
into  which  he  sees  descending  from  he;iven  the  new  .Icrii- 
salein.  tin;  abodi'  of  God  :ind  the  l/imb.  Tlius  (lie  new 
earth  becomes  the  dwelling-place  of  God;  and  death,  suf- 
fering, anil  sorrow  arc  done  away  for  ever. 

1.  A  neu<  heaven  and  a  new  earth  ;  compare  Isa.  05:17-19: 
2  I'eler  3: 13.  These  words  express  the  greatness  and  the 
gloriiHiH  character  of  the  change  that  takes  place  in  botli 
the  ;ibo<le  and  the  state  of  the  redeemed.    Happy  arc  they 


Tie  glory  and  blessedness 


REVELATION  XXI. 


of  the  great  city  of  God. 


A  D  or,  2  And  I  Jolm  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Je- 
?  usalem,"  coming  down  from  God  out  of  lieaven, 
prepared  as  a  bride  adorned  for  her  Imsband.'' 

3  And  I  lieard  a  great  voice  out  of  lieavcu,  say- 
ing, Behold,  the  tabernacle  of  God  is  witli  men,'' 
and  he  will  dwell  witli  tliem,  and  tbcy  sliall  be  his 
people,  and  God  himself  shall  be  with  them,  and 
be  their  God/' 

4  And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes;"  and  there  sliall  be  no  more  death,'' neither 
sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more 
pain:'''  for  the  former  things  are  passed  away. 

5  And  he  that  sat  upon  the  throne  said.  Behold, 
I  make  all  things  new.  And  he  said  unto  me, 
Write:  for  these  words  are  true  and  faithful. 

6  And  he  said  unto  me.  It  is  done."  I  am  xVlpha 
and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end.'  I  will 
give  unto  him  that  is  athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the 
water  of  life  freely.' 

7  He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all*  things; 
and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son. 

8  But  the  fearful,"  and  unbelieving,'  and  the  abom- 
inable,'" and  murderers,"  and  whoremongers,"  and 
sorcerers,''  and  idolaters,"  and  all  liars,''  shall  have 
their  part  in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and 
brimstone :  which  is  the  second  death. 

9  And  there  came  unto  me  one  of  the  seven  angels 
which  had  the  seven  vials  full  of  the  seven  last 
plagues,"  and  talked  with  me,  saying.  Come  hither, 
I  will  show  thee  the  bride,  tlie  Lamb's  wife.' 

10  And  he  carried  me  away  in  the  spirit  to  a 
great  and  high  mountain,  and  showed  mo  that 
great  city,  the  holy  Jerusalem,"  descending  out  of 
heaven  from  God, 


Msi 

M.  1 

;  Hell 

1110 

12:92      b 

Psi  45; 

1-14; 

Isa. 

54:5. 

=  a  Cor. 

(i  in. 

d  Zech 

.•5:H, 

elsa 

25.  S; 

oh. 7:17 

(  1  Cor. 

lo:2r., 

.54 

S  Isa 

35:10 

I>ch 

18:17. 

'ch. 

1:8: 

ii:  13 

J  Isa.  .5.3:1 

.lolHi  4 

10.  l; 

i  7 

37;  ch 

22:17. 

•Or, 

I/it«. 

K  Lu 

ke  l-> 

4-9 

lJohn5  4 

10.      m 

1  Cor 

0:0,  10.     < 

1  John  3:15 

that  shall  have  a  place  in  the  new  Jerusalem.  They  shall 
understand,  as  we  cannot  now,  the  meaning  of  this  chap- 
ter. No  more  sea;  the  absence  of  sea  is  understood  by 
some  to  denote  symbolically  the  absence  of  all  chann;e, 
commotion,  or  trouble  of  any  sort.  But  perhaps  the  words 
have  a  meaning  wliich  nothing  but  the  ajjpearance  of  the 
new  heavens  and  new  earth  can  explain. 

2.  Adorned  for  her  husband;  in  the  glorious  apparel  of 
perfect  righteousness.     Chap.  19:8. 

3.  The  tabernacle  of  God  is  with  men ;  expressive  of  his 
intimate  and  jierpctual  coinmunion  with  them.  Verses 
22,  23;  chap.  22:4,  5. 

G.  He  said;  Christ  is  the  speaker.  It  is  done;  the  great 
work  of  man's  redemption  is  accomplished.  The  righteous 
are  gathered  into  the  new  Jerusalem,  and  the  wicked  cast 
into  the  l;ike  of  fire.  The  apostle  is  carried  forward  in 
vision  to  the  end  of  all  tilings,  and  looks  h;ick  upon  the 
prophecies  of  this  book  as  already  accomplished.  /  am 
Alpha  and  Omef^a;  see  note  to  chap.  1:8.  I  will  give  unto 
him  that  is  athirst ;  that  thirsts  for  the  living  waters  of  sal- 
vation.    Isa.  bCi :  1 ;  John  1 :  10,  13,  1 4  ;  7 :  37-,39, 

7.  Hethat  overcometh  ;  he  thatsuccessfully  resists  the  temp- 
tations of  the  world,  tlie  flesh,  and  the  devil,  and  continues 
steadf;ist  in  the  betU^f  and  practice  of  the  truth  to  the  end. 

8.  The  fearful ;  those  who  are  afraid  to  do  right  lest 
they  should  suffer  for  it,  and  who  neglect  their  duty  to 
avoid  trials,  or  escape  dangers.  The  second  death  ;  a  death 
consisting  in  everlasting  punishment  wilh  the  devil  and 
his  ange's.     Matt.  25 :  41,  46. 

9.  The  seven  vials;  chap.  15:7.  27te  bride;  the  church 
in  glory. 

10.  A  sreat  and  high  mountain;  whence  he  could  have  a 
clear  vision  of  the  city  descending  out  of  heaven  to  men. 

94 


11  Having  the  glory  of  God  :^'  and  her  light  teas 
like  unto  a  stone  most  precious,  even  like  a  jasper- 
stone,  clear  as  crystal ; 

12  And  liada  wall  great  and  high, a«d  had  twelve 
gates,  and  at  the  gates  twelve  angels,  and  names 
written  thereon,  which  are  the  names  of  the  twelve 
tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel  :'*■ 

13  On  the  east  tliree  gates ;  on  the  nortli  three 
gates ;  on  the  south  three  gates ;  and  on  the  west 
tlirec  gates. 

14  And  the  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve  founda- 
tions," and  in  them  the  names  of  the  twelve  apos- 
tles of  the  Lamb. 

15  And  he  that  talked  with  me  had  a  golden 
reed  to  measure  the  city,  and  the  gates  thereof, 
and  the  wall  thereof.'' 

16  And  the  city  lieth  four  square,  and  tlie  length 
is  as  large  as  the  breadtli ;  and  he  measured  the  city 
with  the  reed,  twelve  thousand  furlongs.  The  length 
and  the  breadth  and  the  lieiglit  of  it  are  equal. 

17  And  he  measured  the  wall  thereof,  a  hundred 
and  forty  and  four  cubits,  according  to  the  measure 
of  a  man,  that  is,  of  the  angel. 

IS  And thebuildingof thcwallof itwaso/'jasper: 
and  the  city  was  pure  gold,  like  unto  clear  glass. 

19  And  the  foundations  of  the  wall  of  the  city 
were  garnished  with  all  manner  of  precious  stones.^ 
The  first  foundation  ica«  jasper;  the  second,  sap- 
phire ;  the  third,  a  chalcedony ;  tlie  fourth,  an 
emerald ; 

20  The  fifth,  sardonyx;  the  si.xth,  sard i us ;  the 
seventh,  chrysolite ;  the  eighth,  beryl ;  the  ninth,  a 
topaz ;  the  tenth,  a  chrysoprasus ;  the  eleventh,  a 
jacinth ;  the  twelfth,  an  amethyst. 

o  Heb  13:4.  P  Mai.  3:5  q  1  Cor.  10:20,  21.  '  Prov.  19:5,  9;  ch.  22:15. 
•  ch.  15:1.  6.7  t  ch.  19:7.  u  Ezek  ch.  40,  48  visa.  60:1,2.  iv  Ezek. 
4S:3l-34.    xEph.  2:20.    y  Ezek.  40:3;  Zcoh.  9.1 ;  ch.  11:1.     zIsa.54;U. 


Compare  Ezek.  40:2.     The  holy  Jerusalem;  a  symbol  of  the 
church  in  glory. 

12.  Twelve  gates;  twelve  is  the  symbol  of  God's  people. 
Compare  the  twelve  tribes  of  the  Old,  and  the  twelve  apos- 
tles of  the  New  Testament.  Hence  this  number  prevails 
in  the  description  of  the  new  Jerusalem.  Twelve  angels; 
to  guard  them  against  the  entrance  of  the  unholy,  verses 
8,  27.  Thereon ;  on  the  gates.  Tlie  names  of  the  twelve 
trilies ;  showing  that  all  God's  true  people  have  a  share  in 
the  city. 

13.  Oil  the  cast  three  gates — on  the  west  three  gates;  the 
perfect  symmetry  of  the  city  is  a  symbol  of  its  perfection. 
See  note  to  ver.  10. 

14.  Twelve  foundations — twelve  apostles;  compare  Ephos. 
2:20.  As  there  is  one  gate  to  each  tribe,  so  is  there  also 
one  foundation  to  each  apostle. 

IG.  Four  square;  the  srpiare  has  no  disproportion  on 
any  side.  Here  it  is  the  apjiropriate  symbol  of  complete- 
ness and  perfection.  Twelve  thousand  furlongs;  fifteen 
hundred  Roman  miles.  This  is  to  be  understood  of  the 
city  itself,  wliich  the  apostle  sees  in  vision  as  one  vast 
structure  towering  up  to  heaven.  The  wall  which  sur- 
rounded the  city  was  distinct  from  it,  verse  17. 

17.  A  hundred  and  forty  and  four  cubits;  that  is,  twelve 
times  twelve  cubits  in  height.  The  measure  of  a  man,  that 
is,  tf  the  angel;  it  is  the  measure  of  a  man,  as  being  such 
a  measure  iis  men  commnidy  use  ;  and  tlu-  measure  of  the 
angel,  because  an  ;ingel  now  employs  it.  If  we  reckon  a 
cubit  :it  from  eighteen  to  twenty  inches,  nw  Inindreil  and 
forty-four  cubits  will  equal  from  two  hundred  and  sixteen 
to  two  hundred  and  forty  feet. 

18-21.  Jasper — gold — all  manner  of  precious  stones;  show- 
ing the  beauty,  excellence,  and  glory  of  the  lieavenly  city. 

148'J 


The  river  of  life. 


REVELATION  XXII. 


Christ  coDieih  quickly. 


21  And  the  twelve  gates  u-crc  twelve  pearls; 
every  several  gate  was  of  one  pearl ;  and  the  street 
of  the  city  was  pure  gold,  as  it  wore  transparent 
glass. 

22  And  I  saw  no  temple  (liorcin :  for  the  Lord 
God  Alniiglity  and  the  Lanih  are  tlie  temple  of  it. 

23  And  tlie  city  iiad  no  need  of  tlie  sun,  neither 
of  tlie  moon,  to  sliine  in  it:"  for  tlie  glory  of  God 
did  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  Li  the  light  thereof.'' 

24:  And  the  nations  of  them  which  are  saved  shall 
walk  in  the  liglit  of  it : ""  and  tiie  kings  of  the  earth 
do  bring  tlicir  glory  and  honor  into  it." 

2")  And  tlie  gates  of  it  shall  not  be  shut  at  all 
by  day :  for  tiiere  shall  be  no  night  there." 

26  And  they  shall  bring  the  glory  and  honor  of 
the  nations  into  it. 

27  And  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  any 
thing  tliat  dcfiletli,  neither  whatsoever  worketh 
abomination,  or  maketh  a  lie :''  Init  tiiey  which  are 
written  in  the  Lamlj's  book  of  life.^ 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  The  river  of  the  water  of  life.  2  The  tree  of  life.  .')  The  light  of  the 
city  of  (jod  is  himself.  9  The  angel  will  not  be  worshipped.  IS 
Kothmg  may  be  added  to  the  word  of  God,  nor  taken  therefrom. 

AND  lie  sliowed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of 
life,  clear  as  crystal,  proceeding  out  of  the 
tiirono  of  God  and  of  tiie  Lamb. 


•  Isi  CO  19.  2(1;  ch.  22:5.     l>John1;4.     c  Isj.  (Ui  3-11  .  fsG:  10-12. 

■iPsa 

72:11.      e  Zech.   14  7.      (  Isa.  35:,'<;  52:1;  (i(l:21;  Joel  3;17;  Matt. 

13:41; 

I  Cor-  0:9,  1(1;  Gil.  5:19-21;  Eph.  5:.5;  Heb.  12:14.      S  oh.  13:8. 

h  ch. 

2121.     (ch.2  7.     J  Ezek.  47:1.  12.     kZech.  14:11.     1  Ezck.  4S:35. 

m  ch. 

22.  No  temple;  the  clunch  iu  glory  iipecl.s  no  particular 
place  or  time  set  apart  as  holy  in  distinction  from  the  rest, 
or  especially  consecratecJ  to  the  worship  of  God;  for  all 
space  and  all  duration  are  holy,  holy,  holy,  being  tilled 
with  the  presence  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 

23.  Iso  need  of  the  sun;  for  the  presence  of  God  and  the 
Lamb  m;\kes  perfect,  eternal  day.     Chap.  22:5. 

24.  Tlicir  glory  and  honor;  every  tiling  desirable,  excel- 
lent, and  glorious,  is  perfected  and  perpetuated  in  heaven. 
Verse  2G. 

27.  They  which  are  written;  chosen  of  God,  renewed, 
justified,  sanctified,  and  thus  fitted  to  be  glorified. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

5.  'Wlicn  all  things  earthly  arc  dissolved,  and  the  treas- 
ures of  the  wicked  arc  lost  for  ever,  the  righteous  will 
enter  into  heaven  and  t;ike  possession  of  duralile  riches 
and  rightcoiianess,  treasures  incorruptible,  undefilcd,  and 
never  to  fad(!  away. 

8.  True  courage  is  a  distinguished  virtue,  and  coward- 
ice a  great  sin.  Those  who  d:ire  not  do  right  lest  they 
should  suffer  for  it,  are  cowards,  and  are  ripening,  with 
idolaters,  liars,  and  murderers,  to  suffer  the  second  death. 

21.  Things  most  esteemed  on  earth  arc  used  to  repre- 
sent things  in  hciiven,  in  order  to  give  men  the  highest 
and  fjcst  ide;is  of  them. 

27.  Here  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  dwell  together 
in  the  K:ime  country,  the  same  city,  and  the  same  family, 
and  arc  united  liy  numerous  relative,  social,  and  civil  tics  ; 
but  in  the  future  world  they  will  be  for  ever  separated, 
and  dwell  in  places  as  diverse  and  distant  as  heaven  is 
from  hell. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1.  A  pure  river  of  water  of  life;  tliis  representation  is 
for  substance  the  same  as  that  of  K/.ekiel's  vision,  chap. 
47: 1-12,  and  signifies  the  jiure,  abundant,  everhisting  bless- 
ings which  God,  through  Christ,  will  bestow  upon  his 
people  in  heaven.  Out  of  the  throne  of  Gixt  ami  of  the  Lamb; 
signifying  that  the  blessednubs  of  the  righteous  in  heaven 
1490 


2  In  tlie  midst  of  the  street  of  it,**  and  on  a.  d.96. 
eitlier  side  of  the  river,  iras  there  the  tree  of  life,' 
wliich  bare  twelve  manner  of  fruits,  and  yielded 
lier  fruit  every  month:  and  the  leaves  of  the  tree 
were  for  tlic  liealing  of  tiic  nations.-' 

3  And  tliere  shall  be  no  more  curse:"  but  the 
throne  of  God  and  of  tlie  Lamb  shall  be  in  it;' 
and  his  servants  shall  serve  him:'" 

4  And  they  sliall  see  his  face;"  and  his  name 
shall  be  in  tiieir  foreheads." 

5  And  there  shall  be  no  niglit  there;  and  they 
need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  tlie  sun  ;''  for  the 
Lord  God  giveth  them  light:"  and  they  shall 
reign  for  ever  and  ever."' 

6  1  And  he  said  unto  me,  Tiiese  sayings  are  faith- 
ful and  true :  and  the  Lord  God  of  the  holy  pro|jh- 
ets  sent  his  angel  to  show  unto  his  servants  tlie 
things  wliich  must  shortly  be  done." 

7  Behold,  I  come  quickly:'  blessed  is  he  tliat 
kecpctli  the  sayings  of  tlic  projihecy  of  tliis  Ijook. 

8  And  I  John  saw  tliesc  things,  and  licard  them. 
And  wlicn  I  had  heard  and  seen,  I  fell  down  to 
worsliip  before  the  feet  of  the  angel  which  showed 
me  these  things. 

9  Tiien  saith  he  unto  me.  See  thou  do  it  not :  for 
I  am  thy  fellow-servant,  and  of  thy  brethren  the 
jirophets,  and  of  them  which  keep  the  sayings  of 
this  book:  worship  God. 

7  15.  n  Matt.  5:S;  John  12-2();  17.24.  1  Cor.  13:12;  1  John  3:2.  "  ch. 
3:12.  P  ch.  21:23,  23.  ■!  Psa.  36:9.  '  Rom.  5:17.  >  ch,  1:1.  '  ver. 
10,  12,  20. 


comes  immediately  from  God  and  Christ,  and  is  therefore 
unfailing  ;ind  everlasting. 

2.  Twehc^'nuts;  or  harvests,  in  a  year:  one  each 
month  ;  representing  the  constancy  and  fulness  of  the 
fresh,  ripe,  and  invigorating  blessings  which  the  saints 
will  be  receiving  for  ever.  The  healing;  so  that  in  that 
wiu-ld  there  will  bo  no  sickness,  no  sorrow,  no  curse  of 
any  kind,  but  in  the  lie:dlh  and  vigor  of  immortal  youth 
saints  will  serve  and  enjoy  Goil. 

4.  See  hh  face;  dwell  in  his  presence,  and  have  free, 
constant,  aniii  blissful  access  to  him,  and  communion  with 
him.  Ilia  name — in  their  fireheails;  seen  and  known  of  all 
to  be  his  chosen,  called,  justified,  and  glorified  people. 
Kom.  S:;iO. 

5.  No  night — no  cntidle,  neither  light  of  the  sun — God  giveth 
them  liglit ;  showing  that  (!od  will  be  to  them  all  and  in 
all,  ami  that  in  him  they  have  all,  enjoy  all,  and  e.\i>ect  all 
for  ever  and  ever.  With  this  verse  the  descrii)tion  of  Ihe 
lie;iveiily  Jerusalem  ends.  AVhat  follows  relates  to  the 
whole  ]ireceding  revelation. 

«.  These  sayings;  what  he  had  declared  to  John,  and 
what  John,  at  his  direction,  had  written  for  the  benefit  of 
those  then  iilivcand  those  who  should  live  from  Ihat  linio 
to  the  end  of  the  world.  Sent  his  angel— shortly  be  done; 
sec  notes  to  ch;ip.  1:1. 

7.  I  come  ipiirkli/;  compare  1  I'llir  4:7,  "The  end  of  all 
things  is  at  Icind,"  The  holy  Scriptures  would  have  us 
consider  the  second  coming  of  Christ  as  alw.'iys  nc;ir,  since, 
ill  comparison  with  the  eternity  that  is  to  follow,  a  Ihou- 
saiid  years  are  as  one  day.  2  I'eter  3:8.  I'raetically, 
moreover,  \hi)  Lord  Jesus  comes  to  each  one  of  us  at 
(icath.  IJfe  is  short:  wh:tl  Ihou  doest  in  preparation  for 
eternity  miisl  be  done  ipiickly;  for  the  Judge  stiindelh  at 
the  door,  and  in  such  an  hour  :iK  ye  think  not  thi'  Son  of 
m;in  cometh.  lilased  is  he;  who  now  hc;irk(ns  to  the 
voice  of  God,  siie:iking  in  this  book,  believes  wh;it  he  de- 
clares, and  dots  whiit  he  commands ;  he  shiUI  have  a  right 
to  the  tree  of  life,  ;ind  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the 
city.     Chap.  21:12;  22:14. 

8,  9.  Do  it  not;  chap.  13:0,  20. 


W7io  may  cuter  the  city. 


REVELATION  XXII. 


Free  offers  of  eternal  life. 


A.  DOS.  10  And  he  saitli  unto  mc,  Seal  not  the  say- 
ings of  the  prophecy  of  this  book:''  for  the  time 
is  at  hand. 

11  He  that  is  unjust,  let  liim  be  unjust  still :  and 
he  whicli  is  filtliy,  let  him  be  lilthy  still:''  and  lie 
that  is  righteous,  let  him  be  riglitcous  still:  and 
he  that  is  holy,  let  him  be  lioly  still.'' 

12  And  beliold,  I  come  quickly ;''  and  my  reward 
is  ■with  me,  to  give  every  man  according  as  his 
■work  shall  be." 

13  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and 
the  end,  tlie  first  and  the  last.'' 

14  Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  comraandments,*^ 
that  they  may  have  right  to  the  tree  of  life,  and 
may  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the  city. 

15  For  without  are  dogs,"  and  sorcerers,  and 
■whoremongers,  and  murderers,  and  idolaters,  and 
"whosoever  loveth  and  maketli  a  lie." 

16  I  Jesus  have  sent  mine  angel  to  testify  unto 
you  these  things  in  tlie  churches.     I  am  the  root 


»  Dan.  8:26  b  Prov.  1:24-33;  Eool.  11:3;  jMalt.  25:10;  2  Tim.  3:13 
c  Prov  4:18;  Matt  5:6.  i  Zeph.  1:14.  e  ch.  20:12.  '  Isa.  44:0.  s  Luke 
12:37.38.     liPhU.3:2.     ich. 21:8,27.     jch.5:5.     kch. 21:2,9.     llsa,2.5. 


10.  Seal  not  the  sayings;  seal  them  not  up,  as  something 
to  be  reserved  for  future  use,  but  publish  them  for  the 
present  benefit  of  all.  The  time  is  at  hand;  sec  notes  to 
chap.  1:1. 

11.  He  that  is  unjust — unjust  still;  this  verse  stands  be- 
tween the  two  announcements :  "  The  time  is  at  hand,"  and, 
"  Behold,  I  come  quickly."  It  is  best  understood  as  a  sol- 
emn admonition ;  as  much  as  to  say.  If,  after  all  these 
warnings,  any  one  will  go  on  in  sin,  let  him  do  so.  But 
let  the  righteous  persevere  in  his  righteousness ;  for  the 
day  is  at  hand  when  I  shall  corac  to  reward  every  one  ac- 
cording to  his  works.  Many,  however,  prefer  to  under- 
stand the  verse  as  announcing  the  unchangeable  condition 
of  men's  character  after  the  day  of  judgment. 

12.  /,-  Jesus  Christ.  Verse  16.  Come  quickly;  Christ's 
coming  may  always  be  regarded  as  at  hand,  wlion  he  will 
treat  every  man  according  to  his  work.    See  note  to  ver.  7. 

I'A.  The  first  and  the  last;  the  self-existent,  independent, 
unchanging,  eternal  God.  All,  therefore,  which  he  has  de- 
clared will  be  accomplished:  men  may  as  safely  rely  upon 
it  as  if  it  had  already  taken  place. 

14.  The  city;  the  heavenly  city,  the  new  Jerusalem,  the 
eternal  abode  of  God  and  his  people. 

15.  Dogs— and  whosoever  lovelh  and  malceth  a  tie;  a  de- 
scription of  various  classes  of  sinners,  including  all  who 
do  not  love,  believe,  and  obey  the  truth.  Dogs  represent 
hero  the  rapacious  and  unclean.     Compare  Phil.  3:2. 

IC.  The  root  and  the  offspring  of  David ;  these  words  arc 
commonly  interpreted  to  mean  tliat  Christ  is  the  root  of 
David — the  ground  of  his  being — in  respect  to  his  divine 
nature;  and  his  offspring  in  respect  to  his  human  naUire. 
Compare  P.sa.  110:1;  iMatt.  22:42-46;  Acts  2:34-36.  But 
a  comparison  with  Isa.  11:1,  to  which  there  is  a  plain 
reference,  leads  rather  to  the  idea  that  Christ  is  called  tlio 
root  and  oBspring  of  David  as  growing  out  of  his  root; 
that  is,  as  being  his  true  progeny  according  to  the  prom- 
ises of  tlie  Old  Testament.  The — morning-star ;  ushering 
in  upon  his  people  the  splendors  of  eternal  day. 

17.  Thchridc;  the  church  of  Christ.  Come;  como  unto 
Christ,  and  receive  freely  the  blessings  of  eternal  life. 
aM:itt.  ll:2S-30;  Isa.  45:22. 

18.  Add  unto  these  things;  unto  the  words  of  this  proph- 
ecy; and  by  parity  of  reason,  8h;ill  add  to  any  part  of  di- 
vine revelation  what  God  has  not  revealed. 

19.  Take  away  from  the  words  of — tins  prophecy;  take  away 
a  part  of  what  God  has  revealed,  and  reject  it  as  not  iii- 
Bpired  by  him.    See  note  to  the  preceding  verso. 


and  the  offspring  of  David,J  and  the  bright  and 
morning-star. 

17  And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride"  say.  Come.' 
And  let  him  that  hcareth  say,  Come.  And  let 
him  tliat  is  athirst  come.'"  And  whosoever  "will, 
let  him  take  the  ■water  of  life  freely. 

IS  For  I  testify  unto  every  man  tliat  heareth  the 
words  of  the  prophecy  of  this  book.  If  any  man 
sliall  add  unto  these  things,"  God  shall  add  unto 
him  the  plagues  that  are  written  in  tliis  book : 

19  And  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from  the 
words  of  the  book  of  this  prophecy,  God  shall 
take  away  his  part  out  of  the  book*  of  life."  and 
out  of  the  holy  city,  and  from  the  things  ■which 
are  written  in  this  book. 

20  He  which  testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely 
I  come  quickly. P  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord 
Jesus. 1 

21  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he  with 
you  all.     Amen.''     ^ 


m  ch.  21:6.     ■>  Prov.  30:6.     "  Oi,  from  the  tree.     »  ch.  3.5.     P  ver.  7.  12. 
q  isa.  25:9;  Heb.  9:28.     r  2  Thess.  3:18. 


20.  He;  Jesus  Christ.  1  come  quickly ;  to  call  each  one 
to  give  an  account  of  his  stewardshi]i,  and  to  enter,  ac- 
cording to  his  conduct  and  character,  on  the  retributions 
of  eternity. 

21.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  a  desire  and 
prayer  that  Christ's  divine  favor  might  be  bestowed  upon 
those  for  whom  the  apostle  wrote,  according  to  all  their 
wants  for  time  and  eternity. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

1.  The  joys  of  earth  are  polluted,  imperfect,  unsatisfy- 
ing, and  short ;  but  the  joys  of  heaven  are  pure,  perfect, 
satisfying,  and  eternal. 

5.  "Though  the  presence  and  favor  of  God  in  heaven  will 
supply  all  the  wants  of  his  people,  meet  all  their  wishes, 
and  fill  their  hearts  witli  joy,  Uieir  blessings  will  never 
satiate  or  grow  old,  but  will  be  ever  fresh ;  growing  higher 
and  better  for  over. 

7.  Our  nearness  to  eternity,  and  the  shortness  of  the 
time  before  we  shall  be  in  heaven  or  hell,  should  lead  us, 
by  cordial  obedience  to  the  connnands  of  God,  to  be  habit- 
ually ready ;  so  that  at  whatever  time,  or  in  whatever 
way  we  may  bo  called  to  leave  the  earth,  we  may,  wlien 
absent  from  the  body,  be  present  with  the  Lord,  behold- 
ing his  glory,  and  rejoicing  in  the  fulness  of  his  love. 

15.  Much  of  the  future  misery  of  the  wicked  will  spring 
from  the  character  and  conduct  of  their  associates.  In 
this  world  the  wicked  arc  mutual  tempters ;  in  the  world 
to  come  they  will  be  mutual  tormentors. 

17.  As  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  church,  and  Jesus  Christ 
invito  sinners  to  come  to  him,  all  should  accept  and  echo 
the  invitation,  and  publish  it,  as  far  as  possible,  in  every 
language  of  every  people,  that  whosoever  will  may  come 
to  Christ,  and  receive  of  him  the  free,  gracious  gift  of 
eternal  life. 

19.  To  attempt  to  require  of  men  what  God  does  not 
require,  or  to  absolve  them  from  wdiat  ho  does  require,  is 
a  great  sin,  and  exposes  those  who  practise  it  to  his  end- 
less curse. 

20.  Whatever  we  do  for  our  own  salvation,  or  that  of 
others,  we  must  do  soon ;  for  in  the  grave  to  which  we 
are  hastening,  there  is  no  work. 

21.  However  poor,  pollult^d,  and  wretched  any  may  be, 
through  the  grace  of  Christ  and  by  trusting  in  him  all 
iiKiy  bo  rich,  holy,  and  happy  for  ever.  May  his  grace  be 
the  portion  of  the  writer,  ;nid  all  tho  readers,  for  the  Ik- 
(leeiner's  sake ;  and  to  the  Father,  tho  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  shall  be  the  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 


1491 


SYNOPSIS 

OF 

ROBINSON'S  HAEMONY  OF  THE  GOSPELS. 


EVENTS  CONNECTED  WITH  THE  BIRTH  AND  CHILDHOOD  OF  OUR  LORD. 


TIME,  ABOUT  THIRTEEN  AND  A  HALF  YEARS. 


Preface  to  Luke's  gospel, 

An  angel  appears  to  Zacharlas.     Jerusalem , - — 

An  angel  appears  to  Mary.      Nazareth, 

Mary  visits  Elizabeth.     Juttah, - 

Birth  of  John  the  Baptist.     Juttah, 

An  angel  appears  to  Joseph.     Nazardh, 

The  hirth  of  Jesus.     Bethkhem, - 

An  angel  appears  to  the  shepherds.     Near  Bethkhem,  -- 

The  circuracisiou  of  Jesus,  and  his  presentation  in  the  temple.     Bethle- 
hem.    Jerusalem, -- 

The  magi.     Jerusalem.    Bethlehem, - 

The  flight  into  Egypt.    Herod's  cruelty.    The  return.    Bethlehem. 

areth,  - 

At  twelve  years  of  age  Jesus  goes  to  the  Passover.     Jerusalem, 

Genealogies, 


Naz- 


1:18-25 


2:1-12 

2:13-23 

1:1-17 


LUKE. 

1:1^ 

1:5-25 
1:26-38 


1:39-56 
1:57-80 

2:1-7 
2:8-20 

2:21-38 


2:39,  40 
2:41-52 
3:23-38 


ANNOUNCEMENT  AND  INTRODUCTION  OF  OUR  LORD'S  PUBLIC  MINISTRY. 

TIME,  ABOUT  ONE  TEAK. 


The  ministry  of  John  the  Baptist.     The  desert.     The  Jordan, 

The  baptism  of  Jesus.     TheJordofi, - 

The  temptation.     Desert  of  Judea, -• 

Preface  to  Jolin's  gospel. • 

Testimony  of  John  the  Baptist  to  Jesus.     Bcthahara  beyond  Jordan,  ■ 

Jesus  gains  disciples.     The  Jordan.     Galilee?- 

The  marriage  at  Canaof  Galilee, -• 


3:1-12 

3:13-17 

4:1-11 


1:1-8 
1:9-11 
1:12,  13 


3:1-18 

3:21-23 

4:1-13 


1:1-18 
1 : 19-34 
1:35-51 
2:1-12 


OUR  LORD'S  FIRST  PASSOVER,  AND  THE  SUBSEQUENT  TRANSACTIONS  UNTIL  THE 

SECOND. 


TIME,  ONE  YEAR. 

At  the  Passover  Jesus  drives  the  traders  out  of  the  temple.     Jerusalem,- 

Our  Lord's  discourse  with  Nicodemus.     Jerusalem, 

Jesus  remains  in  Judea,  and  baptizes.  Further  testimony  of  John  the 
Baptist, 

John's  imprisonment, - 

Jesus'  departure  into  Galilee, - - — 

Our  Lord's  discourse  with  the  Samaritan  woman.  Many  of  the  Samar- 
itans believe  on  him.     Shechem  or  Neapolis, 

Jesus  teaches  publicly  in  Galilee, - 

Jesus  again  at  Cana,  where  he  heals  the  son  of  a  nobleman  lying  ill  at 
Capernaum.     Chna  of  Galilee, 

Jesus  at  Nazareth :  he  is  there  rejected,  and  fixes  his  abode  at  Caper- 
naum,   - 

The  call  of  Simon  Peter  and  Andrew,  and  of  James  and  John,  with  the 
miraculous  draught  of  iishes.     Near  Capernaum, -- 

The  healing  of  a  demoniac  in  the  synagogue.     Capernaum,- - 

The  he.iling  of  Peter's  wife's  mother,  and  ni.iny  others.     Capernaum, — 

Jesus  with  his  disciples  goes  from  Capernaum  throughout  Galilee, 

The  healing  of  a  leper.    Galilee, 

The  healing  of  a  paralytic.     Capernaum,  - 

The  call  of  Matthew.     Capernaum, .  — 


14:3-5 
4:12 


4:17 


4:13-16 
4:18-22 


8:14-17 

4:23-25 

8:1-4 

9:2-8 

9:9 


17-20 
14 


1:14,  16 


16-20 

21-28 

29-34 

35-39 

40-45 

1-12 

13,  14 


3:19,  20 
4:14 


4:14,  15 


14 


4:16-81 

5:1-11 
4:31-;57 
4:38-41 
4:4'J-14 
6:12-16 
5:17-'26 
5:27,  28 
U3 


2:13-25 
3:1-21 

3:22-86 

4:1-3 

4:4-42 
4:43-45 

4:46-64 


HARMOXY  OF  THE  GOSPELS. 


OUR  LORD'S  SECOND  PASSOVER,  AND  THE  SUBSEQUENT  TRANSACTIONS  UNTIL  THE  THIRD. 


TIME,  ONE  YEAR. 


The  Pool  of  Bethesda;  the  healing  of  the  infirm  man ;  and  our  Lord's 
subsequent  discourse.     Jerusalem, 

'Hie  disciples  pluclc  cars  of  grain  on  tlic  Sal)bath.     On  the  way  to  Galilee  ? 

The  healing  of  tlie  withered  hand  on  the  Sabbath.     Galilee. 

Jesus  arrives  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  and  is  followed  by  multitudes.  Lake 
of  Galilee, 

.Tesus  withdraws  to  the  mountain,  and  chooses  the  Twelve  ;  the  multi- 
tudes follow  him.     A'ear  Copcrnaum, - 

The  sermon  on  the  mount.    Near  Capernaum, 

The  healing  of  the  centurion's  servant.     Capernaum, --- 

The  raising  of  the  widow's  son.     Nuin, 

John  the  Baptist  in  prison  sends  disciples  to  Jesus.    Galilee.    Capernaum  f 

Reflections  of  Jesus  ou  appealing  to  his  mighty  works.     Capernaum, 

While  sitting  at  meat  with  a  Pharisee,  Jesus  Is  anointed  by  a  woman 
who  had  been  a  sinner.     Capernaum? 

•Jesus,  with  the  Twelve,  makes  a  second  circuit  in  Galilee, 

The  healing  of  a  demoniac.  The  scribes  and  Pharisees  blaspheme.  ) 
Galilee, _ ) 

Tlie  scribes  and  Pliarisees  seek  a  sign.     Our  Lord's  reflections.     Galilee, 

Tlie  true  disciples  of  Christ  his  nearest  relatives.     Galilee, 

At  a  Pharisee's  table,  Jesus  denounces  woes  against  the  Pharisees  and 
others.    Galilee, - 

Jesus  discourses  to  his  disciples  and  the  multitude.     Galilee, 

The  slaughter  of  certain  Galileans.  Parable  of  the  barren  fig-tree. 
Galilee, - 

Parable  of  the  sower.     Lake  of  Galilee.     Near  Capernaum  f  - 

Parable  of  the  tares.     Other  parables.     Near  Capernaum? 

Jesus  directs  to  cross  the  lake.  Incidents.  Tlie  tempest  stilled.  Lake  1 
of  Galilee,  • - j 

The  two  demoniacs  of  G  adara.     South-east  coast  of  the  lake  of  Galilee,  —  •! 

Levi's  feast.     Capernaum, •- 

The  raising  of  Jairus'  daughter.  The  woman  with  a  bloody  flux.  Ca- 
pernaum,   

Two  blinil  men  healed,  and  a  dumb  spirit  cast  out.     Capernaum,-- 

Jesus  again  at  Nazareth,  and  again  rejected, - 

A  third  circuit  in  Galilee.     Tlie  Twelve  instructed,  and  sent  forth. 
Galilee, 

Herod  holds  Jesus  to  be  John  the  Baptist,  whom  he  had  just  before 
beheaded.     Galilee  ?    Perea, 

The  Twelve  return,  and  Jesus  retires  with  them  across  the  lake.  Five 
thousand  are  fed.     Capernaum.     North-etisl  coast  of  the  lake  if  Galilee, - 

Jesus  walks  upon  the  water.     Lake  nf  Galilee.    Gennesareth, 

Our  Lord's  discourse  to  the  multitude  in  the  synagogue  at  Caperna- 1 
um.  Many  disciples  turn  bad;.  Peter's  profession  of  faith.  Ca-  r 
pemaum, ) 


12:1-8 
12:9-14 

12:15-21 

10:1-4 

5:1;  8:1 
8:5-13 

11:2-19 
11:20-00 


12:22-37 

12:38-45 
12:46-50 


13:1-23 
13:24-53 

8:18-27 

8:28-34  1 

9:1 

9:10-17 

9:18-26 
9:27-34 
13:54-58 
9:35-38) 
10:1-42 y 
11:1       ) 

14:1-12 

14:13-21 
14:22-36 


MARK. 

LUKE. 

2:23-28 
3:1-6 

6:1-5 
6:6-11 

3:7-12 

3:13-19 

6:12-19 
6:20-49 
7:1-10 
7:11-17 

7:18-35 

7:30-50 
8:1-3 
11:14,15, 
17-23 
11:16,24-36 
8:19-21 

3:19-30 
3:31-35 

11:37-54 
12:1-59 

4:1-25 
4:20-34 

4:35-41 

13:1-9 
8:4-18 

(8:22-25 
■  9:67-02 

5:1-21 

8:26^0 

2:15-22 

5:29-39 

5:22^3 

8:41-50 

6:1-6 

6:6-13 

9:1-0 

6:14-16, 
21-29 

9:7-9 

0:30-44 
0:45-56 

9:10-17 

JOHN. 

5:1-47 


0:1-14 
6:16-21 

0:22-71 
:1 


15: 


21-28 

29-39 

39    1 
1-4 


FROM  OUR  LORD'S  THIRD  PASSOVER  UNTIL  HIS  FINAL  DEPARTURE  FROM  GALILEE  AT 

THE  FESTIVAL  OF  TABERNACLES. 

TIME,  SIX  MONTII.S. 

Our  Lord  justifies  his  disciples  for  eating  with  unwashen  hands.    Phari- 
saic traditions.     Capernaum,  - - 15:1-20 

The  daughter  of  a  Syrophenician  woman  is  healed.     Region  of  Tyre  and 
Sidon, 

A  deaf  and  dumb  man  healed ;   also  many  others.      Four  thousand 
are  fed.      The  IJeeapolia, 

The  Pharisees   and   Sadducecs  again  require  a  sign.      Near  Mag- 
dala,  

The  di.sciples  cautioned  against  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  etc.    North- 
east coast  of  the  I'ike  (/Galilee, - - 10:5-12 

A  Min'l  man  healed.     litthsaid'i,  (Julias,) 

Peter  and  the  rrst  again  profess  their  faith  in  Christ.     Region  of  Cesarca 

PhllippA,   -  - ......._..... ...... 

Our  Lord  foretells  his  own  death  and  resurrection,  and  the  trials  of  I 

his  foUowirs.     Region  of  Crsarea  I'hilippi, • j 

Tlie  Iransliguration.     Our  I^ord's  suh.-iequent  discourse  with  the  three 

disciples.     Jiegion  of  Cesarea  I'hilijrpi, 17:1-13 

The  healing  of  a  demoniac,  whom  the  disciples  could  not  heal.     Region 

of  Cesarea  rhitijijii, - 17:14-21 

.lesus  again  foretells  his  own  death  and  resurrection.     Galilee, 17:22,  23 

The  triliiite-money  miraculously  provided.     Capernaum, 17:24-27 

The  di»ci|iles  contend  who  sliduld  be  greatest.     Jesus  exhorts  to  humil 

ity,  forbearance,  and  lirotherly  love.     Capernaum, 18:1-35 

The  Seventy  instructed  and  sint  out,     Capernaum, 

lesus  goes  up  to  the  festival  of  tabernacles.     His  final  departure  from 

Galilee.     Incidents  in  Samaria, 9:51-60  7:2-10 

Ten  lepers  cleansed.     Samaria, 

I4U4 


13-20 
21-28 


7:1-23 

7:24-30 
7:31-37 
8:1-9 

8:10-12 


8:13-21 
8:22-26 

8:27-30 
(  8:31-38 
]y:l 

9:2-13 

9:14-29 
9:30-152 
9:33 

9:83-50 


9:18-21 
9:22-27 

9:28-36 

9:37-43 
9:43-45 


9:46-50 
10:1-16 

9:51-60 
17:11-19 


HARMONY  OF  THE  GOSPELS. 


THE  FESTIVAL  OF  TABERNACLES,  AND  THE  SUBSEQUENT  TRANSACTIONS  UNTIL  OUR 
LORD'S  ARRIVAL  IN  BETHANY,  SIX  DAYS  BEFORE  THE  FOURTH  PASSOVER. 


TIME,  SIX  MONTHS,  LESS  SIX  DAYS. 


Jesus  at  the  festival  of  tabernacles.     His  public  teaching.    Jerusa- 1 
lem, - j 

The  woman  taken  in  adultery .     Jerusalem, - 

Further  pubUc  teaching  of  our  Lord.      He  reproves  the  unbelieving 

Jews,  and  escapes  from  their  hands.     Jerusalem, 

A  lawyer  instructed.     Love  to  our  neighbor  defined.     Parable  of  the 

good  Samaritan.     Kear  Jerusalem, 

Jerusalem  in  the  house  of  Martha  and  Mary.     Bethan;/, 

The  disciples  again  taught  how  to  pray.     Near  Jerusalem, 

The  Seventy  return.     Jerusalem, 

A  man  born  blind  is  healed  on  the  Sabbath.     Our  Lord's  subsequent ) 

discourses.     Jerusalem, j 

Jesus  in  Jerusalem  at  the  festival  of  dedication.     He  retires  beyond 

Jordan .     Jerusalem.     Bethabara  beyond  Jordan, 

The  raising  of  Lazarus.     Bethany, 

The  counsel  of  Caiaphas  against  Jesus.     He  retires  from  Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem.    Ephraim, 

Jesus  beyond  Jordan  is  followed  by  multitudes.     The  healing  of  the 

infirm  woman  on  the  Sabbath.      Valley  of  Jordan.     Perea, 

Our  Lord  goes  teaching  and  journeying  towards  Jerusalem.      He  is 

warned  against  Herod.     Perea, 

Our  Lord  dines  with  a  chief  Pharisee  on  the  Sabbath.    Incidents.    Perea, 

What  is  required  of  true  disciples.     Perea, 

Parable  of  the  lost  sheep,  etc.     Parable  of  the  prodigal  son.     Perea,  — 

Parable  of  the  unjust  steward.     Perea,- 

The  Pharisee  reproved.     Parable  of  tlie  rich  man  and  Lazarus.     Perea,  - 

Jesus  inculcates  forbearance,  faitli,  humility.    Perea, 

Christ's  coming  will  be  sudden.     Perea, 

Parables:  the  importunate  widow;  the  Pharisee  and  publican.    Perea, - 

Precepts  respecting  divorce.     Perea, 

Jesus  receives  and  blesses  little  children.     Perea,  - - 

The  rich  young  man.     Parable  of  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard.     Pe- 1 

Tea, - j 

Jesusia  tliird  time  foretells  his  death  and  resurrection.     Perea, 

James  and  John  prefer  their  ambitious  request.     Perea, 

The  healing  of  two  blind  men  near  Jericho, 


The  visit  to  Zaccheus.     Parable  of  the  ten  pounds.     Jericho, 

Jesus  arrives  at  Bethany  six  days  before  the  Passover.     Bethany,  ■ 


MATTHEW. 


19:1,2 


19:3-12 
19:1.3-1.5 
19:16-30  1 
20:1-16    f 
20:17-19 
20:20-28 

20:29-34 


10:1 


10:2-12 
10:13-10 

10:17-31 

10:32-34 
10:35-45 

10:46-52 


10:25-37 
10:38-42 
11:1-13 
10:17-24 


13:10-21 

13:22-35 

14:1-24 

14:2.5-35 

15:1-32 

16:1-13 

10:14-31 

17:1-10 

17:20-37 

18:1-14 

18:15-17 
18:18-30 
18:31-34 

(18:35-43 
I  19:1 
19:2-28 


JOHN. 

(7:11-53 

18:1 

8:2-11 

8:12-59 


(9:1-41 
I  10:1-21 

10:2^-42 
11:1^6 

11:47-54 


i  11:55-57 
I  12:1,9-11 


OUR  LORD'S  PUBLIC  ENTRY  INTO  JERUSALEM,  AND  THE  SUBSEQUENT  TRANSACTIONS 

BEFORE  THE  FOURTH  PASSOVER. 


TIME,  FOUR  DAYS. 


Our  Lord's  public  entry  into  Jerusalem.     Bethany.    Jerusalem, -  -  - 

The  baiTcn  fig-tree.     The  cleansing  of  the  temple.     Betlmny.    Jerusa-  \ 
lem, - - j 

The  barren  fig-tree  withers  away.     Between  Bethany  and  Jerusalem, 

Christ's  authority  questioned.     Parable  of  the  two  sons.     Jerusalem, — 

Parable  of  the  wicked  husbandmen.     Jerusalem, 

P.arahle  of  the  marriage  of  the  king's  son.     Jerusalem,- 

Insidious  (piestion  of  the  Pharisees:  tribute  to  Citsar.     Jerusalem, 

Insidious  question  of  the  Sadducccs:  the  resurrection.     Jerusalem, 

A  lawyer  questions  .lesus.     The  two  great  commandments.    Jerusalem, - 

How  is  Christ  the  son  of  David  ?    Jerusalem, 

Warnings  ag.ainst  the  evil  example  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.     Jeru- 
salem,  

Woes  against  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.     Lamentation  over  Jerusalem. 
Jerusalem, 

The  widow's  mite.     Jerusalem, 

Certain  Greeks  desire  to  see  .Jesus.     Jerusalem, - 

Kellections  upon  tlie  unbelief  of  the  Jews.     Jerusalem, 

Jesus,  on  taking  leave  of  the  temple,  foretells  its  destruction,  and  the 
persecution  of  his  disciples.     Jerusalem.     Mount  of  Olives, 

The  signs  of  Christ's  coming  to  destroy  Jerusalem,  and  to  put  an  end  to 
the  Jewish  state  and  dispensation.     Mount  of  Olires, 

Transition  to  Christ's  final  coming  at  the  day  of  judgment.  E.xlior 
tation  to  watchfulness.  Parables:  the  ten  virgins;  the  tivi 
talents.     Mount  of  Olires, 

Scenes  of  the  judgment-day.     Mount  of  Olires, 

The  rulers  conspire.     The  supper  at  Bethany.      Treachery  of  Judas. 
Jerusalem.     Bethany, 

Preparation  for  the  Passover.     Bethany.    Jerusalem, 


(21:1-11, 
I      14-17 
21:12,13,  1 
18,  19     j 
21:20-22 
21:23-32 
21:33^6 
22:1-14 
22:16-22 
22:23-33 
22:34-40 
22:41-46 

23:1-12 

23:13-39 


24:1-14 

24:15-42 

24:43-51  | 
25:1-30    ) 

25:31-40 

26:1-16 
26:17-19 


11:1-11 

11:12-19 

11:20-26 
11:27-33 
12:1-12 

12:13-17 
12:18-27 
12:28-34 
12:35-37 

12:38,  39 

12:40 
12:41-44 


13:1-13 
13:14-37 


14:1-11 
14:12-16 


19:29-44 

j  19:45-48 
I  21:37,38 

20:1-S 
20:9-19 

20:20-26 
20:27-40 

20:41-44 

20:45,  46 

20:47 
21:1-4 


21:5-19 
21:20-30 


22:1-6 
22:7-13 
14!)5 


12:12-19 


12:20-36 
12:37-50 


12'- 


HARMONY  OF  THE  GOSPELS. 


THE  FOURTH  PASSOVER,  OUR  LORD'S  PASSION,  AND  THE  ACCOMPANYING  EVENTS 
UNTIL  THE  EXD  OF  THE  JEWISH  SABBATH. 


TI3IE,  TWO  DAYS. 


The  Passover  meal.     Contention  among  the  Twelve.     Jerusalem,  ■ 


Je- 


Jesus  washes  the  feet  of  his  disciples.     Jerusalem, 

Jesus  points  out  the  traitor.     Jiulas  withdraws.     Jerusalem, 

Jesus  foretells  the  full  of  Peter,  and  the  dispersion  of  the  Twelve. 

rusalem, 

The  Lord's  supper.     Jerusalem, 

Jesus  comforts  his  disciples.  The  Holy  Spirit  promised.  Jerusalem, — 
Christ  the  true  vine.  His  disciples  hated  by  tlie  world.  Jerusalem,  — 
Persecution  foretold.     Further  promise  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Prayer  in 

the  name  of  Christ.     Jerusalem,-  ~ 

Christ's  la.st  prayer  with  his  disciples.    Jerusalem, 

The  ai,'ony  in  Gethsemaue.     Mount  uf  Oliecs, 

Jesus  betrayed  and  made  prisoner.     Mount  of  Olives,  -- - 

Jesus  before  Caiaphas.     Peter  thrice  denies  him.    Jerusalem, j 

Jesus  before  Caiaphas  and  the  Sanhedrim.     He  declares  himself  to  be 

the  Christ;  is  condemned  and  mocked.     Jerusalem, 

The  Sanhedrim  lead  Jesus  away  to  Pilate.     Jerusalem, 

Christ  before  the  governor.     Jerusalem, 

Je.'ius  before  Herod.     Jerusalem,--' 

Pilate  seeks  to  release  Jesus.     The  Jew's  demand  Barabbas.    Jerusalem, - 
Pilate  delivers  up  Jesus  to  death.     He  is  scourged  and  mocked.     Jeru- 
salem,  

Pilate  again  seeks  to  release  Jesus.     Jerusalem, 

Judiis  repents  and  hangs  himself    Jerusalem, 

Jesus  is  led  away  to  be  crucitied.     Jerusalem, 

The  crucifixion.     Jerusalem, - - 

The  Jews  mock  at  Jesus  on  the  cross.     He  commends  his  mother  to  I 

John.     Jerusalem, ) 

Darkness  prevails.     Christ  expires  on  the  cross.     Jerusul4-m, 

Tlie  x-cil  of  the  temple  rent,  and  graves  opcni'd.     Judgment  of  the  1 

centurion.     The  women  at  the  cross.     Jerusalem, -  j 

The  taking  down  from  the  cross.     The  burial.     Jerusalem, 

The  watch  at  the  sepulchre.     Jerusalem, 


MATTHEW. 

26:20 


26:21-25 

26:31-35 
26:26-29 


26:30,36-40 
26:47-06 
26:57.  58, 
69-75 

26:59-68 

27:1,2 

27:11-14 

27:1:3-26 

27:26-30 

27:3-10 

27:31-34 

27:35-38 

27:30-44 

27:4.5-50 

27:51-50 

27:57-01 
27:62-66 


M.UIK. 

14:17 


14:18-21 

14:27-31 
14:22-25 


14:211,32-4; 
14:43-52 
14:. 53, 54,  ) 
66-72        i 


11:55-65 
15:1-5 


15:0-15 
15:15-19 

15:20-23 
15:24-28 

15:29-32 

15:33-37 

15:38-41 

15:42-47 


LUKE. 

22:14-18, 
24-30 


22:21-23 

22:31-38 
22:19,  20 


22:39-40 
22:47-53 

22:54^62 


22:63-71 
23:1-5 

23:6-12 
23:13-25 


23:26-33 
23:33,  34 
(  23:35-37, 
'j      39-43 
23:44-46 

;:4.5,47- 

49 
23:00-50 


13:1-20 
13:21-35 

13:36-38 
Cor.ll:23-25 
14:1-31 
15:1-27 

16 
17 

18 
18 
IS 

0 

1-33 
1-26 

1 

2-12 
13-18, 
i-27 

18:10-24 
18:28-38 

18:39,  40 

19:1-3 
19:4-16 
Acts  1:18, 19 
19:10,  17 
19:18-24 

19:25-27 

19:28-30 


19:31-42 


OUR  LORD'S  RESURRECTION,  HIS  SUBSEQUENT  APPEARANCES,  AND  HIS  ASCENSION. 

TIME,  FORTY  DAYS. 

28:2-4 


The  morning  of  the  resurrection.     Jerusalem, - 

Visit  of  the  women  to  the  sepulchre.  Mary  Magdalene  returns.  Jeru- 
salem, •  — --.. 

Vision  of  angels  in  the  sepulchre.    Jerusalem, - 

Tlie  women  return  to  the  city.     Jesus  meets  them.     Jerusalem, 

Peter  and  John  run  to  the  sepulchre.     Jerusalem, 

Our  LonI  is  s<'en  by  Mary  Magdalene  at  the  sepulchre.     Jerusalem, 

Report  of  the  watch.     Jerusalem, 

Oui  Lord  is  seen  by  Peter.  Then  \>y  two  disciples  on  the  way  to  Em- 
niaus.     Jerusalem.    Kmmaus, 

Jesus  appears  in  the  midst  of  the  apostles,  Thomas  being  absent.  Jeru- 
salem,  • 

Jesus  ai)peai-8  in  the  midst  of  the  apostles,  Thomas  being  present.  Je- 
rusalem,  - 

Tlie  apostles  go  away  into  Galilee.  Jesus  shows  himself  to  seven  of 
them  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias.     Oalilee, 

Jesus  meets  tlie  apostles  and  al«)ve  five  hundred  brethren  on  a  moun- 
tain in  Galilee.     Galilee, - 

Our  Lord  is  seen  of  James ;  then  of  all  the  apostles.     Jerusalem,  - 

Tlie  jusccnsion.     Sethany,  - - 

Conclusion  of  John's  gospel, - 


28:1 

28:5-7 

28:8-10 


28:11-15 


28:16 
28:16-20 


10:1 

16:2-4 
16:5-7 
16:8 


10:9-11 

16:12,  13 
16:M-18 


10:19,20 


24:1-3 
24:4-8 
24:9-11 
24:12 


24:13-35 
24:30-19 


24:50-63 


20:1,  2 


20:3-10 
20:11-18 


1  Cor.  16:6 

20:19-28 

20:24-29 

21:1-24 

1  Cor.  15:6 
j  1  Cor.  15:7 
I  Acts  1:3-8 


(20:fl 
|21:l! 


20:30,81 
26 


1496 


CHRONOLOGICAL  INDEX  TO  THE  BIBLE. 


PERIOD  I. 

FROM  THE  CREATION  TO  THE  DELUGE,  CONTAINING  1,656  YEARS. 


A.  H. 

B.  C. 

1 

4004 

2 

4002 

3 

4001 

129 

3875 

130 

3874 

622 

3382 

687 

3317 

930 

3074 

987 

3017 

1042 

2962 

1056 

2948 

1536 

2468 

1656 

2348 

The  creation  of  the  world, - 

Fall  of  our  first  parents,  Adam  and  Eve,  from  holiness  and  happiness,  by  disobeying 

God.     Promise  of  a  Saviour, - 

Cain  bom,  — -- 

Abel  born, — - - 

Abel  murdered  by  his  brother  Cain, - 

8eth  bom.  his  father,  Adam,  being  130  years  old, - 

Enoch  bom, -- - 

Methuselah  born, - - 

Adam  dies,  aged  930  years, - - 

Enoch  translated,  aged  365  years, - 

Seth  dies,  aged  912  years, - — - 

Noah  born, - -- 

The  deluge  threatened,  and  Noah  commissioned  to  preach  repentance  during  120  ) 
years, - j 

Methuselah  dies,  aged  969  years, 

In  the  same  year  Noah  enters  into  the  ark,  being  600  years  old, 


Genesis 

1;  2. 

3. 

4:1. 

4:2. 

4:8. 

5:3. 

5:18,  19 

5:21. 

5:5. 

5:24. 

5:8. 

5:28,  29 

(  " 

6:3-22. 

-^1  Pet.  3:20. 

(2  Pet 

.2:5. 

Genesis 

5:27. 

" 

7:C.  7. 

PERIOD  11. 

FROM  THE  DELUGE  TO  THE  CALL  OF  ABRAHAM,  CONTAINING  427  YEARS. 


A.  M. 

B.  0. 

1657 

2347 

1770 

2234 

1770 

2234 

1771 

2233 

1816 

2188 

2006 

1998 

2008 

1996 

Noah,  with  his  family,  leaves  the  ark  after  the  deluge,  and  offering  sacrifice 
receives  the  covenant  of  safety,  of  which  the  rainbow  was  the  token,  • 

Babel  built, 

Ihe  confusion  of  language,  and  dispersion  of  mankind,- - 

Nimrod  lays  the  first  foundation  of  the  Babylonian  or  Assyrian  monarchy, 

Mizraim  lays  the  foundation  of  the  Egyptian  monarchy, - 

Noah  dies,  aged  950  years, - • - 

Abraham  born.  — - 


ice,  he ) 


Genesis  8:18,  19 

"   9:8,  17. 

"   11. 

"   11. 

"   10:8-11. 

"   10:13. 

9:29. 

"   11:26. 

PERIOD  III. 

FROM  THE  CALL  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  EXODUS  OF  ISRAEL  FROM  EGYPT,  430  YEARS. 


A.  M. 

B.  C-. 

2008 

1936 

208;i 

1921 

2091 

1913 

2094 

1910 

2107 

1897 

2108 

1896 

2133 

1871 

2145 

1859 

21-18 

1856 

2168 

1836 

2183 

1821 

2245 

1759 

2258 

1746 

2265 

1739 

2275 

1729 

2288 

1716 

2298 

1706 

2315 

1689 

2368 

1636 

2430 

1.574 

2433 

1.571 

2473 

1531 

2513 

1491 

Abraham  called  from  Chaldean  idolatry,  at  60  years  of  age, 

Abraham's  second  call  to  Canaan, - 

Abraham's  victory  over  the  kings,  and  rescue  of  Lot, - -- 

Ishmael  born,  Abraham  being  86  years  old, 

God's  covenant  with  Abram,  changing  his  name  to  Abraham ;  circumcision  instituted 
— Lot  delivered,  and  Sodom,  Gomorrah,  Admah,  and  Zcboim  dcstroyeil  by  firo 
on  account  of  their  abominations. ■ - —  ■ 

Isaac  born,  Abraliam  Ijeing  100  years  old, — - -- 

Abraham  offers  Isaac  as  a  burnt-sacrifice  to  God, - 

Sarah,  Abr.ab.am's  wife,  dies,  aged  127  years, 

Isaac  marries  Rebecca, - 

Jacob  and  Esau  born.  Isaac  being  60  years  old, - 

Abraliam  dies,  aged  175  years, - 

Jacob  goes  to  liis  uncle  Laban  in  Syria,  and  marries  his  daughters,  Leah  and  Eiichcl, 

Joseph  bom,  Jacob  being  90  years  old, 

Jacob  returns  to  Canaan, - -  - 

Joseph  sold  .as  a  slave  liy  his  brethren, 

He  explains  Pharaoh's  dreams,  and  is  made  governor  of  Egypt, 

,l()s<'pirs  brrtbren  settle  in  Egypt, - 

,Jai(il>  foiiti-lls  the  advent  of  Messiah,  and  dies  in  Egypt,  aged  147  years, 

Jo.sepli  ilii-s,  aged  110  years, 

Aaron  born, -- — 

Moses  born,- - -- 

Moses  flees  into  Midian, - - 

Moses  commissioned  by  God  to  deliver  Israel, 

___ 


Genesis  11:31. 

" 

12:1-4. 

" 

14:1-24. 

(t 

16. 

i( 

17-19. 

(1 

21. 

n 

oo 

Heb. 

11:17-19. 

James  2:21. 

Genesis  23:1. 

" 

24. 

It 

25:26. 

K 

25:7,  8. 

ft 

28. 

tt 

80:'23,  24 

It 

31 ;  32. 

It 

37. 

II 

41. 

" 

43 ;  44. 

It 

49. 

" 

50:26. 

Exod 

6:20;  7:7. 

" 

2:1  10. 

It 

2:11-13. 

II 

3:2. 

CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLES. 


PERIOD  IV. 


FROM  THE  EXODUS  OF  ISRAEL  PROM  ECxYPT  TO  THE  BUILDING  OF  SOLOMON'S 

TEMPLE,  487  YEARS. 


A.  M. 

2513 
2514 
2552 

B.  C. 

1491 
1490 
1452 

2553 

1451 

2561 
2849 
2888 
2909 
2919 

1443 
1155 
1116 
1095 
1085 

2941 

1063 

2949 

1055 

2956 
2957 
2969 

1048 
1047 
1035 

2970 

1034 

2971 
2981 
2989 
2990 
3000 

1033 
1023 
1015 
1014 
1004 

Miraculous  passage  of  the  Ked  sea  by  the  Israelites, 

The  law  delivered  on  Sinai, - 

Miriam,  sister  of  Moses,  dies,  aged  130  years, 

Aaron  dies,  aged  123  years,  - 

Moses  dies,  aged  120  years,  Josliua  being  ordained  his  suecessor,  — 

Tlie  Israelites  pass  the  river  Jordiin,  the  manna  ceases,  and  Jericho  is  taken, 

Joshua  dies,  aged  110  years,  — 

.Samuel  born, 

EU  the  high-priest  dies.     Ark  of  God  taken  by  the  Philistines, 

Saul  anointed  king  of  Israel, 

David  born, - 

David  is  anointed  to  be  king,  and  slays  Goliath. 

Saul  is  cfefi^atcd  in  battle,  and  in  despair  kills  himself.  David  acknowledged  king  liy 
Judah, -■ 

Islibosheth.  king  of  Israel,  assassinated,  and  the  whole  Isingdom  united  vmder  David, 

Jerusalem  taken  from  the  Jebusites  by  David,  and  made  the  royal  city. 

David  commits  adultery  with  Bat'iislieba,  and  contrives  tlie  (leath  of  her  husband 
Uriah,  - - 

D.avid  brought  to  repentance  for  his  sin  by  Nathan  the  prophet,  sent  to  him  by  the 
Lord. - - 

Solom.on  is  born, 

Absalom  rebels  against  liis  fatlier.  and  is  slain  by  Joab, 

David  causes  Solomon  to  1^  proclaimed  king,  defeating  the  rebellion  of  Adonijali,-- 

David  dies,  aged  70  years," - 

Solomon's  temple  finished,  after  seven  years  building, 


Exod.  14;  15. 

"      19-40. 
Num.  20:1. 

"      20:28,  29. 
Dent.  34. 
Josh.  1-G. 

'•     24. 
ISam.  1:19. 

"       4:1. 

10;  11:12. 

10:13. 
'■       17:4,9. 

"       31. 
2R,am.  1. 
••       5. 

"       11. 

"       12. 
"       12-24. 
"       15;  18. 
1  Kings  1. 


PERIOD  V. 

FROM  THE  BUILDING  OF  SOLOMON'S  TEMPLE  TO  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM 
AND  THE  CAPTIVITY  OF  THE  JEWS  IN  BABYLON,  412  YEARS. 


B.C. 


975 
958 
955 
953 
930 
929 

918 
914 
897 
896 
892 
885 
884 
878 
857 
839 
825 
810 
784 
n-.i 
772 
761 
759 
758 
742 
730 
726 
698 
643 
041 
610 

699 

588 


KINGS  OF  JUDAH   BEGAN  TO  EEION. 

Rehoboam, 

Abijah,  or  AI)ljam, 

Asa, 

Jehoshaphat, 

Jchoram, - 

Ahaziali , - 

Atlmliah, - 

Joosh,  or  Jehoahaz, 

Amaziali, 

Uzziab,  or  Azarinh, 

II       ..... .. .............. 

M  ............. .......... 

14  ........_...._......._.... 

.Tothani,  -- 

Aha/., 

Hczekiali, 

Mnn.TSseli, - 

Anion, 

Josiah, 

Jchoahnz,  or  Shalliim. 

Jehoiakim, 

.Jchoiachin,  or  Coniah, 

Zcdekiah. 

Biibylonian  captivity, 

1498 


KINGS  OF  ISRAEL  BEGAN  TO  BEIGN. 

Jeroboam  I., 

Nad.ab.  954, 

Baasha, - 

Elah, 

Zimri. 
Omri. 
Ahab, 

Ahaziiih, 

Jehoram,  or  Joram, 

4( 

Jehu, 

Jeho.ihaz, — 

Jelioash, 
Jeroboam  II. 

Anarchy.  11  years, 

Zechariah , 

.Sballnm ;  Menahem. 

I'ckabiah. 

IVkah. 

(1      ._ .._...,._............- 

lloshea 

(Captivity,  721) 


Ahijali,  Shemaiali. 

Azariah. 
Ilauani. 
Jehu. 


Klijah,  910-806. 
Micaiah. 
Klislia.  89G-838. 
Jahaziel. 


Ji'lioiada. 
Jonah,  8(;2 


Joel,  800. 
Amos,  787. 
Ho.sea,  785-725. 

Isaiah,  780-098. 

Mieah,  760-098. 
Oded. 

Nidium,  713. 

Zephaniah,  080. 
Jeremiah,  C28  586. 
Ilab.ikkuU,  026. 
Daniel,  C06-634. 


Obadiah,  587. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLES. 


PERIOD  YI. 

FROM  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM  BY  NEBUCH.\J)NEZZAR  TO  THE  BIRTH  OP 

CHRIST,  588  YEARS. 


B.C. 

HISTORICAL   EVENT3. 

PKOPHETS. 

588 

Destruction  of  Jenisalom  by  the  Chaldeans,  and  captivity  of  the  Jews. 

fiR8 

Babylon  taken  by  Cyrus, - 

Ezekiel,  695-575. 

fi36 

Proclamation  of  Cyrus ;  return  of  captives  under  Zerubbabel.     Joshua  the  high-priest. 

534 

Foundation  of  the  second  temple. 

529 

Artaxerxes  (Camliyses)  forbids  the  work. 

520 

Favorable  decree  of  Ahasuerus,  {Darius  Hystaspes,) 

Haggai,  520-518. 

518 
515 

Zechariah,  520-518. 

The  second  temple  finished.                                  # 

510 

Haman's  plot  frustrated. 

484 

Xer.xes,  king  of  Persia. 

464 

Artaxerxes  Longimanus. 

457 

Ezra  sent  to  govern  Jerusalem. 

445 

Nehemiah  sent  as  governor. 

423 
335 

Malachi,  397. 

Alexander  the  Great  invades  Persia,  and  establishes  the  Macedonian  or  Grecian  empire. 

832 

Jaddus  liigh-priest. 

323 

Alexander  dies. 

820 

Ptolem;Eus  Lagus  surprises  Jerusalem. 

277 

Septuagint  version  made  by  order  of  Ptolemxus  Philadelphus. 

170 

Antiochus  Epiphanes  takes  Jerusalem. 

107 

His  pci'secution. 

166 

Judas  Maccabasus  governor. 

161 

Jonathan  governor. 

153 

He  becomes  high-priest. 

143 

Simon  :  treaty  with  the  Romans  and  Lacedemonians. 

135 

John  Hyrcanus. 

107 

Judas  (Aristobulus)  high-priest  and  king. 

88 

Anna  the  prophetess  born. 

63 

Jerusalem  taken  by  Pompey,  and  Judea  made  a  Roman  province. 

40 

28 

Augustus  Ca'sar  emperor  of  Rome. 

19 

Tlie  poet  Virgil  dies.                                                                                                        , 

18 

Herod  begins  to  rebuild  the  temple. 

4 

John  the  Baptist  bora. 

4 

Christ  born,  4  years  before  the  era  known  as  A.  D. 

FROM  THE  BIRTH  OF  JESUS  CHRIST  TO  THE  END  OF  THE  FIRST  CENTURY. 


Year  of 
J.  C. 

1 
12 

18 
26 
29 
30 
33 

A.  D. 

34 
35 
86 
38 
42 
44 
64 
63 
65 
66 
67 


71 
79 
81 
95 
90 
97 
100 


Nativity  of  Jesus  Christ, -- -.-. 

Jesus  visits  .Jerusalem, - 

Augustus  Ca3sar  followed  by  Tilierius. 

Pilate  sent  from  Rome  as  governor  of  Judea, 

John  the  Baptist  begins  his  ministry, - 

Jesus  baptized  Ijy  John, - 

Jesus  Christ  was  crucified,  and  rose  from  the  dead, 

Ananias  .and  Sapphira  struck  dead, 

Stephen  stoned,  and  the  church  persecuted,  - 

Saul  converted, - 

Conversion  of  the  Gentiles, 

Herod  Agrlppa  made  king  of  Judea. 

James  beheaded  by  Herod:  Peter  liberated  by  .an  angel, - 

Claudius  Cx'sar  followed  by  Nero. 

Paul  sent  a  prisoner  (o  Home, - 

The  Jewish  war  licgins. 

Paul  suffers  martyrdom  at  Rome  by  order  of  Nero,- - 

The  Roman  general  raises  tlie  siege  of  Jerusalem,  by  which  an  opportunity  is  afforded  for 
the  Christians  to  retire  to  Pclla  beyond  Jordan,  as  admonished  by  Christ. 

Jerusalem  besieged  and  taki'u  by  Titus  Vespasian,  iiccording  to  the. predictions  of  Christ; 
when  1,100,000  Jews  perished  by  famine,  sword,  fire,  and  crucifixion;  besides  97,000 
who  were  sold  as  slaves,  and  vast  multitudes  who  perished  in  other  parts  of  Judea, 

Jerusalem  and  its  temple  razed  to  their  foundations, 

Vespasian  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Titus. 

Titus  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Domitian. 

John  Vianished  to  the  isle  of  I'.atnius,  by  Domiti.an, -- - 

Jolm  writes  the  lievelation. 

John  liberated  from  exile. 

John,  the  last  surviving  apostle,  dies,  about  100  years  old. 

__ 


Luke  2:1-16. 
••     2:41-62. 

"     3:1. 
Matt.  8:1. 
'■      3:1. 
"     27 ;  28. 

Acts  5. 
"     6;  7. 
"     9;  13:9. 
"     10. 

Acts  12:1-19. 

Acts  26;  28. 

2  Tim.  4:6,  7. 

Matt.  24:16-20. 


Luke  10:41-44. 
Matt.  24:2. 


Rev.  1:9. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLES. 


TABULAR  VIEW  OF  THE  PROrilETS, 

SHOWING  THE  PERIODS  DURING  WHICH  IT  IS  SUPPOSED  THEIR  PROPHECIES 

WERE  DELIVERED. 


1 
KIXGS  OF  JCDAH.       ^ 

B.C.                    a 

Jeuemiah. 

EZEKIEL. 

Daniel. 

ii 

i 

a 

< 

£3 
O 

CI 

a 

•< 

a 

Ed 
< 

1 

O 

W 

< 

KINGS  OF 
ISRAEL. 

Amaziah,  839. 

1 

Jeroboam  II.  825. 

fi«  A 

Uzziah,  810. 

1 

¥ 

1 

Interregnum,  784. 

mmt\ 

Menaliem,  772. 

■yfiA 

Pekahiah,  761. 

Jothani,  758. 

Pekah,  759. 

AJiaz,  742. 

■YtA 

Anarchy,  739. 

Hezekiah,  727. 

I 

Hoshea,  730. 

■VIA 

1 

•§■■ 

o 
►-» 

i 

r 
1 

i 
1 

r 
|- 

1 
9       i 

1    1. 

2.            1 

1     ^ 

700 

Manasseh,  G98.        "" 

AttA 

A<VA 

1 

tfiAA 

"'*  Amos,  C43. 
Josioli,  Ml. 

tftf  A 

I 

.... 

.... 

030 



J 

Jehoahaz,  610. 

Jehoaikiin,  010.      



.... 

.... 

.... 

.... 

Jeconiah,  599. 
500 

I 

1 

Destruction  of  Je- 
teoA     ruaalem,  588. 

1 

T 

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K.MA 

<qiA . 

t 

1 

JC  «  Jk 

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'CAA 

CO 
— «  ^ 

2 
-<- 

Mm  A 

1500 

CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLES. 


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1501 


CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLES. 


TxlBLE  OF  HEBREW  TDIES  AND  FESTIVALS. 


Hebrew  months. 

Nearly  corre- 
sponding with 
our 

3Vronths  of 

the  .Sacred 

Year. 

Months  of 

thf  Civil 

Year. 

.Seasons. 

Festivals. 

Abib,  or  Nisan, 
Exod.  12:2,  18. 

"      13:4. 

Esth.  3:7. 

April. 

1st 

7th 

3' 
o 

i 

o 
1 

2. 
?' 

ft) 

> 

i 

V 

n 

"1 

14.  Paschal  lamb  killed. 

l-').   Pas,sover. 

16.  First-fruits  of   barley  harvest  pre- 

sentcil  to  th<^  Lord. 
21.  Passover  ended. 

lyar,  or  Zif, 
1  Kings  6:1. 

May. 

2d 

8tli 

Sivan, 
Esth.  8:9. 

June. 

3d 

0th 

6.  Pe.xtecost.     First-fruits  of  wheat  pre- 
sented to  the  Lord. 

Tammuz, 
Ezek.  8:14. 

July. 

4th 

10th 

Ab. 

August. 

5th 

nth 

Elul, 
Neh.  6:1-5 

September. 

Gth 

12th 

0.  Temple  talicn  on  this  day  by  the  Chal- 
deans, and  afterwards  by  tlie  Komans. 

Ethanim,  or 

Tishri, 
lKiug8  8:2. 

October. 

7th 

1st 

1 .  Feast  of  Trumpets. 
10.   Day  of  Atononieiit. 
1.5.  Fk.\st  of  Taukbxacles. 
22,  Last  day  of  the  feast. 

Marcheshvan, 

or  Bui, 
1  Kings  6:38. 

November. 

8th 

2d 

Chisleu, 
Zcch.  7:1. 

December. 

9th 

3d 

25.  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  the  Tem- 
ple. 

Tebeth, 
Esth.  2:16. 

January. 

10th 

4th 

Shebat, 
Zcch.  1:7. 

February. 

nth 

5th 

Adar, 
Esth,  3:7. 
Ve-Adar  is  added 
here  when  nec- 
essary. 

March. 

12th 

Gth 

14  and  15.     Feast  of  I'urim. 
Esth.  9:18-21. 

Tlie  Jewish  months  were  lunar,  commencing  with  each  new  moon,  and  containing  alternately  2!)  and  30  days.  But  as 
twelve  Iimnr  months,  or  354  days,  fall  short  of  the  solar  year  by  nearly  eleven  days,  it  was  necessary  to  add  an  intercalary 
month  called  Vc-Adar  once  in  about  three  years,  to  preserve  tlie  coincidence  of  the  months  witli  the  seasons.  The  sacred 
year,  commencing  with  the  first  of  Nisan,  was  used  only  for  ecclesiastical  dates. 


1502 


TABLES  OF  WEIGHTS,  MEASURES,  AND  MONEY, 
MENTIONED  IN  THE  BIBLE. 


1.  JEWISH  WEIGHTS,  REDUCED  TO  ENGLISH  TROY  WEIGHT. 

lbs. 

The  gerah,  one  twentieth  of  a  shekel, - - 0 

The  bckah,  half  a  shekel,  - -- - 0 

The  shekel, 0 

Themaueh,  60  shekels, - 2 

The  talent,  50  manehs,  or  3,000  shekels, 125 


02. 

pen. 

gr- 

0 

0 

12 

0 

5 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2.  SCRIPTURE  MEASURES  OP  LENGTH,  REDUCED  TO  ENGLISH  MEASURE. 

Eng.  ft.  Inches. 

A  digit, - - 0  0.912 

4  =  Apalm, 0  3.648 

12=     3=Aspan, --- 0  10.944 

24=     6=     2  =  A  cubit, 1  9.888 

96=   24=     8=    4  =  Afathom, 7  3.552 

144=    36=    12=   6  =  1.5  Ezekiel's  reed, 10  11.328 

192=   48=    16=   8=     2=    1.3  =  An  Arabian  pole, 14  7.104 

1920  =  480  =  160  =  80=  20  =  13.3  =  10  =  A  measuring  line, 145  11.04 


3.  THE  LONG  SCRIPTURE  MEASURES. 

Eng.  miles.  Paces.  Feet. 

Acubit, 0  0  1.824 

400  =  A  stadium,  or  furlong, - - - 0  145  4.6 

2000=     5  =  A8abbath-day'sjourney, 0  729  3 

4000=    10=    2  =  An  eastern  mile, 1  403  1 

12000=   30=    6=    3  =  Aparasang, 4  153  3 

96000  =  240  =  48  =  24  =  8  =  A  day's  journey, 33  172  4 

Note. — 5  feet  =  1  pace  ;  1 .056  paces  =  1  mile 


4.  SCRIPTURE  MEASURES  OF  CAPACITY  FOR  LIQUIDS,  REDUCED  TO  ENGLISH  WINE 

MEASURE. 

Gal.  Pints. 

Acaph, 0  0  025 

1.3=  A  log, 0  0.833 

5.3=     4  =  Acab, 0  3.333 

16     =    12=     3  =  Ahin, 1  2 

32     =   24=     6=    2  =  Aseah, 2  4 

96     =   72=    18=    6=    3  =  A  bath,  ephah,  or  firkin, 7  4.50 

960     =720  =  180  =  60  =  30  =  10  =  A  kor,  choros,  or  homer, 75  5.25 


5.  SCRIPTURE  MEASURES  OF  CAPACITY  FOR  THINGS  DRY,  REDUCED  TO  ENGLISH  CORN 

MEASURE. 

Bush.  Pecks.    Gnl.      Pints. 

A  gachal, 0        0        0  0.141 

20  =  Acab, 0        0        0  2  833 

36=     1.8  ^  An  omer,  or  gomer, 0       0       0  6.1 

120=     6     =     3.3  =  Aseah, - 0        1        0  1 

860=18     =10     =3  =  Anephah, 0        3        0  3 

1800=    90     =    50     =15=    5  =  Aletcch, I        0        0  0 

3600  =  180     =100     =  30  =  10  =  2  =  A  homer,  or  kor, 8        0        0  1 

1503 


iiOOKS  OF  THE  XEW  TESTAMENT. 

6.  JEWISH  MONEY,  REDUCED  TO  THE  ENGLISH  AND  AMERICAN  STANDARDS. 

£.          s              d.  $           cts. 

Agerah, 0          0  1.3687  0  02.5 

10  =  Abekah, - 0          1  1.087-5  0  2.5  09 

20=       2  =  Aslickel,  - 0          2  3.375  0  50.187 

1200=    120=      50  =  A  maneli,  or  mina  Hebrew, 5        14  0.75  25  09.35 

60000  =  6000  =  3000  =  60  =  A  talent, 342          3  9  1505  02.5 

A  solidus  aureus,  or  sc.xtula,  was  worth, - 0        12  0.5  2  64.09 

A  siclus  aureus,  or  gold  shekel,  wa.s  worth, - - 1         IG  0  8  03 

A  talent  of  gold  was  worth, 5475          0  0  24300  00 

In  the  preceding  table,  silver  is  valued  at  5s.  and  gold  at  £4  per  ounce. 


1.  ROMAN  MONEY,  MENTIONED  IN  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT,  REDUCED  TO  THE  ENGLISH 

AND  AMERICAN  STANDARDS. 

£  .'■  tl  far.  S            ct3, 

Amite, - - 0  0  0  0  75  0  00.343 

A  farthing,  about, 0  0  0  150  0  00.687 

A  penny,  or  denarius,  — - 0  0  7  2  0  13.75 

A  pound,  or  mina, 3  2  6  0  13  75 


The  natural  day.  from  sunrise  to  sunset,  was  divided  by  the  later  Jews  into  twelve  hours,  .Tohn  11  9.  The  civil  day, 
used  in  common  reckoning,  licgan  at  sunset  and  continued  till  the  following  sunset.  The  niglit,  in  tlie  time  of  our  Saviour, 
was  divided  into  four  watdies :  the  first  embracing  three  liours  after  sunset;  the  second,  tlieiice  till  midnight;  the  third, 
called  cock-crowing,  three  hours  after  midnight ;  and  the  fourth,  or  morning  watch,  thence  until  sunrise. 


THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


NAMES   OF   BOOKS. 

Gospel  of  Matthew,  written  in  Hebrew, 

1  Thessalonians, 

2  Thes-salonians, 

GalatiaiLS, 

1  Corinthians, 

I'omans. 

2  Corinthians, 

1  Peter, 

James, 

Gospel  of  Luke, - 

I'hilippians, - - 

Colix-siuns, 

riiileinon, - 

Hebrews, - - -- 

Alts  of  the  Apostles, 

1  Timothy, - 

Titus,  -- 

Gospel  of  Mark, 

2  I'eter,   

Judr, 

2  Timothy, 

1  John, 

2  and  3  .John, 

Gospel  of  John, 

Iteveliition,  


Al'TIIOES. 

Matthew, 

Paul, 

(( 

Peter, 

James, 

Luke, 

Paul, 

n 

it 
1( 

Luke, 

Paul, 

Mark, 

Peter, 

Jude, 

Paul, 

John, 


WHERE   WRITTEN. 

Judea, 

Corinth, 

Kphesus, 

Corinth, 

Macedonia,  or  Philippi. 

Babylon,-- 

Judea, 

Greece, 

Rome, 

Italy, 

Greece. 

Macedonia, 

Unknown, 

Rome. 

Probably  Ephesufl, 

KpliesuB, 

Patmos, 


DATE.  A .  D. 

.37  or  38 

54 

54 

58 

69 

60 

60 

- 60 

60 

63 

64 

64 

64 

64 

04 

65 

65 

65 

66 

66 

66 

90 

90 

90 

96 


APPROXIMATE  HEIGHT  OF  SACRED  LOCALITIES,  IN  FEET,  ABOVE  THE  LEVEL  OF  THE 

MEDITERRANEAN. 

Plain  of  Esdraelon, 400 

Waters  of  Jlerom, 100 


Mount  Ilermon. 10.000 

Moinit  St.  C.itharine.-     K.fHK) 

MouTit  Sinai, 7. INK) 

Mount  llor, 5.000 

Plain  of  Er-Hahah. 4,(XJ() 

MomitJiins  of  Moab, 3,000 

Hebron. 2.000 

liethl.hem, 2.500 

1504 


S,afed  in  Galilee, 2..500 

Momit  Zion, 2. 4(10 

IlamiLscuH, 2.400 

Mount  Moriah, 2.300 

Jerusalem. 2.3(KI 

Mount  Gerizim, 2.;jf»0 

Kidron  valley, 2.100 

Uesert  of  Purun, 2,000 


Mountains  of  Galilee,  -  -2.000 
Desert  iMst  of  Judea,--I.HOO 

M.niMt  Tabor, 1.700 

Mount  Carmel, 1.50O 

Sbeelieni. 1,500 

Pass /,i'l>hath, 1,500 

Nawireth, 800 

I!ania«, 500 


nEbOW  Tlir,  lir.DITERRA- 
NKAiN. 

Sea  of  Galilee, SOO 

Dead  sea, 1,300 


DATE  DUE 

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